Weekly Mail

GATACRE EXPLAINS. The following was issued from the War Office on Tuesday afternoon: — "From the General Officer Commanding, Cape, to the Secretary of State for W ar — "CAPE TOWN, December 11. "Gatacre reports: — "Idea of attack of Stormberg seemed to promise certain success, but distance was under-estimated by self and local guides. "A policeman took us round some miles. "Consequently, were marching from 9.30 p.m. till four in the morning, and were landed in an impossible oosition. "I do not consider error was intentional. "Boers commenced firing from top of unscalable hill, and wounded a good many men. White in open plain 2nd Northum- berland Fusiliers tried to turn out enemy, but failed. "2nd Battalion Irish Rifles seised kopie !ie",r. and held on. supported by mounted infantry and Cape Police. "The rruns, under Jeffreys. could not have been better handled, but I regret to say njie srun overturned in deep nullah. "One sunk in ouicksand. "Neither could be extricated in time available. "Seeing situation, T sent a dispatch- rider to Molteno with news. "I collected and withdrew force from ridie to vidce for about nine miles. "The Boer guns were remarkably well served, and carried accurately 5.000 yards. "I am holding Bushmans Hoek and Cyphcrgiit. "I am sending 2nd Battalion Irish Rifles and 2nd Battalion Northumberland Fu?iliers to Sterkstroom to recuperate. "Wounded proceed to Queenstown. "The name of Mnior Sturaes. 2nd Bat- talion Northumberland Fusiliers, should be substituted for fb"t of Maior Stevens, reported missing the previews telegram. "The number of rank and file reported missing of the Northumberland Fusiliers is 366. not 303, as previously reported.'

REPORTED CONFUSION. ARTILLERY FIRE ON OUR OWN MEN. ["THIES" TEI':I¡;GRPLl I OAPE TOWN, Monday. The account given by the "Argus" of the Stormberg reverse indicates that there was' considerable confusion in the course of the retreat. On one occasion it is reported the artillery fired on a body of our own men who had not yet retreated out of a hollow, wounding several.

CASUALTIES AMONG OFFICERS OF HIGH- LANDERS AND GUARDS. The Press Association telegraphsThe fol- lowing list of casualties among officers in the engagement by Lord Methuen on the 11th of December was issued by the War Office on Thursday: HIGHLAND BRIGADE. STAFF. Killed: Major-general Wanchopc. Seriously wounded Lieutenant Macleod. WEST RIDING REGIMENT. Wounded: Lieutenant Wauchope. SECOND ROYAL HIGHLANDERS. Killed: Lieutenant-colonel Coode, Captain Elton, Lieutenant Edmonds. Missing: Captain the Hon. Cumming Bruce, Captain Macfarlan, Lieutenant Ramsey. Wounded: Major Cuthbeitson, Captain Came- ron. Lieutenant St. J. Harvey, Lieutenant Berthon, Lieutenant Tait, Second-lieutenant Bullock, Second-lieutenant Drummond, Second- lieutenant Innes. Slightly wounded: Major Duff, Major Ber- keley. Lieutenant J. Harveyf SECOND SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS. Killed: Captain J. R. Clark. Lieutenant Cox, Second-lieutenant Coure. Missing: Major K. R. Mackenzie, Captain Brodie. Wounded: Captain Featherstonhaugh, Lieu- tenant Chamley, Second-lieutenants Water- j house (dangerously), Hall, Wilson. Clive, Baillie. FIRST HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY. Killed: Captains Cowan and Lambton. Wounded: ^Lieutenant colonel Kelham (slightly), Captain Noycs (severelv), Captain Wolfe Murray (slightly). Captain Richardson, 'c Second-lieutenants A. J. Martin, Knight, Fraser. FIRST ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS. Killed: Lieutenant-colonel Goff. Wounded: Major Robin-on (since dead), Lieu- tenant Graham. Second lieutenant King. Second-lieutenant Scott (seriously). Captain Campb-cll (slightly), Lieutenant Vausrlinn. 1st YORKSHIRE AND LANCASTER I REGIMENT. Lieutenant Yaughan (slightly). 1st GORDON HIGHLANDERS.. Died of wounds: Captain Wingate. Dangerously wounded: Lieutenant-colonel I Downman, Captain W. E. Gordon, and See nd- lieutenant Campbell. Seriously wounded: Captain M'Nab. CASUALTIES AMONG NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN. HIGHLAND BRIGADE. About 650. GUARDS' BRIGADE l-t COLDSTREAM GUARDS. Wounded: Lieufenant-coioncl Codrington. Major the Hon. W. Lambton, Captain J Ster- ling, Second-lieutenants W. Beckwith. n Foliett, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN. Killed 5. Wounded: 25. 2nd COLDSTREAM GUARDS Killed: Major the Marquess cf Winchester. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN. Killed: 1. Wounded: 21. Missing: 1 Non- commissioned officer. CAVALRY BRIGADE STAFF. Wounded: Captain Briggs. 1st DRAGOON GUARDS. Wounded: Brigade-major. 12th LANCERS. NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN. Killed: 1. Wounded: 18. 9th LANCERS. Killed: 1. Wounded: 9. MOUNTED INFANTRY. Killed: Major Milton and Major Ray. FIRST NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS. Wounded: Lieutenant-colonel Bigron. AUSTRALIAN ARTILLERY. Attached: Lieut-enant Cowie. ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY. Wounded: Lieutenant Tudor (G Battery) Major Maberley, and three men. NINTH BRIGADE. FIRST YORK AND LANCASTER. Eight men wounded. ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS. Wounded: Lieutenant Douglas. Taken prisoner: Major Burtchaell. FIELD ARTILLERY. Twenty-one men wounded.

