YALE UNIVERSITY
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SOME REMINISCENCES OK
THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA

Some Reminiscences

OF

The War in South Africa

THE EARL DE LA WARR

LONDON:
HURST AND BLACKETT, LIMITED
13, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET
1 goo
4.U rights reserves,

INTRODUCTION.

If any apology be needed for giving to the world
yet another book on the South African War, it may
be found in the fact that the author was not only
an eye-witness of, but also an actor in, many of
the incidents herein described. The Letters, which
appeared originally in " The Globe," attempt to
describe stirring scenes in more than one sphere of
operations. But from the nature of the case, as the
author moved about from sphere to sphere, the Letters
are somewhat disjointed, and a brief "resume" of the
preliminary incidents of the war is needed by way of
introduction. The ultimatum from the two Dutch Republics was
dispatched on October 9th, and two days later the
war began. Owing to the undue regard of the British
Government for the susceptibilities of the burghers,
and also to their expressed belief that an arrange
ment might be come to even at the last moment, the
garrison of South Africa was scandalously small, and
would have been still smaller if it had not been for
the remonstrances of the Natal Government. It thus

x INTRODUCTION.
happened that immediately after the ultimatum the
northern portions of the Cape Colony and of Natal
fell into the hands of the enemy.
In Natal, after an attempt to hold Dundee, the
British fell back on Ladysmith, and within three
weeks of the outbreak of war, Mafeking, Kimberley
and Ladysmith were in a state of siege. But in spite
of this no one at home seemed to grasp the gravity of
the situation. It is true that a force of 40,000 men
was on its way to South Africa, with Sir Redvers
Buller in chief command, an appointment which was
enthusiastically acclaimed throughout the country,
while the enthusiasm in South Africa was equally
strong. The Commander-in-Chief went out with a
cut and dried plan, according to which he intended to
use the three chief ports of the Cape Colony as his
bases, and to advance along the western, midland and
eastern systems of railway into the (then) Orange
Free State, it being held on all sides that Natal was
strong enough to defend itself. Even on his arrival
at Cape Town General Buller saw no reason to
change his plans, and early in November he ordered
General French to leave Ladysmith to join him in the
Cape Colony. But a few days later the Boers began
their famous raid into Lower Natal, and it became
apparent that the situation in that Colony was serious.
Reinforcements meant to operate in other districts
were hurriedly dispatched to Natal, and Sir Redvers
Buller himself hastened thither.
At the same time two other forces were concentrat
ing in the Cape Colony, the one at the Orange River
and the other at Queenstown, Meanwhile the sieges

INTRODUCTION. xi
were in full progress, and the Cape Colony and Natal
were both being overrun by the enemy, though most
of the fights which took place were, on the whole, in
favour of the British.
But towards the middle of December matters began
to look very serious, and it was clear that the war
had been entered on without adequate preparation.
Within a few days of one another the nation was
startled by the news of defeats at Stormberg, Magers-
fontein and Colenso, and while there was no panic
there was a tendency to lay the blame on those in
command. The consequence was that a vastly in
creased force was ordered out, Sir Redvers Buller was
replaced in the chief command by Lord Roberts,
though it was stated he was not superseded, and
Reservists, Yeomanry, Militia, Volunteers and
Colonial troops came forward, eager to help the
Empire in its hour of need.
There is one feature of the present war which
requires to be touched on at some length in an intro
duction to the publication of a series of letters from a
special correspondent at the front. Rarely in the
history of the world have there been so many special
correspondents sent to give the public a full, con
temporary, and unofficial account of an important
war. This has only been possible at a very great
expense to the journals concerned. But to a great
extent this enterprise has been rendered abortive by
the ill-judged manner in which the censorship has
been exercised, by the jealousy of the military
authorities, and by excessive favouritism. This was
more especially the case in the early stages of the

xii INTRODUCTION.
war. At that time the position of the conscientious
correspondent was a very difficult one. For some
reasons best known to themselves the military authori
ties were anxious to keep back unpleasant truths ;
defeats were announced as victories ; Magersfontein
was described as a glorious day for British arms ; and
the public were told that Lord Methuen's column
had returned to Modder River owing to shortness of
water. In short, if a few correspondents had not
succeeded in eluding the vigilance of the Press Cen
sor, the country might have gone on living in a fool's
paradise for weeks longer. These men considered it
to be their duty to place the public in possession of
the truth, that they might realize the futility and
danger of continuing the war on the lines on which it
had been started. They were severely blamed for
their action ; they were accused of want of patriotism,
of being pro-Boer, and of sowing seeds of discontent
among the army. The answer was, that it was more
patriotic to urge upon the country the necessity of
remedying blunders than to keep the country in
ignorance and thus risking the possibility of these
blunders being repeated. But even censorized mes
sages, in many cases, roused the wrath of the
General whose operations were described, and in
at least one instance led to the expulsion of the
correspondent from the column with which he had
been advancing.
Of course, all sensible men will see the absolute
necessity of exercising a censorship over Press mes
sages sent by wire, and even a modified censorship of
local letters. But much irritation and inconvenience

INTRODUCTION. xiii
was caused by the indiscriminate opening and reading
of all letters passing through the post from the front.
It is quite conceivable that it would be imperative to
detain for a few days all letters sent off during the
two or three days which preceded the beginning of an
important operation, but in many cases letters from
husbands to wives and important business letters
were opened and read, and the officials in the Censors'
Department were frequently unduly talkative. The
result may easily be imagined.
This and other problems suggested by the war are
dealt with in the Letters which follow. Apparently
the war is approaching an end, and the time is coming
when deductions must be drawn, and the lessons
learned in the operations applied to a practical use.
Military reform is in the air, and it is only from a
comparison of the different views of its teaching that
the greatest benefit for the army and for the nation
can be attained.
The author had the privilege of serving for several
months in a distinguished Colonial regiment, viz., Col.
Bethune's Mounted Infantry ; nearly all the officers
and men were inhabitants of the Transvaal, who
volunteered in their thousands to take their part in
the war. The greatest credit is due to these men
who, during the whole war, did such excellent service ;
men who knew nothing of military service developed
in a few weeks into smart and efficient soldiers, and
the work they have done in this campaign cannot be
over-valued. The Colonial troops have played a
very prominent part, and it is indisputable that their
presence in the field of operations has contributed

xi v INTR OD UCTION.
largely to the successes which have been achieved
during the last few months. Their knowledge of the
country, of the enemy whom they were fighting, their
indomitable pluck, and lastly, their scouting capacities,
were invaluable to our Generals in the field.

CONTENTS.

PAGE
On Board the "Dunottar Castle" . . i
The Voyage Out described  4
Local Feeling on the War  8
How General French escaped from Ladysmith ii
Belmont and Enslin  16
The Victory at Modder River .... 22
The Boer Losses  29
A Welcome Rest  33
Battle of Magersfontein  36
Life in Camp  46
Cronje's Generalship  50
Search for Contraband  55
With Buller  58
Free Staters and the War .... 62
Lord Dundonald at Acton Homes, ... 68
A Heart-breaking Experience .... 73

xvi CONTENTS. PAGE
General Buller's Speech  81
Before the Final Advance . . . ¦ 85
The Third Attempt  87
The Advance on Ladysmith  92
The Relief of Ladysmith  97
Lord Dundonald's March  102
The Want of Guns  105
Clearing up Natal  109
The Disaster to Bethune's Mounted Infantry 115

ON BOARD THE 'DUNOTTAR
CASTLE."
S.S. "Dunottar Castle,"
Approaching Madeira, October 17th.
BY the time this letter reaches you any description
of the remarkable scene which took place at
Southampton last Saturday, when our ship left that
port, would be superfluous, and I will, therefore, only
allude to it by saying that it made the most profound
impression upon all on board. It was a memorable
and thrilling spectacle, and I think it is safe to say
that no general ever had such a send-off as Sir
Redvers had last Saturday. While the crowd on
shore were sending up cheer upon cheer, the most
absolute silence prevailed on board. It was a relief
when the order " Let go " was heard during a
momentary lull in the cheering ; and as the ship
slowly glided away from the quay every eye was
strained to catch a last glimpse of well-known faces,
difficult to distinguish in the fading light among a
crowd of quite 10,000 people. A final cheer from
H.M.S. " Australia," and the parting scene was over.
The voyage up till now has not been particularly
interesting or pleasant. Last night blew a whole
gale, with raging sea. The ship rolled very heavily,
and at four o'clock this morning she gave an
exceptionally heavy lurch, which sent everything
adrift in all the cabins. We have had blowy, rainy
weather, with a nasty sea, until yesterday at noon,
when the sun came out and the wind fell. The

2 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
attendance at meals has not been large ; some of our
gallant officers have been conspicuous by their
absence. I am afraid they have suffered a good deal
of discomfort, as every cabin has its full complement.
I have heard it freely suggested that better arrange
ments might have been made for their comfort; but
as the weather is now showing signs of keeping fine,
things will be better for everybody.
I am told that the two new ships, the " Kinfauns
Castle " and " Kildonan Castle," are luxurious in
comparison to the older boats. The latter vessel is
making a good financial start, having been chartered
by the Government for four months at £17,500 per
month, exclusive of coal.
The chief topic of conversation on board has, of
course, been the war ; speculation as to when it would
be over, etc. By the way, Sir Redvers hopes to be
back in time to see the Derby, which is something.
The General is naturally very reticent, and those who
have been bold enough to try and ascertain his move
ments in the near future have not learned much ; and
the members of his staff are not very communicative.
There are several prominent Colonists on board,
with whom I have had some interesting conversations.
One of them is a wealthy merchant, who has a large
business in Cape Town and Johannesburg. In the
latter town he has now stores and property to the
value of £80,000. He is losing thousands of pounds
at present, but he says he would pay almost anything
to see the British flag hoisted at Pretoria, as he knows
that till then matters will never be settled in South
Africa. He has been in the Cape Colony for over 40
years, and has studied every development during that

ON BOARD THE ''DUNOTTAR CASTLE." 3
period. Talking of Cecil Rhodes, he said, " All
respectable. Colonists look upon him as a genuine
Imperialist, who devotes his energies and money in
the interests of South Africa." He is convinced that
the subjugation of the Boer, although it will probably
entail heavy loss of life and cause serious temporary
financial losses, is essential for the future prosperity
of South Africa. I happened to mention Sir James
Sivewright's name, and my friend shook his head.
" I know," he said, " that he has done good work for
the Colony in the past. We recognize that, and are
grateful for it ; but we are keenly disappointed with
the attitude which he has taken up in connection with
the present crisis."
I must not forget to mention that we have a
cinematograph on board; an enormous machine
which has to be present at any cost at all the
actions. Those are the orders, but I think it is
doubtful whether they will be carried out. The
gentlemen in charge of it are not very military in
appearance, and are, I believe, quite new to this kind
of work.
A very good sketch has been done of the General
and some members of his staff by a well-known
artist on board, and it will probably appear very
shortly in an illustrated paper. It was|done^armg
yesterday's gale under great difficulties.

1 — 2

THE VOYAGE OUT DESCRIBED.
S.S. " Dunottar Castle," October 30th.
At Madeira, from whence I sent you my last letter,
there took place a general resurrection of sea-sick
passengers. Among them were several of Her
Majesty's officers, who confessed, feebly, but none
the less truthfully, that they would any day rather
face the Boers than the Bay of Biscay. On the
second Sunday out, Divine service was held in the
saloon. It was frightfully hot — we were near the
equator — but the heat did not affect the keen
competition between the ship's Captain and the Staff
Chaplain for first place in conducting the service.
As the Captain said, he had been captain for twenty
years, or thereabouts, and had invariably conducted
service, no matter what sort of a parson had been on
board. The Chaplain's Staff appointment and
proposed appeal to the General did not move him in
the least. He had come there to stay ; field-marshals
could not move him. But he would grant privileges
where he would not surrender rights ; so they agreed
to divide the honours and to share the service
between them. On Monday, 23rd, we overhauled
the " Nineveh," on her way to Cape Town with the
New South Wales Lancers on board. Great cheering
there was as the two ships passed one another, with
not more than fifty yards or so between them, the
one with the Commander-in-Chief on board, the
other with a fighting contingent from our Colonies.
The General stood on the bridge. Just behind him
stood two signalling officers. A flag was being
waved violently on the " Nineveh." Civilians among

THE VOYAGE OUT DESCRIBED. 5
us, to whom Army signalling is no better than
Volapuk, supposed that news of the war, orders,
military secrets, were being exchanged. We learned
better. This was the first question asked by the
signaller on the " Nineveh " : " Is Sir Redvers Buller
on board ? " " Yes," was flagged back from the
bridge of the " Dunottar Castle." As this news was
passed round among the Lancers, there broke out
renewed cheering. " Hurry up," was yelled across
the water. Next came some rather confused
signalling. Those who are wise in these things
could make out the words, " Who won ? " Following
this came the letters " Cz." Thinking that some
mistake had been made, our signaller signed to them
to " Stop." But again and again the letters " Cz "
were repeated. Then, at last, in sheer desperation,
the question was spelt out at length : " Who won the
Cesarewitch ? " They were told. And those were
the only questions asked. Typical, as an American
on board remarked!
The Staff has been busy, immersed in maps,
plans, estimates, records. This steady work has
brought home to one the fact that fighting forms
but a small part of war ; that how to feed and how
to shelter and how to move some eighty or ninety
thousand men is even a greater problem than how
to direct them on the field of battle. To the staff
officer, war is largely a game of calculation. He
plays it in much the same spirit as that in which he
would play a game of chess. He is by no means
violently " anti-Boer." The rights and wrongs of
the enemy are none of his business.
The General himself is an extremely interesting

6 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
character. He speaks mostly to the members of his
Staff. He is reported to have snubbed politely a
venturesome correspondent who addressed him soon
after our departure from Southampton. His
subordinates are said to stand in terror of him.
They say he is uncompromisingly stern. To an
observer he appears as a man entirely without
nerves. That alone would make him fearless, and
no one disputes his fearlessness. He appears to be
shrewd, observant, impassive. The officers who have
served under him declare that he is the greatest
General now on the Active List of the Army.
In my last letter, mailed at Madeira, I think I
referred to the complaints concerning the arrange
ments made for the accommodation of the Staff and
other officers on board. It appeared then that the
Company was to blame for the over-crowding.
Further information makes it evident that the
Transport officials at Southampton were the culprits.
It is to be regretted that they were not obliged to
share the accommodation they provided. Any other
form of punishment would be entirely inadequate.
Land is now in sight. Late to-night we shall cast
anchor outside Cape Town. A great reception by
the loyal Colonists will probably be accorded in the
morning, when we land, to the Commander of the
British forces. One word as to the opinion among
the military on board in regard to the future
disposition of the Transvaal. They are strongly of
the opinion that that country will be made a self-
governing- British colony, with a Governor appointed
by the Crown. Cape Town, October 31st.
We anchored in the bay at 9.45 last night, and

THE VOYAGE OUT DESCRIBED. 7
several officers came on board. We were shocked
beyond measure to hear of the losses we had suffered
among our officers and men. For three hours we
listened to the accounts of the engagements in Natal,
which came upon us as a surprise, although we had
gathered from the signals made by the " Australia,"
which passed us yesterday, that serious fighting had
taken place. I do not think many of us had much
sleep last night. At five this morning we went into
dock, and Sir F. Forestier- Walker, accompanied by
his Staff, breakfasted on board. At 8 a.m. a guard of
honour, composed of Cape Volunteers, was formed
up on the quay, and shortly afterwards Sir Redvers
landed amid loud cheers from thousands on "board,
and, having first inspected the guard of honour, drove
off with his Staff. A large crowd had assembled
outside the enclosure on the quay, and a hearty
welcome was accorded to the General.
The demonstration was not, however, so great as
had been anticipated. Perhaps the cold and rain
kept people away ; at all events, it was very different
to the scene at Southampton. My attention was
called to the fact that flags in Government buildings
were conspicuous by their absence ; a significant and
unpleasant incident. Mr. Schreiner, the Cape
Premier, lunched with Sir Redvers and Staff at the
Mount Nelson Hotel, which, by the way, is an
excellent house, and we are now anxiously awaiting
further news. I expect to start for Ladysmith
immediately; probably my next letter will be from
there. The strictest censorship is exercised over all
news from the front, and even people here have the
utmost difficulty in getting news.

LOCAL FEELING ON THE WAR.
Cape Town, November 3rd.
I AM starting early to-morrow morning for Natal,
calling at Port Elizabeth and East London on the
way. The military situation is so complicated that
it is difficult to decide in which direction to move
forward, but my five days' stay in Cape Town has
given me a very valuable insight into local feeling —
which plays an important part in this war.
The bad news from Ladysmith has caused
profound sensation here. It is useless to attempt to
conceal the fact that great uneasiness prevails in
official circles in this town as regards the possible
attitude of the Dutch population in this Colony in
the event of a serious reverse to our troops. I have
been told by men holding high positions, who have
lived in Cape Town and the Colony for many years,
that the slightest provocation may cause a general
rising. It is maintained that if any practical
disapproval of Mr. Schreiner's past false policy had
been shown by our Government serious trouble
might have arisen.
Local feeling is divided. It is but fair that people
at home should know the exact facts. A certain
party here, consisting of both Dutch and English, is
of the opinion that the war is unnecessary. On the
other hand, by far the largest section of the people
is strongly of the opinion that this war was inevitable,
and that until the Boers are crushed there can be no
peace in South Africa. This section is loyal, most

LOCAL FEELING ON THE WAR. 9
energetically loyal to the Crown, in fact more so
than a great many people in England, who are apt
to take their own loyalty for granted, and to think
it unnecessary to give expression to their feelings
except upon State occasions. Loyal as this section
is, however, it is exceedingly difficult for it to resist
the temptation of criticising the home authorities for
their evident lack of preparation, when, according to
the statements here, war has been looked upon as
certain for months past.
These two parties, into which the population of
Cape Town is divided, the members of which meet
in the local clubs, deal with each other commercially,
and rub against each other as next-door neighbours,
are absolutely at daggers drawn. An American,
who went through the Civil War in all its phases,
and who is here " studying the field," states that
the situation is as extraordinary as the situation
on the border States during the months preceding
the outbreak of hostilities. From his point of view
we are witnessing the making of history ; and if his
point of view be correct, this war, however it may
result in a military sense, will involve the birth of a
new people, the British Afrikander. One thing
should be clearly understood, that if Great Britain
wishes to retain South Africa — and that she must
retain it is now inevitable — she must be prepared to
fight for it to the bitter end. The Boers will not
easily cave in. The loyalists emphasize that even
more strongly than their opponents. Kruger's
message to his sympathizers in America, that the
price of their independence will stagger the world, is
in a fair way to be realized. The great danger

10 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
to-day is that people at home will under-estimate
the gravity of the task we have entered upon.
The first batch of Boer prisoners was landed at
Simon's Town yesterday morning from H.M.S.
" Forte," and among them was Col. Schiel ; but it
is impossible to get into any contact with them.
The " Nineveh," with the New South Wales Lancers
on board, also arrived yesterday morning, and
received a hearty welcome. They were met by the
Mayor and Corporation, and had a most enthusiastic
reception on their march through the town. Most
of them are going up to De Aar, but some are
returning to Australia.
Refugees keep on coming down from the north.
An official at the bank told me to-day that it was
extraordinary the amount of money which most of
them brought with them. Large numbers have
brought down as much as between £3,000 and
£4,000 in cash. He told me of cases of women
bringing out rolls of bank-notes from their stockings
and hidden under their dresses. It is quite evident
that a large proportion of the refugees are not really
in the destitute condition which has excited so much
public sympathy at home.

