A NARRATIVE OF CAPTIVITY IN

ABYSSINIA;

WITH SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LATE EMPEROR THEODORE, HIS COUNTRY AND

PEOPLE.

BY HENRY BLANC, M.D., M.R.C.S.E., F.A.S.L., ETC.,

STAFF ASSISTANT-SURGEON HER MAJESTY'S BOMBAY ARMY, (LATELY ON

SPECIAL DUTY IN ABYSSINIA.)

CONTENTS

PREFACE

CHAPTER I.

The Emperor Theodore—His Rise and Conquests—His Army and

Administration—Causes of his Fall—His Personal Appearance and

Character—His Household and Private Life

CHAPTER II.

Europeans in Abyssinia—Bell and Plowden—Their Career and Deaths—

Consul Cameron—M. Lejean—M. Bardel and Napoleon's Answer to

Theodore—The Gaffat People—Mr. Stern and the Djenda Mission—State

of Affairs at the End of 1863

CHAPTER III.

Imprisonment of Mr. Stern—Mr. Kerans arrives with Letters and Carpet—

Cameron, with his Followers, is put in Chains—M. Bardel returns from the

Soudan—Theodore's Dealings with Foreigners—The Coptic Patriarch—

Abdul Rahman Bey—The Captivity of the Europeans explained

CHAPTER IV.

News of Cameron's Imprisonment reaches Home—Mr. Rassam is selected

to proceed to the Court of Gondar, and is accompanied by Dr. Blanc—

Delays and Difficulties in communicating with Theodore—Description of

Massowah and its Inhabitants—Arrival of a Letter from the Emperor

CHAPTER V.

From Massowah to Kassala—The Start—The Habab—Adventures of M.

Marcopoli—The Beni Amer—Arrival at Kassala—The Nubian Mutiny—

Attempt of De Bisson to found a Colony in the Soudan

CHAPTER VI.

Departure from Kassala—Sheik Abu Sin—Rumours of Theodore's Defeat

by Tisso Gobazé—Arrival at Metemma—Weekly Market—The Takruries

at Drill—Their Foray into Abyssinia—Arrival of Letters from Theodore

CHAPTER VII.

Entrance into Abyssinia—Altercation between Takruries and Abyssinians at

Wochnee—Our Escort and Bearers—Applications for Medicine—First

Reception by his Majesty—The Queen's Letter translated and Presents

delivered—Accompany his Majesty through Metsha—His Conversation en

route

CHAPTER VIII.

Leave the Emperor's Camp for Kourata—The Tana Sea—The Abyssinian

Navy—The Island of Dek—Arrival at Kourata—The Gaffat People and

former Captives join us—Charges preferred against the Latter—First

Visit to the Emperor's Camp at Zagé—Flattery before Coercion

CHAPTER IX.

Second Visit to Zagé—Arrest of Mr. Rassam and the English Officers

—Charges brought against Mr. Rassam—The former Captives are brought

in Chains to Zagé—Public Trial—Reconciliation—Mr. Flad's Departure

—The Imprisonment at Zagé—Departure for Kourata

CHAPTER X.

Second Residence at Kourata—Cholera and Typhus break out in the

Camp—The Emperor resolves to march to Debra Tabor—Arrival at

Gaffat—The Foundry transformed into a Palace—Political Trial at

Debra Tabor—The Black Tent—Dr. Blanc and Mr. Rosenthal seized at

Gaffat—Another Public Trial—The Black Hole—March with the Emperor

to Aibankab—Sent to Magdala, and Arrival at the Amba

CHAPTER XI.

Our first House at Magdala—The Chief has a "little Business" with us—

Feelings of a European when being put in Chains—The Operation

described—The Prisoners' Toilette—How we Lived—Our first Messenger a

Failure—How we obtained Money and Letters—A Magdala Diary—A

Rainy Season in a Godjo

CHAPTER XII.

Description of Magdala—Climate and Water Supply—The Emperor's

Houses—His Harem and Magazines—The Church—Prison-house—Guards

and Gaol—Discipline—A previous Visit of Theodore to Magdala—

Slaughter of the Gullas—Character and Antecedents of Samuel—Our

friends, Zenab the Astronomer, and Meshisha the Lute-player—Day Guards

—We build new Huts—Abyssinian and Portuguese Servants—Our

Inclosure is enlarged

CHAPTER XIII.

Theodore writes to Mr. Rassam about Mr. Flad and the Artisans—His

two Letters contrasted—General Merewether arrives at Massowah—

Danger

of sending Letters to the Coast—Ras Engeddah brings us a few

Stores—Our Garden—Successful Results of Vaccination at Magdala—Our

Day Guard again—Second Rainy Season—The Chiefs are Jealous—The

Ras and his Council—Damash, Hailo, Daily Life during Rainy Season—

Two

Prisoners attempt to Escape—The Knout in Abyssinia—A Dying Man's

Prophecy

CHAPTER XIV.

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

* * * * *

CONCLUSION

* * * * *

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

SUMMIT OF ZER AMBA, A FORTRESS NEAR TSCHELGA

* * * * *

The Fetters on the Cover of this Volume represent the Leg-chains worn by

Dr. Blanc. Their weight is about seven pounds.

