e is not likely
to be serious, but if Natal goes you will have to concentrate for
defence, and you should make up your mind what positions to hold.
Probably the best military positions about Queenstown,
Middleburg, and Beaufort West will be found most convenient.

REDVERS BULLER,
General.

CHAPTER XII.

ADVANCE FROM THE ORANGE RIVER.

[Sidenote: Lord Methuen's instructions. Nov. 10/99.]

On the 10th of November Lord Methuen, with his staff, left Cape Town
for Orange River station, where he arrived two days later. The orders
which he had received from Sir Redvers Buller ran as follows:--

November 10th, 1899.

1. You will take command of the troops at De Aar and Orange River
stations,[145] with the object of marching on Kimberley as
rapidly as possible.

[Footnote 145: See map No. 9.]

2. In addition to the troops now at De Aar, the infantry of which
are being formed into the 9th brigade under Colonel
Fetherstonhaugh, you will have under your command:--

i. The 1st Infantry Brigade.--Major-Gen. Colvile.
ii. The Highland Brigade.--Major-Gen. Wauchope.
iii. The 9th Lancers.
iv. The Brigade Division, Royal Field Artillery, under
Colonel Hall.
v. The Divisional Troops except Cavalry of the Division.
vi. Certain Royal Engineers, Army Service Corps and
Medical Details which have been collected at the
two stations.

I wish you to march from the Orange river to the Modder river,
communicate with Kimberley, and to hold the line De Aar, Modder
river, so that we shall be able to bring up stores and heavy guns
and pass them into Kimberley.

3. The half-battalion Loyal North Lancashire regiment, which will
form part of the 9th brigade, is to be left in Kimberley.

4. You will afford help to Kimberley to remove such of the
natives as they wish to get rid of, and, generally, you will give
such advice and assistance in perfecting the defences as you may
be able to afford.

5. You will make the people of Kimberley understand that you have
not come to remain charged with its defence, but to afford it
better means of maintaining its defence, which will at the same
time be assisted by an advance