HOW GENERAL FRENCH ESCAPED
FROM LADYSMITH.
Orange River Camp, November 18th.
I AM in the midst of a scene of indescribable bustle
and excitement, encamped on an arid plain a mile
south of the Orange River, with the forces under the
command of Lord Methuen.
Every day train loads of troops are joining this
camp, which now consists of the Coldstream Guards
(two battalions), Grenadier Guards (one battalion),
ist Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, West
Yorkshire Light Infantry, 9th Lancers, and the
Northampton Regiment. We have also three
batteries of the Royal Field Artillery, and are
expecting more every day. Most of the troops are
encamped on the north side of the river, but Lord
Methuen and his staff are in this camp. It is fine
camping ground, and were it not for the excessive
heat by day, we should be very comfortable ; water
is plentiful, but muddy ; there are no houses, the
only building being the railway station, where some
of the officers have their mess. They have kindly
asked us to join them, but as they are very crowded
already, we.are looking after ourselves.
Major Streatfeild, the Press censor, has been
particularly obliging, and we all hope that he will
accompany the column, which is very shortly to
proceed to the relief of Kimberley. This may take
place any time ; in fact, we have been told officially
that a start may be made on Monday.

12 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
It is proposed to march a column up to the Modder
River, which is about 60 miles from here, when a big
engagement is expected, the Boers being in large
force at that point. From thence it is only about
twelve miles to Kimberley ; therefore, before you
receive this Kimberley may have been relieved, and
our column well on its way to Bloemfontein. Corre
spondents to the number of eight are to be allowed
up with the column. I am to be one of them. We
shall only be allowed to take one horse for two, and
no equipment beyond what we can carry. How we
shall ever get our belongings again is a puzzle to us
all, but we are not worrying about that, now that
there is a prospect of active work.
I hope within ten days (sic) to send you the first
cable describing the relief of Kimberley. I visited
all the camps this morning, and the men all looked
well and cheerful. The bridge across the river,
which is now decked over, is a fine structure 440 yards
long. The banks are high and steep. It is lucky
that the Boers did not think of blowing up this bridge,
which up to quite recently was most inadequately
guarded. A large force of Boers was seen about
ten miles north of the bridge this morning ; perhaps
it had just struck them that this particular bridge is
quite the most important of any on this Colony's
border. They have, however, retired, and at the
present moment we do not fear any attack. The
transport of the troops has been most efficiently
provided for by the Cape Government Railway,
thousands of troops, horses, mules, enormous
quantities of ammunition and stores having been
brought up to De Aar and this camp during the last

HOW GENERAL FRENCH ESCAPED 13
FROM LADYSMITH.
week. It is just a week ago that Major Keith
Falconer and Lieutenant Wood were killed while
making a reconnaissance near Belmont. They were
buried here, about 1,000 yards from my tent. It
was a most sad affair. Mrs. Keith Falconer was at
Cape Town when the news reached her, a few hours
after the skirmish. They had only been married six
months, and been together three weeks when he was
ordered out here. The news of the attack on the
armoured train near Chieveley reached us yesterday.
There is a general impression that armoured trains,
up till now, have not realized the hopeful anticipations
held out by their inventors and advocates. I was
asked to join an expedition in one from here to
Belmont to-day, but it has been postponed until
to-morrow. The night trains have been discontinued
between De Aar and Orange River, owing to the
close proximity of the Boers. I travelled up on the
engine from De Aar. There is a keen competition
among the drivers to take the first train up to
Kimberley. The strictest Press censorship exists at present,
and even letters are censored. No one can quite see
the reason for this, as they cannot possibly be
published until long after a proposed movement
has become a thing of the past. We are, however,
treated with every consideration by the officers, and
have no real cause to grumble. Since I last wrote I
started for Natal with the intention of spending a
week at Estcourt and returning to De Aar by rail
from East London in time to join the relief
expedition to Kimberley, but on arriving at Port

14 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
Elizabeth I was informed by Major Fairholme, Staff
Railway Officer, that it would most probably be
impossible to do this, as the railway communication
was already interrupted at Naauwpoort Junction, and
he advised me not attempt it unless I was anxious
to be taken prisoner. I accordingly returned by the
next ship, the " Tintagel Castle," to Cape Town,
and had the good luck to fall in with General French
and his staff at Mossell Bay. They were on the
" Arab," an old Union boat, having left Durban in
her some days before. They signalled to us, asking
if we could take them on board, as we were due at
Cape Town two days before the " Arab." The
captain was only too pleased, and presently the
gallant General and his staff, fresh from Elandslaagte,
were alongside in a lighter and hoisted on board in
a basket. There was a big sea running, and the
operation was not an easy one. One would never
dream of attempting such a task in anything like
half the sea in the Channel. General French left
Ladysmith on Thursday, the 2nd inst, in an ordinary
train with an armoured engine, and when going
through a pass near Pieter's station, about ten miles
from Ladysmith, they were fired on by the Boers,
but no damage was done ; they protected themselves
by lying under the seats. Major Haig's portmanteau
was hit, but none of the contents were injured.
LTp to the time of the General's departure we had
lost altogether 1,000 killed and wounded, and about
800 prisoners. The General told me that the Boers
fought well at Elandslaagte, far better than he had
anticipated. He also spoke very highly of the
Natal Volunteers, who had done splendid service.

HOW GENERAL FRENCH ESCAPED 15
FROM LADYSMITH.
" Almost indispensable," said the General ; " their
knowledge of the country, coupled with indomitable
pluck, practically saved the position."^
I visited the Boer prisoners at Simon's Town on
my return, and also the wounded at Wynberg. The
prisoners are well treated ; they are mostly German.
Col. Schiel is the only grumbler ; he thinks he ought
to be on parole, as it was allowed by Sir George
White. An amusing correspondence has appeared
in the local paper between Sir Redvers Buller and
the Colonel, in which the latter got decidedly the
worst of it, and he still remains a prisoner. Refugees
from the Transvaal are pouring into Cape Town ;
220 came down in the " Tintagel Castle " from
Delagoa Bay; a crowd made up of all nationalities
literally covered every deck of the ship, fore and
aft. They were well looked after, and although
apparently (to suit their own purpose) mostly
destitute, the purser told me that he had large sums
of money to take care of for numbers of them who
were in the steerage, and who were going to apply
to the Relief Committee for help on their arrival in
Cape Town.
It is quite certain that many who will benefit by
the generosity of our charitable public are not nearly
as much in want as thousands of our countrymen at
home. It is getting dark, and the dim light of my
tent lamp will not allow me to proceed with this
letter, which I will dispatch to-night in order to catch
the next' mail from Cape Town. The next I hope
will be from Kimberley or its near neighbourhood.

BELMONT AND ENSLIN.
Modder River, November 29th.
We have just marched into what was yesterday the
Boers' stronghold at Modder River, which we forced
them to evacuate after twelve and a half hours' hard
and constant fighting ; but before going into details
of yesterday's battle, I will endeavour to give you an
account of what has taken place since Lord Methuen's
column left Orange River on Tuesday, the 21st inst./
The troops left camp at 2.30 a.m. that day and
marched as far as Wittiputs, nine miles distant,
arriving there at 8 a.m. The heat was intense, but
our men were so eager to meet the Boers that neither
the heat nor short rations, coupled with a scarcity of
water, even raised a grumble. On Wednesday
morning at 4 a.m. the army was on the march
again, and by 9 a.m. were encamped on the south
side of Belmont Farm, ten miles from Wittiputs.
It was known that the Boers were in the surrounding
kopjes in considerable force, and that a fight was
imminent. In the grey of dawn the column
advanced, drawn up in a long thin line, in open
order; the Coldstream Guards on the right, then the
Grenadiers, and the line regiments, Northumbrians
and Yorkshireman, extending to the left wing, where
the artillery was stationed, facing the south-eastern
horn of the semicircle of kopjes,, where the Boers
have a gun posted on a peak about 150ft. above the
plain. The first shot was fired by our 12-pounder,
which landed a shell close to the enemy's cannon ; this
was answered by volleys from the Boer rifles, which,
however, did not in any way hinder the steady advance

BELMONT AND ENSLIN. 17
of the British line across the plain. Gradually the
rising ground was reached, and our men ascended the
kopjes under a heavy rifle fire. The gun had by now
been silenced, but, unfortunately, the stiffest kopje oi
all, on the Boer left, had not been sufficiently cleared
by our artillery, and the Guards had to wait at the
foot while shell after shell from our guns flew over
their heads, clearing some of the ground in front of
them. It was in taking this kopje that we lost most
heavily, especially during the last ten minutes before
reaching the summit. For a few moments only our
men got among the Boers and inflicted considerable
loss at the point of the bayonet, but the enemy did
not wait for much of it ; they were beaten, and were
hurrying down the side of the hills in full flight.
Pursuit was impossible ; the Lancers, who had
skirted the highest kopje to the east, did make an
attempt to pursue, but were obliged to abandon it,
their horses being done up. If we had had more
cavalry the enemy's loss would have been far greater.
The medical staff won golden opinions by their
excellent work ; at 1 p.m. all the wounded were
lodged at Belmont Farm, and by 4 p.m. the next
day they were in the hospital train en route for Cape
Town. It was in this action that the Adjutant of
the Coldstream Guards was killed after the white
flag had been hoisted. 1 believe he was killed by a
wounded Boer, to whom he was talking. Mr. Knight,
of the " Morning Post," was also shot after the action
was over ; it is feared that he will lose his right arm.
The Grenadier Guards have lost their commanding
officer, and, altogether, the casualty list is a sad one.
The Boer wounded were well looked after by our

1 8 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
medical staff; they say that they prefer to fall into
our hands when wounded than to be treated by
their own people. The work of burying the dead
and picking up took a considerable time, but early
in the afternoon the troops were resting in their
camp. Here they remained until Friday afternoon,
when they proceeded seven miles to Swinkspan for
the night, where there is, fortunately, a good supply of
water. At 3.30 Saturday morning, the line having
been repaired by the Engineers, a further forward
move was made towards Graspan. The armoured
train accompanied the troops, and on reaching the
Enslin kopjes it was found that the train was
already in action. The Boers were in strong force,
and had six guns, the Nordenfeldt and Maxim. Our
artillery shelled the hills with shrapnel until they
seemed practically cleared, then the Naval Brigade
and infantry assaulted the position. The storming
party was composed of Bluejackets, Marines, York
shires, Lancasters, Northamptons, and the " Fighting
Fifth." They advanced without flinching through a
veritable storm of leaden hail. The Northamptons
were in front ; up till then no Boers had been seen.
As the storming party advanced, the kopje was
found to be alive with Boers, who opened a heavy
fire. Nothing daunted, our troops struggled up the
hill, until well within 200 yards of the ridge. The
Naval Brigade had to cross a zone of fire for 70
yards with absolutely no cover. The fire here was
terrific, and, with practically half their men lost, they
had to return to their late cover. At this time the
position seemed doubtful, but the artillery, with
increased effort, kept down the enemy's fire, and the

BELMONT AND ENSLIN. 19
sailors and marines renewed the attack, and the
position was gained. The Boers did not wait, but
retired hurriedly. Meanwhile, two naval guns and
the 75th Battery of Artillery Kept up brisk fire on
the enemy's west flank and helped considerably. At
10 a.m. the fight was over.
Our total casualties were 179 killed and wounded.
We bivouacked that night at Enslin, where there
was practically no water. One well had to do service
for the whole force. Several men told me on Saturday
morning when I went round the camp that they had
only had half a cup of water since the fight the
previous day. You can imagine what that means in
a broiling sun, with no shade of any kind, after a
long march and a hard fight. I had to wait three
hours at the well before I could get a drop. The
men were crowding round the engines on the line
offering the drivers fabulous prices for a cup of
water from their tenders, but it was useless ; the
drivers had been threatened with court-martial if
they supplied any, as there was great difficulty in
keeping a sufficient supply for the engines, which
had left Belmont two days since with supply trains,
etc. I saw one soldier lying flat on the line under
an engine, catching a few drops in his mouth from
an exhaust pipe.
The Engineers did smart work during the day,
repairing "the line, which in places had been torn up
in long lengths with the sleepers. The field
telegraph has also been smartly dealt with; it is
extraordinary how quickly the work is done, especially
when one considers the circumstances in which it
has to be carried out.

20 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
We remained in camp at Enslin on Sunday. Lord
Methuen addressed the Naval Brigade during the
morning in most complimentary terms on their work
the previous day. At Enslin there is only a ganger's
house, which was taken possession of by the General
and Staff; the open veldt was our abode. On
Sunday night, our stores being exhausted, I went
back to Orange River in a goods train in order to
replenish from my tent there, and returned Monday
morning in the hospital train bound for Graspan to
fetch the wounded. Major Russell was in charge of
the train, with an assistant and two nurses. The
train, which has been fitted up at Cape Town, is
really perfect, comfortable beds in large airy bogey
carriages, everything spotless and beautifully kept.
I was much surprised to see how excellent all the
arrangements were, considering the short time the
authorities have had to get everything ready. Major
Russell seems to take great pride in his work, and
showed me all over the train ; the stores are abundant,
all kinds of luxuries are stowed away in the store
room. The cooking arrangements are very good, a
large kitchen car is attached to the train in charge of a
first-rate cook and staff. There are two or three
trains travelling to and fro from Cape Town and the
front continually. The train stopped at Graspan,
where 80 wounded were lying in the field hospital
belonging to the 9th Brigade, under Major Harris.
Some even very bad cases had been there two days
in hot tents ; it was a pleasing sight to witness the
delight of these men when they were told that the
hospital train had arrived to take them to Wynberg.
In two hours' time they were away, and I found

BELMONT AND ENSLIN. 21
myself stranded at Graspan with no horse, thirteen
miles from the army, which had moved on from
Enslin that morning early ; my companions had gone
also, thinking that I would come on to the front by
train. Major Harris, however, with great kindness,
came to my assistance ; after giving me lunch he lent
me a horse, and I rode off in chase of the army. At
Enslin I changed horses ; one of mine had fortunately
been le'ft there for me, and I sent the other back,
not sorry to be rid of him, he having fallen twice
between Graspan and Enslin. Capt. Brierley was
left at Enslin with 200 men, and- 1 was glad of the
mug of tea which was offered to me.
Proceeding on my own horse, I found my com
panions at 6 p.m., encamped within two miles of
the main force at Klopfontein, seven miles from
Modder River. The troops were bivouacked three
miles east of the railway, near a large pond, which
must have been a godsend to them. We slept that
night on the railway bank ; correspondents with
horses and carts do not actually camp with the
troops, as objection might be taken as regards water
and forage ; we therefore have to look after our
selves in that way, which is by no means easy. Up
till now it has not been possible to sleep under
canvas ; we were not allowed to bring tents with us.
There was a general feeling that night that we were
on the eve of a big action, but nothing definite was
known ; even the General thought that it was quite
probable that the Boers had fallen back on
Spietfontein, twelve miles north of the river. Scouts
had been out during the day, but could not discover
any Boers in force near the river.

THE VICTORY AT MODDER RIVER.
Modder River, November 29th.
TUESDAY, the 27th November, 1899, will be marked
in the annals of history as the date of one 1 of the
severest battles of modern times. At dawn we
moved slowly towards Bosman's Drift, four miles
east of the bridge, which has been- destroyed by
the Boers ; the armoured train steamed slowly down
the line parallel with the army.- Scouts were riding
about on both flanks ; two had returned in the early
morning and reported a force of Boers being present
near the river, number unknown, but probably only
a few. When within three miles of the drift a sudden
halt was made, caused by a volley from the direction
of Bosman's Drift, followed by artillery fire.^-Their
fire was directed towards our right flank, where the
Coldstreams received the brunt of it. It was
promptly returned, and presently the enemy's fire
ceased, giving the impression that they were retiring
to the mountains at the back. It was not known
which side of the river the fire had come from. We
advanced, and the Coldstreams were preparing to
cross the river, when a Boer ambush behind a long
bank opened a deadly fire, compelling us to make a
rectangular change of front. The fight now became
general, and the Boer artillery had the longer range ;
in spite of this the Naval guns were drawn forward
on the line, and the Field Artillery advanced parallel.
The whole of our advance was unprotected, miles of

THE VICTORY AT MODDER RIVER. 23
perfectly flat plain ending in a long slope down to
the river, where the Boers held an exceptionally
strong position, entrenched for five or six miles
along the river. On the plain were numerous white
crosses, which we subsequently discovered were
marked ranges set out by them previously. There
was no loss on our side until the Northumberland
Fusiliers, with the Argyll and Sutherland High
landers, stormed the drift on the west of the bridge,
amid a perfect shower of bullets, the Northumber-
lands with fixed bayonets, and the Argylls, plunging
and swimming in deeper water, losing three men
drowned, besides numbers shot. They gained the
other side, and now the Boers seemed to concentrate
men on their left, and, with additional artillery, which
had been requisitioned from Belmont, and which
arrived at full gallop at 2 p.m., the enemy's guns
west of the bridge were silenced.
The Naval guns had been firing the whole time,
and I think they would have silenced the enemy's
guns without any assistance. On the right the Boers
kept up a heavy fire from their Nordenfeldts and
Maxims ; these were the, last to be silenced — at 4
p.m. They were placed in a gun-pit one mile north
of the river, which I have visited to-day. As the
afternoon wore on the action developed into an
infantry battle chiefly. The control of the river was
the important object, and for some time it seemed
doubtful if we should gain the position by night.
The Scots Guards were the first to attack the Boer
trenches on the south side of the river on the right,
and were met by a fearful fire. They had to
retire, and on charging again, within ten minutes,

24 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
they found the Boers had decamped, and five infantry
battalions crossed the river. *~"
The position was taken. It was past six o'clock,
and getting dark. There were still many Boers in
the town south of the river, who kept up a brisk
fire on our bearer parties picking up the wounded
until night closed in. A brigade of infantry and
two batteries of artillery spent the night on the
south bank of the river. A night attack on the Boers
had been planned should they have attempted to
regain the river, and at 4.30 this morning (Thursday)
eight shots were fired by the big Navy gun as a
signal to the Brigadier on the left to close in around
the drift. But the Boers had all gone during the
night. The whole army crossed at eleven this morn
ing over the drift near the railway bridge, and as I
write I can see hundreds of soldiers' revelling in a
bath, while others, having surrounded a large herd of
goats, are enjoying their first drop of fresh milk
since leaving England. And surely they deserve all
they can get in the way of luxuries now, after a
fight of over twelve hours in a broiling sun, following
on a week's hard marching, with two big actions on
the way.
The fighting line in yesterday's battle on both
sides extended quite six miles, and there was an
incessant fusillade and cannonade for twelve solid
hours. The Boers were never seen by us ; none of
the officers and men to whom I have spoken since saw
a Boer. It is certainly marvellous how they always
manage to hide themselves. Our casualty list is
heavy, but not so heavy as we, who watched the
battle raging all day, anticipated.