PREFACE.

* * * * *

With a view of gratifying the natural curiosity evinced by a large circle of

friends and acquaintance to obtain accurate information as to the cause of

our captivity, the manner in which we were treated, the details of our daily

life, and the character and habits of Theodore, I undertook the task of

writing this account of our captivity in Abyssinia.

I have endeavoured to give a correct sketch of the career of Theodore, and a

description of his country and people, more especially of his friends and

enemies.

In order to make the reader familiar with the subject, it was also necessary

to say a few words about the Europeans who played a part in that strange

imbroglio—the Abyssinian difficulty. My knowledge of them, and of the

events that occurred during our captivity, was acquired through personal

experience, and also by intercourse with well-informed natives, during long

months of enforced idleness.

In preparing this work for the press, I found it necessary to the

completeness of the narrative, to incorporate some portions of my Report to

the Government of Bombay on Mr. Rassam's mission, which appeared in an

Indian newspaper, and was subsequently republished in a small volume.

For the same reason I have also included a few articles contributed by me to

a London newspaper.

The sufferings of the Abyssinian captives will be ever associated, in the

annals of British valour, with the triumphant success of the expedition, so

skilfully organized by its commander, whose title, Lord Napier of Magdala,

commemorates the crowning achievement of a glorious career.

London, July 23, 1868.

A NARRATIVE OF CAPTIVITY IN ABYSSINIA.

CHAPTER I.

The Emperor Theodore—His Rise and Conquests—His Army and

Administration—Causes of his Fall—His Personal Appearance and

Character—His Household and Private Life.

Lij Kassa, better known as the Emperor Theodore, was born in Kouara

about the year 1818. His father was a noble of Abyssinia, and his uncle, the

celebrated Dejatch Comfou, had for many years governed the provinces of

Dembea, Kouara, Tschelga, &c. On the death of his uncle he was appointed

by Ras Ali's mother, Waizero Menen, governor of Kouara; but, dissatisfied

with that post, which left but little scope for his ambition, he threw off his

allegiance, and occupied Dembea as a rebel. Several generals were sent to

chastise the young soldier; but he either eluded their pursuit or defeated

their forces. However, on the solemn promise that he would, be well

received, he repaired to the camp of Ras Ali. This kind-hearted but weak

ruler thought to attach to his cause the brave chieftain, and to accomplish

that object gave him his daughter Tawavitch (she is beautiful). Lij Kassa

returned to Kouara, and for a time remained faithful to his sovereign. He

made several plundering expeditions in the low lands, carried fire and

sword into the Arab huts, and always returned from these excursions

bringing with him hordes of cattle, prisoners, and slaves.

The successes of Kassa, the courage he manifested on all occasions, the

abstemious life he led, and the favour he showed to all who served his

cause, soon collected around him a band of hardy and reckless followers.

Being ambitious, he now formed the project of carving out an empire for

himself in the fertile plains he had so often devastated. Educated in a

convent, he had not only studied theological subjects, but made himself

conversant with the mystic Abyssinian history. His early education always

exercised great influence on his after-life, giving to his intercourse with

others a religious character, and impressed vividly upon his mind the idea

that the Mussulman race having for centuries encroached on the Christian

land, it should be the aim of his life to re-establish the old Ethiopian empire.

Urged on, therefore, both by ambition and fanaticism, he advanced in the

direction of Kedaref at the head of 16,000 warriors; but he had soon to learn

the immense superiority of a small number of well-armed and well-trained

troops over large but undisciplined bodies of men. Near Kedaref he came in

sight of his mortal foes the Turks, a mere handful of irregulars; yet they

were too much for him: for the first time, defeated and disheartened, he had,

for a while, to abandon his long-cherished scheme.

Instead of returning to the seat of his government, he was obliged, on

account of a severe wound received during the fight, to halt on the frontier

of Dembea. From his camp he informed his mother-in-law of his condition,

and requested that she would send him a cow—the fee required by the

Abyssinian doctor. Waizero Menen, who had always hated Kassa, now took

advantage of his fallen condition to humble his pride still more; she sent

him, instead of the cow, a small piece of meat with an insulting message.

Near the couch of the wounded chieftain sat the brave companion who had

shared his fortunes, the wife whom he loved. On hearing the sneering

message of the Queen, her fiery Galla blood flamed with indignation. She

rose and told Kassa that she loved the brave but abhorred the coward; and

she could not remain any longer by his side if, after such an insult, he did

not revenge it in blood. Her passionate words fell upon willing ears;

vengeance filled the heart of Kassa, and as soon as he had sufficiently

recovered he returned to Kouara and openly proclaimed his independence.

