"The prisoners, who number about 3,000, will be formed into commandos under our own officers. They will also leave here to-day, reaching Modder River to-morrow, when they will be railed to Cape Town in detachments. ROBERTS."
LONDON, Feb. 28.—The Queen telegraphed General Buller:
"I have heard with the deepest concern the heavy losses sustained by my brave Irish soldiers, and I desire to express my sympathy and admiration of the splendid fighting qualities they have exhibited throughout these trying operations."
In her dispatch to Lord Roberts, following the announcement of the surrender of General Cronje, Her Majesty said:
"Accept for yourself and for all under your command my warmest congratulations on this splendid news."
Lord Roberts replied:
"All under my command are deeply grateful for Your Majesty's most gracious message. Congratulations from their Queen are an honor the soldiers dearly prize."
General Buller has telegraphed his thanks to the Queen for her telegram of "gracious sympathy and encouragement."
OTTAWA, Ont., Feb. 27.—Joseph Chamberlain cables to Lord Minto:
"LONDON, Feb. 27.—Her Majesty the Queen desires you to express to people of the Dominion her admiration of the gallant conduct of her Canadian troops in the late engagement, and her sorrow at loss of so many brave men.