Warren sheaf., 1899-12-14
A SERIOUS RE YER Sc.
Gen. Gatacre Is Defeated in a Fight
at Stromberg.
VICTIM OF TREACHEROUS GUIDES.
Beers Suddenly Open Fire and Ulti-
mately Drive British from the
Field-TvO of the Latter Killed,
26 Wounded and 6O5 Missing.

MolteEo, Cape Colony, Sunday, Dec.
10.-Gen. Gatacre left Putter's kraal
by train for Molteno and then pro-
ceeded by forced march 12 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 up
on the advancing column. The en-
gagement began at 4:15 a. m. At seven
a. M, after a sharp artillery duel, the
British retired. They are now march
ing toward Molteno. Gen. Gatacre
found the enemy's position : impreg-
nable. 1t was impossible for the Brit
ish infantry to get at the Beers.
Gen. Gatacre's movement may be
termed reconnaissance in force. It's
object was to ascertain the strength
Of the position of the Beers who were
strongly intrenched along the Storm
berg range. He left Putter's kraal
shortly after noon Saturday with a
fighting force slightly over 1000 men.
Leaving Molteno at nine Saturday
evening, he made a memorable night
march over the rocks and veldt. There
was no sound except a steady tramp
and there were no distinguishing
lights, the moon having gone down
about 1880.
Beers Open Fire..
The column arrived safely within a
couple of miles of it's destination, the
only incidents of the march being an
occasional sudden call of sshalt," under
the belief that the Beers were near.
Suddenly a terrific fire opened stimuli
taneously on the British front and
right flank. The Royal Irish rifles,
which formed the advance, sought
shelter behind a neighboring kopje
and were speedily joined by the re-
mainder of the column. 1t was soon
found, however, that this position also
was covered by Boer guns, which were
more powerful than had been sup
posed. The troops therefore sought a
safer position about half mile away,
two batteries in the meantime engag-
ing the Beers and covering the troops
in their withdrawal.
Forced to Retreat.
The action now became general at
long range, anda detachment of mount
ed infantry moved northward with a.
view of. gatling on the enemy's right
flank. Suddenly a strong commando
was seen moving from the north, and
the Royal Irish rifles and the Northum-
berland regiment were sent out to
meet it. It was soon discovered, how
ever, that the Beers had machine guns
well placed, and the British were com
PEELED to face a terrible fire. Finding
it impossible to hold the position in
the face of an enemy apparently su-
Perior in position, numbers and artil-
lery, the British retired on Molteno,
the Beers following UP the retirement
closely and bringing two big guns to
bear on the retiring column. It is be-
ieved here that the British casualties
were not serious.
Gatacre Reports.
London, Dec. 1.-THE war office
publishes the following dispatch from
Gen. Forestier-Walker at Cape Town:
"Gatacre reports: Deeply regret to in
form you that met with a serious reverse
in the attack on stormberg. I was misled
as to the enemy's position by the guides
and found impracticable ground
Gen. Gatacre reports further that
his losses amount to two killed, 26
wounded and COS officers and men
missing.
Misled by Guides.
London, Dec. 1.-THE Times pub
fishes the following dispatch from
Molteno:
Gen. Gatacre attempted to assault the
Boer position at Stormberg at dawn to-day
(Sunday) The guides led us wrong, and
we were surprised while in fours and after
very trying night march. Our retirement
was effected in excellent order, there being
no hurry even at the most critical time.
The Northumberland and Irish rifles be-
haved as if on review day. I fear our losses
are heavy. One of our guns we had to
abandon
Not the Worst Defeat.
London, Dec. lit is. hardly too
much to regard Gen. Gatacre's re-
pulse near Stormberg as the most se-
rious defeat British arms have yet sus-
tanned in the whole campaign. Al
ready the official advices show that 2
men were killed, 9 officers and II
men were wounded and officers
and 500 men are missing. But it is ev-
ident that the worst is not vet known.
The proportion of wounded and killed
is so small, when compared with the
missings-who are undoubtedly pris-
oners in the hands Of the Boers--that
the supplementary list of casualties is
awaited with serious misgivings. It is
also feared that there were serious
losses Of guns and equipment. 81
"A Serious Aspect.
The most serious aspect of the affair
is the effect it is likely to have on the
Dutch in Cape Colony, who have been.
waVering as to whether to throw in
their lot with the Beers. Hosts of the
northern farmers are now likely IL join
the rebellion. Defeat is also serious be-
cause it will delay the juno ction of Gen.
Gatacre with Gen. French at Naauw-
MORT The nlan was for their com hined