Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 November 1901 — BOERS SURROUND BRITISH. [ARTICLE]

BOERS SURROUND BRITISH.

Twenty Two of the Yeomanry Killed or Wounded. London dispatch: Lord Kitchener in the following dispatch from Pretoria to the war office, reports two encounters with the Boers, in one of which at least the British fared rather badly: “Colonel Hickie, whose column is covering the construction of" the blockhouse line on the Schoonspruit, reports a concentration to the west. He sent out a strong patrol of yeomanry on Nov. 13 from Bakspruit to reconnoiter. The patrol was surrounded by 300 Boers six miles from camp and six of our men were killed and sixteen wounded. Some who were captured have since been released. Colonel Hickie moved out to support the patrol and drove off the enemy. During the past week Elliott’s column from Harrlsmith has been operating to the northeast of the Orange River Colony in conjunction with other columns converging from Standerton, Heilbron. Winberg, and Bethlehem toward the neighborhood of Reitz. The enemy were met In small parties. A few prisoners and much stock were captured. The rear guard of Byng’s column, which was escorting the captures, was attacked by the enemy, 400 strong, stated to be under De Wet. After two hours’ fighting the attack was repulsed and the enemy retired, leaving eight dead. Our loss was Lieutenant Hughes and one man killed and three officers and nine men wounded.” Middelburg, Cape Colony. Nov. 18.— One hundred and eighty district mounted troops, composed largely of Dutchmen, with their arms and horses, surrendered to Smut's commando Oct. 13. The district troops fired most of their ammunition at long range, and then refused to fight further. Captain Thornton, their commander, believes the surrender to have been prearranged.