The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-06

daily occupied Gen. Pole-Carew ordered
two battalions of guards to move silently
after nightfal and occupy the kop1es
which was done without opposition. This
greatly facilitated the advance, as the
Beers relinquished the spruit, allowing
the passage of the whole force unopposed.
About three hours after the advance
commenced. heavy artillery firing was
heard to the right. Maxwell, finding that
the Beers had two guns posted In good
position, engaged them with his artil-
lery at a 1.500-yard range. Both sides
fired furiously, but the Beers guns were
soon completely slenced.
The gun fire was heard to the left,
where Gen. Hutton had come in touch
with the Beers. who were holding a strong
position. Owing, however to the unex-
pected arrival OF the British. the Beers
left several small kopjes unoccupied, and.
seizing these, Gen. Hutton opened fire
with his battery, sending Col. Anderson
to outfiank the Beers on the left.
The Beers, unable to withstand the
shrapnel. evacuated their kopjes, stream
ing across the plain towards a small
kopje Immediately above. commanding
the town.
As they retreated the battery placed
several shells with great accuracy in
their midst, and they Immediately re-
treated from their second position, a
move that was perceived by Hutton. who
sent portion of his troops In pursuit
Remington seized the kopje abandoned
by the Beers. Thereupon the Beers re-
tired, leaving the town at the mercy of
the British. In the meantime. Col An
derson. trying TO outnahk found the
Beers position. His galloping Maxim
received heavy pompon fire and was
obliged to retire.
On the other side Maxwell forced the
Beers position.
BY o'clock the whole force was seen
four miles OF. trekklng north. Several
prisoners were taken. including a COM
mandant who had returned in order to
destroy the telegraph instruments.
Tho townspeople declare that the Irish
American contingent with the Beers be-
haved rio,ously when the fighting be-
gan, and refused 20 take part IN Ut, only
manning a kopje close to the town
The military attaches with the Beers
watched the night through glasses from
koples near the town, following the move
ments on maps. II appears that while
watching the British advance In front
they failed 70 perceive Huttan's move
ment and his arrival caused them 10 re-
treat.
An the British movements were carried
out IKE clcckwork The casualties were
very few Their advance presented a su-
perh spectacle Is the long front pushed
slowly forward After the retreat OF the
Beers, the whole mounted infantry was
sent In pursuit entering the town at
: p. m, close behind the retreating Boars
but the latter were too quick to DO over
taken
While Gen Poie-Carew's division was
occupying the town Gen. Tucker engages
with force o., some 5000 Beers on ths
British rigAt s7uihwest 81 the town
During the artillery duel wavelrs hrg.
eade came under he concentrated ar -
the Boer guns ana were forced 10 retire
The Beers anaily retired with two guns
disabled, making good their retreat.
The prisoners say that there were about
$500 Beers Ia the town. including ! 900 WI /,
had been opposed to the British at Thaba
N'Chu.