Willmar tribune., 1899-12-20
BRITISH LOSE HEAVILY


Gems. Gntacre and Met ethuen Meetiwith
Serious Reverses-LondOn @
DiscouraEed. |=f. i s
{ Molteno, Cape Colony, Sunday, Dec.
10.-Gen. Gatacre left Putter's kraal
by train for Molteno and then pro-
ceeded by forced march IL miles to-
ward Stormberg. He had 1000 men,
including the Northumberland fu-
sileers, the Royal Irish rifles and two
batteries of field artillery, The British
were unmolested by the Beers until
the Boer position was reached, when a
hot fire was unexpectedly opened upon
the advancing column. The engage
ment began at rs a. m. At seven a. M,
after sharp artillery duel, the British
retired. ....
London, Dec. 12.-Later details re-
garding the disaster to Gen. Gatacre's
column show that but for the mag
nificent work of the British artillery
the disaster would have been far more
extensive, as the incessant Boer shell
fire in the midst of the repulsed in
fantry. ultimately led to disorder,
which only escaped developing into a
rout through the batteries of artil-
lery, occupying successive positions,
covering the retreat, thus drawing a
portion of the Beers CALLING fire.
Pretoria, Dec. 12.-Six hundred and
seventy-two, British prisoners were
taken at Stormberg. In the fighting at
Modder river Sunday evening Gen.
Cronje maintained his position and cap
tured so British soldiers.
London, Dec. 13.-Another engage
ment in South Africa, described as a
brilliant sortie, was fought in the vi
cinity Of Ladysmith on Sunday night.
The following report of it was re-
ceived from Gen Butler:
"Dispatch from Gen. White, dated De-
cember II, says: Last night Col. Metcalfe
and 500 of the Second rifle brigade SORTED
to capture Boer howitzer on hill. They
reached the crest without being discov-
cred, drove off the enemy and then de-
stroyed the howitzer with gun cotton.
When returning Metcalfe found his retreat
barred by the Beers, but he forced his way
through, using the bayonet freely. The
Boer losses were considerable. The Brit
ish losses were the following: Lieut.. Fer
gusson and II men killed, three officers and
Al men wounded: six men captured
London, Dec. 14.-Gen. Methuen's
report from Modder river shows that he
met with serious check Monday and
suffered great losses.
The war Office has received the fol-
lowing dispatch from Gen. Methuen
dated Tuesday, December IL:
"Our artillery shelled very strong po-
sition held by the enemy in long. high
kopje from four until dusk Sunday. It
rained hard last night. The Highland
brigade attacked at daybreak on Monday
the south end of the kopje. The attack
was properly timed, but failed. The guards
were ordered to protect the Highlands
right and rear. The cavalry and mount
ed infantry, with a howitzer artillery
battery, attacked the enemy on the left
and the guards on the right, supported
by field artillery and howitzer artillery.
They shelled the position from daybreak,
and at rs sent theAGordons to support
the Highland brigade.
THE troops held their own in front OF
the enemy's entertainments until dusk, the
position extendings including the kopje
for q distance of six miles towards the
Modder river. To-day I am holding my
position and entrenching myself. l had
to face at least $4,000 men. Our loss was
great
GAS the Beers occupied their trenches
strongly this morning I retired In perfect
order here, where am in security. I have
gathered from some of the prisoners and
from our men with the ambulance, who
talked with the Beers, that the enemy's
losses were terrible. some corps being com
pletely wiped out. The Beers have been
most kind to my Wounded.'
London, Dec. 14.-The war Office has
received the following dispatch from
Gen. Forestier-Walker:
"Cape Town, Tuesday, Dec. 12.-Methue1
wires that Gen. Wauchope was killed IL
action yesterday"
[Gen. Wauchope, Of the Black Watch
commanded the Highland brigade will
Gen. Methuen's column. He served II
Ashanti, Egypt, and the Soudan. He wa
frequently mentioned in dispatches ane
twice contested Midlothian, once agains
Mr.. Gladstone. He was a great favorite il
the army.l
London, Dec. IA. - Each important
battle seems to bring a worse reverse
for the British, and the papers sorrow
fully admit that Lord Methuen's checl
at Magersfontein is the most seriou:
event the war has yet produced.
London, Dec. 14.-Methuen's defeat
Gatacre's great danger, Mafeking's lacl
of rations, Ladysmith's investmen
without sign Of relief, threatened ris
ing of Cape Dutch and 1900 British
prisoners at Pretoria discourage Lon
don. The London Times says at leas
10000 more soldiers are needed.