3-021-039 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Abyssinia, showing the route of the British forces, 1868. 'A map of Abyssinia, showing the whole route of the British army, under General Sir Robert Napier, from its landing-place at Zulla, in Annesley Bay, to its destination at the fortress of Magdala...A railway is completed from Zulla to Koomaylee, six miles 576 yards; and a further length of five miles 184 yards is now under construction. The telegraph line is completed from Zulla to Adigerat, a distance of 101 miles, and is being carried on towards Antalo. The Secretary of State for India has received the following telegram from Sir R. Napier, dated from near Ashangi, March 17: "My camp, with 700 men, will be at Lake Ashangi tomorrow. Staveley...with six mountain guns and 1400 men, Four Armstrong guns and two mortars on elephants, with 1500 men...Country very difficult. Crossed two ranges of mountains in march yesterday; highest near 10,000 ft. Theodore close to Magdala with his guns. He will probably make his stand there. Captives well...". Later telegrams...announce that Sir Robert...expected to arrive before Magdala on the 2nd March. He was making ready to storm the place. King Theodore, with the captives, twenty-six guns, and 5000 musketeers, was at Magdala, prepared for a siege'. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.