k of the Spytfontein
range. The tactics of Belmont were to be repeated. After a vigorous
bombardment of the hill of Magersfontein in the late afternoon of the
10th, the Highland brigade was to march at night to its foot, and at
dawn on the 11th attack this, the key of Cronje's position.

[Sidenote: The plan finally chosen for Dec. 10th night attack.]

Lord Methuen's orders, which are textually quoted at the end of the
chapter, may be thus summarised. A preliminary bombardment of the main
Boer position was fixed for the afternoon of the 10th; and to
facilitate this a column, consisting of the 9th Lancers, mounted
infantry, G. Battery R.H.A., the 18th, 62nd and 75th Field batteries,
the 65th (Howitzer) battery, the Highland brigade, and the 2nd
Yorkshire Light Infantry, was to move forward from the Modder river
towards the southern end of Magersfontein Hill. The main body of
infantry was to halt behind Headquarter Hill, while the 2nd Yorkshire
Light Infantry was to proceed to Voetpads (or Bridle) Drift, and
entrench there against attack from all sides. The cavalry and mounted
infantry were to cover the advance on a line from the railway to the
river. After the reconnaissance they were to retire to the right of
the Highland brigade, protect it, and leave a party to watch the outer
flank of the artillery. Major-General Pole-Carew, with two battalions
of the 9th brigade (1st battalion Northumberland Fusiliers and 2nd
battalion Northampton), was to move with the 4.7-in. Naval gun, which
from a position west of the railway was to co-operate with the
artillery engaged in the bombardment. Major Rimington, with his
Guides, was to guard the left of this column. On the following morning
(the 11th December) fire was to be re-opened, care being taken that
the guns were not directed against Magersfontein Hill, the point at
which the Highland brigade was to break into the enemy's line. The
camp on the Modder river was to be garrisoned by the half-battalion of
the North Lancashire regiment, by details, and by the greater part of
the Naval brigade, whose four 12-pr. guns were mounted in the works on
the south side of the river. The supply column, with five days'
rations, under the escort of half the Gordon Highlanders, was to move
off at 4 a.m. on the 11th December, and to follow the route taken by
the Highland brigade for two miles. Major-General Colvile, with the
12th Lancers, the 7th company Royal engineers, the Guards' brigade,
wit