Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-08-08
(0oDvright Associated Press.

have numbered from 5000 to 1000 men.
The latter fought desperately and
bravely. charging up to within few
yards of the British rapid fire guns.
About 500 of the Ma,abele warriors were
slain during the engagement, which
lasted several hours, and the loss OF the
British included Maj Kershaw, Lieut..
Hervey. four sergeants. and about 80
men killed. and six officers, several non
commissioned officers, and about fifty
men wounded, according TO unofficial
figures.
The Ma,abeles and their allies were
commanded by big chiefs Sokombeo
and Umlugulus. and were divided into
five .mpis, or regiments. each Of over
! coo men. we'll supplied with arms and
ammunition.
At 6 o'clock on Wednesday morning
a force of about ZOO men, whites and
natives. cavalry, infantry and artillery,
all under British officers, marched 10
the Umiugulu valley. Capt. BeresfOrd,
with TWO screw guns and Maxim rap
id fire gun, was detached to make de-
rour behind some hills and then take up
p nos ton from which the valley could
be sheTed. Il had previously been re-
p9rred bv the scouts that the enemy, IN
s.rong force, was encamped in the val
lev. preparing for forward movement
upon the British positions.
The main baby Of the British troops
was halted while Capt. Beresfords de-
tachmenc was making its way 10 the
position designated for the artillery 10
Cccupv. While this movement was be-
ing executed the guns being moved up
q small. Isolated kopje, the MataDeleS
made a sudden and determined dash at
Can't. Beresford'S command.
THERE WAS NO STRATEGY
or copcealment. The natives rushed
forward Ike a living tidal wave, and, in
sDf-a of -he no. fire which was poured
INFO their ranks. succeeded IN getuh9
within 20 yards Of The screw guns anu
reached a spot only 10 yards from 1Ae
Maxim rapid fire gun before any OF
these pieces could be brought INTO ac-
-;o9. Another minutes delay n open
inc fire with the guns might have prov
81 sa-al 70 the BereSfOrd detachment, as
mo white infantry was apparently IN
sh-a IN check the reckless. Wild charge
NJ The tribesmen. who seemed TO court
rs9tb i'm their fierce attack upon the
Rnr when the screw guns began crash
Ing case shot into the enemy 'e@I lIs
wide bloody gaps in the RANKS ana tne
deadly Maxim ratified its hail Oh lead
INFO The serted mass OF the rap.dly
moving impis. the natives wayered IN
-sair charge. and a moment later the
rush was stopped and they began 10 give
way having heaps G., dead and wound
ed ON The field. But rallied by the
chiefs. Who bravely rushed 10 the 'front.'
encouraging their followers by a d.s-
p,ay of magnificent dash, the native
warriors returned to the charge in the
face cS the fierce fire Of the British guns
land Capt. Beresfords force was for
| few moments surrounded by surging
wares of warriors VINO seemed TO know
no fear.
The position Of BeresfOrd forces was
mos- critical and their commander hur-
Ir.eC,y ordered his signal men 10 ask Col.
Fumer 10 lose no tins in advancing
with the main body to the rescue. While
the signalling was in progress, a hot
and determined fight ragged around the
guns and several British officers and
men fell. In the distance could be seen
TWO more impis rushing forward TO join
in the attack on Beresford's position.
Col. Plumer ordered the main body of
the British troops TO advance. The
mounted men we're sent forward al a
gallon 20 storm the nils on the left Of
/ Beresford's position. from which the ma
dives were delivering a hasly, dropping
fire upon the kOpje, occupied by the Brit
ish guns.
THE CAVALRY WAS LED
/ By Mai Kershaw. who charged up to
within fifteen yards of the enemy's po-
siti0n. when he was shot through the
| heart by a native who almost immedi-
a,e.y aiterward fell, rlddled with bull
lets.
The advance of the main body Of
| Plumer's forces was noticed by the ma
rives. who were pr ss.ng around the Be-
res.ord detachment. and 1t caused them
To- retreat 10 escape being caught be-
tween three fires. The guns were thus
able 10 do better execution, and well
directed fire of case shot. followed by
sbrapnel soon changed the native attack
in-o retreat. and when the full rein
/ f,rcer,cnr came INFO action, the enc
nv broke and fed. The guns and war
/ rockets PLAYED upon the natives as long
= as they were in range. but the main loss
M The enemy vas inflicted while they
were so bravely charging Up 70 the muz-
>les Of the British pieces. The bravery
of the natives earned the admiration Of
the British but their shooting was Of
+ The wors, possible description.
During the first rush upon the Beres-
/ ford koDie. Capt. L,ewllyn personally
saved the maxim gun by some smart
sabre and revolver work. At one time
/ he was alone the natives having driven
/ back the gUunerS and being almost in
q possession of the pieces. The captain 5
+ determined stand. how.ver, enabled the
/ british to regain the gun, and he was
/ helped out Of his difficulties. The en-
I gagement lasted almost six hours.
\ L IS believed Jha, q further advance
of the British force must be made. and
another defeat inflicted upon the Ms
/ .ives before terms Of peace will be cc>-
iered by either SIDE A number of
4 friendly natives. serving with the Brit
/ ish. dessr ted 90 the enemy during The
ni-h-. Gen. Darlington is understood
I 90 be preparing 20 drive the enemy
/ eastward toward The upper part of the
country. where another fight may oc-
eur bsfore the backbone Of the uprising
I is finally broken.
Children Cry ToE