A letter from Mr. Bassein, the Envoy imprisoned at Magdala,
dated 7th September, has been published, rather imprudently we should say, in the daily papers. Mr. Kamm announces that the rebellion has become general all over Abyssinia, that Magdala is cut off from Debra Tabor, and that Theo- dore, who is in the latter place, a natural fortress, is aveng- ing himself on all mankind foir their desertion of him by horri- ble cruelties. All peasants found in the fields are killed ; 2,500 intending deserters were killed in one batch ; 295 chiefs had their arms and feet cut off, and in that condition starved to death ; the wives, mothers, and children of deserters are put to death by slow torture. Disease is ravaging the country, and it seems as if the mere wind of the English expedition had been sufficient to disorganize society. Theodore is still doubtful as to the arrival of the expedition, still boastful of his ability to beat it, and still inclined to treat Mr. Rassam with formal courtesy, in the hope that England will care only about her Envoy. It is just possible that before the expedition arrives he may have met the fate he deserves at the hands of his own soldiery, who seem to be as little safe from his violence as the peasants.
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