roughly examined the situation. We have
arranged for the following reinforcements in addition to the 7th
Division, viz.:

"1. Four brigade divisions Field Artillery, embarking as soon
after the 20th January as possible.

"2. One volunteer company for each line battalion, amounting in
all to about 7,000.

"3. The City of London regiment of Volunteers, and the battery of
the Honourable Artillery Company.[292]

[Footnote 292: The City of London Imperial Volunteers was
formed as a special regiment under a Royal Warrant, dated
24th December, 1899, and organised under a Special Army
Order, dated 6th January, 1900. The regiment was raised by
the Lord Mayor and his committee under instructions
informally given between the 16th December and the date of
the Order of 6th January, which embodied these instructions.

The employment of the Service companies of the Volunteers was
regulated by a Special Army Order, dated 2nd January, 1900.]

"4. One Field Artillery battery of Volunteers from Elswick.

"5. Colonial contingents, inclusive of four artillery batteries,
mostly mounted, and amounting in all probably to about 3,000.

"6. Seven Militia battalions.

"Of these some have already started. As to the Imperial Yeomanry,
it is not yet possible to say what number will be raised, but
4,000 at least will probably be the total, and the material,
though raw, is good.[293] We have also mobilised a cavalry
brigade which could embark at once. If, however, it is sent, only
the remainder of the Household cavalry and five line regiments
will be left at home. Do you wish to have it? We are also
mobilising the 8th division, which could begin to embark about
the 20th February, but if it goes there will only be seven
infantry battalions left, and unless the 8th division is urgently
required this reduction of the home garrison does not appear
desirable, in view of the general outlook. It might answer your
purpose if we sent for the lines of communication eight or more
Militia battalions instead."

[Footnote 293: The original proposal to organise regiments of
Yeomanry for service in South Africa was made by Lord Chesham
and other Yeomanry officers in October, 1899. Sanction for
the formation of th