At the same date news reached the British headquarters of an advance from the western passes, and of a movement from the Buffalo River on the east.

On the 13th Sir George White had made a reconnaissance in force, but had not come in touch with the enemy.

On the 15th six of the Natal Police were surrounded and captured at one of the drifts of the Buffalo River.

On the 18th our cavalry patrols came into touch with the Boer scouts at Acton Homes and Besters Station, these being the voortrekkers of the Orange Free State force.

On the 18th also a detachment was reported from Hadders Spruit, seven miles north of Glencoe Camp.