THE WAR AT THE CAPE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 226, 27 December 1880, Page 2

THE WAR AT THE CAPE.

[Bv Cable.] London, Dec. 24. The latest advices from headquarters at the Cape supplies the officers’ account of the disaster there. Two hundred and fifty men, marching on the town of Pretoria, were attacked by large numbers of Boers, and were almost crushed. Five officers and 120 rank and file were killed and wounded, the remainder being taken prisoners. The colors were saved. The commander urgently applied for reinforcements of cavalry. Capetown, Dec. 24,

Telegrams received from Durban, in Natal, to-day, state that a report has been received there from the Transvaal that the Boers have inflicted a serious defeat on the British troops at Middleburg. The engagement is stated to have been most severe, and that the British were outnumbered, and lost 200 in killed and wounded. Fifty officers and men- were taken prisoners. No official telegrams have yet been received here or in Natal confirming the above report. Dec. 24.

Telegrams from the Transvaal give details of the attack by the Boers onthe British position at Potchefstroom, The news, which came to hand yesterday, states that the fighting was severe, and lasted some time ; but a strong defence was offered by the British troops, and the Boers were ultimately repulsed, with considerable loss. News has been received from Natal that Kinger Boer, the President, has issued a proclamation which, while deprecating any war with the Boers states that the Boers are determined to assert their independence in the Transvaal.