Throughout the whole war I never troubled myself about such matters.
Our loss, in addition to Veldtcornet Du Plessis, whose death I have just described, was only six wounded.
I had no longer any need to fear a reinforcement from Reddersburg, but nevertheless there was no time to be lost, for I had just heard from a prisoner of war that a telegram had been sent from Dewetsdorp to the garrison at Smithfield, bidding them consult their own safety by withdrawing to Aliwal North.

I made up my mind to capture that garrison before it could decamp.

I waited until I saw that the English ambulances were busy with their wounded, and then with all speed rode off.
As the direct road might prove to be held by Lord Roberts, I caused the prisoners of war to be marched to Winburg via Thaba'Nchu.

From thence they were to be sent forward by rail to Pretoria.
[Footnote 34: Vexed.] [Footnote 35: I have never been able to understand why the great force, stationed at Reddersburg, made no attempt to come to the aid of the unfortunate victims at Mostertshoek.

Their conduct seems to me to have been even more blameworthy than the similar negligence which occurred at Sanna's Post.