END OF THE BASUTO WAR.

Kumara Times, Issue 1014, 31 December 1879, Page 2

END OF THE BASUTO WAR.

The steamer Orient brings news of the conclusion of the Basuto war by the capture of Moirosi's stronghold and the death of that JBSsuto chief. After shel* ling the mountain hold for three days and nights, on November 19 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 scaling ladders, dropped them, at 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 Lieu* tenant Springer, at whom the Basutos fired point blank. He had a narrow escape, one bullet passing through his hat and striking the rock 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 righfaUroig the mountain, carrying all before them. For about ten minutes some severe bayonet work went on both inside and on top. Then all was over. Moirosi had 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 crawled. The .son of Moirosi is said to be the only man of

importance on the mountain who was not killed Our casualties were six killed a*JjjL wounded. For the gallant mannfedMn which Lieutenant Springer k mounted the scaling ladder he will be gazetted 'captain* Captain Brown will " be made Brevet Major.