h the naval guns fired in the
direction of Surprise Hill, and whilst this was proceeding the mountain
battery's two remaining guns also threw some star shell in the same
direction. The Boers were hugely elated at the sight of the star shell.
This was probably the first time they had seen them. They turned their
searchlight on to the stars when they fell on the ground, and cheered
lustily. They evidently considered that it was a performance got up for
their special entertainment by Messrs. Brock and Co., direct from the
Crystal Palace.

The cause of all this shell fire was not known, but it would appear as
if information had been received that the Boers had been collecting at
the back of Surprise Hill the evening before, with a view to a renewed
attack. Nothing, however, in the shape of an attack occurred, and at 3
a.m. firing ceased, and the sun rose in the morning in tranquillity.

On the 11th three messages were received by the garrison congratulating
them on their good work of January 6th: one from the Governor of Natal,
one from Valparaiso, and one from General Buller. The last named stated
in his telegram that he would relieve Ladysmith as soon as possible.

It was stated that Sir George White had heliographed to Sir Redvers
Buller informing him that there were over 2000 sick and wounded in
Intombi Hospital Camp, that he could not hold out for much longer, and
that he must not expect any assistance from him when he made his effort.
Sir Redvers Buller had replied that he was sparing no effort to push
forward, and that he hoped to be ready soon.

The number of patients in the Intombi Hospital Camp had increased by
January 10th to--

Over 400 cases of dysentery;
" 600 cases of enteric fever;
" 200 cases not yet diagnosed, but probably enteric fever;
" 800 cases wounded and various.

The daily rations of the garrison now consisted of 1/2 lb. of tinned
meat and 1 lb. of bread per man.

Had it not been for the Indian Contingent there would have been no flour
at all in Ladysmith. All the flour, all the rum, in fact almost
everything that the garrison lived upon with the exception of meat, was
brought from India with the Indian Contingent, which carried with it six
months' supply of every description.

From January 12th, another duty assigned to the Regiment was the sending
of two companies every morning at two o'clock to the examining guard on
the Newcastle road, which was situated just under the 4.7 na