HOW THE HIGHLANDERS WERE CAUGHT. I DESPEllATE FIGHTING. 'CKXTi!L NEWS TELEGRAM.] MODDER RIVER CAMP, Tuesday Morning. Yesterday's battle was the most desperate of the series which this army has fought since it started to drive the enemy from its front. Our immediate object failed. Our losses have been terribly severe, but the J struggle brought into bold relief all the best qualities of the British soldier. We know now that the bombardment which we maintained for hours on Sunday and Mon- day upon the Boer trenches inflicted fearful havoc amongst the enemy, but it did not destroy their fine nerve, although it killed and ¡ wounded hundreds of them. We marched during the night upon Mager3- fontein, and ware hopeful of catching the Boers napping. The Highland Brigade led the advance, marching in close order. It was thought that the nearest cf the Beer trenches were a long way off. Just as the day was breaking, however, the Highlanders almost stumbled upon the enemy's advanced trenches. They had got within short rifle range, and then the concealed Boers opened fire with appalling effect into our close ranks, the men falling by the score at every volley. The Highlanders fell back, took what cover they could, and waited still undar a tremen- dous fire until support was sent to them. Then they made another frontal attack only to fail again. Meantime, the Guards Brigade were endea- vouring to turn the enemy's left flank, but the positions held by the Boers were virtually impregnable, and, moreover, the enemy had been reinforced at that part of the wide field of battle by the arrival in the small hours of the morning of 2,000 fresh men and guns. The flanking movement had, therefore, to be abandoned. Our artillery fire throughout tne day was magnificent. The naval 4.7in. gun, which our fellows have named "Joe Chamberlain," was con- spicuous throughout the battle, and did superb service, and next in' activity and efficiency wa, the howitzer battery. These guns threw- a big shell chargsd with lyddite right amongst the DJerii for hours. Every shell fell true, and exploded accu- rately with devastating effect I The Boers fought with stubborn gallantry from beginning to end, and took advantage of every turn of the game. It is abundantly evident that we shall have I to turn them out of their positions at the point of the bayonet. Nothing elise will move them. The cost will be great, but' the work will have to be done. Our heavy casualties include many officers. When night fell we had gained no advan- tage. This morning the whole force returned to this camp, and are now resting.

WOUNDED OFFICERS DOING WELL. A cablegram, dated the 13th inst., has been received at the headquarters of the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, Belfast, from Major H. J. Seton, second in command of the battalion, who was wounded at Stormberg last Sunday, stating that all the wounded officers are going on well.

ADDITIONAL CASUALTIES. The War Office on Thursday afternoon issued the following:- General of Lines of Communication at Cape Town wire; that he has accidentally omitted to report the death from wounds received in action of Captain Blackburn (Rhodesia Regi- ment, 1st Cameronians) on October 22. Private Chappell. Royal Canadian Regiment, died of tonsilitis at Belmont, December 13.

DRAMATIC SCENES. The scene at the War Office on Thursday morning on the publication of the casualties among officers at Magersfontein was most dramatic. From the hour of the opening of the Office there had been a steady incursion of inquirers, and when it became known that the list was about to be issued excitement was manifested which baffled all attempts at suppression. When the eageriy-expected offi- cial appeared with a number of ominous look- ing blue sheets in his hand the ladies crowded round. Having but a limited number of copies, the official announced his intention to read the list aloud. It need hardly be said the moment was one of intensest feeling. The anguish of one as she heard the name that she dreaded to hear recited in clear, yet sym- pathetic, tones and the happy relief of another as the black list of the regiment she was inte- rested in ended and another began all con- tributed to a scene that could not easily be forgotten. One lady, overcome by her emo- tion, left the throng in an almost fainting condition.

DETAILS OF THE FIGHT. MODDER RIVER, Tuesday (2.55 p.m.). We attacked the Boers yesterday. It is estimated that they were 12,000 strong. They were occupying a very strong posi- tion six miles to the north-east, in the Magersfontein kopjes. The Highland Brigade advanced before dawn to storm the line of trenches. They got to the base of the kcpjes, but were repulsed with lieavv Joss. I regret to say that General Wauchope, commanding the brigade, was killed. Our artillery, consisting of four batte- ries and a naval gun, shelled the enemy's position, and Lord Methuen's force tried to break through the Boer left flank, between the kopjes and Modder River, but the Boers wore too strong. The attack on the enemy's front, where the Highlanders had failed in the morn- ing. was pressed all dav. The Gordon Highlanders made a heroic attempt to retrieve the failure, and the colonel, with a few of his men, got within 200 yards of the trenches, but could not get any further, and the colonel was mortally wounded. The brigade, having lost very heavily in officers and men. retired, and returned this morning to the general camp here. The guns and the Guards' Brigade covered the retirement. Our losses are very heavy. The Marquess of Winchester is among the killed. ° The force engaged consisted of the Guards. th" Highlanders, the IRth, 62nd, and 75thvField Batteries, a battery of Royal Horse Artillery, the 9th and 12th Lancers, and a howitzer battery. [Not.c.-Lord Winchester is the fifteen mar- quess. and has been captain of the 1st Bat- talion Coldstream Guards since 18?0. He served in the Nile Expedition in 1885, and was 41 years of age.]