For the second time Ras Ali called him to his court; but the summons met

with a stern refusal. Several generals were sent to enforce the command, but

the young soldier easily routed these courtiers; whilst their followers,

charmed with Kassa's insinuating manners and dazzled by his splendid

promises, almost to a man enrolled themselves under his standard. His wife

again exerted her influence, showing him how easily he might secure for

himself the supreme power, and, as he hesitated, again threatened to leave

him. Kassa resisted no longer; he advanced into Godjam, and carried all

before him. The battle of Djisella, fought in 1853, decided the fate of Ras

Ali. His army had been but for a short time engaged when, panic-stricken,

the Ras left the field with a body of 500 horse, leaving the rest of his large

host to swell the ranks of the conqueror. Victory followed victory, and after

a few years, from Shoa to Metemma, from Godjam to Bogos, all feared and

obeyed the commands of the Emperor Theodore; for under that name he

desired to be crowned, after he had by the battle of Deraskié, fought in

February, 1855, subdued Tigré, and conquered his most formidable

opponent, Dejatch Oubié.

Shortly after the battle of Deraskié, Theodore turned his victorious arms

against the Wallo Gallas, possessed himself of Magdala, and ravaged and

destroyed so completely the rich Galla plain that many of the chiefs joined

his ranks, and fought against their own countrymen. He had now not only

avenged the long-oppressed Christians, so often victims of the Galla

inroads, but curbed for a long time the haughty spirit of these clans. At the

height of success, he lost his brave and loving wife. He felt the cruel blow

deeply. She had been his faithful counsellor, the companion of his

adventures, the being he most loved; and he cherished her memory while he

lived. In 1866, when one of his artisans almost forced himself into his

presence to request permission for me to remain a few days near the man's

dying wife, Theodore bent his head, and wept at the remembrance of his

own wife whom he had so deeply loved.

The career of Theodore may be divided into three very distinct periods:—

First, from his early days to the death of his first wife; secondly, from the

fall of Ras Ali to the death of Mr. Bell; thirdly, from this last event to his

own death. The first period we have described: it was the period of promise.

During the second—which extends from 1853 to 1860—there is still much

to praise in the conduct of the Emperor, although many of his actions are

unworthy of his early career. From 1860 to 1868 he seems little by little to

have thrown off all restraint, until he became remarkable for reckless and

wanton cruelty. His principal wars during the second period were with

Dejatch Goscho Beru, governor of Godjam; with Dejatch Oubié, whom he

conquered, as we have already stated, at the battle of Deraskié, and with the

Wallo Gallas. He could, however, still be merciful, and though he

imprisoned many of the feudal chiefs, he promised to release them as soon

as the pacification of his empire should be complete.

In 1860 he advanced against his cousin Garad, the murderer of Consul

Plowden, and gained the day; but he lost his best friend and adviser, Mr.

Bell, who saved the Emperor's life by sacrificing his own. In January, 1861,

Theodore marched with an overwhelming force against a powerful rebel,

Agau Negoussi, who had made himself master of all northern Abyssinia; by

cunning and skilful tactics, he easily overthrew his adversary but tarnished

his victory by horrid cruelties and gross breach of faith. Agau Negoussi's

hands and feet were cut off, and though he lingered for days, the merciless

emperor refused him even a drop of water to moisten his fevered lips. His

cruel vengeance did not stop there. Many of the compromised chiefs, who

had surrendered on his solemn pledge of amnesty, were either handed over

to the executioner or sent to linger for life, loaded with fetters, in some of

the prison ambas. For the next three years Theodore's rule was

acknowledged throughout the land. A few petty rebels had risen here and

there, but with the exception of Tadla Gwalu, who could not be driven from

the fastness of his amba in the south of Godjam, all the others were but of

little importance, and did not disturb the tranquillity of his reign.

But though a conqueror, and endowed with military genius, Theodore was a

bad administrator. To attach his soldiery to his cause, he lavished upon them

immense sums of money; he was therefore forced to exact exorbitant

tributes, almost to drain the land of its last dollar, in order to satisfy his

rapacious followers. Finding himself at the head of a powerful host, and

feeling either reluctant or afraid to dismiss them to their homes, he longed

for foreign conquests; the dream of his younger days became a fixed idea,

and he believed himself called upon by God to re-establish in its former

greatness the old Ethiopian empire.

He could not, however, forget that he was unable to cope single-handed

with the well-armed and disciplined troops of his foes; he remembered too

well his signal failure at Kedaref, and therefore sought to gain his longdesired object by diplomacy. He had heard from Bell, Plowden, and others,

that England and France were proud of the protection they afforded to

Christians in all parts of the world; he therefore wrote to the sovereigns of

those two countries, inviting them to join him in his crusade against the

Mussulman race. A few passages selected from his letter to our Queen will

prove the correctness of this assertion. "By his power (of God) I drove away

the Gallas. But for the Turks, I have told them to leave the land of my

ancestors. They refuse!" He mentions the death of Plowden and Bell, and

then adds:—"I have exterminated those enemies (those who killed Bell and

Plowden), that I may get, by the power of God, your friendship ." He

concludes by saying, "See how the Islam oppress the Christian! "

Theodore's army at this time consisted of some 100,000 or 150,000 fighting

men; and if we take as the average four followers for every soldier, his

camp must have numbered between 500,000 and 600,000 souls. Admitting,

also, the population of Abyssinia to be nearly 3,000,000, about one fourth

of the number had to be paid, fed, and clothed by the contributions of the

remainder.