The {p.273} defence of the position was then turned over to Kelly-Kenny, "leaving French free to act,"[33] and the cavalry, reinforced by several new regiments from the westward, which raised its numbers to near 10,000,[34] prepared for the final rush to Kimberley, some twenty-five miles away.
[Footnote 32: "The Cavalry Rush to Kimberley," by Captain Cecil Boyle, additional aide to General French.

The _Nineteenth Century_, June, 1900, p.
907.] [Footnote 33: Lord Roberts' telegram.] [Footnote 34: London _Weekly Times_, March 23, 1900, p.

ii.; also February 23, p.

114.] A few miles from Klip Drift, towards Kimberley, lay an enclosed plain, five miles long by three wide, where a number of Boers were waiting to contest progress.

The kopjes controlling entrance had been secured by the British, but the transit had to be forced.