The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-10-23

Iof cavalry operations aithough the
going was heavy after the recent rains.
On approaching within three miles or
SO of the break in the railway line,
our men saw the Boer outpost falling
back, apparently in no great force. We
captured four, who had mistaken our
men for Beers until we We're too near
for them to get away. Then our men
returned, and later Friday night
determined to advance in force on
Flandslaagte at an early hour the fol-
lowing morning. 1t was imperative
that we dislodge the Eoers from
Flandslaagte. as we had learned that
the Orange Free State burghers were
descending from their positions on the
slopes of the Drakenburg from Tntwa
and other western passes to cooperate
with those that are posted at Fiands-
laagte. At an early hour our forces
moved outward. On both hanks were
strong kopjes, on which We're three Dig
guns strongly posted and commanding
wide sweep on all sides. leaving an
opening for retreat.
British armored thain supported by
two trainloads Of infantry Immediately
approached the enemy's position and
was shelled by the Beers Our artil-
iery was at once brought up and drove
the Boers from their guns, making a
series OF brilliant dashes into the val
ley to get nearer the Boer main posi-
t1on. Thrice were the Beers batteries
on the way silenced by our artillery,
although the Beers fought with great
PUCK and determination, returning
each time our guns moved and raining
shrapnel and Maxim bullets against
our advance.
At o'clock a tremendous artillery
duel was in progress. Two Boer guns
splendidly placed were stubbornly
fought for two hours and a quarter,
while mounted Beers endeavoreu to
come into contact with the men on the
right Then at 6:15 the Devonshire
regiment, half the Gordon Highland
ers, half the Manchester regiment and
the Imperial light horse advanced on
the position and stormed the enemy's
front. A bayonet charge was sounded
as the roar of artillery on both sides
suddenly ceased, and our men, the Dew
onshires leading, made superb dash
against the main body OF the Beers,
undaunted by facing a fearful fire.
Twice We're they checked by the terri
BILE fusilade. Once the advance uuiv-
cred for a moment, but then. with
ringing, roaring cheers, the whole of
our force hurled itself forward like en-
avalanche and swept over the kopjes,
bayoneting the broken enemy in all
directions.
The Beers We're overwhelmed They
paused then retreated, then raised the
white flag and surrendered. Two or
three hundred broke and ran. pursued
by the Fifth lancers, who charged
through and through them.
1t was quite dark by this time, but
the slaughter must have been great.
The Gordon Highanders say the storm
ing of Dargai ridge was mere child's
play compared with this attack. The
Boer loss must have been heavy The
best estimates place it at certainly over
400 killed One of the captured Beers
told me that if he had known the Eng
lish soldiers could shoot as our men
did he would ne%er have come. An
other Boer said he knew he was fight
ing for lost cause. Yet a third ex-
pressed surprise that he had to shoot
at men wearing khaki. He was terri
bly, detected. He had been told to shoot
at men with red coats and white collars.
and he saw none. His impression SEEM
ed to be that the men who fought
against him were not Englishmen.
A heavy rain, heavier than any have
ever seen, fell Immediately after the
battle, making a piteous scene of the
battlefield, where many wounded were
lying.
The Devonshire regiment captured
three Boer fiage. Commandant DeMeel-
lion of johannesburg was taken prison.
er. 1t is reported that Piet Joubert,
who was wounded and captured. has
succumhed to his wound. A bugle boy
of the First lancers, only IA years old.
shot three Beers with his revolver. On
returning after the fight he was carried
shoulder high around the camp.
Everybody testifies TO the splendid
fighting and stubborn bravery of the
Beers. but this tribute requires some
qualification, as l have learned to-day
that, while the Gordon Highlanders
were bringing in the wounded last
night, a sharp fire was opened upon
them by some Boer parties in hiding
Our losses, considering the desperate
nature of the engagement, are regard
ed as light.