Section 173. THE BATTLE OF[1] KASSASSIN. I.
Reading edition
Section 173. THE BATTLE OF[1] KASSASSIN. I.
Mahsamah, Monday, August 28, 1882.
At[2] seven this morning, guns were heard in the direction of Kassassin, which is[3] four miles to our front. The troops were called[4] under arms, the Cavalry, consisting of the Household Cavalry[5] and 7th Dragoon Guards, saddled up, and the Infantry fell[6] in in readiness to[7] march to the assistance of the force there under General Graham. That officer, however, sent a[8] message saying that the firing was in the enemy’s camp, and[9] was inexplicable, except upon the supposition that the Egyptians were fighting[10] among themselves.
At[11] eleven o’clock, however, the flags of the signallers at Kassassin were in motion, and (S. 104, N. 19) the news came that the enemy were approaching[12]. The Cavalry again turned out[13] and rode off to Kassassin. As the enemy approached, General Graham opened fire with his two guns, and[14] the Egyptian artillery replied. The 19th Hussars[15] came on[16] to the place from Mahuta, where General Willis has his headquarters.
The enemy made no attack, but halted at[17] a considerable distance from the camp, and kept[18] up a continued shell-fire, but at a distance altogether[19] out of range. Their conduct[20] was, indeed, altogether inexplicable. The Cavalry remained out all day, and the Infantry here were kept in readiness to march at[21] a moment’s notice, but as the enemy made[22] no movement in advance, they were not called forward to the front.
The heat was terrific[23] all day, the[24] sun beating down with almost insupportable force upon the wide sand waste. It[25] had been hard work for horses and men. No shade was obtainable[26], and the hot wind raised[27] great dust storms, which penetrated[28] everywhere and made breathing difficult. The brigade of Guards (S. 36, N. 7, A) fell in under arms[29] ready[30] to march, but the Cavalry returned and reported that the enemy had fallen back[31], after[32] keeping the troops the whole day out in the full force of the sun.