§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he could give the House any information with regard to another engagement which was stated to have taken place between the British troops and the Boers in the Transvaal?
MR. CHILLERSSir, in reply to the Question of my right hon. Friend, I will read to the House the only telegram which had reached the War Office up to a quarter past 4 o'clock this afternoon. It is in these words—
From General Officer Commanding Natal and Transvaal, February 9.We believe that that is a mistake for February 8.Communication between this and Newcastle having been interrupted by Boers, I moved out this morning with five companies of the 60th Rifles, two field and two mountain guns, and a detachment of mounted men to patrol the road, leaving two mountain guns and one company of Rifles on a commanding point on this side of Ingogo. I crossed the river with the remainder of the troops.That we understand to mean with four companies of the Rifles.On the rising ridge beyond the Ingogo the enemy showed in considerable force. I seized the plateau, and was immediately vigorously attacked on all sides by the Boers, who received very large reinforcements during the day. The attack was maintained from 12.15 p.m. till nearly 6 p.m., but was repulsed on all points. The Boers drew off towards sunset, and I brought in the force. Captain MacGregor, Staff; Captain Greer, R.A.; and Lieutenants Garrett and O'Connell, 60th, killed. Lieutenant Parsons(as to this name we have some doubt),A. D. Pixley, Haworth, and This tlethwayte, 60th, wounded. About 150 men killed and wounded. The Boer loss, judging by the nature of the attack and the number of the wounded seen being carried away, must have been very heavyAs I have stated, that is the only telegram received up to a quarter past 4 o'clock.