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

LONDON, Nov. 25.-5 q. m.-Thus
far the special despalches describing
the battle of Belmont bear a stereo-
typed character proving that the hand
of the censor has been at work upon
them. They are too iucpherent to en-
able the reader to form au accurate
idea of the event, or to place a proper
estimate upon the value of the vicI DRY.
All the accounts agree respecting the
splendid fighting qualities exhibited on
both sides.
All admit, however, that the victory
could not be properly followed up and
utilized, owing to the want of sufficient
cavalry.
The fact that no guns and only forty
prisoners were captured by the victors,
and that the Beers carried off their dead
aod wounded, shows that they retired
in an orderly manner, without precipi.
tation or confusion, and that probably
the Boer casualties were not numerous.
LoIDoN, Nov. 27.-Methuen is fiud-
ing the advance to the relief of Kim
berley a tough proposition. Boer col
umns met him twice in distance of
ten miles. An official dispatch giving
news of a second fight at Gras Pan is
obscure i two important points, first,
the extent of the British losses; second
the fate of the Ninth Lanciers. From
the meager reports it appears that the
battle of Gras Pan was less decisive
than Belmont.
CAPE Town, Nov. 2S-It is report.
ed that Gen. Methuen has captured
Honey Nest Kloof, ten miles north Of
Gras Pan, aud two million rounds OF
ammunition.
EsTCoURT, Nov. 28.-The railroad
! bridge at Frere, spanning wide
stream, has been destroyed by the
Beers, who are reported to be retiring
rapidly. A general advance upor
Colenso has been ordered, and fyinl
column has left here to intercept thu
Boer raiding parties.
LONDON, Nov. 28.-The war offic,
has received the following despatch
from Gen. Butler, dated Pietermaritz
burg, Natal, Sunday, Nov. 26: "Hild
yard, from Estcourt, made successful
attack Nov. 90 with three battslions
ore field battery, naval gun and 70(
mounted troops, on the enemy occupy
ing Beacon Hill, which dominates vii
liam Grange, and had interrupted hi
communication. AS result of tn,
operations the enemy is retiring anC
the railway and telegraph lines hav,
been restored between Estcourt ant
Weston. Our loss was about IA killet
and 80 wounded. Hildyard has ad
vanced to position near Frere, as h.
hopes to cut off the enemy, who is be
| lieved to be retiring on Colenso
via Weenen. Barton, from Weston
has advanced to Eslcourt. AS soon a
communication is restored l will tele
graph particulars. So far as can max
out, the operation is one for which
Hildyard and the troops deserve mucl
credit. The railway is now open tt
Frere."
LONDON, Nov. 2S.-Methuen report
that the Ninth Lancers lost one killed
eight wounded, in the battle of Ora
Pan. He mentions no missing, henc
the war office supposes the regimen
which was reported to have been cap
tured by the Beers returned in safety.
EIilyard's losses at the Beacon Hi
sortie, last week, was officially place
at 10 killed, 70 wounded, ten missing
II is understood that the government
has decided to proceed immediatel
with the mobilization and emSarkatiol
for South Africa of sixth division 0
10000 men, under well-known lieu
tenant general.
LONDON, Nov. 28.-Methuen's losse
at Gras Pan were very heavy. Tote
casualties were 19S The Yorkshir
regiment lost three officers, AS me
killed, wounded and missing.
Butler reports a recOnnoisance b
Methuen's men on Sunday in whic
SO Lancers took part.