The Transvaal.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 116, 17 October 1901, Page 4

The Transvaal.

■ LonDOD f October 15. "Commandants Kruitzisger and Ackermann and other leadera are trying to cross the swollen Orange river and go> southwardsOotefcer 14. Botha retreated through a most difficult country parallel to- Swaailand, on the western frontier, until finding tbab the British barred his trek north, he halted near Loneberg northward of Vryheid on the 10th, despatching columns to occupy Pongolaboeob, where there is stock. The Boera are in a diffioulb situatior* and their horses are fatigued ; with the British forces ob the north and southeast. There are indications that Botha Jwill retire in the direction of Elandsburg.

Scheepers recently captured two* British coloured scouts and forced j them to draw lots to shoot theone who drew the shorter straw. Ho sent the other back to inform the British. His Majesty the King invited General Baden-Powell to Balmoral, and presented him with a war medal. Scheeperswas 31 at a farmhouse at the time of his capture, and was removed in a critical condition to Magersfonteia hospital. Ootober 15. The main portions of Botha's force have retired into Pongola Bosch. Manyevaded the British eordoa in small parties. The rivers are flooded, mists are general, and the roads are almost impassable. : Four squadrons of colonial irregular mounted troops are being raised afc Capetown for three months' service in the western provinces.