PRINSLOO'S LAST FIGHT.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 64, 13 September 1900, Page 5

PRINSLOO'S LAST FIGHT.

THE SCENE OF THE SURRENDER. On the morning of 28th July the combined forces under Generals Hunter, Rundle, and Clements advanced from Fouriesburg in the direction of Naauwpoort. The enemy opposed their passage, holding strong, rocky hills on each side of the main road. The principal hill is named Slaapkrantz. The enemy wero estimated to be in fairly strong force with one gun. The 81st Battery came into action on sloping ground, 3000 yds. distant. The Boer gun shifted its position three times, placing shells into our lines, but fortunately no casuallies were occasioned. Two sin. guns firing lyddite were then brought up, silencing the Boer gun at about 60U0 yards range, with the first shot, which was beautifully aimed. In consequence of our excellent practice the Boer artillerists were evidently unable to remove) their gun, which was abandoned, and could be clearly seen standing on the fkyline. The 79th Battery and a section of the 77th came into action at the same time, shelling the Boer left-hand position. For two hours fourteen guns (15-pounders) kept up a constant. cannonading, effectively searching every point of the enemy's hills with the intermittent accompaniment of the two lyddite guns, which were employed to prevent the Boers removing their disabled Krupp. Meanwhile, between 2000 and 3000 infantry deployed on either flank, and advanced upon the Boer positions. Several companies of the 2nd Brabant's Horse attacked the left flank, the Leinstersand the 2nd Scots Guards being upon the right flank. When within range the infantry were greeted with a heavy rifle fire, but boldly advanced, making the best of the cover afforded upon the sloping ground, and returned the Boer fire, also bringing a Maxim into action. The heavy gun fire was then withheld, only the sin guns and a section of the 31sb Battery being employed to shell the enemy. The Boers displayed considerable courage, holding their positions" and serving their gun admirably until jt was disabled, under a rain of shell fire. General Hunter having received a written unconditional surrender of all the Boers in the Caledon Valley, attended on 30 th July to accept the surrender. General Prinsloo, Chief Commandant, arrived, and tried to repudiate unconditional surrender. General Hunter refused to grant any concession, except to allow each Boer a riding horse. At about 11 o'clock the troops were drawn up in two long lines in the hills over the valley. The Boers rode in between, throwing down their rifles. The Ficksburg commando was first, numbering about 550, and the Ladybrand commando next, numbering 450, with 1500 horses, two guns, 50 waggons, and many carts. Generals Prinsloo and Crowther were received by General Hunter at his tent, and were well treated, every courtesy being shown. Many Boers have gone through to Naauwpoorb to surrender to General Macdonald, while others are still'arriving here. The Harrismith and Vrede commandos are still at large; also some Boers who got out of the valley at night. The prisoners say those outside will surrender. This practically ends the Eree Stale army. The Boers state that they would not have surrendered but for being surrounded. The prisoners have been placed in a laager under guard until all arrive. The scene of tho surrender was mosl impressive. It took place eight miles south-east of Fouriesberg, on a high hill commanding a magnificent view, and encircled by tier alter tier of towering heights of almost Alpine grandeur. The band of the Leinslers, pipers of the Scots Guards, and the drums and fifes of the Munsters, alternately played selections. Several thousand troops were in attendance General Prinsloo rode up unarmed, with an aide-de-camp carrying a white flag. He saluted and shook hands with our generals. He is a fine-looking man, of medium height, has a grey beard, and was well dressed and mounted —looking every bit a commander and a leader. Two hours later the first commando of about 500 men, preceded by Commandant Do Villiers, came in sight, winding round the hills. On reaching the scene of the disarmament De Villiers was escorted to General Rundle,* who heartily shook hands with him, and received personally De Villier's gun and bandolier. Two Krupps were also surrendered. Those who surrendered are a very mixed lot of all ages—old' men and young boys included. All, however, are looking well. They seemed cheerful, and several on handing over their rifles, ejaculated "Thanks." The majority of the weapons are Mausers. The bandoliers worn were of the usual varied description.