for even a more
lavish artillery equipment than might normally suffice. Yet, in spite of
science and of common-sense, the Ladysmith garrison, occupying a
predetermined position open to artillery fire from all sides, was left
absolutely destitute of long-range guns, and none too well provided with
field-artillery. But that Captain Scott proved himself able, just in
time, to improvise out of the rough materials at hand an effective
gun-carriage, there would have been nothing to prevent the Boers from
using their big guns at half the distance they have actually had to
keep."

At this time British troops were withdrawn from Colenso and moved
farther south, and Boer armies continued to close round Ladysmith.
Isimbulwana Hill, lying east of Ladysmith, was taken possession of, and
a force advancing from Dewdrop, on the west of the town, moved south
towards Colenso, and there on high ground posted its guns. Yet, in spite
of this, the town showed itself to be "all alive and kicking." Though
cut off from the telegraph, it sent out pigeon-posts; though engirdled
by Boers, it made sorties of the most animated description, and
literally laughed at the hint of surrender. On the 2nd, Colonel
Brocklehurst made an attack on the enemy's laagers with a force of
cavalry, mounted infantry, and mounted volunteers, surprising the
Dutchmen and driving them back with comparatively small loss, and on the
following day fighting lasted for some hours between the British
cavalry, supported by field-artillery, Imperial Light Horse, and Natal
Mounted Volunteers, and the Republicans. Many shells were pitched into
the town, and an artillery duel rampaged with such relentless vigour
that the general sensation to those who remained enclosed in the town
was as though a thunderstorm with earthquake was passing over the place.
Nothing worse happened, and the enemy for a while were driven back to
their camp and some thirty or more prisoners were taken. Major Charles
Kincaid, 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers, with nine wounded prisoners, was
exchanged by the Boers for eight of their countrymen in similar plight.
Others of them were not fit to travel. The enemy continued active,
replacing disabled guns with new ones and dragging fresh powerful
weapons to bear on the situation. On the 4th of November they announced
their annexation of Upper Tugela, and a counter-proclamation of the
nature already quoted was issued by the Governor.

A large commando of the enemy com