Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

NEW APPOINTMENTS IN LORD ROBERTS'S FORCES. MODDER RIVER, Feb. 12th. Impormant new appointments were published in yesterday's orders. Major General Sir H E Colvile has been appointed Commander of the Ninth Division, Colonel Pole-Carew leaves the Ninth Brigade in order to command the Guards' Brigade. He is succeeded in the command of the Ninth Brig- ade by Colonel Douglas. The appointments have given great satisfaction in camp.

BOER ACCOUNT OF MAGERS- FONTEIN. EFFECTS OF BRITISH ARTILLERY. MASERU, (Basutoland), Jan. 18. I have just seen a man who arrived here a few days ago from the front, and he givee me the follow- ing interesting account of his recent experience Having been commandeered in the Free State to go and drive the British away, and hearing news each day of the victories of the Dutch in everv engagement, with the loss of only a few wounded, I and my comrades were in high glee, and started full of hope of helping to conq ner the British. We were with Commandant Diederiok's commando, and were ordered to proceed to Kimberley district with all speed, which we did by forced marches until we met seven wounded Dutchmen who were returning from the front. They inquired why our horses looked so fatigued and footsore. We explained that we were anxious to get at the Rod Bull," (English). They replied Don't be so anxious, it is not all play, as you expect,' and the seven detailed their injuries in the shape of wounds which were all serious. They entreated us not to hurry, saying we would soon haye enough of it, and described the fearful battle they had been in at Modder River. On hearing this our lips dropped and our hearts sank, and we took four days to do the remaining four hours' journey, we were so crest-fallen." The narrator of the foregoing was in charge of a waggon when the fight at Scholz Nek took place, and having viewed it from a kopje, gives the foliow- ing graphic description of the battle:—" The Boers numbered about 14,000 men, consisting of 15 laag- ers, with 13 cannon, and Wire all under cover in the bush and sconces or entrenched when fire was opened by the British at a range of about seven miles with the big guns. They came gradually nearer, doing tremendous damage to the Boer en- trenchments and sconces. All I could see after the bursting of these shells was rocks and earth flying up in the air and rolling down on the men and horses with deadly effect. I trembled all over from the force of the cannon, and the lyddite shells playad fearful havoc among the Boers. The vapour and fumes arising from these shells made the Boers quite drowsy, while several succumbed. Altogether the battle was a perfect hell upon earth, and fairly put the fear of God in me. I had always been told that the British could not shoot, but what I saw at that battle thoroughly convinced me that they were experts at the game. My eyes were opened, and still more so when I saw the Dutch falling iu all directions. When the Boers had the big gun laid' up went the English spy-glass, and a few seconds later a shell crashed on the Boer cannon, rendering it use- less. Of the 13 Boer guns which were in action, several were so damaged as to be unworkable. My Field Cornet told me that a tremendous number were killed, and there were so many wounded that the hospitals at Jacobsdal, Boshof, and Bloemfon- tein were quite full. I estimate the number of horses killed and rendered unservicable at 2,000. I firmly believe that the idea in the Boer camp after the battle was over, was that if the .British kept on for another honr it would have been a great victory for them, as the Boers were on the point of clearing when the British retired. The big guns of the British and their accuracy in firing, coupled with the bravery of the men, seemed to have a chilling effect on the Boers, and the fact of having so many dead comrades lying round them depressed them so much that it is said they communicated with their President with the request to come to terms of peace with the British. To tiiis the President is reported to have replied, "All you Burghers author- ised me to make war with the British, and you must fight to the end, and do your best, as we are fight- ing for a good cause." Some of the bodies were fearfully mutilated, and showed the effect of the British artillery. I was only one of many who were so impressed and alarmed by what we had seen in fighting with the British that we determined to seek shelter and protection in Basutoland.

