The Forrest City times., 1900-03-02


 Gen. Cronje's force was becoming more depressed, and that the discon- tent of the troops and the discori among the leaders were rapidly in- creasing.
 Acccntuatcd by Disappointment.
 ~This feeling was doubtless accen- tuated by the disappointment caused when the B0er achievements which tried to relieve Gen. Cronje were de- fcated by our troops or February 23. l resolved, therefore to bring pressure to bear upon the enemy. Each night she trenches were pushed forward to- ward the enemy's laager so as to gradually contract his position, and at the same time I bombarded it heavily with artillery, which was, yesterday, materially aided.by the arrival of four six-inch howit.ers which had ordered up from De Aar.
 Used a Captive Balloon.
 ''In carrying out these measures a captive balloon gave great assistance by keeping us informed of the dispo- sitions and movements of the enemy. At 2. m., to-day most dashing a,l- vance was made by the Canadian regl- ment and some engineers, supported by the First Gordon Highlanders and Second ShrOpshires, resulting in our gaining point some 600 yards nearer the enemy and within about so yards of his trenches, where our men in- trenched themselves and maintained their positions till morning, galian. deed worthy of our colonial comrades, and which, l am glad to say was at, tended by comparatively slight loss.
 This apparently clinched matters, for, at daylight letter, signed by Gen. Cronje, in which he stated that ne surrendered unconditionally, was brought to our outposts under a flag Of truce.
 ''ln my reply I told Gen. Cronie he must present himself at my camp, and that his forces must come out of their aaager after laying down their arms. By a. m., I received Gen. Cronjc and dispatched a telegram to you an- nouncing the fact.
 Gen. CrOnJe's Request.
 ssln the course of conversation Gen. Cronje asked for kind treatment at our hands, and also that his wife, grandson, private secretary adjutant and servants might accompany him wherever he might be sent. I reas- suIed him and told him his request would be complied with. 1 informed him that general officer would be sent with him to Cape Town, to in- sure his being treated with proper re- speet en route. He will start this af- teraoon under charge of Maj.-Gen. Prettyman, who will hand him over to the general commanding at Cape Town.
 The other Prisoners.
 ''The prisoners, who number about 3,e00, will be formed into commandos under our own officers. They will also leave here teddy. reaching the Mod der river tomorrow. when they will be rai'cd to Cape Town in detach- ments."
 Read In Parliament. . The above dispatch was read in both house of lords and the house of com- mons. The reference to the Canadians evoked immense and prolonged cheer ing.
 Mr. \. J. Balfour, the government leader in the house of commons. said he had no information relative to the Boer guns.
 About Four Thousand Prisoners.
 Londcn, Feb. a7, 6:25 p. mt is now announced that Lord Roberts has notified the war office that the number of Bocr prisoners approxinates 4,0oo, of which about 1,l50 arc citizens of the Orange Free State. The remainder are citizens of the Transvaal.
 Twenty-nine Transvaal officers were captured and IS Free State officers were made prisoners.
 The guns captured from the Trans vaal forces were three 75-centimctre Krnpps, nine 1-pounder and one Max i'm gun. From the Free Staters, the British captured one 75-centimetre Krupp and one Maxim gun.
 some of tIse British Casualties.
 London, Feb. 27, 6:35 p. m.--The war efice has issued list of 72l non'