BOER VERSIONS. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] PRETORIA, Monday. According to an official report which has been received here, heavy fighting began yesterday afternoon near Modder River, and is still proceeding. I It is added that the Boers maintain their position. [PRESS ASSOCIATION WAR SPECIAL.] PRETORIA, Monday (Via Lourenco Marques, Tuesday). An official report which has been received here states that lighting began near Modder River yesterday afternoon. It commenced with a brisk cannonade, which lasted until half-Dast nine in the evening. The battle was resumed early this morn- ing, the British opening with heavy bom- bardment at half-past four. The burghers rep'ied with artillery, and subsequently Maxims and rifles were employed on both sides. Fighting was still proceeding when the dispatch left. I A balloon bad just risen above the British position. It remained in the air for ten minutes, and then descended. Another dispatch, sent off at nine o'clock this morning from Modder River, whither it had been brought by dispatch rider, says rain fell heavily during the night. The Boers maintained all their positions, and 41 British prisoners had been taken. A further telegram, dated Modder River, 9.30 a.m., says: -It is reported that the heavy cannon fire has somewhat abated. The British are constantly using their balloon, and fighting continues. Kimberley remains quiet.

LAD Y S M IT II. BRILLIANT SORTIE. LOMBARDS KOP STORMED. CAPTURE OF BOJER GUNS. ENEMY RUN AWA Y From the "Daily Telegraoh" Special Correspondent. By Special Arrangement for Simultaneous Publication. TV, ,LAD?SMirH' Friday. Ihe most brilliant piece of work that'has been done during the siege was accom- plished at an cany hour this morning A coiumu eomnoscd of light horse w v- atal Volunteers, supported bv British Regular cavalry, went out last mght under the command of General Sir Archibald Hunter. Before dawn broke they attacked the gun hit! near Lombards Kop. carried the position, and blew up three guns. includ- ing a 6-inch Creusot piece and a howitzer, and captured a Maxim-NordeufeIt quick- nrer. Our gallant little force left the town before ten o'clock last night, and took up I a Position near the foot of Lombards Kop. About two o'clock this (Friday) morning the advance began. The troops got past the Boer picket in the darkness, and were charging several hundred yards up the hill when the picket awoke. A sentry hailed, "Wie gait daar?" ("Who goes there?"), and, getting no reply, he fired his rifle, then ran off. shouting, "Wit- lem hans Marteens" ("Fly, the Rooineks are upon you !") I The Boers round the guns fired several volleys, and then fled, dismayed, down the opposite side of the hill. Our men seized the guns without oppo- sition. Our Enaineers and men of No. 10 Mountain Battery blew up the heavv guns with gun-cotton, and carried off the Maxim-Nordenfelt. The Boers had built a splendid emplace- ment on the top of the hill, but they bolted before our men like rabbits, leaving every- thing, even their private letters, behind them. One of these epistles said they had bombarded Ladysmith for a month and nine days, but the "Rooineks" were going abcut unconcernedly. If the town was to be taken the Boers must do it at a terrible less of life. Our troops brought away the breechblock of "Long Tom," together with the rammer, sponges, sights, friction tubes, and other fittings of the weapon. All the guns on the hill were quite destroyed, and are now utterly useless for offensive or defensive purposes. The whole operation, counting from the moment the order to charge was given, was carried out in three-quarters of an hour, with the loss on our side of seven men wounded. This magnificent piece of work haa evidentlv filled the Boers with dismay, as their guns on Mount Bulwana have prac- tically been silent all the day, and the success of the attack cannot fail to have an immense effect upon the morale of the Boers. At daybreak a smart skirmish took place between the 18th Hussars and the 5th Lancers and the enemy to the^north-west of Ladysmith, near Pepworth Hill. Our cavalry had been covering the attack on the guns during the night. The Boers thought that all our troops were engaged at Lombards Kop, and tried to get near the town. but the movement was checked in capital style by the cavalry and our infantry on Long Hill. The fighting was over at about six o'clock. Our total loss for the whole morning's work was four killed and seventeen wounded, which may be regarded as trivial in view of the brilliance and importance of the feat performed by our troops, which has inflicted severe loss upon the enemy, and has given the garrison increased con- fidence. General Sir George White later on per- sonally thanked the troops engaged for their services, particularly the guides, under Major Henderson, who was slightly wounded in two places. Thursday, .G is reported that the guns of the relief column were heard to the southward at fiy ■ o'clock this morning. The Boers continue to shell the town and hospital. Onr casualties since November 1 ,re:- Killed, 31; wounded, 145; missing, three; total, 179. The Boer reports of the number killed an wild exaggerations. Since the beginning of the siege we have disabled or destroyed four of the enemy's guns, while none of ours have been touched. The Boers are not a yard nearer Lady- smith than they were on November 1. and their bombardment is feebler now than it was at the beginning of the investment. Over 4.000 shells have been thrown into thi town, ana only about one shell in thirtv has hurt individuals, though con- siderable damage has been done to pro- perty. The Boers have not fired projectiles near the Town-hall since the Red Cross flag was removed. All here are well, confident, and hope- ful. SIR GEORGE WHITE'S SPEECH OF CONGRATULATION. Fall particulars of the last sortie from Ladysmith have already been published. The "Times" correspondent now sends General White's speech to the volunteers on their return to camp. His speech was as foliows:- Colonel Royston, officers, and men of the mounted volunteers, officers and men of the Imperial Light Horse, officers and men of the Imperial forces,-I have heard details of last night's work from Major-general Hunter, who so ably planned the undertaking, and so boldly carried it out.- He has asked me to express to you his deep appreciation of the admirable manner in which you supported him in it throughout. This is a great pleasure to me. I am here, not only to acknow. ledge the fine work you did last night, and your valuable services, but also because I was longing for an opportunity of acknowledging the value of your services since this campaign commenced. I am glad to think that the very important service rendered last night wps got through with so very few casualties. It will be great pleasure to me to report to General Sir Redvers Buller, whom we all hope to see in a few days, the good behaviour and great help we have had from the Natal Volunteers who, I may say, without any inflated or exaggerated language, are a credit, not only to their own Colony, but to the Empire. We, I dare say. have a lot of severe fighting before us. and it is a great gratification to me to know that I have the help of such men as I see before me. I know you had a bad night last night, and are need- ing rest, but I thought you would not. perhaps, mind my turning you out to tell you how all the officers of this force appreciate your behaviour, and I hope you will keep it up to the end. Colonel Royston. I will not keep the parade any longer Hearty cheers were given for the Queen, General White, and Major- general Hunter.

