Letter from the Front.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 210, 11 September 1901, Page 3

Letter from the Front.

(Times Correspondent, Mr A. J. Cox.). Krugersdorp, July 27. The columns operating at present are kept continually on the move, and alhough not much fighting is done their time is occupied in clearing the country of all forage, food supplies, stock, etc., and bringing in Boer and Kaffir refugees for their respective camps.

The Boers’ supply of munitions is gradually decreasing, but they still havo and obtain a sufficient number of horses.

Clothing seems to be very scarce amongst them, and through that and the biting cold weather prevalent at this time of the year, numbers of burghers are surrendering daily. Thoso in charge of commandos have threatened to shoot anyone deserting from commando to surrender, so that it is difficult for some to do so. Last month (June) there wove '2277 Boers accounted for by us, which shows the columns are doing good work. Col. Kekewich, defender of Kimberley, has taken command of General Dixon’s late column, and starts operations to-morrow in this district. General Broadwood last week by a forced night march surrounded and surprised a laager at Reitz. Orange River Colony, near the Yaal River, capturing Ex-Presi-dent Steyn’s brother, three late Free State officials, 50 prisoners, and also a number of cattle. Ex-president Steyn managed to escape in his night-shirt, but undoubtedly suffered through doing so, as that evening in particular was biting cold. He left all the late Orange Free State Government documents behind, including £IOOO, and we had the luck to get them. In correspondence captured was a letter from " State Secretary Reitz ” to ExPresident Steyn, notifying him of a

meeting held by Botha, A iljoen. Smuts, and others, whereat they passed resolutions determining to communicate to ExPresident Kruger the terrible condition of the countrv. nnd point out that the time had come' to end the present state of affairs. They were induced to do this by continual surrenders of burghers, and the exhaustion of ammunition. Their Government was losing support and becoming weaker ilav bv day. they feared that the Orange Free State and Transvaal would be lost to them and they had lost hope of auv successful result of the mission to Europe of Kruger, Fischer, Wolmarans and Co. -• , Ex-President Steyn’s answer was also taken, in which he stated that though nations had undoubtedly sustained .heavy reverses it was not- time yet to _ give in. He exhorted them to further efforts, and to trust in God. and that- from the Natal Witness he gathered England was tired of the war, as European complications were imminent. Stating further, he said, Milner was recalled, and that his knowledge of the members of the deputation sent to Europe convinced him that they would not stop in Europe unless they had food hope of securing intervention. He was much hurt by determination come to without consulting him, and that he would call a council at once and forward a reply and the decision come to.