Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-12-16
DRIVEN BACK FROM 7UCELA RIVER
Retreats to- Avoid Heavier Losses
and Leaves Il Guns in Pos
session OF the Beers.

London. Dec. lf.-13.i7 A. M-The
war office has received 4 dispatch an
nouncing that Cen Butler has met with
a serious reverse. losing II guns.
12.5o 4. M.-Gen. Butler was attempt
ing to cross the Tugela river.
Finding it impossible 20 effect hi
object, H. ordered retirement in Or
der to avoid greater losses.
He left II guns behind.
\. M.-The following is the text Of
Gen. Buffers dispatch announcing his
reverse:
Butler to Lanslowne. Chieveley
Camp, Dec. 15.-620 p. NJ
Il regret to report a serious reverse
moved in full strength from our camp
near Chieveley at 4 O'clock, this morn
ing. There are two fordable places in
the Tugela river and it was my inten-
ton TO force a passage through at one
IF them. They are about two miles
apart.
My intention was to force one or the
other with one brigade, supported by d
central brigade. Gen. Hart was to at
tack the left drift, Gen. Hildyard the
right road, and Gen. Lyttleton was to
take the centre and to support either.
Early in the day. | saw that Gen.
Hart would not be able to force pas
sage. and l directed him to withdraw.
He had, however, attacked with great
galantry and his leading battalion. the
Connaught Rangers, l fear, suffered a
great deal Col. l. g. Brooke was ser
iously wounded.
Il then ordered Gen. Hildyard to adj
vance, which he did and his leading
regiment, the East Surrey. occupied
Colenso station and the houses near
the bridge.
AT that moment, | heard that the
whole artillery l had sent to support
the attack-the 18th and Goth Fieli
Batteries ana six naval 12pounder
vanced close 10 the river in Longs de-
sire to be within effective range. 1t
proved to be fun of the enemy. who
suddenly opened a CALLING fire at close
range. killing all their horses, and the
gunners We're compelled to stand to
their guns.
Some Of the wagon teams got shell
ter for the troops in a dunga. and des-
perate efforts We're made to bring out
the field guns. The fire. however. was
too severe. and only two We're saved by
capt. Schoiield and some drivers.
whose names | will furnish.
Another most gallant attempt with
three teams was made by an officer
whose name | will obtain. of the Is
horses, Is We're killed and as several
drivers We're wounded. | would not al
low another attempt. as it seemed that
they would be a shell mark. sacrificing
life to a gallant attempt to force the |
passage.
unsupported by artillery directed
the troops to withdraw, which they did |
in good order.
''Throughout the day a considerable |
force of the enemy was pressing on my |
right flank, but was kept back by |
men under Lord Dundonald 4
and part Of Gen. Barton's brigade
The day was intensely hot and most
trying to the troops. whose conduct
was excellent.
We have abandoned 10 guns and lost
by shell fire one. The losses in Gen.
Hunts brigade are, | fear. heavy, al
though the proportion of severely
wounded il, hope. not large.
The 18th and 66th Field Batteries
also suffered severe losses. we have
retired to our camp at Chieveley."
London. Dec. 16-4.3O A. M.-The
'eWs of Gen. Buffers defeat was re-
1clved SO late that morning newspa-