[22]. These figures are certainly wrong. Andries Cronje’s force should be included in the 12,000 credited to Cronje.
[23]. These and the subsequent figures are taken from Roberts’s despatch of February 16. No figures of strength (only of units) are given either in the text or appendices of the “Official History.”
[24]. The Times History describes Broadwood’s brigade as galloping after Gordon’s, half a mile behind. The German critic, who appears to have been an eyewitness, speaks of 6,000 horsemen charging as though in one body. I base my account on our own “Official History.”
[25]. German Official Account of the South African War, vol. i., p. 147.
[26]. “With French in South Africa,” pp. 83, 84, and Appendix A., p. 411.
[27]. Vol. ii., p. 36.
[28]. See Henderson’s “Science of War,” pp. 53, 54.
[29]. Times History gives “150–200”; “Official History,” “200”; German History, “100.”
[30]. I follow the account of French’s motives given by the “Official History.” Both the Times History and Mr. Goldman represent him as having decided from the first against interception, and regard the next move, to Middelpunt Ridge, as the first stage in an indirect or semi-direct pursuit. The point is not material. It was either irresolute interception or indirect pursuit.
[31]. Broadwood’s request, and the delay, are not expressly noted in the “Official History.” In fairness to Broadwood, I take them from the Times History. But it is quite clear from the official narrative that there must have been a considerable delay.