[Stereo-Photo by Underwood & Underwood. Copyright 1900.
The drum-head makes a very fair writing table.
[Nov. 28, 1899.
The Boers in force at the Modder River.
At dawn of November 28th the division got under arms and cheerfully marched off to disperse the handful of demoralised fugitives who were, it was reported, all that would be encountered at Modder River. From the Modder it was to bend eastwards to Jacobsdal and come in upon the flank of the Boers at Spytfontein. The early morning air was clear and cold, but the breakfastless men marched joyously down the gentle slopes, eight miles long, towards the eagerly desired water. A few minutes of skirmishing was the most that anyone expected. Yet early in the morning—seemingly while the division was on the march—Lord Methuen received disquieting news. This was to the effect that the Boers were in great force at the Modder. Still he felt no great anxiety; he had been told that the Riet and Modder Rivers were fordable everywhere, and therefore he thought that he could easily outflank the enemy and drive them from their positions. He does not appear to have communicated the news to his subordinate generals and battalion commanders. Indeed, so free from care was he, that he gave his cook orders to get his breakfast ready as his line of men neared the Modder River. Still, the approach to the river was made in very open order and no reasonable precaution was neglected.
A PLEASURE PARTY ON THE MODDER RIVER.
The Modder, a little above the bridge, is the favourite resort of the jaded Kimberley folk for picnics and boating.
Disposition of troops.