PUSHING TOWARDS LADYSMITH. TROOPS MOVED TO CHIEVELEY. I From the "Daily Telegraph" War Correspondent. By Special ^mnigemeitt for Simultaneous Publication. FRERE CAMP, Monday (4.15 p.m.). Firing was heard this morning at Lady- smith. A commando of several hundred Boers with one gun moved towards Chieveley this forenoon. The enemy, however, halted north of Chieveley. and there was no exchange of shots. A court-martial is being held at Frere on three men named Oosthinsens, and a fourth, named Jansen, who were captured beyond Gurton with looted property in their possession. Little dcubt is entertained of the result. The weather is fine. Daily the troops are engaged in field exercises, and the health of the men is excellent. There are now only four cases upon the sick list. To-day the camp has been practisinr striking tents, loading wagons, and mobi- lising for a forward movement. Tuesday (7.30 a.m.). Firing can be heard at Ladysmith. The weather here is now hot. A portion of the troops of all arms were removed from the camp to Chieveley before daybreak this morning. They took with them two big guns and several 12-pounder naval guns.

KUMOUKM) CAPTURE OF 3.000 BOERS. A private wire was received from the, Cape on Thursday morning by a gentleman living at Clifton Spa, stating that General Buller has captured 3.000 Boers at Colenso. Wo give this nows with all reserve, but it may bo stated that this gentleman is con- stantly in receipt of news from the Cape, and, hitherto his telegrams have all proved correct. Up to the time of writing no confirmation of this telegram, official or otherwise, is to hand.

THE WAR OFFICE AND THE RUMOURS. The Central News have been officially in- formed that the War Office have no informa- tion respecting an improbable rumour that has obtained currency that Generals Buller and Clery have advanced and relieved Ladysmith after a battle in which 10,000 Boers were cap- tured. The Press Association states that several rumours, emanating from the Provinces, are in circulation to-day regarding the war, which rumours, though irritating and quite ground- less. nevertheless cause much annoyance and trouble at the War and other offices in Lon. don. One of to-day's rumours is that Lady- smith has been relieved. Nothing of this has been heard at tho War Office, and common sc/ise would show relife at such an early date would be practically impossible. ANOiKER RUMOUR. It is pereisf-ently rumoured on the Stock Ex-

GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION. [PRESS ASSOCllTION WAR SPECIAL.] BATTLEFIELW NORTH OF MODDER RIVER. Monday. To-day's fight was certainly the hardest Lord Methuen has had since he began his advance. Nearly all the loss was borne by the Highland Brigade, whose casualties include 37 officers killed, wounded, and missing. The Boer tactics were admirable. They allowed the brigade to advance in the darkness close to the trenches before showing signs of life. I Then a terrible fire was open from the trenches and a hill, while a cross fire from I' the right inflicted severe damage. The fact that cur men retained and held good their positions daring the morning speaks for their courage. I The Gordons being in reserve, did not suffer at first. They gallantly worked their way to the front under a galling fire, and remained for a long time at a close distance in front of the Boer trenches, which were defended with wire entanglements. The ground was dotted with bushes affording good cover, but always exposed to cross tire from the Bo<:rs. A great number of our men took advantage of the cover, and kept up a hot fire. They did all that the bravest troops in the world could do, but the deadiiness of the fire was totally unexpected, and for a brief space shook the men somewhat. I The gallant conduct of the officers was beyond all praise. They led their men as coolly j nd calmly ?s J though on parade, and the man followed them enthusiastically and dev I'.eily. J Then the artillery came to ti-9 rescue, and j won the honours cf the day. J The Howitzer Battery-was placed in p< Rition f directly in front of the en<'oiy, alio poured m a j terrible fire of lyddite hells. I The 62nd and 80th Field Batteries, under Majors Granet and Scott respectively, took up positions behind the Highlanders, and were exposed to a heavy rifle fire. ) Shell after shell was sent in to the Boer posi- tion with wonderful accuracy, with the effect of reducing the enemy's fire in a marvellous degree. Our centre and right consisted of the Guards' Brigade moving due north over a level plain. which the Boers shelled from the ridges. Cronje's troops included 4,000 men from the Mafeking investing force. A strong picquqet left for the purposes of observation was completely cut up. all the men being wounded or taken prisoners. Our immediate right rested on the river., where the Yorkshire Light Infantry held the drift. After the destruction of the picquqet the enemy sent out snipers, presumably prepa- j ratory to an advance. J Here, again, the artillery did magnificent work. The 18th Field Battery, under Major Scott, | swung round their guns and shelled the enemy, who replied with rifle fire. j The G Battery Rolay Horse Artillery, undar Major Bannatin Allason, galloped up and came into action, and in a few minutes drove the enemy away. For four hours both batteries were exposed to a galling rifle fire. but, the guns were worked calmly and accurately. The 62nd and 18th Batteries were exposed to an even hotter fire, but it was not continuous during the whole day. The naval gun. whenever there was an opportunity, fired with admirable precision and effect. The less of the Boers is known to be terrible. The Press Association's special correspon- dent add;:—A Boer prisoner informed me that one lyddite shell killed or wounded over 70 men. Indeed, it is impossible that the Boers can have escaped fearful loss. Every stone, kopje, ridge, trench, and laager was sheilel with wonderful accuracy. Two lyddite shells burst nearly over two bodies of the enemy ensconced behind a range doing, according to th3 prisoners, fearful damage. Commandant Cronje last night made a speech to his men. The Boers fought bravely. All the prisoners agree that they are suffer- ing terrible loss through the battle and sick- ness. The ambulance has done splendid work from the head of the department down to the lowest stretcher-bearer. ] December 12—Morning. I slept yesterday evening on the field of battle. 1 The Boers still oecuny the trenches, and are b,Li-y burying their dead. Both side-, arc waiting.

OUR CASUALTIES. OFFICIAL LIST. The Press Association says:—General Gatacre reports to ihe War Office that a list of casual- ties. furnished by a press correspondent, who was permitted to visit the Boer camp with the chaplains, is believed to be trustworthy. It shows that in the 2nd Royal Irish Rifle3 there shows that in the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles there were ten killed, four severely wounded, and 28 wounded; in the East Lancashires one wounded, and in the 2nd Northumberland ¡' Fusiliers twelve killed and 27 wounded. All these were prisoners. The list is as follows:- 2nd ROYAL IRISH RIFLES. Killed: Corporal S. Anderson, Lance-corporal P. Smith, Privates W. Wickson, H. Carson. R. Kelly, Jefferies (query Jackson), Joseph Mad- den, J. Hanlon, James Carroll, Bugler M. Noill. Severely wounded: Lieutenant-colonel K. A. Eager. Major H. J. Seton, Major Welman, Cap- tain Bell. Wounded: Sergeant W. M'CIune, Sergeant Dorman, Lance-corporals W. H. Nicholson, E. O'Neill, Privates Sloan, John Magiemon, J. Meath, — Caldwell, Joseph Harper, James Tol- lerton, J M'Keown, J. M'Loughlin, J. M'llhat- ton, J. Tilly. R. M'Garry, J. Barr, W. Foster. J. F. Wilde, James Robinson, M. Hoekins, R. Bushe, G. Mawhinney, James M'Cnffery, J. Scott, S. Rappell, T. Spence, — Jones, S. Dougherty. MOUNTED INFANTRY. 1st EAST LANCASHIRE. Wounded: Corporal Potter. 2nd NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS. Killed: Lance-corporal A. T. Green, Privates Edward Wilks, H. W. Twiggs, R. Ridley, Ralph Cull en, Jogeph Sheldon. John Hammond, L Leith, Thoma3 Mathews. Edward Neillson, Cor. poral Edward Cross, Drummer J. Stone. Wounded: Colour-sergeant W. J. Fountain. Sergeants Arthur Wilson, Richard Atkinson. John Redhead, A. Millward, Corporals George Ritchie, W. H. Dixon, Lance-corporal W. Maconochie, C. Laren, Thomas Smalley, W. Skrimshire Wilkinson, Privates F. Clarke, James Baker. J. Sullivan, A. Coates, A. Glen, R. Short, A. Brown, P. O'Connor. F. Hastwell, W. Gillie, T. Hansbrough, W. Dobson, J. Came- ron, Joseph Lowther, Drummer J. Ford. All the above are prisoners in the hands of the enemy. SUMMARY. At Stormberg the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles lost ten men killed and 32 officers and men wounded. The 2nd Northumberland Fusiliers lost twelve men killed and 27 men wounded. All the wounded are in the enemy's hands. Colonel Eager, Majors Seton and Weiman. and Captain Bell, Irish Rifles, are severely wounded. One man of the East Lancashire Mounted Infantry was also wounded.

