THE WAR IN BASUTOLAND.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2105, 22 November 1880, Page 3

THE WAR IN BASUTOLAND.

[“ Cape Times,” 7fch October.] The Cape Colony is now passing through the dark hours which were inevitable with a rebellion in Basutoland. The rebels are now confident in their numbers, although, perhaps, they are not so vainglorious as they were after the gallant defence of Mafeting, and the dashing way in which Mohali's Hoek was relieved. The chiefs are relying on the ever readiness of barbarians for war, and are cherishing the prospect that other tribes may be induced to attempt to realise the daring hope of Hintza, that by one great effort might be rolled back the advancing wave of European occupation. Ear and wide the swift emissaries of the wily rebel chief have carried the false stories, fabricated for the purpose of deluding the surrounding Natives into war. But the truth will soon be known, and as it is seen how fast the rebels are being driven into a corner, the disturbances will become limited in area, and hostilities will be confined to Basutoland, and only a portion of it. We speak from the expectation that the relief of Mohali’s Hoek will bo quickly followed up by a crushing blow at Mafting. About twenty minutes past 10 a.m. on September 21st a moat determined attack was made upon Mafeting by a rebel force of fully 7000 strong. The entrenchment camp of the C.M.B. and schanses on the hill behind the Courthouse, which were held by magistrate with the European and Native volunteers and a few 0.M.R., were repeatedly charged by the enemy in the most obstinate manner; bub at sunset the enemy was repulsed at all points. The enemy suffered very severely, carrying off most of their dead and wounded, but leaving about 100 dead and disabled horses to testify the loss sustained. Our loss was trifling, two men being severely and one slightly wounded. Several of Detsea’s men were recognised by our Native levies, one at least being severely wounded. Mohali’s Hoek was also attacked by rebels on the 20th, about 1200 strong, who were beaten off. It was determined to make an effort to relieve this place, and on October 4th a detachment of C.M.R. and yeomanry marched into Mohali’s Hoek to relieve Mr Surmon and hie few volunteers. The fight commenced immediately after crossing the Oornetspruit Drift. The enemy were about 3000 strong against 400 men. The Kaffirs

fought well; they made a good stand, which was of very little good to them. Tho lose on our side was eight men wonnded and two killed. Captain Parker, of the 2nd Yeomanry, behaved splendidly. He made some very dashing charges with his small number of men. Major Grant, Captain D’Arcy, Colonel Southey, and a small detachment of Colonel Bayly’s, will all meet here on the 9th, and also about 200 of the Diamond-fields Horse, and will march in altogether. A small number of the Wenener men will also go in the column. It is expected the Basutos will show up in large numbers, about 10,000 or 12,000 strong, against our 600. Very hard fighting, it is thought, will take place.