THE VICTORY AT MODDER RIVER. 25
Lord Methuen's wound was, happily, only very
slight. We have just buried poor Col. Stopford and
Col. Northcote. Col. Stopford was killed about
noon by a bit of shell in his neck. Col. Northcote,
who was wounded about the same time, lingered on
till night and died in the field hospital. His last
words to the surgeon were, " Get the wounded in
the hospital train as quickly as possible."
When I went on the battle-field this morning
there were some awful sights, numbers of our men,
mostly Highlanders, lying dead on the field as they
had fallen. It brought to one's mind in a most
realistic manner the horrors of war, too dreadful to
describe. Even hardened warriors were affected by
the scenes in the field hospital last night. I saw one
old surgeon, who has seen many years' service, leave
the tent for a few minutes, and he told me afterwards
that he had to go out to pull himself together. We
found about fifty dead Boers in the trenches this
morning, and several wounded, who were well
attended to.
The heat yesterday was terrific ; no wind, a hot,
blazing sun all day. Our men must be in good
training to have got through the day as they did.
We were all done, and literally parched ; our only
refreshment during the twelve hours was water heated
by the sun in our water-bottles. I think there are
not many in this camp who would like to have a
repetition of yesterday. However, it was a grand
victory ; a hard test for the men, probably the
hardest they will have to undergo, and they have
come out of it with glory. Not a mere victory over
unarmed savages, but against equally well-armed,

26 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
brave fighting men, holding an almost impregnable
position, from which they poured an unceasing fire
on our men all day.
We are here now for a week's rest, and if the
Boers had not burnt the houses in the town we
might have been very comfortable. Modder River
town is the Brighton of Kimberley, with good hotels,
where people come to from Saturday to Monday.
They have left two standing on the north side,
which are occupied now by the Staff and Ambulance.
The railway has been expeditiously repaired by the
Engineers as far as the river, and a new bridge is
being built. We expect another big fight at
Spietfontein next week. By then we shall have
reinforcements, including more cavalry, which we
sorely need. It is most unfortunate that we have
not had more cavalry with us since we left
Orange River ; we should undoubtedly have gained
more decisive victories. In yesterday's fight cavalry
were not really required, but at Belmont and
Graspan their services would have been invaluable.
One of the first things I found in the Boer trenches
after the battle was a Boer's kit, consisting of a rifle,
a bandolier half full of ammunition, a water-bottle,
and a bottle of Bass's beer, unopened. It did not
remain long in that condition. Our shells must have
done good work. The rooms in one of the hotels
are absolutely riddled, and one shell must have
landed on the billiard table, which is blown to atoms.
The garden by the side of the hotel on the south
side of the river made a lovely entrenchment for the
Boers ; it is surrounded by a loose stone wall four
feet high, and inside is a thick cactus hedge. The

THE VICTORY AT MODDER RIVER. 27
river itself is very pretty, dotted about with islands
well wooded, with boats and canoes belonging to
Kimberley residents made fast along the banks.
Early this morning several people, including ladies
smartly dressed, drove up to the hotel, which is
intact, and said they had been hiding in the kopjes
during the past week, fearing an action, and asked
if they might take possession of their houses. They
had not been badly treated by the Boers, but their
belongings had all disappeared.
The whole place was looted ; hundreds of empty
bottles testified to the fact that the Boers had not
suffered from want of good wine or beer. We had
hoped that they might have overlooked the
champagne, but our hopes were not realized, and
we had to be satisfied with Modder River water.
We hope now to be able to get our tents, and the
men will be grateful for theirs. Rain has a habit of
coming on at night, which makes sleeping out on the
open veldt most unpleasant. It was necessary to
come up very light, as a heavy transport would
have rendered a quick advance impossible. The
trains have followed us up, bringing up supplies, but
it has been difficult sometimes to get at them. The
railway and transport arrangements have been
excellent throughout, and the greatest credit is due
to the railway staff, who have assisted the military
in their work. Passenger traffic and mails as far as
De Aar and Orange River and from De Aar to Port
Elizabeth have not been interrupted, notwithstanding
that thousands of troops and horses and stores of
every description for the whole army have been sent
up daily for the last month.' I wonder how some of

28 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
our southern lines would have managed with only
half their rolling stock available?
We know nothing of what is going on in Natal,
and are anxiously awaiting news. One thing is
certain about this war — the Boers have fought well.
They have till now not really suffered an important
defeat, although we have driven them out of their
positions, in which they were evidently fully prepared
for us ; and they have a strong foreign element
backing them up and leading them.
The Boer tactics are undeniably good and clever ;
they do not seem to make any mistakes. I am
convinced that their losses on this Western border
have not been very heavy up till now. I doubt if
they have been so heavy as ours. What they have
done is this. They came to the first good fighting
position nearest the Orange River, determined to
have their first fight as far south as possible ; they
have after each battle retired to their next premedi
tated position and fought again ; and so it will be
unto the end of the chapter, when numbers must
prevail. Their only weakness is that they can
replace nothing which they lose ; every shot fired,
every life lost, and every gun taken are irreplaceable
losses ; whereas we can go on replacing " ad
infinitum." So far as I can see, this fact alone
constitutes the certainty of our ultimate success ; the
Boers will fight so until their munitions of war are
exhausted ; then, and not till then, shall we see the
British flag flying at Pretoria.

THE BOER LOSSES.
Modder River, South Africa, December 7th.
The day after the fight at Modder River was spent
in settling the troops down in camp, examining the
Boer position, burying the dead, and attending to
the wounded. Incidentally the private soldier did
a little looting, but as the Boers had practically
cleared the neighbourhood of all food stuffs, no
great harm was done. Several stores were started
during the day by inhabitants of the village, who
had taken refuge in surrounding farmhouses during
the battle. They had very little to sell, and only
sherry to drink. The Staff had taken possession of
a hotel opposite the railway station, half a mile north
of the river, which had escaped our heavy artillery
fire with the loss of a few windows and portion of
roofing. This became the centre of all news during
our stay at Modder River. By the afternoon of
Wednesday, the 29th, it was generally understood
that our further advance would be delayed at least a
week ; Spietfontein lying straight ahead of us,
apparent to the naked eye, where the Boers held, if
possible, a stronger position than any we had yet
attacked. Away to the east they were reported to
have a large force near Jacobsdal, about ten miles
distant. It had become quite obvious even before
the battle at Modder River that our present force
was inadequate in respect of cavalry and horse
artillery. A week's delay, then, was necessary in any
event for the sake of obtaining reinforcements, apart

30 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
from the desirability of resting the troops after three
hard engagements in one week. To put it plainly,
we were all rather tired of frontal attacks, and
although the troops at Lord Methuen's command
were ready to go wherever he sent them, there was
a distinct feeling of relief among officers and men
at the news that more artillery and cavalry were
coming up. The advent of the howitzer battery,
with its lyddite shells, has been the talk of the camp
for a week. One day it had left Cape Town, the
next it was passing Enslin, again it was just being
disembarked, and at least four days ago it was said
to have arrived in camp.
It is now the 7th December, and the howitzer
battery is not with us. One thing we are quite sure
of at the time of writing, the 12 th Lancers have been
added to our cavalry force, one battery of Horse
Artillery is here, although its ammunition is still on
the way, and the 4.7 gun of the Naval Brigade,
which also throws lyddite shells, has been seen and
touched. During the past seven days we have had ample
time to look over the Boer position at Modder River,
and the more we look at it the more we wonder why
they left it. Considering the amount of preparation
which had been made in extending miles and miles
of trenches across the lines of our advance, it is
evident that the enemy had intended a stubborn
resistance. That being so, they can only have been
persuaded to retire by means of heavy loss, or at
least a heavier loss than the strength of their
position would warrant.
Our actual evidence of their loss is rather slight ;

THE BOER LOSSES. 31
the station-master estimated it at 700, but as the
station-master spent the day of the battle eight miles
in the rear of the firing line, his testimony is of no
great value. What we actually saw was at the out
side fifty dead Boers on the day after the fight. A
few days later several more of the dead enemy made
themselves disagreeably apparent to our nostrils ;
they had been killed in the trenches and buried in
a few inches of sand. A little later still an old Dutch
lady informed us that she had seen four dead Boers
thrown into the river, with stones round their necks,
by their comrades. After that seventeen dead Boers
were hauled out of the river ; this number is mentioned
in official dispatches, and, therefore, must be correct.
Altogether, we may be said to have fair proof of the
killing of 100 Boers, and at that rate, judging from
our own experience, their losses must amount to
about 500 — a far greater loss than was at first
estimated. By far the greater part of their loss must
have been caused by the splendid practice of our
field artillery, whose shrapnel kept bursting all day
long over the enemy's trenches, while our infantry
fire must have gone harmlessly over their heads.
Having deserted the river, the Boers are now both
in front of us and on our right flanks and at no very
great distance, as is evidenced by the fact that every
morning our patrols come regularly into collision with
theirs, and the firing is distinctly heard in camp. In
this way we have already had several of Rimington's
Scouts wounded, and two taken prisoners, while every
day there are wild rumours of a Boer attack. This
morning the rumour proved almost correct ; some
time during the night the Boers descended upon the

32 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
railway at Enslin, and destroyed our communications
both by telegraph and rail. No great harm
fortunately could come of this movement, for as it
happened the Seaforth Highlanders were on the
march to reinforce us at that moment, and had just
reached camp when the news arrived ; they were
immediately entrained under the command of General
Wauchope, their Brigadier, and sent off to clear the
line with the 12th Lancers and a couple of guns in
support. Apparently the Highlanders made good
use of their opportunity, for the news has just come
in that communication has been restored, the Boers
repulsed with loss, with the Lancers in full cry after
them, our loss in the affair being fourteen wounded.

A WELCOME REST.
Modder River, December 9th.
WE are still at Modder River, our prolonged stay
being due to the non-arrival of the howitzer battery,
which has been delayed by the breaking up of the
railway near Enslin. It is, however, expected hourly,
the damage on the line having been repaired. For
the last two days the Boers have been plainly visible
at the foot of the Spietfontein kopjes. Yesterday a
large number of waggons were seen proceeding west
towards Spietfontein from Jacobsdal, and the camp
fires early this morning revealed the enemy laagered
on the plain immediately below the kopjes. The
4.7 Naval gun, drawn by 36 oxen, advanced about
two miles north, and opened fire on the enemy's
position ; sixteen rounds were fired, lyddite being
used, and some of the shells were said to have fallen
well in the Boer camp. The range was about 6,800
yards, and the shooting was excellent. There was no
response from the enemy, and soon after 6 a.m. the
firing ceased, the sailors bringing their gun back to its
position by the railway station. The temporary bridge
across the river was ready for traffic yesterday morn
ing, and several trains came up to Modder River
station, where, fortunately, no damage was done
during the battle of the Modder. I have already
written about the enormous number of rounds which
must have been fired that memorable day, but it is
worth mentioning that one battalion of the Cold-
streams fired 126,000 rounds, and one battalion of
the Grenadiers 52,000 rounds. It has been suggested
in some quarters that the Boers may have to
3

34 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
surrender through want of ammunition, but this is
not probable,- as they are reported to have started
the war with over 250,000,000 rounds in store, most
of which has been brought up by the Cape Govern
ment Railway. What is far more probable is that
they will soon be handicapped by the want of big
guns, some of which must necessarily soon be put
out of action by excessive firing. Up till now,
however, the Boers have hit us harder with their
infantry fire than with their artillery. This is proved
by the fact that the majority of our wounded cases
have not been serious ones. Many who were
wounded at Belmont and Graspan have returned to
duty or are about to do so shortly. Colonel Crabb, who
was hit in the wrist at Belmont, has again assumed
command of the Grenadiers. Count Gleichen, who
had a bullet through the back of his neck, is already
convalescent, and will probably join us in a week, and
many others. Everyone feels deeply for Mr. Knight,
of the " Morning Post," who has lost his right arm,
and is therefore incapacitated as a war correspondent.
It is quite evident that no effort will be spared to
inflict a severe blow on the enemy at Spietfontein,
and that the howitzer battery is expected to play a
very important part in our next action. This is
obvious from the fact that Lord Methuen is making
so prolonged a stay here, which is certainly contrary
to his personal inclination. The troops have
benefited from their rest. Officers and men look
the picture of health ; there is very little sickness,
and that only of a mild character. The rations are
excellent : with good bread, fresh meat, vegetables,
and jam, " Tommy " cannot grumble about his food

A WELCOME REST 35
in South Africa. The greatest credit is due to the
Army Service Corps for the efficient manner in which
they are providing for the requirements of our men.
Farmers in this neighbourhood are also doing well,
finding an excellent market for their stock. Sixty
bullocks were purchased yesterday from one at an
average of £13 10s. per head, a better price for lean
stock than farmers can obtain at home. Moreover,
every day many come in with demands for com
pensation for damage and loss sustained at the
hands of the Boers. These claims are numerous,
and vary in amount ; but they will make a nice little
total by the time the war is over.
It is remarkable that although we have heard so
much of the disloyalty of the colony, wherever we
go we find nothing but extreme loyalty, which finds
its own reward in compensation claims. It has been
suggested that the spirit of loyalty is bred by the
presence of our Army, and that it dates from the
day of our arrival. A most uncharitable thought,
but freely entertained! We are not allowed to
disclose by cable or letter any proposed future
movements of the troops ; it is obvious that news
of that description would be most dangerous sent
by wire, but it would be perfectly harmless in letters,
and would make them much more interesting and far
easier to write. As regards current and past events,
we cannot grumble ; the Press censor is always ready
to tell us everything, and takes a great deal of trouble
in doing so. No correspondent who conforms to the
rules has any cause to complain of the treatment
received at his hands.
The howitzer battery has arrived, and an early
move is anticipated.
3—2

BATTLE OF MAGERSFONTEIN.
Modder River, December 16th, 1899.
A WEEK has passed since I wrote my last letter, and
during that short period events have occurred with
which the world is now familiar, and which must have
cast a gloom over the whole of the British Empire.
By this mail not one line of cheerful news will reach
our friends at home from any part of South Africa,
in which our troops are manfully struggling to carry
out the mandate of the nation. To chronicle and
comment upon what has taken place in this short
space of time is a difficult, thankless, and an
unpleasant task. It is rendered more difficult by
the fact that we are always expected to adopt an
optimistic tone, whereas it is clearly our duty to
record the facts as they are, for the British public
to consider and digest, in order that they may form
a sound opinion on the work which we are
endeavouring to accomplish, and to judge for them
selves whether the object for which we are working
is being attained. So far as I am concerned, I
mean to lay bare the whole truth; it may be
unpalatable, but it must be told. It must come
out sooner or later, and the sooner the better. Are
the British public children ; are they not sufficiently
level-headed to hear the truth calmly, even if it is
not to their liking, and to review the position as it
really is, with calm, quiet deliberation? Having
witnessed with my own eyes the battle of Magers
fontein last Monday, which resulted in a fearful
disaster and the subsequent retreat of Lord

BATTLE OF MAGERSFONTEIN. 37
Methuen's division, I read in a leading Cape Town
paper that it was a glorious day for British arms,
and that we had virtually taken the Boer position.
What a childish farce! Is Press censorship to be
carried to such an extent that only absolute per
versions of facts are to be published? It is foolish
and wicked — foolish because if it is done with an
idea of deceiving the Dutch colony, they are not
deceived by our semi-official statements, for they
know full well what has really happened, and are,
moreover, very naturally inspired with the idea that
we are conscious of weakness ; it is wicked because
every man and woman at home is entitled to know
the truth. We do not know yet what news has been
sent home, but we know that cables have been
terribly mutilated.
And now what has happened? Lord Methuen's
force has been beaten at Magersfontein and driven
back to Modder River, instead of reaching Kimberley
on Wednesday, as was expected. Our loss on
Monday was exceedingly heavy. General Gatacre
has suffered a severe defeat with heavy loss in
prisoners, killed and wounded, losing also two guns.
Sir Redvers Buller, in Natal, with four brigades, after
ten hours' hard fighting, had to retire with very heavy
loss to Chieveley ; our losses in the week amount to
over 3,000 men and 12 guns, and we have not gained
an inch of ground in our own country. A long delay
must now take place before another move can be
made. It is not the numerical loss of officers and men —
ghastly and terrible enough in itself — which makes
the position so serious ; it is the effect which these

38 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
reverses have on the morale of our troops and on
the Boers which constitutes the real danger. If we
could point to one real victory, if our men could see
that these hard-fought battles, with their bloody
results, were clearing the road to Pretoria, they
would know they were doing some good. But all
along the line, from Chieveley to Modder River, we
are facing well-nigh impregnable positions, occupied
by men determined to hold them with their last drop
of blood, hurling forth one unanimous defiant
message, " Thus far and no farther." It is useless
to disguise the fact that a large percentage of our
troops are beginning to lose heart in this campaign.
Can you blame them? A close succession of frontal
attacks on an invisible foe securely entrenched,
where retaliation is almost impossible, will shake the
nerve of the bravest. Our men have fought well ;
their conduct under most trying and adverse circum
stances has been admirable. But they have been
asked to perform miracles, and, being human, they
have failed. Do not blame them. Do not blame
that gallant General who, on Monday last, was the
first victim of the terrible disaster which overcame
the Highland Brigade. They marched in quarter
column to their doom, almost falling into the Boer
trenches in the dim light of early dawn. Wauchope's
last words, " For God's sake, men, do not blame me
for this," will gladden the hearts of his numerous
friends and admirers. That one mistake cost us
nearly 700 men, but worse than that is the knowledge
that the Highland Brigade have received a blow from
which they will not recover for a long time to come.
Can that famous brigade — more than decimated —

BATTLE OF MAGERSFONTEIN. 39
practically without officers- — do as well in the near
future as they have done in the past ? No ; it is
impossible, and if any one doubts this, let them come
out and talk to the officers and men, as I have done,
and then form their own opinion.
We must have large reinforcements ; the present
force in South Africa is quite inadequate to cope
with the enemy ; a continuance of our present plan of
campaign will result in our losing South Africa. The
attempt to relieve Kimberley with little over 7,000
men has proved a terrible failure. General Gatacre's
and General Buller's operations have ended similarly.
The prestige of England has already been damaged
by the events of the past week, and it is time that
the nation should be made to realize the intense
gravity of the situation out here. Delay will be
fatal. We have a gigantic task ahead of us, and we
shall require the best part of 200,000 men to bring
this war to a successful issue.
THE BATTLE.
The howitzers had arrived ; our reinforcements
were complete. Last Saturday evening it was
generally understood that a move would be made on
Sunday afternoon. There was no further need for
delay ; the men were refreshed after their well-earned
rest, and eager to reach Kimberley ; the howitzers,
lyddite, and Horse Artillery would easily clear away
any Boer obstacle on our road. Would the Boers
dare to oppose such a force as Lord Methuen now
had under his command? Lyddite would soon
disperse any Boer force on the Magersfontein kopjes,
and Kimberley would be relieved by Wednesday.

