The Watchman And Southron

ENGLAND'S LITTLE WAR.
Col. Cobbs' Force Has Hard Fighting in Somaliland.

London, Oct. 19.—The foreign office has issued an undated dispatch from Col. Cobbs, commanding one of the columns of British forces operating against the mad mullah in Somaliland. The dispatch was forwarded through the British vice consul at Berbera, Somaliland. The British forces engaged were composed entirely of native troops and levies. Col. Cobbs says:

"My force reached Erego this morning. When about one day's march north of Mudug, it was attacked in the thick bush. Two advances were made and the enemy was beaten back in the morning. Their losses were heavy and we captured 100 rifles.

Our force then proceeded to collect animals for transportation purposes and to join the detachment at the stockade camp. In the afternoon a reconnaissance was made and after sharp fighting the enemy were again driven off.

"I deeply regret to report the following casualties: Col. Phillips and Capt. Angus and fifty men killed and about one hundred men wounded. The latter include Capt. Howard and Lieut. Everett, but both are doing well. There were severe losses among the transport and riding camels. The force will reach the stockade camp tomorrow and will advance to attack the enemy." The vice consul also telegraphs the substance of a later dispatch from Col. Swayne, who says that as a result of the fighting at Erego, October, which was very severe, the Somali levies are considerably shaken.

The mullah, who is said to be in communication with Kail and Inger, in the direction of the Webb river, is bringing up reinforcements from all sides.

Col. Swayne is much hampered owing to the necessity of transporting the wounded and water. He is retiring on Bohotle. He asks that 600 more reliable troops be dispatched from Berbera forthwith.

The serious reverse in Somaliland places the small British force there of about 3,000 men of doubtful reliability, in an exceedingly perilous situation.