Nicholson's Nek Until the 29th of October we retained our positions at Rietfontein.

On that date General Joubert joined us with a portion of the Transvaal commandos.

On his arrival it was settled that the Transvaalers should proceed to the north of Ladysmith and occupy positions on the east of Nicholson's Nek, whilst the Free-Staters were to go to the west and north-west of that town.
A party of burghers, under Commandant Nel, of Kroonstad, were ordered to station themselves on a kop with a flat top, called Swartbooiskop,[10] an hour and a half to the south of Nicholson's Nek.

After the battle which was fought on the 30th of November this kop was christened by us Little Majuba.
Just after sunrise on the 30th of November the roaring of cannon came to our ears.

The sound came from the extreme end of our position, where the Transvaalers were stationed.