40 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
Cheery messages were flashed from the " Diamond
City " by night in anticipation of our near arrival ;
trains were standing at Modder River station waiting
to proceed north, railway passes had been given to
those who were not allowed to advance with the
column ; such was the programme, satisfactory to all,
complete and perfect in every respect. There was
only one element of uncertainty about it. Were we
to march direct to Spietfontein, or was Jacobsdal to
be our first halting place ? Opinion was divided, and
official information was not forthcoming, but no one
really cared ; the object of Lord Methuen's advance
from Orange River was about to be realized, the
prospect of a few extra miles' marching did not alarm
us. Thus did matters stand on Saturday night.
Sunday morning at 7.30 found us all at church
parade, an impressive scene, that first event on the
first day of an eventful week. The service over, we
received the order to be ready to march at 2 p.m.
No kit and three days' rations. We were not going
to Jacobsdal after all. Sharp at two Lord Methuen
moved out from the camp with all the force at his
command, with the exception of the 9th Brigade
and four naval guns. These were left to guard
Modder River. The 4.7 naval gun was posted on
the left side of the railway, about two miles below
Merton siding, and opened the cannonade against
the Boer position shortly after three o'clock with
lyddite at 7,000 yards' range. The next battery
to come into action was the howitzer, stationed to
the right front of the 4.7 gun. Lyddite was thrown
by this battery at a range of 3,000 yards against a
range of kopjes on the Magersfontein farm, which

BATTLE OF MAGERSFONTEIN. 41
the Boers were supposed to be occupying in force.
Further to the right the field batteries opened
obliquely along the kopjes, and their shells
thoroughly searched the ground from this advan
tageous position. Our line of guns was completed
on the right by a battery of Royal Horse Artillery.
Supported by cavalry, the Highland Brigade, on the
right centre, were being gradually moved up, but no
infantry came into action during Sunday afternoon's
bombardment. The whole affair was most one
sided, no response being elicited from the enemy ;
we heard after the battle from a prisoner that they
were engaged in prayers, not expecting any attack
on Sunday, and that some of our shells did con
siderable execution as they were assembled at their
afternoon's Divine service. At all events, they kept
silent, and gave us no assistance in locating their
position. As the sun set the cannonade slackened,
and the troops bivouacked for the night in the
position they had taken up during the day. Thick
rain had been falling continuously since we had left
camp, and with the advent of night it increased, and
a comfortable night's rest was out of the question.
Moreover, camp fires and smoking were not allowed,
and so, in darkness, with only cold, damp food, we
remained, consoled, perhaps, by the reflection that a
warm meal and a cigarette would scarcely compensate
one for being shelled all night.
While we were eagerly awaiting the break of day,
plans and preparations were being made for the
following day's attack. There was not complete
accord between Lord Methuen and General
Wauchope as to the best method of dealing the

42 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
severest blow upon the enemy. Lord Methuen's
plan, however, was finally decided upon, and, accord
ingly, the Highland Brigade was moved at early
dawn towards the Boer trenches, but this plan was
doomed to failure against such a wakeful enemy,
and the surprisers found themselves surprised when
volley after volley was poured into the compact
ranks of the Highlanders.
The order of advance was the Black Watch,
Seaforths, Argyll and Sutherlands, in mass of quarter-
column ; the first-named naturally suffered most
heavily when the terrible fusillade began at less
than 300 yards' range. The result was general con
fusion, and although several attempts were made to
rush the position, the enemy's quick-firing rifles
paralyzed every attempt, and eventually the gallant
brigade, with its regiments mixed up and control lost
owing to the heavy loss of officers, was compelled to
retire. By now there was sufficient daylight to enable
our gunners to see something of what was happening,
and at the first opportunity they did all in their power
to check the Boer rifle fire and cover the now
quickening retreat of the ill-fated Highlanders. But
it was too late. The Gordons on the left centre,
and the Guards Brigade on the right, opposite an
extended trench, had now been moved forward, and
the enemy's fire slackened considerably. So the
weary day dragged on, the misfortune of the morning
having naturally cast a gloom over the whole force.
The Boer position was an exceedingly strong one,
and it is becoming evident that the Boers are
beginning to prefer trenches to kopjes ; they are

BATTLE OF MAGERSFONTEIN. 43
wise — in their trenches they are much safer from our
artillery fire, which both in the Belmont and Graspan
kopjes did them considerable damage. The strength
of their position on Monday lay in the trenches being
cut in sandy ground, some distance in front and along
the base of the hills running almost east and west.
These were skilfully disguised by artificially-placed
bushes, and could hardly be distinguished even with
powerful glasses from the rest of the country. From
the trenches at the base of the hills others have been
continued away to along our right, and it was from
the farthest right point that Cronje intended to turn
our flank and attack our rear, but the Guards,
Lancers, and Horse Artillery, with the Yorkshires,
on the flank were strong enough to prevent the
execution of this plan.
In the afternoon the Highlanders again drew the
enemy's fire. It was intended that they should
attempt to storm the trenches on the west, but while
they were forming up the first shell of the day from
the enemy landed in close proximity to them, and
the idea was abandoned, the Highlanders falling
back to the left of the guns. The fighting was over,
and no further attempt was made to dislodge the
enemy, who, up to the time of writing, still hold their
position. Between the hours of five and seven the
Boers let us know that although they had not found
it necessary to use their big guns that day, they were
there in good working order, some of their missiles
falling throughout the camp, some in close proximity
to our transport, which had to be retired.
We certainly had gained no advantage in this long
battle ; our artillery did well, but it is doubtful

44 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
whether they did as much damage to the enemy as
the latter did to us with their deadly rifle fire. The
Ambulance Corps had a hard day's work, and were
at it all that night and the following day, often under
fire, doing their duty with conspicuous bravery. As
we bivouacked on Monday night and thought over
the day's work, we wondered what our next move
would be, and it was generally supposed that a return
march to Modder River was more likely to be the
order than an advance on Kimberley.
All night long the transport waggons drove back
wards and forwards in apparent uncertainty as to
their destination for the following day. The early
morning was bitterly cold, as if Nature was determined
to add discomfort to defeat. Yet the troops in front,
who had busily been digging little shelter trenches
most of the night, turned out for a second attack in
wonderfully good spirits. The Guards had already
been ordered once to assault with the bayonet under
cover of darkness on Monday evening, and they
were quite prepared to carry out the order in the
broad light of day. But somehow nothing happened.
We stood about yesterday's battle-field in full view
of the enemy, while they, on their part, strolled back
wards and forwards behind their trenches. For the
first time we were able to see the Boers in real flesh.
At last it was understood that hostilities were
suspended for the moment in order to effect an
exchange of wounded prisoners, and give both sides
a chance of counting up their losses. Yet there was
no regular armistice, and we waited until the morning
grew old before any idea was gained of what the next
move might be. There was even a little promiscuous

BATTLE OF MAGERSFONTEIN. 45
shelling, started, I am afraid, by our own naval gun,
the officer in charge having no knowledge of the fact
that our ambulances were actually in the enemy's
lines at the time. Finally, about half-past ten, the
Highland Brigade was ordered to march back to
camp ; the Artillery followed, escorted by the Guards,
and we knew then that the incident, at least for the
present, was closed. We had attempted to force a
passage through the enemy's lines at Magersfontein,
and we had failed. The Boers, encouraged by the
unexpected sight, immediately opened fire upon our
retiring troops with their guns, which up to then they
had used sparingly and with the utmost discretion.
For at least two miles our field batteries, horse
battery, cavalry and Guards Brigade were under a
well-directed shell, fire, which " Joey," our big naval
gun, could not effectually silence. It was consoling
to see that, in spite of the previous day's reverse,
our men exhibited the utmost coolness and the finest
discipline. They had fought bravely, if unsuccess
fully, and their retirement under the most trying
circumstances was worthy of the British Army.

LIFE IN CAMP.
Modder River, South Africa, December 25th.
Peace and quiet reign here to-day ; the heat is
intense, and it is difficult to realize that another
Christmas has come round ; but, although so far from
home, " Tommy " has not been forgotten, and the
number of cases which arrive daily, containing all
kinds of luxuries consigned to the various regiments,
testify to the generosity and thoughtfulness of kind
friends at home. And he deserves all he receives
this Christmastide. He is going through a hard and
tedious campaign, fighting in difficult and trying
circumstances, very different from any in which he
has ever fought before. The battles in this campaign
do not consist of a few hours' fighting, then a grand
charge, resulting in the rout of the enemy, when men
can see the effect of their work. No ; this is very
different. Think of it, a two-mile march under the
fire of an invisible foe, then perhaps eight or ten
hours' crouching behind any available cover — an ant
hill or a scrubby bush — when the slighest movement
on a man's part at once enables the hidden enemy
to put him out of action, whereas he never has a
chance of retaliating. Certainly this is fighting in
circumstances which require extraordinarily good
nerve and courage. And when the day is over
" Tommy " has not even the satisfaction of knowing
what he has accomplished. When the day comes
which will give him an opportunity of getting at
close quarters with the Boer, he will remember the

LIFE IN CAMP. ¦ 47
long and weary hours he has spent facing the enemy's
trenches. The monotony of camp life since our return to
Modder River has been relieved only by daily
artillery duels. Morning and evening greetings are
exchanged, and no damage is done. The enemy are
in the same position, which they are evidently
strengthening. This, however, may turn out to be
waste of time on their part, as it is quite possible that
we may not attack that position again. Our camp
has also been strongly fortified with trenches and
massive breastworks ; wise precautions, but I doubt
very much if the wily Boer will play into our hands
by attacking us. It is not his game, and he is much
too careful to make such a glaring mistake. We
have taken a few prisoners lately, and last week they
captured one of our officers, who was sitting on an
ant-hill beyond the outposts sketching. He was taken
for a spy ; and, in answer to Lord Methuen's
remonstrances and request for his release, Cronje
replied that he did not wish to discuss the matter or
to receive any further communications from Lord
Methuen until the war was over. This was followed
a few days later by a request from Cronje that
hostilities should be suspended during Christmas
time. This time it was Cronje's turn to be snubbed ;
and I rather fancy he was. However, to all intents
and purposes there has been a suspension of
hostilities. The chief topic of conversation this week has been
the appointment of Lord Roberts as Commander-in-
Chief, and that of Lord Kitchener as chief of his staff.
The news caused great astonishment, but I gather that

48 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
the appointment is not hailed with wild enthusiasm.
It is considered unnecessary, as every one has the
fullest confidence in General Buller, who came out as
Commander-in-Chief of the forces in South Africa
with the unanimous approval of the British public ;
and although he has met with an unfortunate reverse
in Natal, he has certainly not lost the confidence of
the Army. He went to Natal and found our position
there weakened by past events for which he is in no
way responsible. It was not like starting with a
clean sheet ; lost ground had to be regained, the
condition of Ladysmith called for immediate action ;
and the general opinion is that where Sir Redvers
failed no other General would have succeeded.
Universal sympathy is with him; no one has
suggested that he is to blame.
A month probably will elapse before any move is
made on this side. We are waiting for reinforce
ments, and it is evident that no effort is being spared
to ensure the success of our next attack. Kimberley,
we are told, is all right ; had this been definitely
known some weeks ago, it is possible that this hurried
advance from Orange River would not have taken
place, and many valuable lives would have been
spared ; but now there is a feeling that the worst is
over, and that with reinforcements the roads to
Kimberley and Bloemfontein will soon be cleared.
The enemy's tactics are known now, and if any errors
have been made in the past through insufficient
knowledge of the character of their defences, they
are not likely to be repeated.
In the meantime, cricket matches, football and
sports have been arranged, and everything is being

LIFE IN CAMP. 49
done to keep our men cheerful during their enforced
stay here. Several officers are away in Cape Town
on leave, and most of the correspondents have been
down there for a few days' change. Last Wednesday
General Wauchope was buried at Matjesfontein, a
pretty little village about 1 50 miles from Cape Town,
belonging to Mr. Logan, a gentleman highly esteemed
in this district, who carried out the sad task at his
own expense. • He came up and obtained Lord
Methuen's permission to remove the body, and an
impressive ceremony, witnessed by hundreds of
people, took place in the churchyard at Matjesfontein.
Lord Methuen has now completely recovered from
the effects of his wound, and most of the wounded at
Magersfontein are doing well. It is also pleasing to
know that our prisoners are being well treated. This
I know on most excellent authority.

CRONJE'S GENERALSHIP.
Modder River, December 29th.
The halt all along the line caused by the reverses at
Magersfontein, Stormberg and Colenso has given us
breathing space to grasp the general situation in
South Africa. We are in the position, after two
months' fighting, of requiring nearly a whole new
army corps before an invasion of the enemy's
country can be undertaken in real earnest. And
as that army corps — in which we may include Sir
Charles Warren's force, now landed in Natal — cannot
be ready to advance for many weeks, we have settled
down at Modder River to cricket and football and
pony races. Football on the veldt is a hot and dusty
game, and cricket is still in the future, for it
necessitates the use of cocoa-nut matting, yet to be
brought up from Cape Town. But any recreation
is gladly welcomed to relieve the monotony of a dusty
existence. As for the troops, their health is splendid
and their spirits unflagging. Modder River and
Magersfontein, two hard-fought and not altogether
enjoyable engagements, are now matters of history,
and the daily reconnaissance is only sufficient to whet
the appetite for real fighting. In the meantime the
enemy are not losing their time. The last few days
have found them not only active along our front,
setting new guns into position, but so much on the
" qui vive " that their rifles have twice rung out at
night in answer to an imaginary attack on our part.
As their trenches are on an average three miles or a

CRONJE'S GENERALSHIP. 51
little more from our outposts, their fierce fusillades
at night are wasted upon the veldt, and if they cause
us occasionally a wakeful night they also supply us
with a little innocent amusement at a time when
amusement is not easy to come by. Our camp is
fortunately so well situated both by accident and
choice that we consider ourselves absolutely
impregnable — at least against the Boer, who is not
prone to open assault. The Magersfontein kopjes
to the north of us are more than three miles from
our farthest outpost in that direction; between us
and the kopjes there is nothing but gently-rolling
veldt with a swell just where our outposts towards
Magersfontein are entrenched, so that in order to
come nearer to us with their guns the Boers would
have to come out from their trenches and away from
the kopjes. Otherwise their guns remain three and
a half miles away, and cannot possibly do us any
damage, since their extreme range only reaches the
outside of our lines.
The enemy's shooting is nevertheless most praise
worthy. Last Wednesday they got the range of the
big naval gun down to so fine a point that their shells
burst — or failed to burst, as more often was the case
— within a few yards of the gun itself. They also
succeeded in getting the range of the naval 1 2-pounder,
farthest out on the right, with remarkable rapidity.
The Bluejackets, however, have a supreme contempt
for Boer shells, which is justified by the fact that they
burst very badly in the sandy veldt, and, on the
whole, we should miss the early morning artillery duel
very much now that it has become rather more regular
than the early morning cup of coffee.
4—2

52 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
One thing that has impressed everyone here in
the last month is the fine generalship of Cronje. It
is not too much to say that if he had stayed in
the Transvaal we should have succeeded long ago
in getting to Kimberley. Up to Modder River we
were opposed mainly by Free Staters, who certainly
at Belmont and Graspan showed little of the tenacity
and none of the generalship displayed by our enemy
in the two later engagements. We had begun to
think that the Boer could do nothing better than sit
behind rocks on a kopje until his adversary got
within striking distance, and then retire to another
kopje, having done what damage he could while the
adversary was coming towards him across the open.
That is why we did not expect serious opposition at
Modder River, where there were no kopjes. And we
now discover that if the Free Staters had had their
own way at Modder River, they never would have
defended the position at all. Here, however, Cronje
came in. Although he had Magersfontein and
Spiefontein behind him, he saw no object in allowing
the British column to cross the river unmolested,
when they could so easily be held in check. He
accordingly told the Free Staters rather plainly what
he thought of them, and tactfully put them in
trenches on the south side of the river, remaining
himself with Transvaalers on the north side, so that
the men of the Orange Free State could only retire
under the muzzles of the Transvaalers' rifles! We
have every reason to believe that this is a true version
of the affair, for it comes from the mouth of the hotel-
keeper at Modder River, who was not only present
during the fight, but was also at Modder River

CRONJE'S GENERALSHIP. 53
throughout the preceding six weeks, and actually
overheard a rather heated discussion between Cronje
and Delarey outside the door of his hotel.
The facts, therefore, go to show, in the first place,
that Cronje is not only a determined man, but a fine
general, who is sure to be a thorn in our flesh for
some time to come ; in the second place, they bear
out the general idea that the Free Staters, although
they fight well enough when led by a strong man,
have not their heart in the business as the Trans
vaalers have. My informant also confirmed our
estimate of the Boer numbers at Modder River,
where they had close upon 8,000 men — that is to say,
they were almost exactly our equals in that respect.
One thing, too, we learned about the Boers, and that
is that they are by no means the undisciplined rabble
which some people would have us believe. It is
certainly worthy of remark that the Boers, who are
not supposed to have any discipline at all, have, in
this part of the country, apparently behaved with
exemplary consideration for the rights of private
property. Since the Magersfontein fight, the authorities have
become far more strict in the matter of spies, which
may seem like shutting the stable-door after the horse
has bolted, but is certainly even now a wise precaution.
A market has been established under military super
vision, so that the farmers can sell their produce ;
and milk and eggs, though still great luxuries,
are nevertheless procurable in small quantities.
But no one can remain in camp without a pass,
and passes are not easy to obtain, as many would-be
correspondents and amateur warriors have by this

54 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
time discovered. There was a time when civilians
with a passion for war were smuggled to the front
in the guise of some officer's servant; one retired
colonel was smuggled through Orange River on an
upper berth of a sleeping saloon, and arrived just in
time for the Magersfontein engagement, in which he
did occasional duty as Staff officer. But all such
attempts to get in under the ropes are now sternly
opposed, and any one who succeeds in getting through
De Aar and Orange River without a pass must have
more than ordinary ingenuity.
While on the subject of Boer discipline and be
haviour, I forgot to mention another important feature
in their character and mode of life. I have seen it
stated in some papers occasionally that they have
been drunk in their trenches and in camps, having
looted wine and spirit stores in various towns and
villages. I have ascertained that this is absolutely
untrue. Drunkenness is practically unknown in their
camps. They do not drink wine or spirits ; their
only intoxicant is a mixed concoction, of which they
drink very little. I have made very careful inquiries
on this point from men who have been among them
for some weeks, who, although by no means friendly
disposed towards the Boers, assured me that their
sobriety and orderly behaviour were very striking.

SEARCH FOR CONTRABAND.
Port Elizabeth, December 31st (Sunday).
HAVING satisfied myself that no move could be made
from Modder River for some weeks, I thought it
would be a good opportunity to take a journey east
and visit various points of interest between De Aar
and Port Elizabeth on my way to Natal, where it is
confidently expected that a big action will take place
this week or next. I accordingly left Modder River
last Thursday, armed with a pass enabling me to
rejoin the column whenever I might wish to do so.
The line to Orange River is now well guarded. At
Honeynest Kloof, thirteen miles from Modder, we
have 300 men and four guns ; at Enslin 500 men
and three guns ; at Graspan only 1 50 ; and at
Belmont 500, mostly consisting of Colonials.
Belmont is a very important position, as it is known
that a fairly numerous force of Boers is in close
proximity to the line in that district. Up to quite
recently the lines of communication were most
inadequately looked after, but the destruction of the
railway near Enslin some weeks back has had a
salutary effect, and now there is nothing to fear in
that quarter.
The usual long delay at Orange River station, where
General Wood is now commandant, having succeeded
Colonel Miles, who has joined General Buller in
Natal, enabled me to look round the camp. I could
not ascertain the number of men now stationed at
Orange River, but I think there must be at least

56 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
2,000. Many of the wounded are being treated there,
and they are doing well. I fortunately caught the
mail train at De Aar, and arrived at Naauwpoort at
8 a.m. Naauwpoort is quite a town, boasting of
two clubs, three hotels, and a very good restaurant
at the station, better than any between Cape
Town and Port Elizabeth. Leaving Naauwpoort at
9 a.m. by goods train, I arrived at Arundel about
10.30, and after calling on General French, who is
living in a charming farm house surrounded by good
vegetation, I ascended the highest kopje on the
eastern side of the range, behind which General
French's camp is situated, and examined the Boer
position, seven miles north. They were occupying a
long range of high kopjes called Rensburg and
Tailbosch, a very strong position, but something must
have happened on Friday, as early in the morning
they were seen to be on the move and evidently
making for Colesberg, and by 1 1 a.m. the position
appeared to be completely evacuated. At noon a
terrific hailstorm broke over the camp, washing out
every tent and causing a serious stampede among the
cavalry horses, who were galloping about wildly in
all directions as I was leaving the camp.
From Naauwpoort to Cradock I travelled by goods
train, eighty-eight miles, but was fortunate enough
to find a sleeping car at that station, which the station-
master kindly attached to my goods train, and I
concluded my journey in comfort, arriving here at 9
a.m. yesterday. Port Elizabeth is the most important
trading port in South Africa ; all goods for Kimberley
and Johannesburg are landed here, and although
there is no harbour and everything has to be landed

SEARCH FOR CONTRABAND.

