It may be remembered that the Boer position had been hastily assumed, under conditions not long foreseen, and therefore quite possibly not very solid.

The fact could be tested only by trial.
So severe an assault unquestionably tends to benumb {p.286} the victim, and to make less probable his escape, quite independent of his actual loss.

Moreover, the flanking gains, which ultimately hastened and determined the inevitable surrender, could scarcely have been secured except under the stress of the frontal attack.
The next day, February 19, Lord Roberts arrived at Paardeberg, and with him the 7th Infantry Division.

A reconnaissance, the following afternoon, satisfied him that assault would be attended by very heavy loss.

He, therefore, ordered a bombardment, at a range of about 2,000 yards, by between forty-five and fifty guns.