The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1899-11-29
IN SOUTH AFRICA.

LONDON, Nov. 22,-5 A M.-The
announcement from Durham that COM
munication with Estcourt Is inter
rupted seems to confirm the belief that
a Boer commando has established it
self at Willow Grange, or near the
Mooi river, and has cut the telegraph
wires.
It. is certain that owing 10 the heavy
work of debarkation aud entraining at
Durham, the preparations for the ad'
vance Of the relief force are in no way
so advanced rs had been supposed
Col. Royston's departu e from Lady
smith finally disposes of all reports OF
another great British victory there last
Wednesday.
DURHAM, Nov. %. Beers have &C.
cupled Greytown, north Pie,ermaritz-
burg, and evicted all the German set
tiers who refused to take the oath OF
allegiance TO the Trsnsvaal.
DURHAM, Nov. 22.-An armored
train one mile north of Moot river en-
couutered large force of Beers and
retired. The Beers raided stud farm
near there, getting three hundred
blooded horses.
DURHAM, Nov. 23.-Battle is mo-
mentarIly expected at Estcourt or
Mooi river camp. Much apprehension
is felt as to the result of the engage
ment. There are only 1000 troops at
Pietermaritzburg the nearest point
south. The Boer strength is not de-
finitely known, but certainly outnum-
bers tina of the British has a
strong artillery force. The Beers are
able to change positions with astonish-
ing rapidity, making it difficult to
prophesy where they will strike. From
four to six thousand Beers are report
ed north of Moot river. Their guns
opened fire on British camp yesterday.
n correspondent with the British tele-
graphs that the Boer fire is accurate,
most of tbs shells dropping in camp.
1t is reported that Joubert, with 1000
men, is between Moot river and PETER
maritzpurg. The inhabitants of the lat
ter town are alarmed, believing the
Beers are preparing to dash OF the
capital,
LONDON, Nov. 23-Pall Mall Ga
zelte has Mafeking despatch of the
ooh saying that the garrison is suffer-
ing from want of pure water. Fever
has broken out and many are sick.
Desultory Smelling of the town contin-
ues without damage.
DURHAM, Nov. 23.-The farmers are
complaining over the advance of the
Beers, which they claim endangers
their farms and possessions. The
British authorities reply that the Beers
will not modest the farmers who re-
main at Natal, but the latter lack faith
and continue leaving the colony in
great numbers.
PIETERMARITzBURG,N Nov. 23.-The
possibility of the garrison having to
fall back is becoming a serious consid-
Grafton. The towns defenses are be-
ing strengthened. as it is feared that
if Pietermaritzburg falls the Beers will
come on TO the coast. Such a POSSIBLE
ity was inconceivable month ago. 1t
has been stated that the Beers would
never approach Durham through fear
of the British warships' guns. 1t is
certain, however, if they should reach
the hills surrounding the town, which
almost overhang the beach, their artil-
lery could play havoc with troops land
ing from transports.
LONDON, Nov. "a, A. M.-Before
anxiety as TO the situation in Natal has
been relieved, there comes news of a
great battle at Belmont. The Beers
mum oered 600. They had five guns,
ard it isb eliev ed that the British were
slightly superior in numbers to the
enemy.1 >
TIE Beers had chosen position with
their customary skill, and were strongly
entrenched. The British were Obliged
to carry three ridges in succession.
The guards carried the last ridge by
bsyonet charge, after its defenders
had been shaken with shrapnel.
The positions gained, judging from
the destruction or ammunition, were
abandoned.
TIE victory is again at cost of a
heavy loss of officers and men.
LONDON, Nov. 24.-Methuen reports
that Lieut.. Blundell of the Grenadiel
Guards, who was dangerously wounded
yesterday in the fighting at Belmont
has since died. No particulars of yes
terdAy's engagement are received other
than official reports.