HC Deb 04 April 1881 vol 260 c565
MR. CHILDERS

Sir, I promised on Friday to telegraph to Sir Evelyn Wood as to the truth of a rumour in one of the morning papers of that day about fighting at Pretoria. The House may, perhaps, wish to hear the answer, which is in these words— Telegram from General Commanding Natal to Secretary of State for War, dated April 2, 1881. Fort Amiel, 12.30 p.m. Story of Pretoria sortie concocted, probably south of Vaal. Nothing known of it Heidelberg, noon 29th, though messenger came in 27th.