ENGAGEMENT WITH THE TAMBOOKIES.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2121, 10 December 1880, Page 3

ENGAGEMENT WITH THE TAMBOOKIES.

The first engagement withrebsl Tambookies took place at Klipdrift, fifteen milee from Dordrecht, on the road to Indwee, on 4th November. The following is an extract from Captain Stanford's report: A patrol of ten volunteers, under Captain Hutchons, and twenty Fingoes, under Lieutenant Danielle, left camp at Clarke's farm at ten a.m., to bury Bruisel, who had been murdered near Klipdrift. On reaching the bridge near Spilman's Hotel, a body of the enemy, mounted and armed, was seen on a ridge to the right, and soon after they extended in skirmishing order. By messengers coming and going it was evident there was a force in reserve at back, out of sight. Captain Stanford wheeled to the left and gained the ridge beyond Spilman's. The enemy were posted in three foroes below, their skirmishers extending right and left. The rebelj here fired the first shots. The fire was not returned, strict orders having been given to aot only on defensive. Enemy attempted to outflank us, and to prevent this we retired to ridge behind Spilman's, enemy pursuing and firing rapidly on gaining ridge. Our men dismounted and poured in a volley, checking enemy, who then made a farther movement to out flank us, by sending bodies of horsemen up valley to our right and left. Our force then retired to ridge overlooking point where road branches off to Post Catherine. The enemy here charged. I took up a position on ridge; the horses under cover; the men lining the ridge. Hare a very determined attack was made by the enemy, many of whom charged at full speed to within a short distance of our lines. The attack was checked by a well-directed fire from our men, whose behaviour was excellent throughout. Four of the enemj's horsemen fell, some of our mon pursuing a short distance down the flat; no casualties on our side, which may be attributed to the men having excellent cover during the attack. After falling back enemy made third attempt to outflank us on the right and left. Their advance was cheeked on the left by a gallant charge by some of the men under Lieut. Daniella. Their advance on the right was checked by a well-directed fire from a koppie held by the rest of the men. Estimate strength of enemy 200.