23 SEPTEMBER 1871, Page 1

But one day was devoted to a nearer approximation towards

reality. The whole force was divided into two equal parts. Carey was appointed to command the British and Staveley the enemy, and no pro-arrangement whatever was made, except this,—that Carey was to march on his opponent and beat him,—if he could. Now was seen the effect of leaving Generals to their own devices. Early in the morning of Thursday Staveley occupied Chobham Ridges from Curley Hill to Round Butts, having rendered the canal impassable as far westward as the Swing Bridge, evidently assuming that Carey would assail or try to turn that position. But Carey had other plans. While his opponent remained in utter doubt re- specting the. movements of the British, Carey, repairing the bridges, pushed the bulk of his army over the canal, and advanced from Pirbright and Cobbett's Hill upon the Fox Hills. Discerning the movement, but still uncertain, having only dust-clouds in the valleys for a guide, Staveley also crossed the canal and occupied the hills ; but suddenly emerging from cover, Carey burst in upon him, turned his flank, cut off a brigade, and fairly woe the day. The men got so excited that they fired at short distances into each other's lines, and could hardly be stayed. The Prince of Wales was captured by the enemy, but rode off regardless of the fire.