They were supported by several thousand riflemen, who might secure their success or cover their retreat.

Eighteen heavy guns had been trained upon the long ridge, one end of which has been called Caesar's Camp and the other Waggon Hill.

This hill, three miles long, lay to the south of the town, and the Boers had early recognised it as being the most vulnerable point, for it was against it that their attack of November 9th had been directed.

Now, after two months, they were about to renew the attempt with greater resolution against less robust opponents.

At twelve o'clock our scouts heard the sounds of the chanting of hymns in the Boer camps.