Then we all trailed back, the enemy shelling our line of retreat from three sides, and we in such a mood that we cared very little for shells or anything else.
_November 4, 1899._ This morning Sir George White sent Joubert a letter by Major Bateson, asking leave for the non-combatants, women and children to go down to Maritzburg.

The morning was quiet, most people packing up in hopes of going.

But Joubert's answer put an end to that.

The wounded, women, children, and other non-combatants might be collected in some place about four miles from the town, but could go no further.

All who remained would be treated as combatants.