sent in
their names as ready to serve against the Boers; but the English
military authorities unfortunately declined to avail themselves of their
services, on the ground that they did not wish to involve the colonists
in a struggle which was purely an imperial one. For, were they to do
so, the Dutch throughout the colony and in the Orange Free State might
also join in the struggle, and the whole of South Africa be involved in
a civil war.

There was much in this view of the case; but had a strong corps of
colonists been attached to the force of General Colley, it is pretty
certain that it would have escaped the disaster which subsequently
befell it; for, being for the most part excellent shots and accustomed
to the chase, they would have met the Boers with their own tactics, and
thus, as the English settlers in the garrisons in the Transvaal showed
themselves far better fighters than their Dutch antagonists, so Natal,
where large numbers of young colonists had served against the Zulus,
Secoceni, Moirosi, and in other native troubles, could, if permitted,
have furnished a contingent which would have entirely altered the
complexion of the struggle.

Upon the very day after the return of their sons, Mr Humphreys and his
friend Jackson, furious at the two attacks which had been made by the
Boers upon the parties accompanied by their sons, rode into Newcastle
and inscribed their names in the list of those willing to serve against
the enemy. They also offered their waggons and cattle to the
authorities, to facilitate the advance of the British troops.

This offer was at once accepted, and it was arranged that on the 26th
the carts still on the farm should go down to Pieter-Maritzburg, and Mr
Humphreys wrote a letter to Mr Harvey, telling him that he was, upon
his arrival, after clearing the waggons of the goods that he had brought
down from the interior, to place them at once at the disposal of the
authorities for the transport of military stores to Newcastle. Bill
Harrison was to go down with the carts, and to be in charge of them and
the waggons on their upward march.

Christmas was held with great festivity, to celebrate the return of the
lads. Mr and Mrs Jackson and Tom, and four or five young settlers in
neighbouring farms were invited by Mr Humphreys to spend the day with
him. At his request they came early, and after the service of the
church had been read by him the day was spent in festivity. The young
me