From a Sketch by Lestor Ralph.] The troops then, under orders from Lord Methuen, retired to Modder River. They started from Koodoesberg on the evening of Thursday, made a moonlight march to Fraser's Drift, returning to camp footsore and dilapidated on Friday. But before leaving, the officers and men who fell in the action were buried on the south bank of the river. Among them was Captain Blair, who, after having been previously struck by a bullet, had been mortally wounded by a shell. Lieutenant Tait, a very gallant officer, a notable golfer, and a general favourite, also fell, and Captain Eykyn eventually died of his injuries. General Macdonald's reconnaissance at Koodoesberg Drift was entirely satisfactory. The position there was important, as it prevented Boer reinforcements from passing _via_ the chief drift from Douglas to Majesfontein, and the movement served to confound the enemy, and protect the operations of the Belmont garrison in the direction of Douglas, not to speak of its value in keeping Boer activities to the west of Majesfontein at the time when Lord Roberts was developing his plans in regard to the east of that place. The enemy had been kept amused and out of mischief, and been wholesomely trounced into the bargain! The casualties, which were comparatively few, were as follows:-- _Killed_:--2nd Royal Highlanders--Captain Eykyn; Lieutenant Tait. 2nd Seaforth Highlanders--Captain Blair. _Wounded_:--2nd Seaforth Highlanders--Captain Studdert, A.S.C. 1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders--Captain Kirk. 9th Lancers--Second Lieutenant Cavendish; Lieutenant Mackenzie, R.A.M.C. FOOTNOTES: