TOPIC:

'The operation against General Prinsloo: The attack on the Boer position near Fouriesburg.

General Hunter's operation on the Basuto border at the end of July [1900] was crowned with success. The Boers held a hill in the centre of a narrow valley and were completely surrounded by the British troops. On the 28th the enemy was followed up the valley, and at about 7 o'clock in the morning a messenger with a white flag came in with a letter to ask for a 4 days' armistice and to say that the Boers wished to treat for surrender. General Hunter refused the armistice and ordered the big guns to take up position. Many Boers came in and surrendered during the day. Finally, Vilonel, who was a captive in the Boers hands for treason, having laid down his arms was sent to treat with General Hunter. After a long discussion, during which the Boer delegate asked for various terms, Vilonel produced a letter from General Prinsloo unconditionally surrendering all the forces in the valley. The operations resulted in the talking of over 4,000 prisoners, including Generals Prinsloo and Rouse.'



Source: The Graphic, Volume 62