THE BOER ACCOUNT. rpTvpqa ASSOCIATION Sl'EflAL TELEGHAM.] [rEESS. LORENZO MARQUEZ. Monday. The following official dispatch from Pretoria, dated Sunday, has been receiyed here: President Steyn gives detans of the fight at St°The^British! with six guns, attacked the Boers under Swanepoe! and Olivip-r. They endeavoured to storm the entrenched position of the Boers on the kopjes, but ait-ei a severe "fight were compelled to surrander. "The prisoners are Major Kurgess (? Sturges), six officers 20 non-commissionsd officers, and 210 men of the Northumberland Fusiliers, and two officers and 250 men of the Irish Fusiliors. It is impossible to state the number of dead and wounded British. "The Boers captured three guns and two ammunition vngona."

THE CAPTURED REGIMENTS'. The Northumberland Fusiliers, popularly called the Fighting Fifth, are classed as among the best shots in the British Army. They have a very brilliant record. Present under Sir John Moore on the retreat to Corunna. tliev retimed to fight later in the Peninsular Campaign at Busaco, Vittor.a. ana Salamanca. Thev were not present at Waterloo, but when Sir Henry Havelock marched to the relief of Lncknow they were among the first to enter the be>iezed town. In the Afghan Campaign in 1S78-80 they took a prominent pirt in the defeat of Shere Ali's forces, and last year stood shoulder to. shoulder with Lord Kitchener's forces before Omdur- ^'he Itoval Trish "Rifles fougbt with the Fight-1 ing Fifth in tha Peninsula. They took no pnrt m the Crimean Campaign, but were despatched to Central India in 1849 Detachments cf the regiment fought in the first Egyptian C,unr>ai<rn with th* Donarnla E-*pe;*itionarv Fores, and with Lord Kitchener last year. The whole resriment was despatched to ihe Transvaal in 1881, but saw little of the fight- ing.

FURTHER DETAILS OF THE FIOKT. GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION. HILL STORMED, BUT UNTENABLE. The following is the second section of the Press Association special telegram from Mol- teno, the first portion of which was published on Monday morning: — MOLTENO, Sunday (five p.m.). Thus for seven hours the little force slipped and tumbled onwards until a natural basin I was entered, at th2 end of which, on the Rooi KJP. the enemy's main position stood out in strong silhouette against the morning sky. Morning was just breaking, and it was com- paratively bright. Just ns the Irish Rifles, with Genera Gatacre and his staff at the hcp.d of the column, were entering the depression, a hot and unexpected fire was opened by the enemy on the right. Following the Rin?? ware 106 of the Northum- berland Fusiliers, and the rear was brought up by the artillery. The column was marching four abreast, but notwithstanding the suddenness and fierceness of the attack, there was not the slightest con- fusion or consternation. General Gatacre and his officers, with the utmost coolness and promptitude, brought the column into line of action, and in a fh:rt time the battle was raging at its hottest. Our artillery climbsd up and got into posi- tion to the left en the side of a small k-.p.;e, while the Jliflej and Northumherlands clam- bored up the hill held by the enemy in skir- mishing order They were met by a galling fire, but brave'y pressed forward, and, notwithstanding the ex- tremely difficult rattiro of the ground, suc, ceeded in reaching the top. When they arrived ther?. however, they found they were the centre of a tremendously hot ritle fire. which wa> poured in upon them from thr?o different directions in the flank and the rear, and cur men were forced to retire. Meanwhile the artillery had got into action, and drew the fire of the enemy's guns. A protracted artillery duel ensued, in which our guns belched forth a terrific fire, demora- lising the Boer gunners in the fort which they had constructed at the corner of the kopje. The position being unassailable, and the enemy in overwhelming numbers, our infantry, with the Maxim detachments, were order2d to retire towards Molteno. The artillery remained to cover the retreat. Their fire was terrific, but the Boers brougnt their guns along the tops of the kopjes and fol- lowed the troops on the road below for miles, sending shell after iOhell down into the valley. The enemy's practice was good, their shells dropping and bursting on the roadway close to our men. but so skilfully were the troops handled that not a man was hit during this 1 stage of the retirement. Finally, the Boers gained a liopje commanding I the road at closer range, and from this posi- tion opened wi:h rifle fire. The bullets, however, fell short, and the troops arrived at Molteno about eleven a.m.. after some thirty hours' hard work, including a desn^rate engagement lasting three hours. Ths enemy's numbers aro estimated at 6.000. They are occupying a. pracMc&Uy impregnable position, and one which it is hopeless for a email attacking force to carry.

