The Freestaters were to the north and west.

Their combined numbers were uncertain, but at least it was already proved that they were far more numerous and also more formidable than had been anticipated.

We had had a taste of their artillery also, and the pleasant delusion that it would be a mere useless encumbrance to a Boer force had vanished for ever.
It was a grave thing to leave the town in order to give battle, for the mobile enemy might swing round and seize it behind us.

Nevertheless White determined to make the venture.
On the 29th the enemy were visibly converging upon the town.

From a high hill within rifleshot of the houses a watcher could see no fewer than six Boer camps to the east and north.