The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-12-14

LONDON, Dec. II, S a. MP
to this hour no official report of
General Methueu's losses in the
battle of Magersfontein has been
received. His forces amounted to
about II, 900 men. An uncou6rmsd
report says his loss will reach at
least $50. The Beers also lost
heavily, and the total casualties
may exceed 1000. Three famous
British officers fell in the battle.
They were General Wauchope,
Colonel Downham and the Mar
quis of Winchester.
LONDON, Dec. H.-The bloodiest battle
Of the South African war has been fought
By General Methuen. The losses on both
sides were heavy. but up to midnight no
estimates had been forwarded. The fight
took place at Magersfontein. The Beers
are said to have numbered 1900. General
Methuen was finally forced to retire to
Modder River.
Among the British losses was General
III W. t,,
action. He commanded the Highland
Brigade with General Methuen's column.
General wauchope served in Ashanti.
Egypt and the Sudan He was frequently
mentioned in dispatches and twice con-
tested Midlothian. once against Mr.. Glad
stone. He was a great favorite in the
army. General wauchope's death is much
deplored. He rendered notable service at
the battle Of Omdurman, for which he was
thanked by both houses OF Parliament. A
pathetic circumstance was that General
wauchope's wife was among the inquirers
ct the War Office few minutes before the
telegram announcing his death was posted.
The War Office received the following
dispatch from General Methuen. dated Dec.
13: "Our artillery shelied very strong
position held by the enemy in a long kopje
.rou I o'clock until dusk on Sunday. 1t
rained hard last night. The Highland Bri-
gaec attacked at jaybreak on Monday the
south end Of the kopte. The attack was
properly timed. but failed. The guards
were ordered to protect the Highlands
right and rear. The cavalry and mounted
infantry. with a howitzer artillery battery.
attacked the enemy on the left and the
guards on the right, supported by field ar
tillery and howitzer artillery. They shelled
the position from daybreak, and at Ills I
sent the Gordons 10 support the Highland
Brigade. The troops held their own in front
Of the enemy's intrenchments until dusk.
the position extending. Including the kopje.
for q distance of six miles toward the
Aodder river. To-day I am holding my
position and intrcnchins myself. had to
face at least 1900 men. Our loss was
great
General icr-Walker. .elegraphing
from Cape Town ut $50 p. m to-day. sends
the following dispatch from Lord Methuen.
dated Modder river. Dec. Il, 7:so p. m: LAS
the Beers occupied their trenches strongly
this morning. I retired In perfect order
here. where I am In perfect security. 1
have gathered from some OF tho prisoners
and from our men with tho ambuIances.
who talked with the Beers. that the cne-
my's losses were terrible. some corps be-
ms entirely wiped out. The Beers have
been most kind to my wounded"
The Associated Press understands that
the War Once yesterday wednesday, de-
sided. In consequence Of Lord Methuen's
losses ut Magersfontein. to mobonze an
eighth division in reserve. and to send the
seventh division TO the Cape. Certain for
sisn stations win probably be garrlsoned
with militia, and. II necessary. volunteers
w1p be called to take the places OF the NIT
Vita st home. II Il also likely that the