57

in lighters, often in a heavy sea, I am told that the
work is accomplished quicker than if they were
discharged from the ships alongside a quay. Last
week, in ten hours 1,000 mules were landed, which
is an extraordinary performance. H.M.S. " Fearless "
is anchored in the bay. Commander Floyd has an
unpleasant task, consisting of searching goods
destined for Delagoa Bay. There are also many
contraband individuals proceeding by this route in
foreign ships en route for Pretoria, and it is in dealing
with these gentlemen that Commander Floyd
experiences difficulties. To prove that they are going
to Pretoria with the intention of joining the
Transvaal forces is not an easy matter, and inter
ference might lead to international bothers. The
law on this point is by no means clear, and the
question is causing a great deal of worry to the genial
commander of the " Fearless." She is a smart little
cruiser of 1,500 tons, well-armed, carrying two 4.7
guns and eight 3 -pounders. Preparations are being
made to land the big guns to be used for the defence
of the town, in case of a rising in the district, which
I consider' is extremely improbable. I leave for
Natal on Tuesday by the " Tantallon Castle," and
hope to be in Ladysmith in time to catch the next
homeward mail from there.

WITH BULLER.
Frere Camp, Natal, January 7th.
AFTER living for several weeks at Modder River, in
a camp buried every few hours during the day in
blinding sandstorms, where grass or any green thing
is almost unknown, surrounded by miles of bare,
arid veldt, the change of scene on arrival here last
Friday was a surprising and an agreeable one.
Twelve hours' journey from Durban, through a lovely
country, well cultivated and teeming with natural
vegetation, gradually growing wilder as one goes
further north, but always green, Frere is situated
on the south side of the Blaukranz River. The
village consists of the station-master's house and a
few small farms, all very nice buildings, infinitely
superior to anything I have seen north of Beaufort
West, in Cape Colony. All around is undulating
downland, stretching many miles northward as far as
Colenso, to the westward extending to the Drakens-
berg range, to the eastward as far as the Weenen
mountains. A more charming spot for a camp it
would be difficult to find. A few miles south lies
Estcourt, where Sir Charles Warren and his division
are waiting for stores and ammunition. Sir Redvers
Buller is at Frere with half his force, the remainder
being at Chieveley, six miles up the line.
It is a pleasant and interesting ride to Chieveley.
Soon after leaving Frere station three trucks lying
on the railway enbankment denote the scene of
the armoured train disaster, which, considering the

WITH BULLER. 59
exposed position in which that gallant little force
found themselves when they were attacked on their
return journey from Chieveley, was not so serious as
might have been expected. Only four men were
killed during that forty-eight minutes under fire
without any protection whatever. From the top of
" Gunhill," at Chieveley, where the naval guns are
posted, the Boer position is clearly visible to the east
and west of Colenso. The donga in which our
gunners took refuge when they were overwhelmed
by the Boer rifle fire in the battle of Colenso is about
three miles distant. Our guns were actually within
800 yards of the Boer trenches. It is not yet made
known who is responsible for that terrible blunder.
Morning and evening the Naval Brigade sweep
the kopjes around Colenso with their shells, and at
regular intervals the big guns on the heights over
looking Ladysmith bombard the beleaguered town.
Yesterday morning the firing was heavier than usual,
and it was soon evident that an important action
was taking place. This was confirmed later in the
day by two messages through the heliograph
announcing the glad tidings that the Boers had
attacked Sir G. White and been repulsed at every
point. No further details are yet to hand, but we
know sufficient to prove that Sir George White had
a successful day.
In the afternoon Hildyard's and Barton's brigades
made a reconnaissance towards Colenso under cover
of a heavy fire from the naval guns, which systemati
cally swept the kopjes from east to west without
drawing '"any response from the enemy, who were
stibwqijieritly reported to have left their position at

60 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
Colenso to join in the battle round Ladysmith.
Certainly the outlook here is brighter, and it is
considered by some that Ladysmith may relieve
itself without any assistance (sic). This is almost
too much to hope for, as in that case there would
practically be no more fighting in Natal. If Sir
George White could inflict such a defeat on the Boers
as would clear them away from Ladysmith, it is
certain that they would not venture on another battle
in this colony against General Buller's force, which
would then consist of over 40,000 men.
The Boer position at Colenso is so strong that no
attempt will be made to take it, but a demonstration
in force will be made in that direction. The attack
will take place from Springfield, and the river will be
crossed at Potgieter. Here, also, the enemy's position
is very strong, but the country between the Tugela
and Ladysmith is far easier than that north of
Colenso. Springfield, January loth.
We have now received further news from Lady
smith, and it appears from the latest account that
the battle was a fierce one. Our losses amount to
nearly 500, and the Boers are reported to have lost
over 1,500. The trenches were taken and retaken
by our men, and, after a hard, prolonged fight, Sir
George White appears to have thoroughly defeated
the enemy. It was an expensive victory, but it must
have had a demoralizing effect upon the Boers. Last
night the order was given for an early move, and at
6 a.m. to-day the advance column advanced towards
Springfield, bivouacking for the night at Pretorius
Farm, about five miles distant, A small force only is

WITH BULLER. 61
left in camp here, and those whose lot it is to garrison
Frere are keenly disappointed at not forming part
of the attacking force. A new addition to our force
are Lord Dundonald's Colt guns, mounted on
carriages invented by him. Three of them are with
Colonel Bethune's Mounted Infantry, a smart body of
men raised in Durban and Maritzburg by Colonel
Bethune, who will give a good account of themselves
when called upon. Lord Dundonald, who now has
one of the most important commands under General
Buller, namely, the whole of the Cavalry Brigade,
has already made himself universally popular, and
enjoys the confidence of his brigade. The question
now is, when shall we be in Ladysmith, and what will
it cost us in lives to get there? It will be a hard
fight, probably lasting three days ; and past
experience warns us that every time we attack the
Boers it is not with impunity.
Earnestly do we pray that our next action may be
a thoroughly successful one ; another reverse would
be serious from many points of view. We are all
naturally very anxious, realizing the enormous
difficulties ahead of us, the Boer positions being
almost impregnable. We must relieve Ladysmith
at any cost. It may entail the loss of many thousand
men, but it must be done. We shall probably be in
action to-morrow, and I hope in my next letter to
give you a graphic account of the actual, or attempted,
relief of Ladysmith.

FREE STATERS AND THE WAR.
Spearmont Hill, Potgieter's, January 16th.
CONTRARY to expectation, we have reached this
position unmolested. The majority of the troops
left Frere and Chieveley last Wednesday, and with
the exception of Sir Charles Warren's division, which
is reported now to be in the direction of Weenen,
General Buller's army is encamped between Spring
field and the Tugela, the Cavalry Brigade being only
one and a half miles from the river. On the top
of the hill just on our right, the guns cover the
enemy's position.
When we left Frere, Colonel Bethune's Scouts
having reported the country clear ahead, Lord Dun
donald decided to proceed until dark, and we accom
plished in one day a march of twenty-four miles. Of
course, the waggons were left behind, and we spent
the night without the comforts of our tents and without
food. It rained, as it generally does when we have to
bivouac, but the men were cheerful, pleased at being
well to the front, and knowing that they had done
half the distance to Ladysmith. The next half will
be a very different march, but " Tommy " does not
think of the future ; he takes things as they come,
good and bad alike, and if he knows that there is
trouble ahead, as there certainly is now, he does not
think about it, or at all events he does not allow his
thoughts to interfere with his daily work.
The great problem at present is, How is the Tugela
to be crossed, and where ? The water is very high,
and there is no drift fordable. The Boer trenches

FREE STATERS AND THE WAR. 63
extend to within one mile of the river, and the
crossing is, therefore, bound to be a very nasty
business. Once over, the country to Ladysmith is
fairly open, and the Boer position is certainly not so
strong as at Colenso. No one knows the order of
attack yet, although we are on the eve of a move ;
a night attack is probable, and would most likely
prove the most effective. If it were not for the river,
it would undoubtedly be so, but barbed wire entangle
ments under water are not easy obstacles to deal
with in the dark.
It is useless crying over spilt milk, but one cannot
help regretting that Sir George White ever thought
of holding Ladysmith. Had he fallen back on the
Tugela, a small force only would have been sufficient
to keep the enemy from further invasion into the
Colony, while the army would have entered the Free
State from Cape Colony, thereby, immediately
relieving the pressure in Natal. Ladysmith and
Kimberley will cost us dear, but at any cost Lady
smith must be relieved at once. Everything depends
upon this next action. Once in Ladysmith the whole
situation should change ; the most difficult part of
the campaign will have been accomplished, and the
end will be within measurable distance. Fortunately
the Home Government have realized the magnitude
of the task they have entered upon, and they cannot
be accused now of being niggardly or slow in dis
patching reinforcements. Their action has inspired
confidence among our troops and throughout both
Colonies. In Natal the spirit of patriotism is most
striking; the response to call for Volunteers proves
this. The corps already formed consist of good men,

64 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
many of them wealthy, and in large businesses at
Durban and Johannesburg. Some are serving as
troopers, and have already proved themselves worthy
of wearing the Queen's uniform. There are always
men ready to fill vacancies, and I believe that if
required thousands more would come forward and
join Her Majesty's forces. They are a most useful
body of men these Colonial Volunteers ; they can all
shoot and ride, they know the country and the lan
guage, and after a few days' drill they appear on
parade as smart almost as a regular cavalryman.
Colonel Bethune, who fought in the last Boer War,
has raised a splendid regiment. Fortunate in the
selection of his officers and men, he has succeeded
in putting in the field a smart and efficient body of
troops, of which Lord Dundonald is justly proud.
Colonel Byng is also here with the South African
Light Horse, also Colonel Thorneycroft with his
men, making altogether a force of nearly 2,000
irregular horse.
Yesterday a patrol of Bethune's Horse drew the
enemy's fire from a kopje situated near a sharp bend
of the river. Taking shelter in a donga, they
remained there, returning the enemy's fire, until the
rifle fire was reduced by our artillery posted on
Spearmont Hill. They then made a rush for it, and
escaped from their somewhat perilous position with
the loss of one man wounded, returning to camp this
morning, having been out nearly twenty-four hours.
All day yesterday the guns at Chieveley were busy
shelling the trenches round Colenso, but, as usual,
the enemy kept quiet, and as yet none of their guns
have been located, either at Colenso or Potgieter's.

FREE STATERS AND THE WAR. 6;

j

They have given up firing at long ranges altogether
before a battle, with the obvious intention of drawing
us on, in the hope of doing more damage. Yesterday,
for instance, they did not fire on our patrols until they
were within 800 yards. In fact, all their tactics are
clever, and our reverses hitherto are only due to the
fact that we have under-estimated their generalship,
as well as their numbers and the strength of their
positions. Our past experience, although dearly
bought, will greatly alter the results of future battles.
Loyal farmers in this neighbourhood who have
relatives fighting on the enemy's side are confident
that one good defeat will end the campaign; the
Free Staters would have given in long ago, but the
Transvaalers have held them in check, and in every
battle they have been placed in the front lines and
compelled to fight — threatened with death in front
and behind. Bitterly must they regret the day when
they were lured into the war by Messrs. Kruger and
Steyn. There are also farmers about here who are
suspected of being too much in touch with the enemy,
and these have been ordered to vacate their farms
and to retire to districts where they can no longer
communicate with their friends. This order was
sent out two days ago, and yesterday these gentle
men, with their wives and families, could be seen
trekking in their waggons to camping grounds
selected for them on the south side of the Little
Tugela, where they will miss the comforts of their
homes, which in most cases are luxurious, very
superior to our farmhouses at home. They were
told in the order that their personal safety was the
object of the move ; but one man whom I saw as he
5

66 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
was leaving his house knew the reason, as he pro
tested strongly that he was loyal and did not see why he
should be disturbed — a case of " qui s'excuse s'accuse."
As may well be imagined, the transport arrange
ments for this march have been formidable. Twelve
days' rations for 32,000 men, tents, and full equip
ment, have to be carted over fifty miles. With a good
road it would be no light matter, but with numerous
drifts, dongas, and bogs to be traversed, where
waggons get hopelessly blocked, the task is
stupendous ; and yet a few hours after the troops
are halted the waggons invariably find their way
to their respective regiments. The organization is
perfect. Our supply column on the march is six and
a half miles long, including ambulances. Oxen
managed by natives are the motive-power ; one
driver and two leaders to a team of fourteen oxen,
which is the usual number for each waggon. January 17th
To-day a great deal has been done. Sir Charles
Warren has crossed the Tugela at Trichard's Drift
with 17,000 men, and General Lyttelton has crossed
with 4,000 men at Potgieter's Drift. The strongest
Boer position is opposite this drift, and we will not
move forward until Sir Charles has well outflanked the
enemy. Meanwhile, the troops will advance from
Chieveley, and everything points to a thorough rout
of the Boers. Colonel Bethune's Horse are now
attached to General Lyttelton's Brigade, and will,
therefore, be well to the front. The Naval guns
posted just above our camp have been firing all day,
and have played havoc among the Boer trenches, and
the howitzers, which crossed the river this afternoon

FREE STATERS AND THE WAR. 67
at Potgieter's, made good practice. General Buller
is taking his time over this advance, and he is quite
right ; hitherto we have advanced too rapidly without
properly ascertaining the enemy's position, now for
the first time a strong flank movement is being made,
which must entail time. January 18th.
At three this morning we were on the move again,
and halted for a few hours about two miles from
Potgieter's Drift. The infantry are over the river,
advancing slowly, while Sir Charles Warren is skirting
the Boer position on our left. We are waiting until
he has completely surrounded them. The enemy
are still on Spion Kop, three miles from Potgieter's
Drift If we drive them from this position the road
will be fairly clear to Ladysmith, fifteen miles distant.
Our present position is about fifteen miles west of
Colenso, and Sir Charles Warren crossed the river
five miles east of us. January 19th.
Sir Charles Warren is advancing on the left behind
Spion Kop, and General Lyttelton's Brigade is
waiting at Potgieter's for the order to advance.
Yesterday afternoon a patrol party of Bethune's
Mounted Infantry advanced to within 2,000 yards of
what is supposed to be the Boer position north of
Potgieter's, but drew no fire and saw no Boers. Our
artillery poured a heavy fire on to all the hills north
of the river, and the howitzer battery, which is
across the river, shelled the enemy's trenches. Postal
and telegraphic arrangements are very vague now, so
am mailing this, having an opportunity to send to
Frere. As I write, we are standing to arms, waiting
for order to advance. Warren's guns are hard at wor k.
s— 2

LORD DUNDONALD AT ACTON
HOMES.
Potgieter's Drift, Natal, January 19th.
GENERAL LYTTELTON'S Brigade received orders this
morning to make a night attack on Spion Kop, in
order to draw off the enemy's attention from Sir
Charles Warren, who is advancing on the western
side of this high mountain. Owing, however, to news
received later in the day to the effect that Sir Charles
had been delayed by an unexpected defence on his
left flank, our move has been postponed, and we are
still sitting near the river, under the muzzles of the
Naval guns posted on a high hill behind us, enlivened
every few minutes by the whizzing of shells over our
heads. It appears that the Cavalry Brigade, under
Lord Dundonald, came in for the main share of the
fighting yesterday. A kopje was held by about 120
Boers, who suddenly opened fire on them, killing two
of our men and wounding one. The Boers evidently
did not quite realize that resisting cavalry is different
work from resisting infantry, and they very shortly
found themselves in a tight place ; their losses were
eighteen killed, several wounded, and twenty-five
prisoners, a heavy casualty list out of 120. While
this was going on, Colonel Bethune's patrols were
busy on the right in the neighbourhood of Skiet's
Drift, coming across a party of Boers patrolling on
the north side of the river, apparently unconscious of
our vicinity. Six of these gentlemen were accounted

LORD DUNDONALD AT ACTON HOMES. 69
for, and the rest fled ; there were about thirty of
them. It is evident that the enemy are extremely anxious
regarding our attack. At times we can see large
bodies of horsemen galloping across the veldt back
wards and forwards between Colenso and Waggon
Drift January 21st.
Yesterday Sir Charles Warren did a good day's
work, advancing slowly against constant opposition
in a N.E. direction towards Ladysmith. The enemy
had their guns posted in a commanding position on
a ridge of hills to the west of Spion Kop, and from
the latter hill kept up a heavy infantry fire on our
troops. Our losses during the day were 1 70 wounded
and 25 killed. Progress was necessarily slow ; the
country is stiff, and there are numerous positions on
the way which require to be approached with great
care. During the afternoon General Lyttelton's
Brigade made a frontal attack on the enemy's position
between Schwartz Kop and Spion Kop, the Naval
guns having kept up a continuous shell fire on to and
over the ridge all day. The howitzers were well to
the front on the plain, also busy. Bethune's Horse,
300 strong, were sent round on the right, and when
a few miles east of Potgieter's Drift, and abreast of
the eastern end of Schwartz Kop, a large force of
Boers was discovered on the hills facing us, and
on a small kopje on our right. We opened fire at
2,000 yards, and advancing slowly, leaving our horses
in a donga, we soon drew the enemy's fire, both in
front and on our right flank. The enemy were in
much larger force than we had expected, and it was

70 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
soon made evident that an attempt to take the
position with our small force would be an act of folly,
so we retired slowly to the drift, and are again waiting
for a further move on Sir Charles Warren's part.
The Boers are wonderfully mobile. They can
only have known two days ago the line to be taken
by Warren, and yet they have managed to con
centrate a large force to oppose him, including a
strong force of artillery. We ourselves did not know
where the main attack would be made until Sir
Charles Warren had travelled a good many miles. It
is, therefore, extraordinary how the Boers have been
so well informed.
A big battle is going on to-day, but no news has
reached us yet ; but the heavy firing tells us that
an important action is taking place. We all feel now
that we are in for a long campaign unless the Boers
suffer a really crushing defeat. Judging from the
progress we have made in two months, and assuming
that the enemy oppose all the way to Pretoria, six
months will barely see the end of it. One can
imagine people at home getting impatient and
grumbling at the long delays, but if they saw the
country, full as it is of natural obstacles, coupled with
strong Boer opposition, they would realize the
impossibility of advancing with speed. Take the
case of Sir Charles Warren's advance. He crossed
the Tugela five days ago, and he is now only three
miles north of the river, although he has had no
check. In the most favourable circumstances we
cannot advance more than eight or nine miles a day.
January 22nd.
I went over yesterday to see how far Warren's

LORD DUNDONALD AT ACTON HOMES. 71
division had advanced, and was surprised to find
that he was not nearly as far ahead as had been
reported to us here ; but he has a dreadful piece of
country to get over, which accounts for the slow
progress. Crossing the Tugela at Waggon Drift,
he was opposed by the Boers on the kopjes south of
Rhenokerfontein, which run down to within one
mile of the river. They fought there all one day,
and retired to another ridge one mile back, which
they only held for a few hours the following day,
retiring then to the last ridge but one, called
Renesburg Kop. There they were yesterday, fight
ing hard. Our infantry tried to get over the ridge,
but did not succeed in doing so yesterday, being
handicapped by a heavy flank fire from the western
slope of Spion Kop. On the left, General Hart and
Lord Dundonald were driving the Boers back, and
had taken up a good position at Acton Homes, a
good four miles on the left front of the main column.
The position, therefore, on the left is easy, and as
soon as Sir Charles Warren has dislodged the Boers
from the hills his work will be done and ours will
begin. We are confident as to the result of this
movement, but every day the conviction is growing
upon us that our task is by no means an easy one.
Boers are now reported to be massing near Skiet's
Drift on our right, which is practically unguarded.
This points to a flank movement on their part, which
would be audacious but cause us great trouble. We
know, however, that we have a brave and clever
enemy to deal with, and every movement of theirs
must be most carefully watched, otherwise they are
quite capable of getting us into a nasty trap. They

72 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
have a great advantage over us in their knowledge of
the river ; they know many fordable places, we only
know the few drifts shown on the maps. It is a
dangerous river. I crossed yesterday at a spot
selected by a guide as being easily fordable, but
although I succeeded in getting across it was only by
chance, as there were deep holes every few yards,
instead of four feet of water as the guide stated.
We are getting rather tired of waiting, having been
here nearly a week without tents and a very limited
supply of food. Nothing is unpacked for fear of a
sudden move being ordered, and when we go out on
reconnaissance we never know whether we are coming
back here or going on to Ladysmith ; orders are
given and cancelled every few hours. We had no
letters for a fortnight, and, altogether, the move is
not accompanied by any high degree of comfort ;
nevertheless we are all very cheerful, and only
anxious to get to Ladysmith as speedily as possible.

