Narrative of Captivity in Abyssinia | Page 3

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