THE OPERATIONS AGAINST SECOCOENI.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1876, 27 February 1880, Page 3

THE OPERATIONS AGAINST SECOCOENI.

The following telegrams from Sir Garnet Wolseley to the Seoretary of State have been issued from the War Office:— " Sbktjkxtni's Town, November 28. "Transvaal Field Force, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonol Baker Russell, consisting of about 10,000 natives and 2000 Englishmen, including 2nd Battalion 21st and 94th Regiments, detachment of 80th Regiment, and detachment of Royal Engineers, the Transvaal Artillery with four guns, Ferreira's Horse, and the Border Horse, attacked Sekukuni's Town at daybreak this morning. The enemy's position was very strong by nature, and very carefully fortified. The town was in our possession about eight o'clock, and the fighting lasted until a quarter to ten in the forenoon, when the citadel known as the Fighting Koppie was stormed on all four sides by general oharge of all tho corps in the force, led by Colonel Rusaell himself, each corps vieing with the other as to whioh should first crown the summit of the Koppie. Volunteers and regulars all fought excellently, her Majesty's young soldiers in every way quite equal to their older oomrades. Col. Russell's dispositions for the operations were all that could be desired. They were skilfully planned and admirably carried out. Sekukuni's Town is now in flames on all sides. Dp to moment of writing, it is impossible either to estimate the enemy's force or his losses, but tho bulk of his troops is, I think, killed, the remainder mostly hidden in caves. A considerable number of cattle has been taken, and I hope to clear out every part of the Zulu range of mountains in the next few days. Officers killed on our side are Capt. Macaulay, late 12th Lancers, commanding the Transvaal Mounted Rifles, Capt. Russell's orderly officer. The wounded officers are Captain Maurice, R.A., on my staff, seriously ; Captain Gordon, 21st Regiment; Lieutenant O'Grady, 94th Regiment, in command of the mounted infantry, and Lieutenant Dewar, K.D.G., doing duty with mounted infantry, all severely. Losses in rank and file not yet completely ascertained, but they are not heavy. The result of to-day's action will have an important effect upon all the native tribes, and around this part of her Majesty's dominions.

Sekitkttni'B Town, December 1.

The Fighting Koppie has been surrounded by our troops ever since the action of the 28th. More than 500 natives have come out from, its oaves and surrendered. Tnese prisoners are now living in our camp, Some few have escaped, others have been killed in trying to escape. A few more hours must end all necessity for further watching, as the Koppie is without water. A _ strong picket was established on the night of the 28th at the water above Sekukuni's kraal. The same night all the caves in the mountain over the kraal were abandoned, and Sokukuni himself effected his escape. At daybreak of tho 30th a strong post of infantry was established on the plateau at the top of the mountain over the kraal, and Commandant Ferreira with his mounted corpß succeeded in surrounding a cave in which Sekukuni now is, about twelve miles from this p'ace in the mountains. Ferreira has been reinforced by the Leydonburg Mounted Rifles, Eckersley's Native Contingent, and forty British Infantry. I therefore consider it most probable that we shall capturo Sekukuni within the next few days. All neighbouring kraals have been cleared out, and the northern half of the mountain is now free from the enemy. Our post in the mountain is supplied by pack animals. I regret to have to announce that the name of Mr Campbell, attached to the Swazis, who was shot dead at a cave when leading his men, was omitted from a previous list of officers killed; and the names of Captain Beeton, Rustenburg Contingent, and Captain Willoughby, 2nd Battalion 21st, from the list of the wounded ; the former very severely, the latter slightly wounded. " SBKtTKUNi'B Town, Deo. 2.

" Sekukuni surrendered at six this morning Ferreira is now bringing him to my camp. I shall send him as a prisoner to Pretoria."