The record-union., 1899-11-25

Al
that probably the Boer casualties were
not numerous, owing to the strength of
their position.
The destruction of the Boer annuni-
tion captured is taken as an indication
that General Methuen occupied the cap
tured position at Belmont, and de-
stroyed the Boer supplies, in order not
to hamper the Immediate advance of
his flying column, which is marching
in the lightest order.
The road is now presumably open to
the Boer position on the Modder River,
where the guards who apparently bore
the brunt of yesterdays fighting will
in all probability have another chance
to get at close quarters with the bay
onet
Lieutenant Blundell of the Grenadier
Guards, who was dangerously wounded
at the battle of Belmont yesterday, has
since died of his wounds.
The Governor of Natal has forwarded
this dispatch to the Colonial office:
''Tugela Drift was attacked during
the morning of Thursday, November
23d, by $50 to 800 Beers, who are be-
,eved to have advanced from Help
makaar and Umvoti. The mounted
Rifles, under Major Leucnars, and
small body of Natal police, totaling l4o
men, posted south of the river bank,
forced the Beers to retire, after two
hours fighting. Our loss was a Ser
goant Major wounded The Tugela rose
during the day, and is now reported
impossible except by boats
A special dispatch received here from
Belmont says that General Methuen's
force numbered 1000 men and that the
Beers had 5000 men. The latter, it is
added, held an exceedingly strong po-
sition on a series of hills, extending
dozen miles. They were strongly en-
trenched, and their cannon were posted
strongly and were excelientiy- served.
The battle begun at o'clock, and
ragged for several hours. The Beers
held their positions with great stub
bornness and splendid courage. The
British rifemen forced an attack under
raking fire, and carried position after
position with superb dash, driving out
the Beers with great slaughter. The
engagement was really a series of bat
ties, during which the Beers were con-
stantly carrying off THAR dead and
wounded.
lowing advices:
Cape Town.. Nov. "a, afternoon
General Methuen further reports this
morning that the wounded are doing
well. There are over fifty prisoners,
including a German commandant and
six field cornets. Nineteen of these
prisoners are. wounded. We are unable
to estimate the Boer losses. The pris-
oners say yesterdays attack was n sur
prise, and that it is the only beating
they have had. A large amount of cor
respondence has been secured. The
reservists are doing well. Colonel Pole
Carl replaces Featherstonbaugh in COM
mand of the Ninth Brigade
Belmont, Cape Colony, Nov. "A, lo
a. m-The entire western division
moved on the Orange River on Tues
day. and bivoucaked at Whiteputs. Two
companies of mounted infantry and
detachment of Lancers were sent TO
hold Thomas farm Their pickets pre-
vented the Beers from advancing. 4 ne
Beers fired cannon, and the British
artillery arrived on the scene and 81
fenced the Beers fire. At 2 O'Clock in
the morning the Guards brigade moved
steadily forward to hill few miles
east of Belmont Station. The Scots and
Grenadiers advanced to within fifty
Yards of the base, wnen the Beers
poured in a scathing fire, staggering
the Guards momentarily. But quickly
recovering, they returned the q eadly
hail to the Beers. The duel was con-
tinued for half an hour. When the
artillery commenced the Beers ev9cu-
ated their front position, and the Scots
Guards rushed the hill with the bayo-
net, amid lusty cheers.
THE Ninth Brigade then moved for
ward in extended order, and the Beers
started a. terrible cross-fire from the
surrounding hills. The Coldstrealns,
supported by the Scots. Grenadiers.
Northumberlands and Northamptons,
stormed the second position in the race
of a constant ard effective Beor fire.
The Ninth Brigade then advanced. the
artillery in the meantime maintaining
excellent practice. The British IN
fantry never wavered, and when a tre-
mendous cheer notified them of he
charge the Beers fed and succeeded IN
gaining a range of hills in the rear, in
spite of the Lancers fanking move
ment. The infantry again gallantly
faced the fire, and the naval brigade
came into action for the first time 1t a
range of 800 yards. The infantry was
we'll supported by the artillery, and the
Ecers, unable to withstand the DEATH
dealing volleys, retired, and were again
forced to abandon some minor losl-
tons. The British cavalry charged the
Beers, and pursued them for five miles.
Possession was taken of the Boer
laager. and the Boer stores were de-
stroyed.
THE Beers hoisted a white flag over
their second position, whereupon Lieu
tenant Willoughby of the Coldstream
Guards stood up and was Immediately
shot down. The Beers twice repeated
the same tactics
The Queen has sent General Methuen
her congratulations on the brilliant
action of my guards, the naval brigade
and the other brave soldiers
BOERS CONFIDENT OF VICTORY.
CAPE TOWN. Nov. 24.-Unconfirmed
reports continue to arrive here to the
effect that General White recently
smith, inducing detachments of the be-
leaguering force to venture into the
open country, when sortie parties from
the British camp captured them.
1t is difficult, however, to believe that
news of such Importance would not
have been officially announced, and it
is held that the affair described will
nroha hlv turn ont tn he the Sorfie re-