Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-10-31

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ing the spot, however, it was found
that they had evacuated the position.
The British continued to advance and
the movement developed into a recon
noissance force. The enemy We're post
ed on a range of hills having a frontage
of about Is miles.
The British force was disposed in the
following order: On right, three regi-
ments of cavalry, four batteries of the
Royal Field Artillery and five battal-
ions of infantry: in the centre, three
batteries of the Royal Field Artillery,
two regiments of cavalry and four in
fantry battalions: on the left. the
Royal Irish Fusiliers, the Gloucester
shire Regiment and the 10th Mountain
Battery.
This force has been detailed to guard
our left flank. at late hour last night.
Gen. Whites plan of operations was
that as the movement developed the
force constituting our centre, Which
was disposed under cover of a kop1e
about three miles from the town
should throw itself upon the enemy
while the left flank was being held by
the Fusiliers and the Gloucesters. The
scheme was we'll devised but faiied III
execution. owing to the fact mat the
Boer position which formed our obJec-
tive was evacuated.
Our artillery quickly reduced the
volume Of the enemy's fire. but the at
tack delivered on our right flank was
the principal one and the column was
compelIed to change. The Boer attack
had been silenced for a time and our
infantry advanced. covered by cavalry.
The enemy now began to develop a
heavy counter attack and as they We're
in great numeral superiority. Gen.
White gave orders for the infantry to
be gradually Withdrawn. The move
ment was carried out with great stead
mess and deliberation, under cover of
orr guns. which made excellent prac
tice
some shells were thrown into the
town from the enemy's 40-pounders at
range of about 5000 yards. but no
damage was done. The engagement
lasted several hours and resulted on
our side in casualties estimated at from
90 to 100. The Boer losses must have
largely exceeded this total.
The attack was admirably delivered
driven out of one of their strongholds
near Lombard's Kop. 1t was not posi-
BILE. however, to push the success much
further. as beyond that point lay a
long broken ridge alfOrding every KIND
of natural cover. OF this the enemy
took the fullest advantage.
our shells failed to dslodSe the
Beers: and. as our infantry moved for
ward in extended order. they came I'M
her a heavy fire and well directed rifle
fire the effects of which was soon APP
parent. Gen. White, who was with
the centre. seeing that the troops on
the right were somewhat pressed. sent
to their assistance the whole centre
column. with the exception of the
Devonshire Regiment.
The battle had lasted four hours.
during which time the artillery fire on
both sides had been almost incessant.
The naval brigades, which landed at
Durham. had arrived on the scene to-
ward the end Of the fight and immedl-
ately brought their heavy guns into
play. Their practice was magnificent
At the fourth shot the enemyS 40
FOUNDERS had been Knocked out of act
ion.
The town, therefore. is freed from
OF bompardhchl
the engagement the Beers
held their ground with courage and tc-
nacity. and. considering the intensity
Of our artillery fire. they must have
suffered severely.