Omaha daily bee., 1899-11-17
FIND NO BOERS AT COLENSO
ArmOred Train Makes Two Trips,
but Meets with No
Opposition.

BSTCOURT, Natal Friday, Nov. 10.-Even-
ing-The armored train returned from an
other trip, on which Colenso was reached
No Beers were seen. On its way back the
train picked up a native runner at Frere,
carrying a number of letters, who had been
searched by the Beers, but had in some
manner managed to keep his documents
from falling into the hands Of the searchers.
This runner stated that Ladysmith was
bombarded on Thursday by six 4S-pounders,
one shot from which struck Illing's store.
The British big naval guns were still silent
when he left. Little damage was done by
the Boer bombardment and there were few
casualties. The runner further said that the
Beers intend to visit Colenso tomorrow.
ESTCoURT Natal, Nov. 12.-Evening--
Another reconnaissance was made by train
today with a company of the Border regi-
ment on board but nothing noteworthy
occurred. ssY h
1t is reported on good authority that a
large party of Beers Travelled from Colenso
in the direction Of Labuschaynes farm.
Another party of Beers is reported to have
visited Bleys farm, south of the Tugela,
wrecking the household.
All the troops attended divine service
before noon. Guns were heard in the direc-
ton OF Ladysmith early this morning.
The armored train on its return reported
that the Beers have blown up the line be-
tween Colenso and Chieveley. Not much
damage was done, but a small culvert was
destroyed.
Every day lessons the chances OF the Beers
coming further Kafiirs report that force
OF from 400 to 500 Beers with wagons is
going in the direction of Colenso. This is
said to be the foraging party previously
sighted. The Kafirs also report that Cen
eral Whites cavalry has had an engagement
with the Beers at Bester's station. The re-
suit Is not known.
Reports frcm Ladysmlth just received
give a few details of the occurrences of
Wednesday, November s. when the Beers
shell fire was increased during the after
noon. 1t is asserted that they appeared to
deliberately aim at the convent, where there
we're only the sisters and the wounded. The
building was hit twice, in spite of the
Geneva flag flying.
| The Beers attempted a demonstration
against the western defenses, but it was
never serious. The groups appearing at
! long range were easily scattered by the fire
OF a machine gun. The total British casual
ties during the briskest bombardment were
three men, though some damage was done
10 cattle and property. The fire of the Boer
! guns has been erratic but a trife wearing
through the continual bombardments.
! The Boer positions are from 5000 to 5000
wards distant. Kaffir from the Free State
lager reports that General Vessels, who
commanded when the British force surren-
dered at Nicholson's Mex. was hit during a
| recent reconnaissance. The British garrison
! cheered the news.
The Beers have sent in 400 Indian coolies
from the Dundee coal fields, doubtless with
the object of assisting to finish our food.
Armored Train at Beers Mercy.
ESCOURT, Natal, Nov. 15.-An armored
train having on board half company OF the
| Durham volunteers and a half company OF
| the Dublin Fusileers, steamed to Cheveley
| early this morning. On its return it was
| sheled by the artillery of the Beers. placed
| in four positions. Two trucks in front of the
engine left the rails, topping over. While
the train was thus helpless the Durbans and
| Dublins faced the Beers in skirmishing Or
| der and the Beers poured shot and shell
into the crippled train. The deraled trucks
were with great difficulty removed and the
| line was cleared, when the engine and
| tender steamed back
During this juncture Lieutenant Winston
| Churchill OF the Fourth Hussars and son
OF the late Lord Randolph Churchill dis
played much courage, as also did the
| driver and fireman, 1t is feared the Dub
! Inns and Durbans Jared badly. A Red Cross
party has gone out.