A HEART-BREAKING EXPERIENCE.
Potgieter's Drift, January 26th.
We are getting used to disappointments in this
campaign. We have had so many, and our hopes
and anticipations have so often been knocked on the
head that the depression caused by our retirement
yesterday is already passing away, and has given
place to a feeling of stupefaction. What are we
doing? What does it all mean ? What are we. going
to do now ? When shall we be at Ladysmith ?
Late on Tuesday afternoon we (Bethune's Horse)
were ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to start
at 3.30 a.m. the following day. Sir Charles Warren
was making a night attack on the furthermost kopje
to the north, west of Spion Kop, and we were to join
him at dawn on the eastern side to catch the enemy
on the run. General Lyttelton's Brigade, now all
across the river, were to advance simultaneously with
Warren, to meet him at the northern foot of Spion
Kop, with Bethune's Horse on his right. And so,
congratulating ourselves on the work allotted to us,
and on the fact that at last Ladysmith was well in
sight, we moved off in the dusk on Wednesday
morning, riding slowly down the rocky path leading
to Potgieter's Drift, the Naval guns above us opening
a heavy fire on the kopjes which join the northern
ridge of Spion Kop running east, the howitzers and
12-pounders posted on the plain joining in the
chorus, and simply littering the enemy's position
with bursting shells. We carried the drift at day-

74 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S I ETTERS.
light and advanced to the foot of the first low
ridge of kopjes, dismounting there after a forty
minutes' ride. The Scottish Rifles and Rifle Brigade
were well across the next plain, waiting to make an
attack on the further kopjes, waiting for Warren's
signal. Meanwhile Sir Redvers Buller rode up, and sat
with General Lyttelton watching the effect of our
cannonade and eagerly scanning Spion Kop for
signs of Warren's men and retreating Boers. For
some time no moving thing was to be seen, then
suddenly here and there men appeared on the
northern ridge running along towards where our
troops were advancing ; and then on our left, coming
our way, we saw men running over the ridge from the
other side and taking shelter, a large Red Cross flag
being also just visible through the glasses. Whether
they were Boers or Britishers none could distinguish.
It was now nearly 8 a.m., and as we sat there anxious
and wondering we heard that the Scottish Rifles had
been ordered to retire from their position ahead of
us on the plain. A feeling of uneasiness came over
us, which was intensified a few minutes later when
Colonel Bethune received the order to take his
regiment back to their bivouacking ground across
the river. No reason was given, and we knew
nothing more until two hours later. While at break
fast, one of the General's orderlies rode up with an
order for the Colonel to saddle horses at once and
proceed to Spion Kop to assist Sir Charles Warren.
At 1 1. 1 5 we were in the saddle again and on our way
down the hill to the river, making for a crossing half
way between Potgieter's and Waggon Drifts ; a slow

A HEART-BREAKING EXPERIENCE. 75
process, descending single file, with a rocky path for
nearly two miles. The river was approached by soft,
muddy banks, the horses sinking to their withers,
some rolling over and some sticking fast until hauled
out by half a dozen men.
On the other side we were met by a Staff officer
in a state of great excitement, urging us on, and
ordering our men as they emerged from the water to
proceed to the foot of Spion Kop at all speed, with
out waiting to form troop or squadron. A sharp
gallop for a mile across broken, rotten country, during
which many found themselves on mother earth, their
horses having fallen into the numerous grass-covered
holes, brought us to a deep donga at the foot of the
.hill, where we were ordered to dismount and to
proceed on foot up the steep incline of that for
bidding-looking mountain, which British feet should
never have touched.
Still we knew not what had happened, or what
our errand was. True, we could see ahead of us
a long line of infantry winding up the steep side
of Spion Kop, and we followed, stumbling up,
often falling. Our spurs, handicapping us in our
movements, were soon taken off, and from cavalry
men we were turned into infantry. Looking back,
one could see the Scottish Rifles and Rifle Brigade
toiling on behind us ; immediately in front of us were
the Imperial Light Infantry.
We could now distinctly hear a smart musketry
fire from the top of the mountain, and we then
realized that a big battle was being fought on the
summit overlooking us. Two thousand feet we had
to climb, and at 1.25 we reached the foot of the great

76 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
overhanging rocks just below the small plateau
on the summit where the battle was raging. There
we halted, more or less under shelter, lying down the
steep side, hanging on to rocks, bullets flying over us,
killing three men of the Imperial Light Infantry, who
were resting within a few feet of us, another bullet
striking in the neck one of Colonel Bethune's officers
who was lying by my side at the time. Here we
learned that the hill had been taken by the British
at 2.30 in the morning, but that they had almost
lost it when reinforcements arrived ; Thorneycroft's
Mounted Infantry having been the first to take the
position, which was two miles north along the ridge.
Eventually quite 4,000 men were on the scene,
consisting of Thorneycroft's Imperial Light Infantry,
the Dorsets, Lancashire Fusiliers, Scottish Rifles,
Middlesex and Rifle Brigade, with Bethune's in
reserve. It was a heart-breaking sight watching the
two processions filing up and down the hill — one
consisting of hearty, jolly men going up full of dash
and eagerness, the other chiefly consisting of dead
and wounded, carried down under the greatest
difficulties on stretchers, which were often in a per
pendicular position. Every few yards doctors were
in readiness to attend to these suffering men. The
doctors in the field had done their work well, although
under a heavy fire. The field dressings had been
applied with as much care as if the operation had
taken place in a field hospital. I have said it before,
and I repeat it, that the R.A.M.C. are winning golden
opinions in this campaign by the gallant and
unflinching manner in which they are carrying out
their duties. The processions continued all day ;

A HEART-BREAKING EXPERIENCE. 77
friends whom we saw clambering up we saw again in
half an hour's time dead or mutilated — a sad and
sickening sight.
Why were we here? Why have we come up this
murderous mountain to be shot down? But we
were gaming the day. We were going to dislodge
the Boers from their lofty position, and they would
be cut off on the plain below. But then we
remembered that Lyttelton's Brigade was also here,
and our cavalry were here, dismounted. Was this
the result of Warren's carefully thought-out flank
movement? Was this what we had been waiting
for? Were we really on that ugly frowning
mountain which we had been told would be left
severely alone ? Yes ; it suddenly dawned upon us
that the enemy had lured us on to attack them on the
heights, making us clamber up this precipice to fight
as soon as we reached the top. The same old story
— -we always have to fight on the spot selected by the
enemy. However, we felt confident that the Boers
would evacuate their position at night, and we (the
Mounted Infantry) were quite prepared to be sent
back to our horses and be ordered to cut off the
enemy's retreat; tired as we all were we would have
welcomed that order.
At 6 p.m. Bethune's Horse were ordered back to
camp, but just as they had joined their horses
were ordered back again to the top of the hill!
Back they toiled again, and by dark had reached the
old spot. Generals and Staff were conspicuous by
their absence. No one had seen them ; no one knew
what to do ; and so we sat all night without food or
water. Firing continued until long after dark,

78 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
ceasing suddenly at 8 p.m., British and Boers settling
down for the night in their respective trenches within
hailing distance, surrounded by dead and wounded
comrades. We were confident that the Boers would evacuate
their position under cover of the darkness, and our
surprise can well be imagined when we were ordered
to retire without noise from the position we had
gained at the cost of so much labour, suffering and
loss of life. The men who had taken this well-nigh
impregnable position by sheer bravery and indomit
able energy were naturally loth to relinquish it ; they
had been ordered to take the position ; they had done
so, and they were going to hold it. Small wonder
that they manifested a strong disinclination to obey
the order. But " Tommy " had to go, and by day
light the Boers were in possession of the whole
mountain, looking over the ugly rocks, sniping at our
slowly retiring mixed-up force.
No one knows who gave the order to retire ; the
whole business is inexplicable. We met a Staff
officer on the way ; he asked us what we were doing ;
he knew nothing of the order, but presumed we had
better continue on our road. And so ended a
seventeen hours' fight. We gave the enemy a
victory. The whole of Warren's division had retired.
Call it what you like, it is a sad and deplorable
business ; there is no explanation ;• no one was more
surprised at our action than the Boers themselves ;
indeed, their officers openly expressed their surprise
to our doctors.
If, owing to some unknown reason, it was really
necessary to take Spion Kop (although it was said

, A HEART-BREAKING EXPERIENCE. 79
to be decided weeks ago that it would be an act of
folly to attempt to do so), why give it up after
sacrificing so many lives to take it? It is a question
which will have to be answered very soon. A well-
planned strategical movement was to be carried out,
and everyone felt satisfied that it would be successful.
In the middle of it the whole plan is abandoned,
and troops are detailed from all sides to perform a
herculean task fraught with danger and disastrous in
result. On Wednesday our own guns and shells, captured
at Colenso, played havoc among our men. There is
a grim irony about this — our own guns and ammuni
tion slaughtering our troops. LTnfortunately, our
artillery could give no support to the infantry on
Spion Kop, owing to their position, while the Boers
had two guns only 1,600 yards from our trenches.
Altogether it was a bad day's work ; maddening
to those who took part in it. Not so much because
of our losses, but because we were driven back from
a position we had gained. There was really no
apparent reason why it should have been given up,
but as I write I hear that General Coke addressed
the troops this afternoon and said that the attack on
the hill and subsequent retirement was due to the
fact that Sir Charles Warren had failed to establish
his position on the left. The object, then, was to
divert the Boer force from Warren in order to avert
a general rout. This version, if correct, is another
proof of the enemy's strength.
We have not seen an English paper for over a
month ; we have seen no accounts of the Battle of
Colenso and other battles ; but it is to be hoped that

80 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
true and unvarnished accounts are being published;
versions which will impress on the British public the
critical position of affairs in South Africa, and the
necessity of dispatching every available man to rein
force our troops in the field. It is no use mincing
matters ; the failure of this advance is a most severe
blow. We have been thwarted in a most unmis
takable manner, and on all sides to-day the fear is
freely expressed that Ladysmith must either help
itself or fall. Unpleasant words to write are these,
but you will remember that many weeks ago I
pointed out the gravity of the situation ; since then
the Colenso incident has occurred, followed by this
week's reverse. A false notion of loyalty and
patriotism exists in connection with this campaign.
Men are branded with the taint of disloyalty if they
express the opinion that matters are assuming a
critical aspect, unless they describe a defeat as a
victory, or if they venture to say that the attitude
of the Cape Dutch may become dangerous in the face
of our constant reverses. Surely it is more patriotic
to warn the British public, and to place them in the
possession of facts which will enable them to avert
an irretrievable disaster. We must make a strenuous
effort at once. Although we are naturally depressed
we are as determined as when the war started; and
although the date may be still far distant we are
confident that the survivors of this war will see the
British flag hoisted over Bloemfontein and Pretoria,
never, so long as our Empire lasts, to be hauled down
again.

GENERAL BULLER'S SPEECH.
Potgieter's Drift, Tugela, January 28th.
As may be supposed, our main topic of conversation
now is the next move — when are we going to cross
the Tugela? At present there only seems to be one
possible way over, and that is at Potgieter's Drift ;
but with the enemy in possession of Spion Kop on the
left and the hills on the right, a frontal attack at this
point is not particularly inviting.
With a large force, at a great sacrifice of life, we
could undoubtedly get through ; but it is doubtful
whether our present available force would be
sufficient to make a successful job of it. It is
rumoured that we are to be reinforced by the Seventh
Division, and I feel inclined to believe the report ;
sheer force of numbers only will win the day, and it
is to be hoped that even if we have to wait a fortnight
no move will be made until they arrive. Keen and
anxious as we all are to relieve Ladysmith, we
recognize the fact that we cannot afford to risk
another reverse. There must be no more evacuation
of positions on our part ; it is against every tradition
of England to give up under compulsion what she
has acquired. We feel that our country has already
suffered sufficiently in this respect during this cam
paign, and we have already enough to retrieve.
In reviewing the early stages of the war, one
cannot help deeply regretting that for political con
siderations Ladysmith was ordered to be held ; had
it not been for this fatal action the war would 6

Si THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
probably have been over by now. The Boers would
never have crossed the Tugela for fear of being cut
off by floods, and practically the whole of our army
could have marched into the Free State by an easy
route and been in Pretoria weeks ago. The country
round about the Tugela forms a natural defence
against invasion, and we have now to attack with an
immense force what we could have held with a few
men. Such is the ill-luck which seems to surround
our actions in South Africa. People at home are
sympathizing with us out here — although an English
paper has not reached us for over three weeks, we
know it — and I can assure you that we are also
sympathizing with our friends at home. We can
realize the strain under which the people of England
are now living — the anxiety for news, the anxiety
about those in action, the anxiety about the inmates
of Ladysmith, and the anxiety about England's
prestige. Reports of brilliant victories are probably
published, to be afterwards contradicted ; hopes
raised but not realized. It must be a trying time at
home. We wonder what news you are getting. We hear
that cables from correspondents are very much
mutilated, that letters are opened at Durban and at
Cape Town, t'lr.t even private letters are tampered
with ; it is a strange proceeding, and, so far as
private letters are concerned, a most reprehensible
one. Under martial law everything is possible and
justifiable, but there is no martial law at Cape Town,
and it would be interesting to know on whose
authority letters are opened at the Cape Town Post
Office. At all events, it is causing great dissatisfac-

GENERAL BULLER S SPEECH. 83
tion in all quarters, and is far more likely to do an
immense amount of harm than good.
General Buller's speech to the men to-day has
produced a good effect. To some of us it seems
strange that he should be pleased with the events
of the week, and to hear that they have given us the
key to Ladysmith. It is cheerful news that our
mission is to be accomplished within a week, but we
should feel happier if we knew how it is going to be
done. But we know nothing. The fact, however,
that General Buller, who is not a man of words, has
made that statement inspires us with renewed hope
and confidence. God grant that this time we are
successful, and that we are really going through. It
is evident that we are not going to wait for reinforce
ments, and our next move may, therefore, be a
desperate one. In all probability we shall cross " en
masse " at Potgieter's and fight our way irrespective
of losses until we reach our beleaguered friends, who
will undoubtedly make a simultaneous attack on their
besiegers. This is mere conjecture, but it is the most
probable move on the table, and if carried out will be
a brilliant though costly achievement.
It is possible that to meet this the Boers may have
some deep-laid plan ; it is possible that they may let
us get through and then make an attempt to cut us
off. During a long reconnaissance yesterday we saw
no signs of the enemy, and we really have no idea
where they are in force at present. Last week's
casualties are very numerous, many officers killed and
wounded seriously ; while among the men there is a
large percentage of slight wounds, many of which
will not keep them away from duty for more than
6—2

84 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
a few days. Colonel Long is still dangerously
ill, and everyone is very sorry for him, as he is
universally popular and has had a splendid record.
Unexpected misfortunes have always been incidents
of common occurrence in South Africa, and this
campaign has up till now not broken the spell. We
must not, however, lose hope or confidence ;
depression and discontent must be studiously
avoided ; calmness and determination are indis
pensable in a crisis like the present. Both these
qualities are characteristic of the English nation, and
were never more needed than at this juncture. It is
difficult sometimes to act up to the standard of what
one knows to be essential. There are times,
especially after a battle which has not brought about
the desired results, when the load of depression is
almost too heavy to shake off, and our men are
deserving of the highest praise for the manner in
which they are keeping up their spirits in most
trying circumstances.

BEFORE THE FINAL ADVANCE.
Potgieter's Drift, Tugela River, February 4th.
We are on the eve of our next attempt to relieve
Ladysmith, and, according to General Buller, in
whom the army reposes the utmost confidence, there
should be no doubt as to the result According
to Sir Redvers, we should have been in Ladysmith
to-day, but the enormous amount of transport has
considerably delayed our movements. To-morrow
there is every probability of a concentrated attack
being made, not by way of Potgieter's Drift, but a
few miles to the eastward of it. Seventy-two guns
will start operations at dawn to-morrow morning — the
naval guns on Schwartz Kop and six field batteries on
the plain below, the howitzer batteries both to the
front, and on the right, and the Horse Artillery,
whose destination is as yet unknown. The infantry,
numbering 20,000 men, will move at 3 a.m.,
accompanied by a strong detachment of Royal
Engineers, whose duty will be to erect a pontoon
bridge over the river before daylight. The infantry
will then advance under cover of the guns, and
endeavour to establish their position on the other
side. The Boer position is very strong ; innumerable
tiers of trenches are visible on the small kopjes across
the river from our camp, and a desperate battle is
expected. The enemy's force is estimated at 30,000.
Should we be successful to-morrow the Boers will
have to retire to Lancers' Nest, which is in close
proximity to the enemy's force invading Ladysmith.

86 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
The Lancashire Fusiliers, South Lancashires, York
and Lancasters and the 4th King's Own Royal
Lancasters are already bivouacked near the river,
and troops are streaming down the hill all the time.
This will be a formidable attack, and if the enemy
can stand the bombardment of seventy-two guns to
morrow they will be able to stand anything in the
future, and our task will be even harder than we
imagine. On the other hand, if we are successful, it
is most probable that the end of the war is not far
distant. When the Free Stater and Transvaaler see
a near prospect of their farms being looted, etc., they
will surely consider that it is time to throw up the
sponge. Up till now it has been quite different ;
they have been holding our country, and this has
probably given them additional zest. Their property
has been safe, and they have been told that we could
never relieve Ladysmith ; therefore if we succeed to
morrow their confidence will be shaken, and they
will begin to feel anxious about their families and
belongings. At all events, it is to be hoped that the
campaign will not be protracted for many more
months. For the sake of England and the future
settlement of this country's affairs, it is most desirable
that the Boers should place themselves in our hands
as soon as possible.
This is only a very short letter; but we have to
pack up to-night, and the letter messenger is starting
for Frere.

