e of war, no
strain on the national resources, no call for national effort. War was
regarded as a matter for which the War Office and the army should make
preparation, but not the nation. The despatch of the largest British
Army ever sent across the seas had been regarded as ensuring rapid
success. A decisive termination of the campaign before the end of the
year was anticipated. The disappointment of these hopes at first
caused dismay; but this was quickly replaced by a stern determination
to carry through the South African undertaking, and, at all costs, not
to shirk troublesome responsibilities in that sub-continent. It was
realised that the task to be faced was serious, and that the time had
come to devote to it the best resources of the Empire. The manhood of
the country was eager to assist by any possible means, and therefore
learnt with satisfaction that not only would the 6th and 7th divisions
be sent out at once, but that nine militia battalions had been asked
to volunteer for foreign service, and that yeomanry and select
companies of volunteers had had their eager demands to be allowed to
help gladly granted. With even greater pleasure was the announcement
received, two days after the battle of Colenso, that the General in
command in South Africa had been given _carte blanche_ to raise mounted
troops locally; that the self-governing Colonies, again with true
patriotism rallying round the mother country, had proposed to send
further military contingents, and that these also were to join in the
struggle.

[Footnote 248: The popular name for the week in which
occurred the defeats of Stormberg, Magersfontein and
Colenso.]

[Sidenote: Lord Roberts is appointed to command, Dec. 16.]

The action of the Cabinet in dealing with the difficult question of
the command, in South Africa was prompt. The size of the army which
would in a few weeks be assembled at the seat of war, and the nature
of the work which lay before it, made it necessary that an officer of
the highest standing and experience should be selected for the supreme
control. It was apparent that the direction of the operations for the
relief of Ladysmith would absorb all the attention and energies of
Sir R. Buller. Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, V.C., then commanding the
forces in Ireland, was therefore asked to undertake the duty of
Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, a responsibility which he
instantly accepted. As Lord Roberts'