"After surrendering the city (Pretoria) Botha retired to a place about 15 miles east on the Middleburg road: he had a small force at first, but during the last few days the numbers increased, and his being so near the town kept up excitement in the country, prevented burghers from laying down their arms, and interfered with the collection of supplies. "It became necessary to attack them. This I did yesterday. "He held a very strong position (practically unassailable in front) which enabled him to place the main portion of his troops on his flanks, which he knew from former experience were his vulnerable parts. "I sent French, with Porter's and Dickson's Cavalry Brigades and Hutton's Mounted Infantry round by our left: Ian Hamilton with Broadwood's and Gordon's Cavalry Brigades, Ridley's Mounted Infantry, and Bruce Hamilton's Infantry Brigade round by our right. "Both columns met with great opposition, but about three in the afternoon I saw two of Hamilton's Infantry battalions advancing to what appeared to be the key of the enemy's defence on their left flank. This was almost gained before dark and I ordered the force to bivouac on the ground they had won." FOOTNOTE: [8] Our Casualties on the 12th of June were:-- KILLED. Captain C. Maguire. WOUNDED. 2nd Lieut. G. Morphett. Cr. Sergeant F. Akehurst, B Company. Lce. Corporal A. Tester, G " (died of wounds) Private R. Davis G " " W. Miller D " " C. Divall F " " J. Bowles F " " A. Dennett F " " F. Needham B " " F. Guntley D " " G. Wadham Vol. " CHAPTER X. TO SPRINGS. Boers retreat during the night--Elandsrivier station--Through the Boer positions--To Pretoria--Off again--Irene---Bad state of clothing and boots--Difficulty of repairing the latter--To Springs--Clothing and stores obtained from Johannesburg.