THE THIRD ATTEMPT.
Springfield (Little Tugela), February loth.
A THIRD attempt has been made to relieve Lady
smith, and the result of it is that we are now on our
way back to Frere or Chieveley.
Everything seemed to be going well ; our losses
were comparatively small, and we appeared to be
gaining ground. According to Sir Redvers Buller,
we had the key to Ladysmith and should have been
there last Sunday. Every man in the force thought
so too, and felt confident that it would come true ;
but Providence has decreed otherwise, and the Boers
are now in possession of the Tugela, proud and
triumphant. It was a curious battle. The enemy were, as usual,
invisible, but undoubtedly in large force, with big
guns carefully placed in commanding positions on the
mountains flanking our advance. A few battalions of
infantry, the Irregular Horse and Artillery were the
only troops engaged; the great bulk of the army
were merely spectators.
Fighting began at dawn on Monday, the 5 th, the
Naval guns having plastered Vaal Kranz and the
surrounding neighbourhood with their shells. The
infantry crossed the river by a pontoon bridge, which
had been erected by the Engineers under a heavy
fire early in the morning, about half-way between
Potgieter's and Skiet's Drifts. From this point tp
Vaal Kranz is about two miles in the direction of
Ladysmith ; Vaal Kranz is a kopje running nearly

88 THE EARL DE I A WARR'S LETTERS.
east and west, roughly speaking three miles long, well
commanded by Zwaar Kop on the south, Spion Kop
on the west, and Doom Kloof of high mountains on
the east. The main attack was on the right, while
Sir Charles Warren, who crossed the river at Pot
gieter's, made a feint on the left.
These attacks were meant to be simultaneous,
but for some unknown reason the main attack was
delayed, and for a couple of hours Sir Charles Warren
was quite busy on the left. The Field Artillery,
which was posted on rising ground facing Vaal
Kranz, came in for a heavy shell fire from the big
gun on Spion Kop, causing them to retire somewhat
hastily, shells following them closely and doing con
siderable damage. Some of the guns had to be left
for a short time, and it was a fine sight to see the
men galloping up from the river, with additional
horses to help to get them away. The Field Artillery
were then posted about two miles to the right of
their former position. This was at 3 p.m., and then
practically all our guns, numbering seventy-two,
opened fire on Vaal Kranz. At 4.30 the Durhams
had taken the position, and we thought that at last
we had got the better of the enemy.
On Tuesday morning at dawn we were greeted
by two shells landing in our bivouacking ground, but
doing no damage, although they both burst. We
then discovered that the Boers had placed a gun well
on our right on the top of a commanding height,
and with this gun they shelled Vaal Kranz the whole
of Tuesday. This gun was evidently not provided
for in our calculations, and unless it could be knocked
out by our sailors, might prove a serious difficulty in

THE THIRD ATTEMPT. 89
our plan of campaign. A fierce artillery fire raged all
day, but we did not advance, and we who were wait
ing to pursue the retreating enemy began to wonder
if we had been too sanguine, but the betting was
still that we should be at Ladysmith the following
day. As the day wore on, the enemy's " Pom Pom "
became more active, and every few minutes its
unpleasant voice was heard. In the afternoon
musketry fire became very brisk, and appeared to be
more distant. At one time we thought the infantry
had gone right on over the hill, but it was not so.
It turned out afterwards that our men never went
beyond the ridge, where they were securely en
trenched. On Wednesday morning the shells from
the enemy's big gun fell fast and thick in our camp,
and the transport had to make a hurried retreat along
the road to Potgieter's under a heavy fire. Matters
did not look so bright that morning. It suddenly
dawned on us that the attack had failed.
The Boer guns could not be silenced, and their
persistent shelling began to create a bad impression.
Early in the afternoon the ambulance, field hospitals
and remaining transport, which had been waiting to
cross the river by the pontoon bridge, retired to
Potgieter's, and at 7.30 that evening the infantry were
ordered to withdraw from Vaal Kranz. The battle
was finished. Boer tactics had again outwitted us,
and made our attack a thorough failure. Far better
had it been never to have moved than to be driven
back to our base. To the infantry it must be terribly
disappointing; time after time they have taken a
position and held it for two days and nights without

90 THE. EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
food and water, and have been ordered to withdraw,
having previously been told that withdrawal is
impossible. People at home may be puzzled at this
war, puzzled about our action, but their chagrin can
not be greater than ours. It is difficult to see what
is stopping us ; certainly the enemy's positions are
strong, but hitherto no persistent attack has been
made, and it is a matter of surmise whether they are
impregnable or not. In the last three engagements
only a small portion of the army has been employed,
and no important position has been taken with the
exception of Spion Kop, which was promptly
abandoned. I said in my last letter that sheer force of numbers
would conquer the Boers, and I am still of that
opinion, but it is difficult to understand the use of an
immense force here if only two brigades are to be
used in each battle. Altogether the situation is
inexplicable. Our artillery certainly does not appear
to create much impression on the enemy, our cavalry
never have a chance of getting near them, and so
practically the infantry and mounted infantry do all
the hard work.
The real cause of our misfortunes lies in our lack
of mobility and promptness of action. We make
elaborate plans for a flank movement, the utmost
secrecy is maintained, the wires are held, mail bags
all examined, the transport is bustled about, and
finally we move and take up a position facing our
objective in full view of the enemy for miles around,
and sit there waiting for some days while the Boers
are mounting guns on every point of vantage and
entrenching themselves ; then we attack, and the rest

THE THIRD ATTEMPT, 91
you know. Still, we have not lost heart, and Lady
smith will be relieved yet.
The Boers are now invading Zululand, and are
making their way to Melmoth ; they are reported to
be 4,000 strong, and a force of 2,000 regular and
Colonial troops, with two Naval guns, under Colonel
Bethune, has been sent round by Greytown and
Eshowe to meet them. I am posting this from New
Hanover on our way, and will endeavour to keep you
informed of all that is going on in that direction and
around Ladysmith.

THE ADVANCE ON LADYSMITH.
Greytown, Natal, February 15th.
IT was fortunate that General Buller decided to
dispatch a force to this side of the Colony when he
did, as the Boers were making a rapid advance
towards Greytown, which was only checked by the
sudden arrival of Colonel Bethune last Tuesday.
We are now occupying all the drifts on the Tugela
in this district, and, with reinforcements coming up,
there is little fear of further incursion on the part of
the enemy. It was a quick move. Arriving at
Chieveley on Saturday, three days after the battle
of Vaal Kranz, that same night Colonel Bethune was
on his way here with guns and all his transport. Not
a soul knew of our movements, and there was evident
consternation on the faces of our Dutch friends when
we marched into the town. The population is chiefly
Dutch, and large numbers of them were going to join
a Boer commando which was due here on Wednes
day for recruiting purposes.
In the neighbourhood of Inkhandla a force of 2,000
Boers with nine guns is reported ; their destination
was Melmoth, but since our arrival they have not
advanced. The country north of us, through which
our advance must be made, is terribly rough and
difficult. Two Naval guns accompany us, but it is
doubtful whether they will get very far. Helpmakaar,
a very strong position, which is now held by the
Boers, is about thirty-three miles from here, and we
are hoping to receive orders to dislodge them from

THE ADVANCE ON LADYSMITH. 93
there. We should then practically command the
railway between Glencoe and Ladysmith, and be able
to cut off the retreat of the enemy's big guns. The
only fear is that we may be too late. Colonel
Bethune has an ample force to do this work now,
and in view of the fact that during the next few days
Ladysmith may be relieved, no delay should take
place in putting it into execution. February 20th.
Nothing has taken place here since our arrival,
but at Chieveley General Buller has been doing some
good work, and had just returned from there, and
last night we were in possession of Langwani Hill
and Colenso.
On Monday, the 12th, a reconnaissance was made
to Hussar Hill, consisting of the Welsh Fusiliers and
Mounted Infantry. The Boers were occupying a
long donga running between Hussar Hill and
Langwani, but they did not show themselves until
we retired, when they opened fire, wounding one
officer and a few men slightly. On Wednesday at
dawn a force consisting of one battery Field Artillery,
the Irish Fusiliers and the Mounted Infantry, were
sent to take Hussar Hill. It was known that the
enemy occupied it daily, and it was a question as to
who would get there first. Generally the Boers are
the most alert and active in the morning, but on this
occasion they were outmatched in early rising, and
by 7.30 we were in possession of the hill. The Boers
then crawled up along their donga towards the hill,
but our Colt guns were too much for them, and they
kept at a respectful distance, contenting themselves
with shelling the hill. Four 12-pounders were then

94 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
brought into action, and the Boer gun was silenced
for that day. On the two following days the heat
was terrific, and men suffered from want of water.
There was no fighting, but we gradually extended
along the ridge of Hussar Hill, running parallel with
Monte Christo in a south-ea§terly direction.
The Boers had fallen back on to Langwani and
Monte Christo, and were now facing us. After ex
tending some distance we struck the Blaukranz river,
which was fortunate, as by that time the want of water
was being severely felt. Meanwhile the Boers were
shelling Hussar Hill, and our guns were busy
replying. On Friday, the 16th, General Hildyard, supported
by Norcott, who now has the Light Brigade, made a
reconnaissance to Cingola, and found it undefended.
The next day the big advance was made by the three
brigades under Generals Barton, Hildyard and
Norcott. Barton moved towards Green Hill, below
Monte Christo, with Norcott in the centre and Hild
yard on the right, who swept up Cingola and marched
along the ridge on the skyline, the position having
been previously well shelled by our 12-pounders.
General Barton's advance on the left was really only
a feint, and on being heavily shelled by the Boer
gun on Green Hill retired, while Hildyard advanced
as far as the nek between Monte Christo and Cingola.
During the day the Boers burst a shrapnel among a
detachment of the 5 -inch gun on Hussar Hill, killing
one man and wounding six. The Naval 12-pounders
were in splendid positions, well protected. The
Boers had evidently expected a frontal attack. All
the hills from Langwani to Monte Christo were

THE ADVANCE ON LADYSMITH. 95
strongly entrenched, but Hildyard, having taken
Cingola, got behind them, and Norcott, with the Light
Brigade, moving north half-way up the hill, chased
the Boers away on his side with practically no
opposition ; and when they saw the Queen's, Hild-
yard's leading troops, coming over Monte Christo, they
retired from their position on Green Hill with
waggons and ammunition, leaving their camp and
numerous horses behind them.
It was an extraordinary change to our other battles.
We have taken their most important positions with
very small loss, and against very slight opposition.
Probably the news from the west has damped their
spirit ; and it is reported also that several thousands
of the Transvaalers have left to join Cronje. One
could scarcely realize that they were the same men
who had made us retire from Spion Kop and Vaal
Kranz, and made us almost think that they were
strong enough to keep us out of Ladysmith. Such
is the fortune of war, and it is to be hoped that the
relief of Kimberley being accomplished, and Cronje
in full retreat, will dishearten the Boer forces to such
an extent that the remaining chapters of this eventful
war may tell a very different tale to the opening ones.
We all expected that Hlangwane would be strongly
held, but it was evacuated on the night of the 18th
and occupied by us the following morning. At
the present moment General Buller is advancing
towards the Tugela unopposed.
The relief of Ladysmith is now looked upon as an
accomplished fact. If the new route is comparatively
easy now, how much easier must it have been, then,
before the entrenchments had been made. However,

96 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS-
it is no use trying to fathom the recesses of a
general's mind, and no doubt there have been
excellent reasons for all that has been done. Every
one is most anxious to see the task accomphshed, not
only for the sake of Ladysmith and its inhabitants,
but for General Buffer's. He has had a hard and
trying time, during which he has shown the utmost
consideration for all members of his force, and the
failures of the last few weeks will be absolutely
forgotten in his hour of triumph, which cannot now
be far distant.

THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.
Ladysmith, March 5th.
After the taking of Hlangwane on the 19th we
were in possession of the river, and the following day
Stuart- Wortley, with a composite battalion of the
Rifle Brigade, occupied Colenso, and later in the day
General Hart advanced there also, and General
Norcott lined the river bed. The bridges at Colenso
were wrecks, we ourselves having blown up the rail
way bridge some time since, and the Boers having
dealt similarly with the road bridges. A wait was
therefore necessary while the pontoon was being
erected, but the sappers never keep us waiting long
for means of crossing over an unfordable river ; a
few hours' work is all they require to build a bridge,
notwithstanding the fact that they often, as on this
occasion, have to work under a heavy shell fire.
They worked on undisturbed while shell after shell
burst around and among them, as callous and in
different as if they were working at Aldershot. On
the 2 ist the bridge was ready, and the Middlesex,
Somersets and Lancashire Regiment crossed to the
lower slopes of Grobler's Kloof. The Somersets
came by night under a heavy fire, losing heavily,
including three officers killed and Surgeon-Captain
Holt. On Thursday the Boers kept up a hot shell fire,
under which a number of small kopjes were taken by
the South Lancashires, Lancasters and Composite
Battaliqns. There was no heavy fighting that day,
7

98 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
and but little headway was made. February 23rd
was the worst day for us in the whole advance, when
General Hart moved to Railway Hill with the
Inniskillings, four companies of the Dublins and four
companies of the Connaughts. The position was
splendidly commanded by our guns, but despite our
heavy shell fire the infantry suffered heavily when
they went up at dusk, the Boers keeping up a
destructive fire from three sides. Our men had to
halt, and, having erected a stone parapet, bivouacked
under its shelter that night, attacking again early on
Saturday morning, but without success, and eventually
having to retire. In this engagement the Inniskillings
alone lost 253 killed and wounded, including the
colonel and two majors. Sunday, 25 th, was a day
of peace, an armistice having been arranged in order
to bury the dead. Sixty of our men were buried on
Railway Hill.
On Monday we recrossed the river and proceeded
along the south bank as far as Monte Christo, where
another pontoon was erected, and on Tuesday,
" Majuba Day," the fighting came to an end with the
taking of Pieter's Hill, a magnificent piece of work
on the part of our infantry, the Dublins coming in
for the thick of it. Our artillery excelled themselves
that day, plumping shell after shell just in front of
our advancing troops, clearing the ground for them,
and following them over the crest of the hill. From
Pieter's began the general retirement of all the Boer
forces round and about Ladysmith. Unfortunately,
there was no pursuit. Had there been, thousands
might have been captured, and, at all events, some
of their guns and quantities of stores and ammuni-

THE RELIEF OF LADYSMITH.

99

tion. The cavalry were all ready and desperately
anxious to pursue, but no order came, and for forty-
eight hours they waited in vain.
On Wednesday Lord Dundonald entered Lady
smith, and was followed on Thursday by Sir Redvers
Buller and the army, the Dublins leading. It was a
memorable scene, that meeting of the great generals,
so long and eagerly waited for ; women wept, and
many a man felt a strangling lump in his throat as
they witnessed the heartfelt greetings being ex
changed between the two armies. It was soon over,
and then we looked round, to find, as I have said
before, that the town was practically undamaged, but
one could see that there had been terrible suffering,
although few complained or made any fuss about
what they had gone through ; one could realize,
though, without being told. Horse flesh and hard
biscuit and water are not appetising fare, and that is
what the majority had lived on for two months.
Fifteen hundred horses had been eaten. The follow
ing list of prices may be of interest ; the articles were
sold by auction many weeks before the close of the
siege : —
I4lbs. oatmeal
i tin milk . .
lib. beef fat
lib. coffee . .
2lbs, tongue
i sucking pig
12 eggs
i fowl
4 cucumbers
i bunch mealies
I plate grapes

£ s.

d.

2 19

6

. . OIO

0

. . Oil

0

. . O 17

0

..16

0

.. I 17

0

¦ ¦ 2 13

6

.. O 18

6

.. 0 15

6

..03

8

.. 1 5

0

ico THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.

£ »¦

d.

i plate apples

. O 12

6

i plate tomatoes

. o 18

0

i vegetable marrow

. i 8

0

lib. eschalots

. O II

0

lib. potatoes

. o 19

0

3 bunches carrots

. 0 9

0

i glass jelly

. 0 18

0

lib. jam

. 1 11

0

lib. marmalade

. 1 1

0

i dozen boxes matches

. 0 13

6

i packet cigarettes (10) . .

• 1 5

0

50 cigars

• 9 5

0

\\h. cake tobacco

¦ 2 5

0

lib. sailor tobac:o

• 2 3

0

Jib. tin Capstan . .

• 3 °

0

Ladysmith is now emptying fast ; the railway is
being opened up to Colenso, and the town will soon
assume its normal aspect. For ten days after the
relief miles of waggons came in from Colenso, bring
ing food, etc. Canteens were sold out in a few
minutes. It is no exaggeration to say that there were
at least ten miles of waggons two deep plying
between Ladysmith and Colenso for several days
after the relief. The Governor has already paid a
flying visit to the town, and was received with a
genuine hearty welcome. No man is more popular
in Natal than Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson.
Among the pleasant changes which have occurred
in South Africa of late, I should like to mention Lord
Roberts' order that letters are no longer to be
tampered with by Press censors and others. It was
time that this evil practice was put an end to ; loyal
civilians and the military were smarting under the
injustice of the proceeding, officers were threatening

THE RELIEF OF LAD Y SMITH. i o r
to resign if they could not be trusted to write to their
wives and families without supervision by the
authorities ; not only were they opened, but often not
even sent on or returned opened. I have numerous
envelopes in my possession given to me by officers
whose letters to their wives were stopped, opened,
read, and returned after a long interval. It is to be
hoped that now that Lord Roberts has refused to
countenance this proceeding it will never again be
allowed to be put into effect. I have already written
at some length on this subject, but it is more than
probable that owing to their contents my letters have
not reached their destination. At present we are all
in the dark as to the future. Some say the war is
over, others that the biggest fight of all will be outside
Pretoria. Personally, I do not care to give an
opinion ; Boer actions have up till now all been so
contrary to expectation that to prophesy is dangerous,
although it certainly does seem difficult to imagine
that after their recent heavy losses they can continue
resistance against our ever-increasing forces. We
would all welcome a speedy termination of the war
on the basis of unconditional surrender, and Kruger
would be well-advised from every point of view to
take that course at once.

LORD DUNDONALD'S MARCH.
Ladysmith, March 5th.
LADYSMITH at last! The meeting between General
Buller and Sir George White has taken place ; that
which at one time seemed to be a forlorn hope is
now an accomplished fact, the town is relieved, and
anxiety and depression have given place to joy and
congratulations. As one walks through the streets of Ladysmith, it
is difficult to realize even now that a few days ago it
was a beleaguered town.
Certainly faces are worn and haggard ; a few build
ings show outward signs of the effect of the enemy's
shells, and many others have suffered internally, but
on the whole remarkably little damage has been done.
It is marvellous that during that long period the
town was not absolutely wrecked. There is nothing
to protect it, commanded as it is by the heights of
Umbulwana, where the Boers had their guns, and it
would seem an easy task to crush every building in
the town, but as a matter of fact there were only
twenty-five casualties from shell fire during the whole
siege, which does not say much for the destructive
power of artillery. Shortness of food and sickness
were the two worst features of the siege, and from
all sides one hears stories of most praiseworthy
behaviour, amounting to heroism, on the part of those
who had to undergo the sufferings of the last few
months. The relief was unexpected ; only that
morning Sir George White had given orders that a

LORD DUNDONALD'S MARCH. 103
scale of rations should be worked out to last until the
2nd April, which meant half rations.
The garrison was not in a fit condition to help Sir
Redvers Buller, but were absolutely dependent upon
him, and they knew nothing ; it was only when Lord
Dundonald with his small bodyguard entered the
town on the evening of the 28th that they knew their
trials were over — a curious ending to a protracted
siege ! It was a surprise also to General Buller, who
was lying low that day after the taking of Pieter's
Hill. Lord Dundonald had gone out reconnoitring, and
found tne road clear to Ladysmith ; the armies of the
enemy had vanished, the news from the west had
been too much for them, the capture of Cronje,
following on the relief of Kimberley, and the steady
advance of Buller had demoralized them, and they
went, at present no one knows where.
We knew that several thousands had trekked west
when the news of Cronje's serious position was
published, and it was looked upon as a certainty that
if Cronje was captured it would mean that Lady
smith was saved.
But although this may have been an important
element in the relief, it does not in any way detract
from the credit which is due to General Buller and
his forces, who, up to the taking of Pieter's Hill, had
ten days' hard fighting, during which some gallant
deeds were done, and in which our infantry have
never shown to better advantage. However, the
Boers went, guns and baggage, as fast as trains and
waggons could take them, back towards their own
country, which many of them now bitterly regret

io4 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
ever having left, to receive torrents of abuse from
Oom Paul, who is reported to be domiciled in the
neighbourhood of Lang's Nek, vainly endeavouring to
restore enthusiasm and confidence among his faithful
burghers. But his day is over. Too long already
from their point of view have they been exposed to
the dangers and discomforts of war, kept together
by lies and threats, themselves longing to be back
on their farms with their families, for the Boer likes
his home. Kruger has a Herculean task before him
to make them carry on this war. Many have lost
their wives in the last fights, these insisted on joining
their husbands in order to cook for them, and they
were found dead in the trenches. A horrible tragedy,
making one feel sick of the word war, with its fresh
daily horrors and miseries always staring one in the
face. You cannot get away from them ; the perpetual
sufferings of men, women, children and animals meet
you at every turn. Truly no monarch ever attempted
a nobler task, impossible as it may be, than the
present Czar, when he attempted to rule the world by
peace.

