The General did not appear to be "links"[34] at this, but called out with his loud voice, "Come on, burghers!" We were fortunate in being able to keep up with the enemy by riding along a little plain, which was hidden from them by an intervening hill.
Our course ran in a direction parallel to their line of march, and at a distance of about six miles from it.

But unluckily, the English were the first to reach the ridge.

When we appeared at the point where the hill which had concealed us from them came to an end, their vanguard had just passed the eastern end of the ridge at which we were both aiming; and we had still some four or five miles to go before we could reach it.
I saw that the enemy was not strong enough to occupy the whole ridge, so I at once gave orders to General De Villiers to advance, and to seize the western end at a point just above the farmstead of Mostertshoek.
The enemy, observing this manoeuvre, took up their position on the eastern extremity of the ridge.

Whereupon I divided the remaining burghers into small companies, with orders to occupy kopjes from six to seven hundred paces still further to the east; leaving to myself and Commandant Nel the task of seizing a small ridge which lay south-east of the English lines.
All these positions would have to be taken under fire, and before making the attempt I sent the following note to the British Commanding Officer:-- "SIR,-- "I am here with five hundred men, and am every moment expecting reinforcements with three Krupps, against which you will not be able to hold out.

I therefore advise you, in order to prevent bloodshed, to surrender." I sent this note post haste, and then rested a little while awaiting the return of the despatch rider.
And now a shameful incident occurred.