The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-10-31

the scene toward the end OF the fight.
Thcy at once brought their heavy guns into
play. Their practice was magnificent. At the
fourth shot the enemys 40-pounders were
knocked out OF action.
The town Is now therefore freed from the
apprehension OF bombardment. The Beers
throughout the engagement held their ground
with courage and tenaeity.. Considering the
intensity OF the British artillery Are they must
have suffered severely.
The correspondent. experimenting the fore
going in a later despatch. says:
The first shot was fired at $50 A. NJ. It
came from Lombards Kop lofty eminence
some nve miles to the east OF Ladysmith.
Battery after battery went into action and
gradually the ensmy's Gre slaoksned. For
nearly two hours not British shot was re-
turned save whom Long Tom. the name our
soldiers have given the 40-poundsr. hurled a
shell. which We followed with anxious eyes
into the town OF Ladysmlth.
Presently the enemy's horsemen were seen
streaming on the hill to our left. Sheltered
by the rising ground they occupied a ridge
on our left flank. There. hidden by the scrub
and trees. they could watch the turn Of events
safely and walt their chance.
The Devonshire Regiment now advanced
toward a Kafflr kraal unds hlock. There
until called on. Only when volleys were heard
in their rear and on their flank did they show
any sign Of restlsssness.
Tho sound OF this firing. feeble though it
seemed. satisfied us that tho Gloucestershirss
and the Fuslliers were at work. and that there
was no truth In the story OF disaster to these
battalions after tho stampede OF the mules at
midnight
Gems. White and Hunter and their STATS
watched the development Of the artillery at
tack. which gave the frst promise OF a realiza-
ton OF Gen. Whites plans.
Soon after 8 o'clock me ssengers began to
arrive with news that the right column was in
need OF support The Gordon Hghlan dsrs
then the Manchester Regiment and then the
Rifle Brigade were sent to its assistance until
only the Devonshlre Regiment and a squadron
OF mounted infantry and the field hospital were
left with the centre.
THE enemy rarely showed themselves
though along the ridge that lay beyond the
range OF our guns they from time to time gave
us an opportunity to Judge Of their numbers.
THE noise at the height OF the engagement
was almost deafening. Above the rattle OF the
musketry could be heard the thud OF tho
Maxirs and the banging OF the quick firing
guns. which considerably added to the Difficult
ties our mon had to encounter.
The purpose OF the reconnaissance had.
however. been calamity achieved and our in
fantry began to fall back. The movement was
covered by the cavalry. Some OF the troop had to
cross open ground toward the centre and while
doing so were raked by heavy irs. The re-
tirement. however. was effected without dis
order or serious loss.
Our batteries were got in position to secure
the withdrawal OF tho other arms without
molestation. but the fortunate destruction OF
Long Tom rendered such service unneees-
sary"
According to the TinleSs Ladysmith corre-
spondent. the stampeded battery mules ran to
the snemy's position. The Same correspond
snt intimates that the Beers are well supplied
with field guns. Maxims and thirty-seven
miIlimstre guns. but the casualties caused by
their artillery were not severe.
Dr. Jameson and one OF his coadjutors in the
Transvaal raid. Sir John Willoughby. have
arrived at Ladysmith. They witnessed the
| fighting.
| The Timess military expert. reviewing the
| action. thinks that although Gen. Whites
| object was not accomplished. his movement
was fully justified. He undoubtedly dealt n
severe blow to the Beers and checked q humil-
ating bombardmsnt. He probably greatly
| lessened the liability to serious loss. and
placed fresh obstacles In the way OF the Beers
! efforts to cut communication between Lady,
smith and PietsrmarItzburg.
LADYsMITH. Oct. 3d.; is reported that Col.
Mollers detachment Of the Eighteenth Hus-
sars. who are now prisoners at Pretoria. mum =
| beers $50 men.
An order has been issued here for all non
residents and suspected persons to quit tho
| town.