END OF THE BASUTO WAR.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1822, 23 December 1879, Page 3

END OF THE BASUTO WAR.

[By Telegraph.] [Via Bluff.") The steamer Orient brings news of the conclusion of the Basuto war by the capture of Moirosi’s stronghold and the death of that Basuto chief. After shelling the mountain hold for three days and nights, on November 10th the British force, under Colonel Bayley, assaulted from five different positions. The enemy was not taken by surprise, and kept up a brisk fire, and rolled stones on the besiegers. The native allies of the British carrying the scaling ladders dropped at the sound of the first shot. The riflemen picked up the ladders, and one, 28ft. in length, being placed against the sloping rock, the first man to mount was Lieutenant Springer, at whom the Basutos fired point blank. He had a narrrow escape, one bullet passing through his hat and striking the rook close to him. He was quickly joined by other riflemen. They held the position until others came up. Once on the top, the men fixed bayonets and charged in line right across the mountain, carrying all before them. Eor about ten minutes some severe bayonet work went on both inside and on the top. Then all was over. Moirosi hod only 200 men with him at the time of the assault, a number of whom escaped. Moirosi was shot in the breast and a bullet also struck him in the neck. After the assault he was found dead in a cave into which he had crowled. The son of Moirosi is said to bo the only man of importance on the mountain who was not killed. Our casualties were six killed and wounded. Eor the gallant manner in which Lieutenant Springer mounted the scaling ladder ho will be gazetted captain. Captain Brown will be made Brevet-Major.