A FIGHT WITH THE BASUTOS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 20, 24 January 1881, Page 4

A FIGHT WITH THE BASUTOS.

Referring to the great fight afc Mohade's Hook, the "Northern Post" gives the following particulars :*— " On Friday, September 17tb, at 11*15 a.m , Colonel Carrington sent out 40 men under Captain Sherrington to burn two rebel villages, and to destroy some grain that could not be removed. Captain Sherrington proceeded by Diphering to the top of the ridge leading to Lerothodi's stronghold to destroy the village above Payne's shop. Meanwhile Lerothodi sent out a body of 800 Basutos, who surrounded Sherrington in a kraal on the top of the ridge. Sherrington, however, held his ground, and killed same twelve of the rebels, wounding many others. A vidette, named Bernard White, was about this time killed on the slope of the hill facing Mafeteng, between Sherrington's pojsiiion and Lerothodt's stronghold. Sherrington's danger having been observed in camp, Lieutenants Clarke and MjcMullen were sent out afc 1230 with thirty men as reinforcements. Clarke proceeded by Diphering, and McMullep, with ten men, took, up a position on ihe slope near to the place were "White was killed. Clarke then cleared the enemy out of a ravine near the top of the ridge which threatened Sherrington's line of retreat, enabling Ihe latter j to leave the kraal and retire upon Ciphering. The number of the Basutos had increased, and Sherrington and Clarke, closely pursued by about 1200 rebels, retreated with all speed in the direction of Diphering, where Fraser's men had turned out to cover their retreat. In retreating Private Mn gee's horse was killed and he himself wounded, and Lieutenant Clarke, although closely pressed by the enemy, stopped, and dismounting, placed, the, wounded man upon his horse, which,; hpwever, broke away, and ho and. Magee, being left in thp midst of the enemy, were immediately surrounded and cut to pieces. Clarke was seen; to make a desperate resistance, killing three or more of tho enemy. McMullen now opened fire at about 700 yards! range, and succeeded in checking the enemy, and though his flank was t;wice threatened he held his position and effectually covered Sherrington'e retreat. The enemy then retired in all haste, having experienced alosa qf from 40 o 50 men killed and wounded. Sive those above detailed there were no

casualties amongst our force. The troops returned to camp afc 3 o'clock, and during the afternoon the bodies of the dead were recovered. 1 *