Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 February 1894 — SLAIN NEAR TIMBUCTOO. [ARTICLE]

SLAIN NEAR TIMBUCTOO.

Massacre of a Column of French Troops Under Col. Bonnier. Details of the disaster to the French troops in Timbuctoo have been received in Paris from Capt. Philippe, the commander at the scene of hostilities, and transmitted thrcugh the governor of Soudan to the French government. The Tuarges were armed with lances and knives, which they used with terrible effect, against the French native troops. Reports are conflicting regarding the number killed, but official statement admits at least nine French officers, including Col Bonnier, two European non-com-missioned officers, and sixty-eight native soldiers were slain in battle. The inofficial reports, emanating indirectly frcm the War Department and the Colonial Office, say that the loss in killed and captured is at least 300. Opposed to an enemy estimated to number about 4,000 to 10.000 the French had but 300 men in the intrenchments at Timbuctoo, supported by six small field-pieces. The news of the disaster to the Bonnier column has caused a decided sensation in Paris.