s troops, in spite of the
greatest bravery, failed in the first step--the crossing of the river--
on December 15th. The heliograph has told us the whole story, and now
we know that the Boers had entrenched the whole of the north bank of the
river for miles on either side of Colenso. You've seen our trenches
here, and can guess how difficult it is to locate them from a distance.

"The Boers, with their usual cunning, had concealed theirs perfectly,
and the heaviest artillery fire failed to make them disclose them.
There was nothing else for it but an assault over an open stretch of
country, just the kind of work that our men are fitted for, but work
which is terribly trying.

"With splendid dash, General Hart's brigade moved forward on the left to
the drift across the river, supported by General Hildyard's brigade,
guns accompanying both. But the drift, which is usually fordable, was
now too deep, for the Boers had dammed the river. Added to that, all
those who crossed were under a terrific rifle fire. Still, our lads did
it, and got to the other side, only to find the position untenable. It
was altogether terribly hot work, and it was soon seen that a frontal
attack could not succeed. Buller recognised it early, and skilfully
withdrew his men.

"But one unfortunate affair happened. The guns galloped forward to
support the infantry, but got so close to the masked trenches of the
Boers that all the horses were shot down immediately, and nearly all the
gunners. They made a gallant fight of it, but they had fallen into an
ambush, and in spite of the desperate efforts made to get the guns away,
only two were saved, the others being captured by the enemy.

"During the battle Colenso was occupied by our troops, but later on was
evacuated. In the evening, after having sustained severe losses in men
and guns, our army retired to its camp. The Boers, too, suffered very
heavily in spite of rocks and boulders.

"It was a check, and a severe check, but our boys went back that night
not a bit disheartened; and now, by all accounts, they are itching to
make another attempt. Meanwhile, here we are, poor little Ladysmith,
surrounded on every side, garrisoned by some 9000 men on half-rations,
with no luxuries, and with typhoid fever and dysentery raging amongst
us.

"It's enough to dispirit anyone, but we are hopeful still; and I
guarantee, if you come to our footer match this afternoon, you will
watch as good a game a