It is a curious fact that the Regiment was never ordered to stand to
arms in the morning before three o'clock at any time previous to or
after the 6th January, and the only time the Boers made a night attack
they did so at 2.15 a.m. This was on January 6th, on which day the
Regiment was ordered to stand to arms at 4.15 a.m.

During the night of January 9th-10th the naval guns fired in the
direction of Surprise Hill, and whilst this was proceeding the mountain
battery's two remaining guns also threw some star shell in the same
direction. The Boers were hugely elated at the sight of the star shell.
This was probably the first time they had seen them. They turned their
searchlight on to the stars when they fell on the ground, and cheered
lustily. They evidently considered that it was a performance got up for
their special entertainment by Messrs. Brock and Co., direct from the
Crystal Palace.

The cause of all this shell fire was not known, but it would appear as
if information had been received that the Boers had been collecting at
the back of Surprise Hill the evening before, with a view to a renewed
attack. Nothing, however, in the shape of an attack occurred, and at 3
a.m. firing ceased, and the sun rose in the morning in tranquillity.

On the 11th three messages were received by the garrison congratulating
them on their good work of January 6th: one from the Governor of Natal,
one from Valparaiso, and one from General Buller. The last named stated
in his telegram that he would relieve Ladysmith as soon as possible.

It was stated that Sir George White had heliographed to Sir Redvers
Buller informing him that there were over 2000 sick and wounded in
Intombi Hospital Camp, that he could not hold out for much longer, and