rtune in the Freedom war
was the immediate nearness (of positions), so that the
smoke from the two forces made one cloud through which
our men were better enabled to defeat the enemy. It was
always my endeavour as long as the enemy blustered with
his guns to conceal my men as much as possible and to
strengthen them in their positions till the enemy's guns
were tired and they then advanced and attacked us; then
and not before, when they were between their own guns
and our men, the burghers sprang forwards and shot them
away by batches. Now our burghers with their rapid-fire
rifles begin to shoot at so great a distance, and it is
much to be feared that in a fierce fight lasting a whole
day, they fire away all their ammunition to no purpose
without hurting the enemy, and the enemy is then able to
make use of lance and sword after exhausting their
ammunition. Warn your men thus and work against this
error. You must also take good thought for your reserve
ammunition, and its position and the way it can be
brought up to firing line. You know yourself how often
we have already captured the English ammunition mules;
do not let the same take place with ours. Now secondly,
I am certain Buller will not operate against you with
his whole force at once; he will place supports in his
rear and again and again bring up fresh men. His cavalry
will wait as far as possible, to make their attack from
the rear, or to try to move round to our rear. So be on
your guard. Place your supports so that at such times
new forces can advance; let some one be just on some
high and visible place so as to send support in time to
the spot where it is required. It is bitter to lie here
on my back and think and advise from such a distance,
but God's Will be done, just in Heaven as on Earth. Best
wishes."]

[Sidenote: The army, in full view of the Boers, gathers for the fray.]

The advance of Barton's brigade on the 12th had been unopposed, and
during the two following days the remainder of the Natal ar