His mission, however, succeeded in its effect, for the Guards moving across the plain intervened in such a way that the reinforcements, without an open attack, which would have been opposed to all Boer traditions, could not help the defenders, and were compelled to witness their defeat.

This body of horsemen returned north next day and were no doubt among those whom we encountered at the following action of the Modder River.
The march from Orange River had begun on the Wednesday.

On Thursday was fought the action of Belmont, on Saturday that of Enslin.

There was no protection against the sun by day nor against the cold at night.

Water was not plentiful, and the quality of it was occasionally vile.