The first I reject as too long; the second {p.256} is a very difficult road for a large number of wagons unless the enemy is thoroughly cleared out.

I am, therefore, going to adopt some special arrangement which will involve my stay at Venter's Laager for two or three days.

I will send in for further supplies and report progress." Explained by other remarks of Warren's in his despatches, this appears to mean that the easier road by Acton Homes was thought by him too long for his division to traverse with the food they could carry in their haversacks, and that it was therefore necessary to take the shorter, which leaves the main road three miles from Trichardt's, and strikes directly over the range, passing north, and within three miles, of Spion Kop.

To do this the men would carry four days' rations, and the wagons be returned south of the Tugela.

First of all, however, the positions in front must be captured, including Spion Kop.
The above telegram was the only report made at this period by Warren to his superior.