Narrative of Captivity in Abyssinia with Some Account of the Late Emperor the Late Emperor Theodore, His Country and People   By: Dr. Henri Blanc (1831-1911)

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