He told me that he had been unable to carry out my orders, for, on his arrival at Smithfield, he had discovered that the garrison--which had only consisted of some two or three hundred men--had just departed.

He learnt, however, that it was still possible to overtake it before it reached Aliwal North.

Unfortunately, he was unable to persuade Commandant Swanepoel, who was in command of the burghers, to pursue the retreating troops.

He therefore had to content himself with the fifteen men he had with him.

He came in sight of the enemy at Branziektekraal, two hours from Aliwal North; but with the mere handful of men, which was all that he had at his command, an attack upon them was not to be thought of, and he had to turn back.
His expedition, however, had not been without good result, for he returned with about five hundred of those burghers who had gone home after our commandos had left Stormberg.
We had to thank Lord Roberts for this welcome addition to our forces.
The terms of the proclamation in which Lord Roberts had guaranteed the property and personal liberty of the non-combatant burghers had not been abided by.