BULLER'S MOVE. TheParliamentary correspondent of the Daily\News says :-The text of Sir Redvers Bailer's despatch announcing his latest move on the Togela River, of which a brief summary appears in Friday morning's papers, is, I have good reason to believe, exceeding hopeful in its tone. General Buller des- scribes the position gained as an effective one, and reports that the loss of life in gaining it was com- paritively small. The London Mail correspondent, wiring from Frere Camp, February 8th, says: The scene of the attack com menced on Monday is shaped like an amphitheatre, bounded on the west by Spion Kop, on the north by Brak Fontein and Vaalkrantz, and on the east by Doorn Kloof. Zwarts Kop on our right front towers over undulating country 4 miles broad and three wide, and the winding Tugela prac- tically divides the positions. Buller's tactics pro- vided for a feint frontal attack, while the main column crossed the Tugela on the right flank endea- voured to pass up the narrow valley between Vaalkraantz and Doornklooft, occupy the former and advance to Brakfontein, which is traversed by the Ladysmith road. This range being gained, there would be no serious obstacles till the outskirts of the beleagured town were reached. The pretended frontal attack worked admirably. The batteries supported by the Lancashire Brigade, drew the fire of the Boer guns, and, the purpose being served, they retired with remarkable smartness, after sus- taining a few casualties, A gun carriage of the 78th Battery was disabled, but, despite a TERRIFIC HAIL OF SHRAPNEL,! was rescued by the gunners. Meanwhile the En- gineers erected a pontoon bridge over the Tugela on the right flank, and Lyttleton's brigade commen- ced crossing. The artillery quickly got into action, and shrapnel cleared the way for the advance of the iufanfery. The first ridge of the Vaalkrantz was gained almost without opposition, to the great elation of our troops. The enemy energetically strove to rectify the mistake. Two heavy cannons and a wagon, thought to be carrying a Maxim-Nor- denfelt, galloped into position along the Rav- ines of Doornkloof, and there was an ex- citing contest between our artillery fire and the enemy's horses, which was won by the latter. The guns were secreted in an excellent position, and speedily threw shells among our infantry, and for a time impeded the erection of the bridge. They subsequently, however, desisted, and the work pro- ceeded throughout the afternoon. Desultory rifle fire took place on Tuesday morning, and our guns were responded to by the enemy's 100 pounder on Doornkloof, a 5-pounder on Spion Kop, and two Maxim-Nordenfelts, all efforts to locate them being fruitless. They did little damage, however, and FIRED ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. Our field batteries displayed great mobility, gallop- ing to all points of vantage, and together with the navals and Howitzers and the 4th Mountain Battery shelled the ridges, covering the advance of the in- fantry, which was necessarily slow. A few wounded and unwounded Boers were taken prisoners. One of the former testified to the fire of our artillery. A cat," he said could not move there without being hit." Some of our artillery was dragged by men up the precipitious Zwartz Kop and magnifi- cently disposilioned, On Tuesday night the British were in possession of two kopjes while the Boers held the rest of the range. A grass fire impeded the latter, defining their positions and militating against a night attack. The position attacked was guarded by the Johannesburghers under Ben Viljoen.

THE SFCOND DAY'S FIGHTING. BOERS LOSE HEAVILY. The Telegraph correspondent wires —Spearman's Camp, Tuesday, February 6th.—This has been the second day of the battle, and the fighting has been fiercer than yesterday's. At dawn the Boers began the action by shelling our bivouac with their Long Tom and PomPom guns from Doorn- kloof. Their 6in shells fell near the spot wheie General Buller and his staff were watching the engagement. One shell burst amidst a squadron of the 11th Hussars, but nobody was touched. Our guns from Zwartz Kop and on the plain soon silenced the enemy's artillery, but repeatedly the Boers brought back their guns, POPPED THEM INTO WOHK over the hills, fired a few rounds, and then again changed position. During the morning our gunners succeeded in blowing up the enemy's 'ammunition wagon upon Doornlkloof. General Lyttleton's Brigade were shot at from three sides, and bad a warm time upon Vaalkrantz. Desperate efforts were made by the Boers to recover the smoking hill. The Durham Light Infantry, the King's Royal Rifles, and the Scottish Rifles gallantly charged and cleared the position. General Hildyard's Brigade relieved Lyttleton's Brigade towards sunset. Fighting continued until nine in the evening. Several prisoners have been taken. They declare that the Boers on Thursday lost heavily. The enemy suffered severely on Friday. It is reported that amongst their dead in the trenches armed Kaffirs were found.

