Narrative of Captivity in Abyssinia with Some Account of the Late Emperor the Late Emperor Theodore, His Country and People

Second Rainy Season ends--Scarcity and dearness of Provisions--Meshisha and Comfou plot their Escape--They succeed--Theodore is robbed--Damash pursues the Fugitives--The Night Attack--The Galla War-cry, and the "Sauve qui peut"--The Wounded left on the Field--Hospitality of the Gallas--Theodore's Letter on the Subject--Mastiate's Troubles--Wakshum Gabra Medhin--Sketch of Gobaz's Career--He invites the Co-operation of the Bishop in seizing Magdala--The Bishop's plan--All the rival Chiefs intrigue for the Amba--Mr. Rassam's Influence overrated

CHAPTER XV.

Death of Abouna Salama--Sketch of his Life and Career--Grievances of Theodore against him--His Imprisonment at Magdala--The Wallo Gallas--Their Habits and Customs--Menilek appears with an Army in the Galla Country--His Policy--Advice sent to him by Mr. Rassam--He invests Magdala, and fires a feu-de-joie--The Queen's behavior --Steps taken by the Chiefs--Our Position not improved--The Effects of Smoke on Menilek--Our Disappointment followed by great Joy--We receive news of the Landing of British Troops

CHAPTER XVI.

Theodore's Proceedings during our stay at Magdala--His treatment of Begemder--A Rebellion breaks out--Forced March on Gondar--The Churches are plundered and burnt--Theodore's Cruelties--The Insurgents increase in Strength--The Designs of the Emperor on Kourata frustrated--Mr. Bardel betrays the new Workmen--Theodore's Ingratitude towards the Gaffat People--His Raid on Foggara unsuccessful

CHAPTER XVII.

Arrival of Mr. Flad from England--Delivers a Letter and Message from the Queen--The Episode of the Telescope--Our Property taken care of--Theodore will not yield except to Force--He recruits his Army--Ras Adilou and Zallallou desert him--He is repulsed at Belessa by Lij Abitou and the Peasants--The Expedition against Metraha--His Cruelties there--The great "Sebastopol" is cast--Famine and Pestilence compel the Emperor to raise his Camp--The difficulties of his March to Magdala--His arrival in Dalanta

CHAPTER XVIII.

Theodore in the Vicinity of Magdala--Our feelings at the Time--An Amnesty granted to Dalanta--The Garrison of Magdala join the Emperor--Mrs. Rosenthal and other Europeans are sent to the Fortress--Theodore's Conversation with Flad and Waldmeier on the Coming of the Troops--Sir Robert Napier's Letter to Theodore reaches us--Theodore plunders Dalanta--He abuses Mr. Waldmeier--Reaches the Bechelo--Correspondence between Mr. Rassam and Theodore--Mr. Rassam is released from his Fetters--Theodore arrives at Islamgee--His Quarrel with the Priests--His First Visit to the Amba--Trial of the two Chiefs--He places a new Commandant over the Garrison

CHAPTER XIX.

We are counted by the new Ras, and condemned to Sleep in one Hut--Theodore's Second Visit to the Amba--He sends for Mr. Rassam, and gives orders that Prideaux and myself should have our Chains taken off--The Operation described--Our Reception by the Emperor--We are sent for to see "Sebastopol" landed on Islamgee--Conversation with his Majesty--The remaining Prisoners are freed from their Fetters--Theodore is unable to plunder his own Property

CHAPTER XX.

All the Prisoners leave the Amba for Islamgee--Our Reception by Theodore--He harangues his Troops, and releases some of the Prisoners--He informs us of the Advance of the English--The Massacre--We are sent back to Magdala--Effects of the Battle of Fahla--Messrs. Prideaux and Flad sent to Negotiate--Release of the Captives, and their narrow Escape--Their Arrival in the British Camp

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CONCLUSION

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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PASS OF LOOKUM (Frontispiece).

FORT, MISSION HOUSE, AND TOWN OF MASSOWAH

GROVE HOUSE AT MONCULLOU

VILLAGE OF DANKORA IN ATCHEFUR

CHURCH OF KEDUS GEORGIS AND VILLAGE OF NEFASA, AGAU MEDAR

VILLAGE OF KANOA IN WANDIGÉ

VIEW FROM WANDIGÉ OF LAKE TANA