British Reverse Near Bloemfontein
The British troops near Bloemfontein suffered a reverse on March 31, losing 7 guns and 350 men, killed and captured. The British were trapped in a ravine, and were unable to fight their way out. The mules and Kafir drivers stampeded, and only the rear battery was able to extricate itself. The Boers now have control of the water supply of Bloemfontein, Lord Roberts' headquarters, and it is reported that they have cut off the water supply of the city. Nothing has been reported from the column which was despatched to the relief of Mafeking, and it is believed that this part of the campaign has been abandoned, for the present at least. It is stated that in the relief of Kimberley General French lost 3,000 horses, and that 7,000 other transport animals have been lost since the forward movement began on February 13.