The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-12-01
Especial to Baltimore Sum-

NSp$clai 20 baltimore SUM-
London, November 26.-The news
from South Africa today is exciting.
Lord Methuen gained a second VIC
tory on Saturday at Gras Pan Hills,
defeating a body OF $500 Beers, who
were blocking his advance to Kimber-
ley. AS Gras Pan is only a short dis
tance north of Belmont, apparently
the British general finds nearly every
step OF his way disputed by the foe,
which does not know when 1T is beaten.
Ut accepts a reverse only as an oppor-
tunity for another effort.
In Natal the British advance in force
to the relief of Ladysmith has not yet
begun, but the Beers have fallen back.
Communication with Estcourt is open
and The Moot river troops have moved
TO Estcourt.
The British relieving army will have
a difficult task in forcing a passage
over the Tugela river. where the Beers
are likely TO make a stand.
Generals Gatacre and French do not
seem to make much progress. The ris-
ing of the Cape Dutch appears to be
spreading. The railway and telegraph
between Stormberg and Steynsburg
have been cut. S~teynsburg Ties on the
railway line from Stormberg to Rose
mead Junction. The Beers are not in
much force in this quarter, but there
is a strong commando at Arundel KOp,
confronting General French. This is
likely to be attacked soon by the troops
available.
Bark1y East a been occupied by
the Beers.
(By Associated Press.)
Cape Town, November .27.-It is re-
ported that General Methuen has cap
tured Honey Nest kloof, ten miles north
of Gras Pan, and 2,000,0 900 rounds of
ammunition.
Durham, Natal, November 26.-The
latest reports of General HiGdyard's
losses at the Beacon Hill engagement
show that fifteen men were killed and
seVenty-two wounded. Major Hobbs
was captured and several men are
missing. Dispatches from President
Kruger and General Joubeu1t found on
a Boer prisoner said the Boer losses at
Belmont We're ten men killed and forty
wounded. Tt added, in order to re-as-
sure the burghers, that it had been
deemed necessary to fall back on War;
renton.
Another naval contingent from the
British first class cruiser Terrible, with
two 4.7-inch guns, started for the front
tonight.
Flstcourt, November 26.-The railroad
bridge at Frere, spanning a wide
stream, has been destroyed by THE
Beers, who are reported to be retiring
rapidly.
A general advance upon Colenso has
been ordered and a flying. olumn has
left here to intercept the Boer raiding
parties.
A reliable messenger from Ladysmith
says he gathered from the Beers that
they had proposed a combined attack,
ain over the country, for today,
General Joubert is expected to stout
ly dispute the passage OF the Tugela
river.
London. November 27.-The war Of
flee has received the following dispatch
from General Butler, dated Pietermar-
itzburg, Sunday, November rs:
'Hfldyard, from Estcourt, made a
successful attack, November 23rd with
three batta1ions, one field battery, a
naval gun, and 700 mounted troops, ON
the enemy occupying Beacon Hill,
which dominates William Grange and
had intercepted his communication.
AS a result of the operations, the enemy
is retiring and h railway and tele-
graph lines nave been restored between
Estcourt and Weston. Our loss was
about fourteen killed and fifty round
ed. -.
'Hildyard has advanced to a position
near Frere, as he hopes to cut off the
enemy, who is believed to be retiring
ON Colenso via Weenen. Barton, from
Weston, has advanced to Estcourt.
'tAs o as communication is restor-
ed / will telegraph particulars. SO Tar
as I make out, h operation is one for
which Hildyard and the troops deserve
much credit. The railway is now open
to Frere."
NAVAL OFFICERS KILLED.
London, November 26.-The Admiral
y ty is in receipt of the following dispatch
from Rear Admiral Harris, dated Cape
Town, November 26th:
II deeply regret to report the follow
ing casualties in the action ait Gras Pan
yesterday: :
"Killed-Commander Ethelston, of
the Powerful; Major Plumbe, OF the
Doris; Captain Guy Senior, of the Roy
al Marines attached to the battQeship
Monarch.
"wounded-Flag Captain Prothero,
of the Doris, severely; Lieutenant
Jones, of the Doris"
London, November 27.-The COM
mander-in-c chief at the Cape a sent
tine admiralty an additional list OF cas-
uabties among the British brigade
engaged at the battle of Gras Pen, as
follows: M~idshipman Huddart, OF the
cruiser Doris, and 10 sailors and ma
rines killed: and 13 petty officers and
seamen and rs non commissioned Off
GERS and men of the marines wounded;
total casualties los.
CABLE AGAIN INTERRUPTED.
London, November %, 4:30 a. ma