CAPETOWN.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3020, 1 March 1881, Page 3

CAPETOWN.

February 26. Intelligence has been received here from Natal tbat a severe disaster has occurred in the Tranßvaal to a portion of the force under Sir George Colley. The news to hand states that he advanced from Ingogo with six companies of infantry, and occupied Spitakoko. The Boers in great force made a strong attack on the position, and desperate fighting ensued lasting all tbe morning. The British suffered immense loss, and finally were driven from the place. Sir George Colley and a number of officers were killed, and of the whole six companies only one hundred officers and men. escaped. February 28. Further telegrams to hand from Natal fully confirm the previous announcement of the disaster to the British troops in the TraDsvaal. The fighting at Spitakoko was of a desperate and most sanguinary character, and lasted for fully seven hours. The British resisted the attack of the Boers until their ammunition was exhausted, and the small force which was left was then compelled to retreat. The enemy followed in pursuit for some distance, but were checked by the guns from the camp at Mount Prospect, where the stragglers from the defeated force are now arriving safely.