[Dec. 11, 1899.
But no letter shows better the powerlessness of the men than this from a Highland Light Infantry man:—"What could we do? It was dark; the men did not know where they were. Somebody shouted 'Retire!' and we did—well, not a retire, but a stampede; 4,000 men like a flock of sheep running for dear life. Had we opened out in attacking or skirmishing order, we could have rushed the trenches, but in the formation we were in we were helpless. After they rallied they had not the heart to fight after being led into a trap at the start; but we stood it wonderfully well, although only a half-hearted affair."
THE WATERWHEEL WHICH SUPPLIED THE BOERS AT MAGERSFONTEIN.
CREUSOT 15-CM. (6-INCH) GUN.
As used by the Boers from the hill top at Magersfontein, and outside Ladysmith and Mafeking.
General Wauchope's death.
Dec. 11, 1899.] The Limit of Endurance Passed.
Amongst the very earliest victims of the murderous fusillade is said to have been the noble and devoted General Wauchope. His body was found well in advance, riddled with bullets. That he ever uttered the words attributed to him, "Don't blame me, my lads, it was not my fault," is not to be believed. The story circulated in camp after the battle, but like so many camp legends seems to have no solid foundation. It was alien to the fallen General's character; alien to his high sense of discipline and to his pride as a British soldier. As he had silently obeyed and executed an order which he may well have feared would prove to be disastrous, so he went silently and uncomplainingly to his death, leaving posterity to do his memory justice. As to the time and manner of his death there is some dispute. Many declared that he fell at the first murderous volley; but one private asserts that he lay down with those of the Black Watch who did not bolt, and after some little time determined to go back to the remnant of his brigade, further towards the rear. He was begged not to do so, but rose with four others and was almost instantly killed.