'The Landdrost of Hoopstad sends me the following: "Field-Cornet Daniels reports that the troops under Methuen's command at Boshof have marched upon Hoopstad, and I have received from Methuen himself the letter I communicate below. The native who brought the letter tells us that an engagement took place with General de Villebois in the neighbourhood of Boshof, that ten men were killed on our side, and fifteen on that of the enemy, among them a superior officer, but that all our force was finally made prisoner. Field-Cornet Daniels supposes that the enemy will march upon Christiana and Hoopstad, and thence upon Kroonstad."
"'HEADQUARTERS, SWARTZ KOPJEFONTEIN,
"'April 8, 1900.
"'To THE COMMANDANT OF THE FREE STATE LAAGER.
"'SIR,
'"I have the honour of sending you a copy of Lord Roberts' proclamation to the Free State, laying down the conditions under which you are invited to surrender.
'"Two days ago the Foreign Legion was taken prisoner by me, and their General, Villebois, was killed.
'"The English army is advancing on every side, and I beg you to consider the very liberal conditions now offered you, which would not be renewed at a later date.
'"I have the honour to be, sir,
'"Your obedient servant,
'"METHUEN,"
'"Lieutenant-General commanding the 10th Division."'