GENERAL BULLER'S RETIREMENT. SPRINGFIELD BRIDGE, Friday. The retirement from the position on Vaal Krantz was commenced on Wednesday night. General Hildyard's Brigade, which had relieved General Lyttleton's Brigade on Vaal Krantz, retired during the early hours of Thursday morning. There had been several small attacks by the Boers, and counter-attacks by our troops late on Wednesday night on the ridges we had captured. After the Boers succeeded in massing their strength on Doom Kloof, on our right, only two courses seemed to remain open to General Buller. He might in the first place, have changed his front, and stormed Doom Kloof. In the second place, he might have left the Boers on our right, and tried to slip through on the west, where the Boer opposi- tion had been weakened. Had he done fc:uis he would have incurred the risk of being cut off. It was impossible to use Vaal Krantz as a. means of advance, because several fresh gnns had been mounted on Doom Kloof, and the cumbrous part, of the army in its advance across the open to Yaal Krantz would have been raked by the fire of these guns. The storming of Doorn Kloof-a very steep moun- tain-would have been terribly costly, and might possibly have proved futile. All through Thursday our troops were shelled in- termittently by a single large CreusoL gun which the Boers had mounted on Doorn Kloof, but little damage was done. Our loss this week has not been heavy. FRERE CAMP, Saturday. Despite General Buller's decision not to press the attack at Vaal Krantz, he has no thought of abandoning Ladysmith. The attack was not pressed because, although it might have been possible for a light column to get through, it was impossible to take the army tran- sport past the unsilenced guns. These successive disappointments prove that the bills of Northern Natal are a practically impossible field of operations against modern weapons. The recent operations, if they have done nothing else, have at least diverted some attention from Ladysmith.

BRITISH WITHDRAWAL TO RENSBURG. RENSBDRG, Tuesday. All the British positions to the westward, includ- ing Coles Kop and other points which we have long held, have had to be abandoned owing to the pres- sure of a large force, and in view of the mounting of abig Boer gun on Bastard's Nek which commands the whole country around. Our force at Slingersfontein has been obliged to withdraw and fall back on Rensburg, our eastern flank being threatened.

POSITION IN NATAL. DURBAN, MONDAY. No further news has been received of the move- ments of the Boer outflanking column. The move- ment in military circles is not regarded as a serious one. It was probably devised as a feint to distract general attention from the main advance. On Friday last our artillery commenced a vigor- ous shelling of Hlangwana Hill, south of the Tugela. The Boer carap there wis hastily evacuated. During the whole of last week General Clery, until he became incapacitated, was particularly active at Chieveley. Our men were daily in touch with the Boer scouts, and there were constant reconnaissances to ensure-our line being kept clear. There were a few casualties, but not many. Another naval gun from the Terrible has been mounted upon a carriage devised by Captain Scott at the railway workshops. It was tested on the beach here yesterday afternoon in the presence of a large crowd of seamen, marines, and other specta- tors. Three rounds were fired from the gun, and the experiment appeared to give satisfaction to those most closely interested.

WESLEYANS AT THE CAPE. DURBAN, Feb. 9th. The Wesleyan District Synod, sitting at Verulam, has passed a resolution declaring the war to be both just and righteous, and expressing its conviction thai the final settlement, if it is to be lasting, must provide for the supremacy of the British Crown throughout South Africa, and for the government of all parts of the country in consonance with the principles of British freedom and justice. CAPETOWN, Feb, 8th. The Wesleyan Synod has unanimously adopted a resolution recording its entire approval of the policy of the Imperial Government, and giving utterance to the eastern prayer of the members that the military operations now proceeding may speedily result in the success of the British arms, that peaoe and righteousness may be assured in the land—an end which it is believed will be attained through the unquestioned supremacy of Great Britain. The Rev Mr Nuttall, the Chairman, in forwarding the above resolution to Sir A Milner for transmission says The Synod represents a large section of the European community, and also a numerous body of Dutch-speaking and coloured inhabitants of the Western Province of unfaltering loyalty." Mr Nuttall adds, The Synod views with the utmost detestation the course pursued by your excellency's enemies and opponents, who traduce your motives and cause the circulation of the basest calumnies. It prays that you may be sustained in the faithful administration of your onerous duties."