THE WANT OF GUNS.
Botha's Hill, Natal, March 12th.
SINCE the relief of Ladysmith was effected almost
universal peace has reigned in Natal. The main
column has been enjoying well-earned rest. The
ist Cavalry Brigade, under Colonel Burn-Murdoch,
has proceeded north towards Elandslaagte, and Lord
Dundonald has been reconnoitring in the west ; but
Colonel Bethune's column, which has been working
round Zululand way, has had a brisk encounter with
the enemy near Helpmakaar. It was quite - un
expected, and it was only due to Colonel Bethune's
careful tactics that the whole column was not cut off.
On Tuesday, 6th, he was ordered to proceed to
Helpmakaar from Greytown, to take it, occupy it,
and wait for further orders. On the last occasion
when a reconnaissance was made in that direction
the Boers were found in large force, and with only
500 men it would have been folly to attack ; more
over, Ladysmith was still surrounded then, so the
column retired to Greytown, forty miles back, leaving
the Umvoti Mounted Rifles, under Major Leuchars,
at the Tugela Ferry. Last Tuesday, with the orders
to move came also information that practically all the
Boers had cleared from the Helpmakaar district, and
that we were to proceed at once. Accordingly, on
the morning of the 7th, we left Greytown, reaching
the Tugela at 4 p.m., after a hot thirty mile ride
through beautiful thorn country. We found the
river full and the punt not ready for work, and the

106 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
following morning at daylight the task of crossing
the river commenced. All swimmers had to swim
with their horses ; others who could not swim used a
small boat which we commandeered at the Mooi River
on the way, and which came in very useful. Our
force consisted of 400 B.M.I., 80 U.M.R., 40 Natal
Police, and two useless guns of the Natal Field
Artillery under Captain Livingstone, a smart young
gunner worthy of better guns. By noon all were
safely over, except the guns, which were left on
heights commanding the drift, to cover our retreat if
necessary. These guns are muzzle-loaders, with an
effective range of 1,800 yards, a dangerous appendage
to any force, and, as events turned out, it was lucky
that Colonel Bethune did not take them on with him.
We reached Pomeroy, sixteen miles from the river,
in the evening, and bivouacked there that night,
throwing out pickets to the right and left. Help
makaar is situated on a ridge of heights about eight
miles from Pomeroy, and is a strong position.
In the early morning the right picket, under
Lieutenant Newmarsh, having been strengthened,
advanced to a small kopje in the direction of Help
makaar, and from under good cover surveyed the
position. To their astonishment they perceived about
fifty Boers cautiously climbing their kopje, not know
ing they were there. When within 600 yards our men
opened fire, doing considerable damage, whereupon
the Boers fled. Then from the heights beyond two
big guns opened fire, then three " Pom Poms " came
into action, and it was soon evident that the enemy
were in force on the hills. We could only reply with
rifle fire at long range. Captain Ford with his

THE WANT OF GUNS. 107
squadron reinforced Lieutenant Newmarsh on the
left, and were in time to pepper a few of the retiring
fifty. Our Maxims drew the heaviest fire, and had
the enemy's shells burst well we should have had
heavy losses. As it was, shells fell harmlessly among
men and horses. When the enemy had thoroughly
disclosed their position, and were bringing a third gun
into action, Colonel Bethune very wisely decided to
retire. Without effective artillery it would be
impossible to take such a position, and there was
every chance of being cut off if he remained. The
order to retire was given, and admirably carried out
under an unpleasantly heavy shell fire. Only one
man received a scratch from a shell, although the
fighting lasted a good two hours.
Most of the fighting was on the left and left centre,
where the Maxims were posted. Our line was in the
shape of a horse-shoe, extending about three miles
facing Helpmakaar. The house at Pomeroy in which
the Colonel and his Staff slept on Thursday night was
heavily shelled the following morning by the enemy's
" Pom Pom." We recrossed the Tugela that night,
feeling annoyed that had we been given the guns we
had so often asked for we might have made a real
attack on the position and probably taken it. It is
scarcely credible that, with the experience of the Boer
artillery, such guns as those at present with this force
should be sent up to take a strong Boer position.
They are worse than useless — they are a positive
source of danger — but notwithstanding the strong
protests which have been made by the officers of the
N.F.A., they have not yet been replaced. We are
now twenty miles back from the Tugela, the nearest

io8 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
camping ground to the river fit for horses, and we
are waiting for the guns. They have been asked for
almost daily for five weeks, but no answer is given
to the request, though we must hope and wait in
patience. One thing is quite certain, we cannot take
Helpmakaar without them. The enemy's guns have
a range of 7,800 yards.

CLEARING UP NATAL.
With Colonel Bethune's Column. Bivouacked two miles
south of Pomeroy. May ioth.
AFTER many weeks' weary waiting, during which
three attempts have been made to dislodge the Boers
from Helpmakaar, we are once again on the march
with the same objective in view, and with a far better
chance of being successful. On Sunday we heard of
Lord Roberts' advance in the Free State, and the
crossing of the Vaal river by General Hunter. On
Monday we received orders to advance towards
Helpmakaar. It was a welcome order; we had
feared at one time that we were to be left behind
while the main army under Lord Roberts continued
its advance towards Pretoria. But now we are really
on the move, and a few days hence, all being well, we
shall be nearing the enemy's frontier.
The Biggarsberg is still strongly held, but a
simultaneous attack by General Buller on the west
and Colonel Bethune on the east should be successful,
taking also into consideration the fact that there
must be a great deal of consternation among the
enemy at present. Numerous prisoners captured
during the past week tell the same tale. Indeed, it
is hard to understand how they can have the heart to
continue their resistance in the face of certain defeat
at every point. However, the fact remains that to
morrow we shall be fighting again, and at present we
are busy making elaborate preparations for our
attack.

no THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
On Monday Botha's Camp was the scene of great
animation ; the I.L.I, were early on the move, their
first destination being Tugela Ferry, there to await
the arrival of the mounted men and guns. The next
to move were the two Naval guns and then the
Hotchkiss, followed by our old friends the N.F.A.
That evening the Field Hospital, under Major
Donegan, left our camp, and only the mounted men
were left These were due to leave on Tuesday
morning at 9 a.m. Lord Brassey, who was in
Maritzburg on Sunday, was anxious to visit Colonel
Bethune's column, and accordingly arrived in camp
early that morning, and, having received an address
from the Australian contingent in the B.M.I., he
inspected the regiment, and an hour later Botha's
Camp, our home for nearly two months, was deserted,
save for a few sick horses and mules.
Tuesday night saw us all at Tugela Ferry, where
we bivouacked, waking up early Wednesday morning
well-nigh frozen. Wednesday at noon the Umvoti
Mounted Rifles, commanded by Major Leuchars,
joined the Brigadier's forces at the river, and after
a hasty meal the mounted troops crossed the river,
reaching the kopjes overlooking Sandspruit, and two
miles from Pomeroy, at dusk, nearly capturing twenty
bold Boers who were patrolling toward the Tugela
unconscious of our advance. Early this morning one
squadron of the B.M.I, under Captain Goff, of the
3rd Dragoon Guards, patrolled to Pomeroy ; our
troops going forward one mile towards Helpmakaar,
suddenly came into contact with the enemy's advance
posts, who fired three volleys into our men, wounding
Lieutenant Dalrymple, who only two days ago was

CLEARING UP NA 1 A L. in
promoted out of the ranks. His wound, however,
was slight and the troops retired, rejoining their
squadron without any further casualties.
All day to-day we have seen numbers of the enemy
hard at work building earthworks and stone defences
below the Helpmakaar ridge ; they were plainly
visible through the telescope belonging to the Naval
guns. To-morrow night our force will be concen
trated one mile from Sandspruit, and the attack was
to take place at daybreak Saturday. As a matter of
fact the attack was delayed until Sunday, a message
having been received on Friday from General Buller
to that effect. On Saturday night Colonel Bethune's
column was on the move. Two squadrons B.M.I.
and the N.M.R., with three Maxims, under Major
Walter, were sent to occupy the nek between Mumba
mountain and the Helpmakaar heights, with orders
to wait there until they could establish communication
with General Buffer's force. At midnight the infantry
moved on to a kopje two miles N.E. of Pomeroy,
accompanied by the Hotchkiss guns. One squadron
B.M.I, occupied a kopje to the east of them. The
Naval guns took up a position on the road one mile
south of Pomeroy, and one mile in front of them were
the N.F.A. guns, with one squadron B.M.I.
It was a lovely moonlight night, very cold, and the
hot coffee which was served out to the troops was
very welcome. All were keen and eager for their
work ; every one realized that if their combined attack
was successfully carried out the Boers would have to
clear to their frontier. It had been carefully planned,
and the only question was, Would it come off?
Every detail had been thought out by Colonel

ii2 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
Bethune, and each commanding officer received clear
and concise orders from the Brigadier before leaving.
At 4 am. Colonel Bethune and his Staff left the
camp and proceeded to the Naval guns. When day
light dawned we could distinguish our men on the left
approaching the nek, and then we heard shots on the
right, where a squadron was stationed. The enemy
had opened fire from their trenches half-way down
the hills, but a couple of well-directed shots from the
Naval guns soon disposed of this advance force, and
for a time all was quiet again. At 1 1 a.m. a helio
from the heights on the left announced the fact that
our force had established communication with General
Buller, and then we knew that our move would be
successful. Bethune's column advanced, the Naval
guns clearing the heights in tront of us. Buffer's
force was advancing from the left behind Mumba,
and at 3 p.m. the forces joined each other on the
Helpmakaar plain, where mutual congratulations took
place. The enemy had retired, covering their retreat
with their " Pom Poms," which had taken up a
position on a kopje near the village, a few shells
bursting among our field artillery and the South
African Light Horse, wounding four men slightly.
By 6 p.m. all was quiet ; the enemy were racing
back to Dundee. We could not pursue, men and
horses were done, and the Boers had too long
a start. On Monday morning, at daylight, the
mounted troops, under Lord Dundonald, moved
off, and as we neared Dundee the enemy fought
a good rear-guard action, leaving nothing behind
them. All the country for miles had been burned,
and was still burning when we marched through.

CLEARING UP NATAL. 113
Every house had been looted, and not a vestige
of food or forage was to be found anywhere.
The mounted troops reached Blebocklaagte that
night, eighteen miles from our last bivouac ground.
Here some of the enemy fought for two hours,
covering the retreat of the main body, but in the night
they cleared, and on Tuesday the British forces had
a peaceful march into Dundee, through thick, unend
ing clouds of dust. Most of the houses here are
wrecked and looted ; the machinery at the coal mines
is badly damaged, but the few English people who
remained in the town were not badly treated ; in
fact, they were well fed and looked after. Food is
now very scarce, the railway is not open, and the
supply column is far behind. We are to have one
day's rest, and then the main column will proceed to
Newcastle, while Colonel Bethune's force will go
round by Knutu and Vryheid, which is still in the
hands of the enemy. Knutu, Zululand, May 19th.
Two marches of twenty miles have brought us
here, and we are now occupying what was only ten
days ago the Boer position; we have made several
prisoners on the road, and captured numerous
waggons and 700 head of cattle. We were welcomed
on arrival by Archdeacon Johnson, who has been here
over twenty years, carrying on mission work. He
says that the Boers treated him very well, supplying
him with meat and other articles of food. He is
building a new church for this district at a cost of
£3,500, which has been raised by private subscription
in England. The magistracy of Knutu is situated
on high ground, overlooking the Buffalo Valley and
8

H4 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
a large portion of Zululand. The population is
entirely native, no white man being allowed to settle
here. To-morrow we go to Vryheid, where we
expect to find about 500 of the enemy. We are
taking only mounted men, the Hotchkiss guns and
three Maxims ; if we succeed in taking ¦ Vryheid,
Colonel Bethune's force will be the first on this side
to occupy the enemy's territory. From here we can
see the spot where the Prince Imperial lost his life,
and a few miles to the south of us is Rorke's Drift.
Meanwhile, we are cut off from all news and com
munication. In twelve days we have marched 115
miles, and during that time we have seen none of
our baggage, and as we are going right on, there is
little chance of our seeing it again for a long time.

THE DISASTER TO BETHUNE'S
MOUNTED INFANTRY.
N'qutu, Zululand, May 25th,
LAST Sunday morning an impressive scene took
place outside the Court House at N'qutu. Native
chiefs from the surrounding districts assembled to
greet Colonel Bethune on his way to Newcastle
through Zululand, and Archdeacon Johnson, who
acted as an interpreter, thanked them warmly for the
restraint they had exercised and for the patient
attitude they had maintained during the many months
that the Boers had occupied their country. At the
close of the ceremony they were presented with a
fat ox, and the B.M.I, marched off, accompanied by
the Hotchkiss guns, not knowing exactly what their
destination was to be that day
Was it to be Vryheid? The majority hoped it
would be ; it was only a few miles out of the road to
Newcastle, and then the B.M.I, would be the first
of General Buffer's forces to occupy a Transvaal town.
It was surely worth the extra journey, and some of us
boldly expressed our hopes to the Colonel, who had,
during the last few days, been evidently uncertain in
his own mind which was the best road to take, but
finally he decided upon making Vryheid his head
quarters that night. We were short of food for man
and beast, and would find sufficient there to take us
on to Newcastle. Our waggons had gone via
Dundee, a long way round, but the road is good,
whereas other roads leading to Newcastle, with the

116 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
exception of the one via Vryheid, were reported to be
bad. We were, therefore, extremely mobile, a most
desirable factor in traversing an enemy's country.
Our force consisted of 350 B.M.I., two Hotchkiss
guns, which were carried on mule carts, drawn by ten
powerful and swift mules, also two Maxims. Native
information received that morning at N'qutu was
to the effect that Vryheid had been evacuated ;
therefore none of us expected even a skirmish.
Nevertheless, the most careful scouting was main
tained as we marched towards the frontier. Ahead
of us and well out on our flanks the B.M.I.'s best
scouts were hard at work. No commanding officer
is more careful and particular in this respect than
Colonel Bethune, and his eyes are continually on his
scouts. We had left N'qutu at 10.15 a-m-> an(I at 2-r5 Pm-
we crossed the frontier and made our first halt.
" Off-saddle and one hour's rest," that was the order ;
a hasty meal of tinned food, biscuit and water — that
was all, a soldier's fare before a soldier's death, as it
turned out to be for many. Officers and men shared
the same food, as they, a few hours later, some of
them, shared the same death. As we ate our modest
repast, natives gathered around us, and the Colonel
gleaned all the information he could from them
through Lieutenant Lanham, our intelligence officer,
a Colonial, resident in the Transvaal for many years,
who was leading our scouts" on that day. The
natives reported that we might find a few Boers, forty
or fifty perhaps, just outside Vryheid, but it was
improbable, as they had mostly been on the run for
some days. On hearing of the possibility of a

THE DISASTER TO BETHUNE'S M. I. 117
scrimmage, each squadron leader hoped that his might
be the leading squadron on the resumption of the
march, and thus have the honour of occupying
Vryheid. The choice fell upon " E " Squadron,
commanded by Captain Goff, 3rd Dragoon Guards.
They were selected because, up till then, they had
been very little to the front, owing to having been
left behind at Frere at the time of the move to
Springfield in January. Captain Goff had only
recently been given the command, vice Captain
Bissett, resigned.
At 3 p.m. the Colonel gave his orders. Captain
Goff was to proceed cautiously to Vryheid, keeping
well in the rear of the scouts, giving them plenty of
time to do their work thoroughly. If he should find
the enemy in any force he was to fall back on his
supports, but if they were only in small numbers and
not in a strong position he might attack. These were
his orders. I heard them given and repeated twice,
clear and concise, as Colonel Bethune's orders always
are. Lieutenant Lanham and his scouts had left, and
ten minutes later " E " Squadron were on the move.
Next, at ten minutes' interval, came Captain Ford's
squadron, a sturdy, gallant lot of men who have
always been in the thick of everything, well officered
from the Captain downwards, the proud possessors
of a Maxim gun under the charge of Lieutenant
Capel. The Colonel followed with the guns and
remaining squadrons. We had to ride hard to keep
up with the leading squadrons. Captain Goff was
" making the pace," too much so the Colonel thought
as we spurred on our tired horses ; the guns kept up
with great difficulty. We had ridden five miles. We

n8 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
saw " E " Squadron disappearing over a ridge two
miles ahead at full gallop! An orderly met us and
reported a few Boers on a hill ahead to the right of
the road, and then another rode up saying he had
heard shots fired. What did it mean? The Colonel
sent an officer on to ascertain what was going on,
and presently a message came back to the effect that
" E " Squadron were engaged with a large body of
Boers, and were surrounded. They had galloped
into a well-laid Boer trap, heedless of the warning of
the leading scouts, dragging them along with them,
maddened by a keen desire to force their way
through the enemy, unaware of the fact that they had
left a force of Boers behind them on the right.
They were nearing a hollow, when six Boers came
forward, firing a few shots at them and then retiring.
The order was given to " Gallop," and on they sped
to their doom ; there was a small rise in front of them,
and as they approached more Boers showed them
selves. Our men halted, but before the order to dis
mount could be carried out half the saddles were
emptied by a storm of lead from three sides. Those
who were not hit dismounted, and the enemy having
settled the horses turned their attention to the men,
who were now extending along the slope of the hill.
They were then about fifty yards to the left of the
main road. For twenty minutes a desperate fight
took place ; although hopelessly doomed, not a man
thought of surrender. This gallant little force,
consisting chiefly of South Africans and Australians,
were determined to fight it out to the death. They
had followed their leader, conscious of the fact that
his pluck and daring might lead them into difficulties;

THE DISASTER TO BETHUNE'S M. I. 119
They knew that he had found out his mistake ; they
saw that he meant to atone for it with his life, and
they willingly followed his example.
Nothing could be done to save them. Captain
Ford with his squadron hurried to the scene, but on
reaching the ridge overlooking Captain Goff's death
trap they were met by a withering fire, which they
could not return, owing to the fact that Captain Goff's
men were mixed up with the enemy. The whole of
the Maxim detachment was laid low, and " D "
Squadron had to make the best of their way back,
under a heavy fire. The Maxim had to be left, and
it was due chiefly to the waning light that Captain
Ford did not lose more men. In the meantime, " C "
Squadron were advancing to cover the retreat. The
Hotchkiss guns landed a few well-directed shots
among the enemy, and fifty-five minutes after the
first shot was fired the survivors were on their way
back to N'qutu, our casualties being thirty killed,
twenty-eight wounded and thirteen prisoners.
Colonel Bethune cannot, and must not, be blamed
for the disaster. The blame lies with the gallant and
brave officer who has paid so dearly for his mistake.
The natural instinct of a daring cavalryman to charge
the enemy was too much for him ; he forgot for a
moment that the utmost care and caution must be
exercised in attacking a Boer position, and when he
realized his position it was too late. His courageous
fight and that of his brother officers and men will,
however, be remembered as one of the most glorious
episodes of this war. Some may say it was foolish of
them not to surrender, but be that as it may, nothing
that may be said can detract one iota from their
heroism and indomitable pluck.

120 THE EARL DE LA WARR'S LETTERS.
The B.M.I, reached N'qutu at 4.30 the following
morning, having been in the saddle eighteen hours.
It is only fair to mention that the Boers behaved
with the utmost kindness towards the wounded,
assisting our doctor in every way. They were all
taken to Vryheid, and are being well cared for.
Archdeacon Johnson, of St. Augustine's, Rorke's
Drift, rode out and read the Burial Service over our
dead, who had been buried by the Boers ; the latter
attended in force and expressed to the Archdeacon
their admiration of our men's gallant fight.
All is quiet now, and the B.M.I, are resting at
Dundee. The end of the war is evidently near at
hand ; from all sides we hear that the enemy are
anxious to surrender, and a speedy termination must
now be the earnest prayer of the Christian world.

The Author was wounded in this engagement and
invalided home.

THE END.