Sir Evelyn Wood has reached the front in South Africa,
and already affairs look brighter. After a rapid and painful journey from Durbau, Sir Evelyn caught up a column of reinforcements of all arms on the 15th inst., urged them forward during the night to a position dominating the ford over the Ingagana; crossed on the 16th, without opposition ; and on the 17th reached Newcastle, and opened up communication with Sir G. Colley on Prospect Hill, The Boers have fallen back to Laing's Neck, where they have been strongly reinforced. It is said to be the plan of the two Generals to await the remaining reinforcements, which will be up in a few days, to protect communications with Pietermaritzburg, and to advance into the Transvaal with every remaining disposable man, either over Laing's Neck, or more probably by the longer route, through Walikerstroom. The Boers are said to have asked terms through President Brand, and the British Government have telegraphed certain conditions, but it is improbable that the Boers will accept them without 'another battle ; and Mr. Childers is forwarding reinforcements to fill up the regiments engaged, and the two regiments of cavalry which he proposed to send before. 'We do not believe the rumour that terms have been offered to the Boers which do not include submission. They have attacked and defeated ,British troops, and whether they are rebels or honest enemies, they must submit or conquer before peace can be made.
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