LETTER FROM THE FRONT. Lance-Sergt Parker Clarke, 1st Scots Guards, writing to his sister Mrs Richard Jones, Llandy- silio, near Oswestry, says:—I expect you will be surprised to get a letcer from me. I should have written earlier, but we don't get much time to write, but as to-day is Christmas Day we have had a little time to ourselves. It does not look much like Christmas weather as it is scorching hot. There is a regular plague of flies, and the dinner to-day is composed more of sand than anything else as the sand storms are awful. Our Christmas breakfast was Quaker Oats and coffee; dinner, stewed meat and rice; tea, jam and tea; and I believe fcr supper we are going to have biscuits and cheese and a piut of beer. We have had a rough time of it here as I expect you have seen from the papers. We had a fine voyage out here only it was reported in England that the steamer that brought us had gone down with all hands, which was a mis- take, as we landed at the Cape all right. After landing we had three days and three nights in the train to Orange River. We then had a few days rest and then marched to Belmont, found the Boe-a' position and attacked it at daybreak. It was a terrible slaughter; my regiment was at the front, the order was given to charge and it was taken at the point of the bayonet. The position was taken and the Boers fled, leaving horses and ammunition behind. A large number were killed and wounded in my Company and they brought the dead in waggons into the camp for burial. We then went on to Graspan and had another encounter with the enemy but the Artillery and Naval Brigade took the leading part and I am glad to say we only had a few wounded. We then went on near the Modder river when an awful battle was fought. It started early in the morning it was quite a shower of bullets last.ing nearly all day. Our fellows in the trenches had to lie there for 13 hours. If we raised our heads it was a target for a shower of bullets. Our machine gun was blown to pieces and the sergeant in charge was also blown to pieces, but we managed to drive the Boers out. It was a terrible sight next morning to see the dead lying all around. I saw two or three touching sights. There was one poor fellow lying dead had taken a letter from his pocket and had it grasped in his hand, another had a Bible in his hand, and another had a cartridge between his finger and thumb and the breech of his rifle open in the act of loading when he was shot through the heart. We lost very heavily there, but got in and pitched camp and very glad to do so, having been out for two days and a night without food or water. We stayed here for a rest for a few days, as we were about played out, having been engaged in three battles in less than a week. We found out that the Boers were occupying a range of hills about six miles from camp. We left here on a Sunday evening and we were out all the night in pouring rain. We attacked the enemy at day break and had a very severe fight, which lasted until darkness set in. We spent the night again on the field when it was again very cold, and then started again at day- break. A shell dropped close to me, but as luck would have it, it did not explode. The Highland Brigade got right in the enemy's trenches, but had to retire. They suffered heavily, the Boers shooting them down like dogs. Their gallant General got killed, being shot in four places. The Boers benaved treacherously as usual, firing on our ambulances and flying the white flag. We had to retire to our old camp, the British having suffered very heaviiy. We got back to camp about 4 p.m. on the Tuesday, having had nothing to eat or drink since we left here on the Sunday. Our Artillery and theirs exchange a few shots every day, otherwise it is very quiet now. We had a parade for all the troops and gave three cheers for the Queen. To-day we expect to push on for Kimoerley, but shall have to drive the Boers from their position. When we reach there (all being well) I will write you again. With kind love to you all hoping you all had a Merry Christmas and wishing you a prosperous New Year. I am glad to say I never felt better in health.

A POOLONIAN AT THE FRONT. Mrs M Owen, 25, Mount s'.reet, Welshpool, has received the following letter, dated Jan 14th, from her son, Private T Owens (4319), D Co., Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Field Force, Natal:—I have read about that football match au Welshpool between the Boers and Britons and am very glad to see that you at home think about us out here. We started firing against the Boers at five o'clock this morning. The Boers are stronglv entrenched and nothing will fetch them out until our big guns come from England. Thing's are very dear out here. We have to give Is 10d for butter and 4d each for eggs. I have seen the grave of the chaps who were killed in the armoured train, We have plenty of troops out here and I hope it will not be long before we are on thesea again—homeward bound for England. I shall be glad when it is all over. To-night I am on outpost duty. We have not had a good night's rest since we have been in Chieveley. They say the Boers are retiring from Ladysmith. We can see them working away in Colenso. We have plenty to do up at half-past two every morning and out in the burning sun all day. We have yet to receive our pudding and chocolate from the Queen. You cannot realise the horrors of the battle field. Some time ago a Dutch spy was caught trying to poison our horses. He was tried and sentenced to be shot. They marched him to his grave and then twelve soldiers advanced carrying twelve rifles, six loaded and six unloaded. It was all over in a few minutes and none of them knew who it was that shot him.

