The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-02-21
ASSEMBLING To
OPPOSE ROBERTS
Continued From First Page)

yards. Our guns. opened upon them and
force of AMOUNTED infantry crossing the
river. made a dashing charge in the at
tempt 10 cut off the head of the enemy
column. But in half an hour their whole
force had gained shelter under line of
koDics.
Meanwhile two of our batteries had
come up and also the OXfordS, West
Rulings and Gloucesters. Our infantry
crossed the drift and for three hours were
engaged with the enemy while our bat
tclies shelled his position The mounted
infantry kept hard at work
Unable to Withstand our CALLING hrc
the enemy retired. disputing every nch
Of the way and took up a second posi-
ton en- the kopies to the eastward. 1t
was magnificent spectacle TO see the
Boer army thus at bay. Their rear
guard. 1000 strong. fought us, while the
main body trekkel further east and then
brought their guns into action. while the
rear guard retired.
THE action lasted through the day.
Our infantry fought splepdidly, but the
enemy held his ground under the con-
tinued bomhardment. Later on the Boer
commander vcmtured on bold stroke.
Leaving 1000 of his men uule" cover he
withdrew the rest from fiS main position
and headed fer Kip drift, 81; miles TO
the east
This movement was soon discovered.
Our mounted infantry came back across
the drift and marched along the south
bank to endeavor TO head on the enemy.
When they reached the neighborhood of
Kip Kraal Drift, night had fallen and
half the Beers were already across on the
south side. Our mounted infantry har-
raised their movements.
"Meanwhle the Boer rear guard, hav-
ing covered the crossing of the main
body. retired slowly and successfully
passed the drift The rear guard fought
desperately and as it fell back to the
river it was harassed on the flank and on
the rear by the British.
Having thus passed the Moddcr an
der cover eff darkness, the Beers trekked
throughout the night in the direction
of Blcemkfontein. General Kelly.henny,
with the Sixth division. pursued them at
daylight. General Macdonald with tho
Iic,llanderS following him. MaeDt mad
reached Kip Kraal Drift h forced
marches Sunday. General Iiciif Kenny
moving from Kip Kraal Dri't w, en-
deayoring to outfiank the enemy and cut
them off from Bloenfon.siI, 50 as 20
drive them back into Gan"cll Ma"D0n-
AIDS hands When ! left she front Gen
eral Kelly-Kenny had nor come mp with
the enemy"
COULDN'S FACE THAT HAIL.
Buluwayo, Feb 12.-4'olonel Plumer
sent Major Bird with 200 coloniais, 10
attempt the capture of The Boer -
FOUNDER on a kopje near Crocodile Pools
Major Bird met with such a terrific
rifle and Shell fire that he considered the
position TOO strong and ordered re-
tirnent.
Colonel the Hon. II. f. White is
slightly wounded. Major Straker was
severely wounded, 10 pIivates were
wounded and Captain Samson French
and 8 men are missing.
MODERN CAVE JEWELLERS.
London. Feb 21--A dispatch to the
Daily Mail from Mafeling, dated Fri
day February 9th, says:
''All business here is being conducted
under ground The resident commission
or has sumptuous apartments in sub
terranean bomb proof.
The Cape police have Il large hall with
a piano. The Mafelling Hotel dining
room seats 40. All these have been dug
out and are impervious to shells