“On Friday, Jan. 19, Gen. Warren began a long, circuitous march to the westward for the purpose of turning the right of the Boer position.
“This attempt was abandoned on account of the long ridge running from Spion Kop being occupied by the Boers in such strength as to command the entire route.
“Saturday, Jan. 20, Gen. Warren, having crossed the Tugela River with the bulk of his troops, ordered a frontal attack. Our men behaved splendidly under a heavy cross-fire for seven hours. Our casualties were slight. Three lines of rifle fire[1] were visible along the Boer main position.”
[1] The Second Ambuscade. Vide “Secret Instructions” of Frederic the Great.
(British War Office Bulletin, Jan. 22, 1900.)
“Gen. Warren has been engaged all day chiefly on his left, which he has swung forward a couple of miles.”
(Signed) Buller.
(British War Office Bulletin, Jan. 24, 1900.)
“Gen. Warren holds the position he gained two days ago. The Boer position is on higher ground than ours and can be approached only over bare and open slopes. An attempt will be made tonight to seize Spion Kop.”
(Signed) Buller.