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Show BRITISH WHIPPED, Boere at .Magerdfontein Check Methuttn's March on Klnberley. London, Dec. 16. Xewi of a serious reverse to Gendral Methuen has been received. When the Boers retreated from the Modeler river battle they withdrew to a stronger position which was intrenched. General Methuen attacked at-tacked this position yesterday. At dawn the Highlanders, advancing across the veldt, were suddenly subjected subjec-ted to a murderous fire from the trenches tren-ches about 200 yards in front. The greater part of the fearful loss of the day was thus suffered in a single mln-mte. mln-mte. 8tartled and overwhelmed the brigade bri-gade retired quickly, but soon ralied and retained their position. This was n the left. On the right the guards brigade advanced across the veldt against other trenches and fought an invisible foe for fifteen hours. At 11 in the morning the Gordon Highlanders were sent forward. The Boers allowed them to pass one line ef trenches and then enfiladed them. At night General Methuen retired to a position of safety. An official report gives the number of killed, wounded and missing of all arms in the engagement as 832. There are fifteen officers killed and four wounded, and in addition five aro missing and on is known to have been made prisoner. |