CAUSE OF THE DEFEAT. ["TIMES" TELEGRAM.] MOLTENO, Sunday (Noon). General Gatacre concentrated at Molteno I yesterday afternoon the 2nd Northumberland, 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, and Nos. 74 and 77 Batteries of Field Artillery, with mounted infantry, Cape Mounted Rifles, and the 12th Company of Engineers and details, in all about 2,500 men. They marched at 9.15 p.m. At four o'clock next morning they attacked the Boer position at Stormberg. Owing to errors of the guides and other accidents, the attack was delivered against the wrong part- of the enemy's position, where the hill was quite impregnable. The troops were obliged to retire, but did so in admirable order. The retirement of the infantry from the hill across a cornfield on the flat could not have been surpassed during peace manoeuvres. Subsequently, owing to fatigue, the men having been under arms for sixteen hours before the fieht and having made a long, try- ing march, disorder ensued, augmented by con- stant shell fire from the heights. The artillery occupied successive positions by batteries throughout the retirement, averting disaster. Two companies of the 1-t Royal Scots, who are here, have not been engaged. The casualties are still unknown. They will probably prove to be not excessive. One gun was overturned and abandoned. QUEEN THE THE DEFEAT. The Press Association says:—Sir Arthur Bigge, the Queen's private secretary, came to town specially on Monday from Windsor, and called early in the afternoon at the War Office, It is understood that the object of the visit, was ti make full and direct inquiries on behalf of her Majesty in respect of General Gatacre's reverse near Stormberg early on Sunday morning, ERRORS IN THE CASUALTY LIST. General Gatacre's telegram of wounded and; missing at Stormberg yesterday contains a number of errors. Under the heading of Suffolk Regiment, the ^following officers of the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, whose headquarters are at Belfast, are given: —Killed: Second-lieutenant Maynard. Missing: Captain Weir, Lieutenant Christy, and Second- lieutenant Rodney. Lieutenant Barnardston, given as Rifle officer, belongs to the Suffolks. It is also probable that the twelve wounded and 290 missing are also Royal Irish Rifle3. THE GENERAL'S PREMONITION. The disquiet which, as I indicated on Sunday night, was felt here because of the earliest news concerning the check given at Stormberg to General Gatacre's advance has (says the Lon- don correspondent of the "Birmingham Daily Post ") been deepened as the details of the disaster have become known, but I can find no sign in responsible quarters of any desire to follow the example set on Monday by a peer of very little military experience to throw the whole blame upon the bamed general. It can be said, indeed, that General Gatacre seems to have had some premonition of temporary mis- fortune before he left for South Africa. I hear that a day or two before embarking he re- marked to a military friend that our forces were not by any means going to an easy task in South Africa. "It was no child's play in the Soudan." he observed, "but it will be stern work against the Boers, and I can tell you that I don't expect to be present at an unbroken succession of victories. We shall win eventually by sheer perseverance." That is the feeling of the best part of the nation to-day.

FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE DISASTER. ["TIMES" TELEGRAM.] BUSHMANS HOEK. Monday (7.25 p.m.). No further list of casualties is yet obtainable. The clergy have gone to bury the dead and have not yet returned. The Boer commander has been requested to furnish full information. There is no cause for anxiety regarding the security of our remaining troops, who have been safely withdrawn to good positions along the railway south of Molteno. General Gatacre and his staff are at Bush- mans Hoek. but will probably remove to Sterk- stroom to-morrow. Bushmans Hoek is an impregnable position of immense importance. 8.40 p.m. The Boers positively declined to give any names of killed and wounded. No particulars, therefore, can be furnished. The Boers state that they have burned (? buried) the dead, and are sending the pri- soners to Bloemfontein. The enemy's loss is said to be four killed and nine wounded Probably, this is fairly correct. There was no genuine attack delivered by our troops, who were taken completely by surprise whilst in column, the men simply rushing at the nearest hill without order and without knowing exactly where the enemy might be. When fired upon the troops were marching against the north-western portion of the enemy's position, whilst that selected for attack was the south-western. Owing to an error of the guides a wide detour round the enemy's right flank was made, the result being that the men were utterly exhausted and unable to do anything. Our men had been at work or on the move from four o'clock on Saturday morning. They travelled by rail in open trucks under a broiling sun to Molteno. which was reached so late that the march was delayed two hours. Consequently the men had only one hour's rest during the night, instead of a reasonable time in which to recover from their fatigue before fighting. The chapter of untoward accidents is endless, Ill-luck pursued the column from the first start. The task intended was feasible, but that which they were made by these errors to attempt was impossible. The march was too long and the enemy's posi- tion impregnable. Success would have had an immense result, and the risk was justifiable. With so small n force a bold stroke gave the only chance of effecting anything important. MISSING MEN RETURNING. The following is issued from the War Office:- From General. Cape Town. to the Secretary of State for War — CAPE TOWN, Tuesday. Gatacre is moving from Bushmans Hoek to Sterkstroom to-day. The magistrate at Sterkstroom wires to-day Ithat the situation is slightly improved. Many missing men have turned up. lip. I

