Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1899-12-15
BOERS WIN VICTORY.
Gen, Gatacre Suffers Serious Re-
verse at Their Hands.
An Engagement mt stormberg in
Which He Is Forced to Retire with
Loss of Two Killed, 30 wounded
and COS Missing.

Which He Is Forced to Retire with
Loss OF Two Killed, 30 wounded
and COS Missing.
Molteno, Cape Colony, Sunday, Dec.
10.-Gen. Gatacre left Putter's kraal
by train for Molteno and then pro-
ceeded by forced march 10 miles to-
ward Stormberg. He had 1000 men,
including the Northumberland flu
sileers, the Royal Irish rifles and two
batteries of field artillery. The British
were unmolested by the Beers until
| the Boer position was reached, when n
hot fire was unexpectedly opened up
on the advancing column. The en-
gagement began at AIS a. m. At seven
a. M, after sharp artillery duel, the
British retired. They are now march
ing toward Molteno. Gen. Gatacre
found the enemy's position impreg-
nable. 1t was impossible for the Brit
ish infantry to get at the Beers.
Gen. Gatacre's movement may be
termed reconnaissance in force. Its
object was to ascertain the strength
of the position of the Beers who were
strongly intrenched along the Storm
berg range. He left Putter's kraal
shortly after noon Saturday with
fighting force slightly over 1000 men.
Leaving Molteno at nine Saturday
evening, he made memorable night
march over the rocks and veldt. There
was no sound except a steady tramp
and there were no distinguishing
lights, the moon having gone down
about 1880.
Boers Open Fire.
The column arrived safely within a
couple of miles of its destination, the
only incidents of the march being an
occasional sudden call of halt" under
the belief that the Beers were near.
Suddenly terrific fire opened stimuli
taneously on the British front and
right flank. The Royal Irish rifles.
which formed the advance, sought
shelter behind a neighboring kopie
and were speedily joined by the re-
mainder of the column. 1t was soon
found, however, that this position also
was covered by Boer guns, which were
more powerful than had been sup
posed. The troops therefore sought
safer position about hall a mile away,
two batteries in the meantime engag-
ing the Beers and covering the troops
in their withdrawal.
Forced to Retreat.
The action now became general at
long range, and detachment of mount
ed infantry moved northward with a
view of gatling on the enemy's right
flank. Suddenly strong commando
) was seen moving from the north. and
the Royal Irish rifles and the Northum-
berland regiment were sent out to
, meet it. 1t was soon discovered, how
, ever, that the Beers had machine guns
, well placed, and the British were COM
PEELED to face a terrible fire. Finding
it impossible to hold the position in
the face of an enemy apparently su-
: perior in position, numbers and artil-
lery, the British retired on MoIteno,
the Beers following up the retirement
: closely and bringing two big guns to
. bear on the retiring column. 1t is be-
: lieved here that the British casualties
we're not serious.
Gatncre Reports.
London, Dec. 1.-THE war office
publishes the following dispatch from
Gen. Forestier-Walker at Cape Town:
"Gatacre reports: Deeply regret to in
form you that met with a serious reverse
in the attack on stormberg. was misled
as to the enemy's position by the guides
and found impracticable ground"
Gen. Gatacre reports further that
his losses amount to two killed, &c
wounded and COS officers and men
missing.
l MisIed by Guides.
. London, Dec. 1.-THE Times pub
+, fishes the following dispatch from
Molteno:
= Gen. Gatacre attempted to assault the
}, Boer position at Stormberg at dawn to-day
!, Sunday. The guides led US wrong, and
we were surprised while in fours and after
a very trying night march. Our retirement
: was effected in excellent order. there being
= no hurry even at the most critical time
q The Northumberlands and Irish rifles be-
haved as If on review day. fear our iosse.
{ are heavy. One of our guns we had Il
[ abandon"
e Victim of Treachery.
The disclosure of such strong force
at Stormberg was quite unexpected
Doubtless Gen. Gatacre was the victim
: of treacherous guides. But the result
4 points also to the absence of proper
n cavalry scouting.
=. Boer Guns Captured.
/ London, Dec. 1.-THE war office ha!
e issued a dispatch from Gen. Butler
}. dated at Frere Camp, Saturday after
t, noon, saying he had received the fol
n lowing from Gen. White:
S Last night sent Gen. Hunter with 80
2, Natal volunteers under Roynston and 10
of the Imperial light horse under Edward
TO surprise gun on hill. The enterpris
q was admirably carried out and was en-
~ tirely successful, the hill being eapture'
} and six-inch gun and howitzer being de
y stroyed with gun cotton by Capt. Fowk
y and Lieut. Turner. A maxim was captureo
y and brought to Ladysmith. Our loss wa