hed): Newspaper Correspondent, J. Hyde.

Some details of their misfortune were given by the prisoners in
Pretoria, and they serve to throw more light on the subject.

Colonel Carleton, as we know, was sent towards Nicholson's Nek to hold
it and prevent the Free Staters from coming to the assistance of the
other Boers. Having lost his reserve ammunition and the water of all the
battery through the stampede of the mules, he set to work to construct a
defensive position. But stones were scarce and the defences were
slender, and by the light of dawn his position was revealed. At this
time a long-range fire was opened from three hills to south and west,
dropping from 1500 yards into the position, and taking it both in flank
and in rear. From his observations Colonel Carleton discovered that
General White's scheme had failed--that it was being abandoned. In
consequence of this failure the whole Boer force was enabled to swarm
from all directions towards the isolated column. Firing fierce and
incessant, exhausted the already worn-out Irish Fusiliers, while the
advanced companies of the Gloucesters were severely mauled by the
Martini bullets of the enemy. The hill was now completely surrounded,
the ammunition expended; still Colonel Carleton had no idea of giving
in. The bayonet was left, and by the bayonet he meant to stand or fall.
Suddenly a wounded officer ordered the white flag to be raised. It was
then hoisted, but uncertainty prevailed as to the authority for the
exhibition of the flag, and some of our men still continued to fire.
However, the mischief was done, and the surrender was merely a matter of
moments.

The most vivid account of the disaster, from an outsider's point of
view, was given by the _Times_ special correspondent at Ladysmith. He
wrote:--

"This column, consisting of six companies of the Royal Irish
Fusiliers, four and a half companies of the Gloucestershire
Regiment, and No. 10 Mountain Battery, left camp on Sunday
night at 10.30, with the object of occupying a position from
which it would be able to operate upon the right of the Boer
position on Pepworth Hill. The column was guided by Major Adye,
of the Field Intelligence, and a staff of the headquarters
guides. Their destination was Nicholson's Nek, a position
which, when reconnoitred from this side, appeared to possess
the necessary tactical advantages for a detached force.
Nicholson's Nek