their loss. Indeed a questionable explanation! Among the wounded were a
few officers and some privates, who were seriously injured by their own
guns as they tried to seize the Boer positions. Colonel Eagar, one of
the wounded, was removed to our hospital, where he breathed his last. In
addition to the number of prisoners we also captured two big guns. Our
losses amounted to 6 killed and 27 wounded.

The attack on the Stormberg positions, if it was boldly conceived, was
badly carried out. The English general should have postponed the attack
when it dawned upon him that he would not reach the enemy's positions
before daybreak; and he should have used the knowledge, common to most
soldiers, that it is best to attack a foe's weakest side. This was not
done at Stormberg. We, too, suffered from ill-advised action--or rather,
inaction. For we had had the opportunity of capturing, if not all, most
of Gatacre's men, with all their guns, and we neglected it! The victory
would have been complete if we had only followed up our advantage. In
those early days, however, some of our leaders regarded it as rather
sinful to harass a retreating enemy.


SANNA'S POST.

On the occupation of Bloemfontein some of the burghers, discouraged and
despondent, left for their homes. Lord Roberts's proclamation, promising
protection to all who should lay down their arms and settle quietly on
their farms, enticed many to remain at home. Most, however, changed
their minds after a few weeks' rest and returned to their commandoes.

It was then, after they had rallied again, that General De Wet, on the
eve of the 28th of March, left Brandfort with a commando 1500 strong and