_Michael attempts to enter Begemder--First Battle of Serbraxos--The Rebels offer Battle to the King in the Plain--Armies separated by a violent Storm._ Yasine had scarcely returned to the camp when all the tents were struck, and the army on its march. The Ras and Guebra Mascal led the van, the king and Guebra Christos the center, Kasmati Kefla Yasous the rear; Netcho the Fit-Auraris being about half an hour's march before us, we proceeded along the plain without interruption; Ayto Engedan, with a small body of horse, was covering the king's right flank at some distance. The church of Serbraxos was on our left upon the side of a hill, and we expected to see the Fit-Auraris take up his ground for encamping there, as it was the field of action determined upon by both parties. The Fit-Auraris, however, first, and then Ras Michael with the van, passed below Serbraxos at so brisk a pace that we in the center found it difficult to keep up with them. [Illustration: PLAN _of_ THE FIRST BATTLE OF _SERBRAXOS_ _Fought 16 May, 1772._ FIRST BATTLE. Explanation. 1. King's palace and high walls surrounding it. 2. Ashoa, public place where the troops assemble, and gunpowder is sold, and where public executions are made. 3. Hamar Noh, Noah's Ark, a church. 4. A close quarter over a precipice on the West, to which the merchants carry their effects upon sudden revolutions, especially those that have flour and provisions. 5. Abbo, where the Romish priests were stoned and lye unburied. 6. Debra Berhan, famous church upon the highest part of the hill over the Angrab. 7. Riggobee Ber, or Pigeons Pass, a rocky part of the town, fortified in time of troubles. 8. Abbo, great street, called from the church and saint of that name. 9. Mahometan town on the river Kaha. 10. King's palace on the river Kaha. 11. Brook of St Raphael. 12. The river Angrab. * * * * * A The centre commanded by the king and Guebra Christos encamped on the South of the hill Serbraxos. B Ras Michael, who leads the van, encamped upon the South-East, and highest part of the hill. C Kefla Yasous, who commands the rear encamped upon the North-West. D Ras Michael marching from his camp at Serbraxos, is stopt at the mouth of the valley, and engages Powussen and the troops of Begemder at E. E The rebel troops of Begemder engaging Ras Michael. F Ayto Engedan with a thousand men marches from the King's camp to reinforce Michael at the mouth of the valley. G Powussen's camp at Correva. H A reinforcement marches from Powussen's camp, and joins the rebels engaged with Michael at E. I Ras Michael beat back into the valley, retires under cover of his musketry at K and L, which stop the rebels advancing.