The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1900-04-06
BRITISH AMBUSHED.
A Convoy, Under Command of Col.
Broadwood, Falls Into a Trap.
col. PIumer H. Driven Back In
his Efforts to Reach MnfckiaE,
where Heavy FiRbtinE L. Re-
ported ~ Tnking Place.


London. April 3.-rhe war Office re-
ports thar Col. Rroadwood lost seven
guns and all his baggage in the ann
bush laid for him by the Beers ON
saturday. The casualties numbered
$50.
The war Office has received the fol-
lowing dispatch from Lord Roberts,
dated Bloemfontcin. April 1: II re-
ceivcd news late yesterday evening
from Col. Broadwood, who was at
Thaban Chu, thirty-cight miles east
OF here. that Information had reached
him that the enemy was approaching
i'm two forces, from the north and
the east. lie stated that n the re-
port proved true he would retire to-
wards the water works, seventeen
miles nearer Blocmfontein. where we
have had detachment OF mounted
infantry for the protection of the
works.
"Broadwood was told In reply that
the 9th division with Martyrs mount
ed infantry will march 20 daylight
to-day 10 support him. and that II he
considers IL necessary he should re-
tire from the water works. lie moved
there during the night and bivouaced.
At dawn to-day he was shelled by the
enemy. who attacked on three sides.
lie Immediately dispatched two horse
artillery batteries, and his baggage
toward Bloemfontein, covering some
OF them with his cavalry.
''Some two miles from the water
works the road crosses deep nullah,
or spruit. Ia which during the night
force Of Bocrs had concealed them
selves. 80 well were they hidden that
oNr leading scouts passed over the
drift without discovering them. aud
IL was not until the wagons aud guns
were entering the drift that the Beers
ihowed themselves and opened hrc
Many Of the drivers of the artillery
horses were Immediately shot down
at short range and srsrraSof the
guns were captured The remainder
gallopcd away, covered By Roberts
Horse. which suffered heavily.
Meanwhile. Lieut.. Chcstcrmastcrs
OF Remington scouts. found q pace
sage across the spuit uuoccupicd by
the enemy. by which thc remainder 90
Rroadwood's force crossed. They re
formed with grCJt stcudiness. mote
withstanding al that bad previously
occurred.
"Broadwooc report. which has
just reached us. and which contains
90 "details. stated that BE- had lose
seven gums. and an his baggage. Zee
estimates all boil. casualties at $50. sac
cmdnc POO missing.
"On hearing. this morning. that
Hrocdwood Haa hard pressed. D immr-
diatcly ordered Gen. French. with two
remaining cavalry hripadca. TO follow
IN support of thr 9th division. The
latter. after q magnificent march. arr
rived GA the scene of action shortly
after p. m.
"Broadwood's force consisted OF the
Royal Household cavalry, the 10th
nussars. q. and 4. batteriS Of the
Royal Horse artillery. and Pitcher
battalion OF mounted infantry.
"rhe strength Of the enemy l. cs-
timated at from 5000 90 10000 with
guns. the number OF which Is not yet
reported"
Pretoria, March al There has been
heavy lighting between Bradfort and
Bloemfontein. The Wakkerstroom
and Ermelo commanders attacked
1000 British and drove them back
with heavy loss.
According to the reports OF the
wounded who have arrived here. fight
ing occurred all along the line. The
federal troops held positions on the
side and top of the mountain, while
the British positions were on the OPP
posite side OF the hill. The British
sharged repeatedly, but were repulsed
The latest reports say that the fed
erals were more than holding their
own. but the final result of the fight
ing Is not known here. The federal
loss was nine killed and wounded.
Reports from lirandfort. received
alter, state that 1000 federals at
tackled 1900 British successfully. but
that $4,000 British reinforcements ar.
rived. and the federals were compelled
to retire aftgr furnishing the British
severely.
The federal loss, according TO these
reports, was slight.
Pretoria, April l.. Cannonading was
again heard in the direction of Brand.
fort Saturday and IL is reported that
heavy fighting occurred Saturday
around Mafeking. IL is added that
Col. Plumer's relief column was com
oelled TO retire with loss. No details
have been received.
Kimberley, Sunday, April l.
There Is a great Boer activity along
the Vaal river. About 6,OOO burghers
have assembled at varioIs points be-
tween Fourteen Streams and Chris
tiana. About 700 men are occupying
Witrand, north of Klipdam, and 400
men are laagrred at Boetsap.