The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-11-25
METHUEN'S VICTORY.
Details of the Battle Near Belmont
White Flag Violated.

BELMONT, Cape Colony, Nov "a 10 a. m.
The entire western division moved on the
Orange river Tuesday and bivouacked at
Dewitputs. Twocompanies of moun,ed infan-
try and a detachment of lancers were sent
to hold Thomas farm. Their pickets pre-
vented the Beers from advancing. The
Beers fired cannon and the British cavalry
silenced them. AT in the morning the
Guards Brigade moved steadily forward to
a hill few miles east of Belmont station.
The Scots and Grenadiers advanced to with
in fifty yards of the base, when the Beers
poured in a scathing fire, staggering the
guards momentarily. But quickly recover
ing they returned a deadly hail into the
Beers. The duel was continued for half an
hour. When the artillery commenced the
Beers evacuated their front position and the
Scots Guards rushed the hill with the bayo-
net and amid lusty cheers
The Ninth Brigade then moved forward
in extended order and the Beers started a
terrible cross-fre from the surrounding
hills. The Coldstreams, supported by the
Scots Grenadiers, Northumberland and
Northamptons, stormed the second position
in the face of constant and effective Boer
fire. The Ninth Brigade then advanced the
artillery in the meantime maintaining\ ex-
eellent practice The British infantry never
wavered and when a tremendous cheer noti-
fed them OF the charge, the Beers fed and
succeeded in gaining a range of hills in the
rear in spite of the lancers thanking move
ment. The infantry again CALAMITY faced
the fire and the naval brigade came into
action for the first time at a range of 1.sOO
yards. The infantry was well supported by
the artillery, and the Beers, unable to with
stand the death-dealing volleys, retired and
were again forced TO abandon some minor
positions. The British cavalry charged the
Beers and pursued them for five miles Pos
session was taken OF the Boer laager, and
the Boer stores were destroyed
The Beers hoisted a white flag over their
second position. whereupon Lieut.. Wilough-
by, OF the Coldstream Guards. stood up and
was Immediately shot down. The Beers
twice repeated the same tactics.
Charged Across the BulIet-Swept Zone
CAPE TOWN, Nov. 24-From the few de-
tails which have reached here of General
Methuen's fight with the Beers yesterday.
1t appears that Beers from Finchams farm
shelled an advance body OF the British on
Wednesday. Nov. %. and the British artil-
lery was pushed forward and shelled a hiIl
which the British subsequently occupied,
capturing two guns. The Boer casualties
were two killed and seven wounded. The
Beer main column left Finchsm's farm dur
ing the afternoon and camped five miles
ahead. At daybreak Thursday the Beers
| fired from the hills. 1O10 yards distant, on
the British advance force. Other troops
were then pushed up and the engagement
became general The British artillery made
excellent practice and silenced the Boer
guns. Then two battalions of the Grenadier
Guards end the Northumberland Regiment
stormed the heights at the point OF the
bayonet. Crossing the fire zone amid
storm OF lead, the Guards and Northumber-
lands pushed up the incline and reached the
summit. doing great execution with their
bayonets and capturing the laager. with
guns. equipment. prisoners. cattle and
81 eep. The entire position was carried by
s o'clock the cavalry. consisting OF the
Ninth IAncers and mounted infantry pur-
suing the nydng Boers. The Beers. II is es-
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