THE BASUTO WAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3651, 23 December 1879, Page 3

THE BASUTO WAR.

[Bt Tbi__obaph.J (Per s.s. Eotomahana, via the Bluff.) The steamer Orient brings news of the conclusion of tho Basuto war in South Africa, by the capture of Moirosi's stronghold and his death. After shelling the mountain for three days o.nd nights, oh Nov. 19 the British force under Colonel Bayley, assaulted in five different positions. The enemy were not taken hy surprise, and kept up a brisk fire and rolled Btones on the besiegers. The Nativo allies of the British, carrying scaling ladders, dropped them at the sound of the ' Br«t shot, but the riflemen picked up the ladders, and one 28 feet in length was plaoed -gainst a sloping rock. The first man to mount wos Lieut. Springer, at whom the Ba.- u -_- fired point blank. Ho had a narrow escape, one bullet passing through his hat and striking the rock close to him. He was quickly joined by other riflemen, and thoy held tho position until tho others came up. Onco on the top, the men fixed bayonets and charged in a lino right across the mountain, carrying all before them. For about ten minutes aomo severe bayonot work went on, both inside and on top, and then all was over. Moirosi had only 200 men with him at the timo of fcho assault and a numbor of them escaped. Moirosi himself was shot in the breast during tho assault, and a bullet struck him in tho neck as well. After the assault he was found dead in a cave, into which he had crawled. Doza, son of Moirosi, is said to be the only man of importance on the mountain who was not killed. Our casualties wero six killed and wounded. For tho gallant manner in which Springer mounted the acaling ladder he will be gazetted captain. Captain Brown will be made brevet-major. I