OPPOSED BY 12,000 BOERS. A TERRIFIC FIRE. THE BOER LOSSES TERRIBLE. CORPS WIPED OUT BODILY. LORD WINCHESTER KILLED. The following was issued from the War I Oftics on Wednesday morning — "From General Officer commanding Cape Town to Secretary of State for War: — 'CAPE TOWN, Tuesday. "Lord Methuen wires December 12 — 'Thn artillery shelled very strong posi- tion held bv the enemy in long, h:gh konje, from four o'clock to dusk on Sun- j day 'Rained hard last nignt. IH lizillaiid Brigade attacked at day- break Monday south end of kopje. 'Attack properly timed. '"Attack failed. 'Guards, as ordered, protected High- landers' right and rear.; cavalry, mountedi infantry, and Howitzer Artillery Battery attacked enemy on left. Guards on right and centre, supported by field artillery and howitzer. 'Artillery shelled the position from davbreak, and at 1.15 I sent the Gordons to "support of Highland Brigade. 'Troops held their own in front of the enemy's entrenchments until dark, the position extending, including the kopic, a distance of six miles towards Modder River. 'I am to-day (uTesday) holding my position anA eatacssstinc myself. :1 'I had to face at least 12,000. 'Our loss is great. The following official telegram was received at the War Office on Wednes- day afternoon — "CAPE TOWN. Tuesday. "No further details from Methuen. "From Orange River it is reported that 293 wounded, including 27 officers, have arrived from Modder River." The Press Association telegraphs:- "Methuen wires: — 'General Wauchope was killed in the action yesterday. 'He was in command of the Highland Brigade.

TOTAL LOSSES. The total casualties in Monday's fight are 833 officers. and men killed, wounded, missing, and prisoners.

HIGHLAND BRIGADE LOSSES The Highland! Brigade alone lost 656 killed and wounded uon-commissioned officers and men. [Note.-The composition of the brigade will' be seen by a reference to the details of the battle given below.]

SUMMARY OF LOSSES. The total casualties in the Highland Brigade were—Officers, twelve killed or since died, 36, wounded, and five missing. Casualties among non-commissioned officers and men of the Highland Brigade, 650; grand total of casual- ties in Highland Brigade, 703. In the Guards Brigade the 1st Cocdstreamers had five officers wounded, and the 2nd Cold- streamers one officer killed. In the Cavalry Brigade Staff, one officer wounded. Mounted Infantry, two officers killed and two wounded. Royal Horse Artillery—Two wounded. Royal Army Medical Carps one wounded and one taken prisoner. The total officers killed in the engagement were fifteen, woundeu 47, missing five, taken prisoner one. The casualties among officers were, therefore, altogether 63. Ths casualties among non-commissioned officers and men of the Guards' Brigade and other regiments, including cavalry and artil- lery, wereKilled, 8; wounded, 105; missing, 1. The grand total of killed, wounded, and mis- sing of all arms in the engagement is 833.

LOSSES OF OTHER REGI- MENTS. The Central News says the official list shows that the losses among officers were— Fifteen killed, Forty-eight wounded, Fivei missing, One prisoner. One prisoner. The casualties among troops outside the Highland Brigade were- Eight men killed and One hundred and six wounded and mis-, sing. Taking the official estimate of the losses of the men of the Highland Brigade, the entire casualties in the engagement amount to 833 officers and men kdled, wounded, missing, and prisoners.

MATCHLESS HEROISM. [PltESS ASSOCIATION WAP, SPECIAL.] ORANGE RIVER, Tuesday (9.50 p.m.). Details which I have gathered from the wounded who have arrived here, regarding the attack made by the Highland Brigade on the Beer position at Magcrsfontein give some idea of the desperate nature of the fight. TJie Highlanders, who had lain out in the pouring rain all night, advanced at two in the morning. The brigade, which consisted of the Seaforths, the Royal Highlanders, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and the High- land Light Infantry, was in quarter column when attacked. Many acts of heroism are recorded. One officer of the Army Medical Corps st- tended the sick in the firing line until he was killed. A Seaforth Highlander told me that while he was lying wounded, he saw a Boer—a typi- cal German in appearance, faultlessly dressed, with polished top boots and shirt with silk rufUca—walking about- among the ant hills with a cigar in his mouth picking off our troops. He was quite alone, and it was very appa- rent from his frequent use of a field glass, that he was doing his best to single out the officers. I My informant (adds the Press Association correspondent), whose smashed arm prevented him from using his rifle, says the Boer sharp- shooters never missed their mark. A woundad Boer prisoner who was brought in here with the woundad Highlanders, stated that one lyddite shell which was fired on that one lyddite shell which was fired on Sunday fell plump in the middle of a, large open air prayer meeting, which was being held to offer up supplications for the success of Boer arms. Lyddite shells are reported to have had an enervating effect on the Boers, who, while not objecting to taking the risk of rifle fire when safely entrenched, objected to the "gift poison bombs," as the shells are described. The military hospital at Orange River, where most of the wounded are being accom- modated is in a healthy position to the south of the camp. The wounded who arrived here to-day have nothing but praise for the treatment which they received at the hands of the medical department on the battlefield.