COMFORTS FOR THE FRONT AND FOR THE WOUNDED. Dear Sir,—With your kind permission, I should like to give a short account of my stewardship. I have sent away nearly 2 tons weight of comforts for Jack in the front: 5,000 pairs of socks, 8 cwt of tobacco, 500 pipes, 500 Tam o' shanters, Helmets and comforters, 2 reams of letter paper and envel- opes, 1,000 indelible pencils, 2 gross of pocket handkerchiefs. To the wounded in Hospitals- Wynberg, Pietermaritzberg, De Aar and Durban- I have sent pillows, shirts, tobacco, cigarettes. I received a telegram from the Naval Brigade at Durban thanking me warmly for every thing," spec- ially the Baccy." I am sending out every week by the Union Line. For the Hospitale I want pillows, warm slippers, Eau de Cologne, sponges, combs, meat essences, chocolate, night shirts, (flannel), pyjamas, warm vests, nightengales, cigarettes, pipes and tobacco, and money with which to buy other things. I am in direct communication' with the heads of the hospitals. For the front I want socks tarns, helmets, flannel shirts, cholera belts, writing paper, envelopes, chocolate, handkerchiefs, white or with only a line of colour, as they are used for bandages on the battlefield; soap, (small cakes), bootlaces (medium length), indelible pencils, tobacco, cigarettes, or sometimes, best of all, money to buy needfuls. I need not say that I am in direct communication with the commanding and other officers of the Naval Brigade, and with the men. I do not think that overlapping need be feared, tobacco is smoked, socks wear out very rapidly, chocolate is eaten, writing paper used. 1 send prin- cipally to the Blue Jackets, and Royal Marines, and then to "Tommy Atkins," whether British or Colonial, and I will gladly send to any regiment not so much in luck's way as the others, if the name and address of the commanding officer is forwarded to me. Please send goods or money to Miss Weston, Royal Sailors' Rest, Portsmouth." Cheques can be crossed National Provincial Bank," or paid to "Hoyal Sailor's Hest a/c, National Provincial Bank, Land port, Portsmouth." All money and goods are duly acknowledged. Thanking your readers for past help, and asking for more.-Yery truly yours, AGNES E WESTON.

--< Y. .A R. 5TH VOLUNTEER BATTALION THE SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. REGIMENTAL ORDERS By LIEUTENANT-COLONEL E. PRYCE-JONES, M.P., Commanding. Headquarters, Newtown, 10th February, 1900. APPOINTMENT.—The Commanding Officer has been pleased to approve: No 237 Pte T Hughes, D Co as Lance-Corporal. STRUCK OFF.—The undermentioned are struck off the strength :-No 569 Pte A Smith B Co, and No 269 Pte D Humphreys, D Co. ENROLMENTS.—The undermentioned having been enrolled are taken on the strength of the Battalion,, posted to Companies, and allotted Regimental num- bers as stated against their names :-A Co, No 730: John Francis Davies, and 694 George Charles Jones B Co, No 733 George W Lawton; D Co, No 734 David Thomas; E Co, No 735 John Davies; F Co, No 736 Arthur E Mason, 737 John Thomas, 738 George II Arthur, and 739 Evan Jones. EMBARKATION OF SERVICE SECTION. — The Vol- unteer Company, South Wales Borderers, will em- bark at Southampton for South Africa in the steamer Greek" on 14th February, 1900. By Order, C WALKKR, Captain, Adjutant 5th V.B. South Wales Borderers. "C" COMPANY ORDERS. PARADES for Company Drill will be held until further notice oil Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. in the Market Hall. Dress: Plain Clothes. Special attention will be paid to the Firing Exercise and Fire Discipline. Paras. 150 and 151 Musketry Regulations will be carried out as circumstances permit. CLASS FIRING.—Members are requested to note the new conditions which have come into force this year, a copy of which is posted in the Armoury. LENNOX NAPIER, Captain, Commanding 0 Co, 5th V.B. S.W.B. Welshpool, 10th Feb., 1900. Printed and Published by Samuel Salter and David Rowlands, at their Offices, 21, Bcrriew Stree^ Welshpool, in the County of Montgomery, and Rock View, Towyn, in the County of Merioneth. —Thursday, February 15, 19CO.