Kenilworth has blossomed forth under the auspices of Mr. Rhodes.

When the Boer Ultimatum was pronounced, all eyes turned naturally in the
direction of the Diamond City, and as naturally the Diamond City, under
the direction of Colonel Kekewich, prepared to defend itself. The
population to be protected numbered some 33,000, of whom 19,000 were
blacks. Among these latter were 4000 women. At that time it was doubtful
if the Zulus, Matabeles, and Basutos were to be trusted, and
consequently the position of the Colonel in supreme command was one of
great responsibility. Fortunately the place was stocked with arms and
ammunition, though the number of the regulars was absolutely inadequate
to the requirements of so large an area.

The Imperial garrison sent to Kimberley for the defence only consisted
of the 23rd Company Royal Garrison Artillery, with six 7-pounder
mountain guns, Major Chamier commanding; one section of the 7th Field
Company Royal Engineers, under Lieutenant M'Clintock; Captain Gorle and
three non-commissioned officers and men of the Army Service Corps, and
the headquarters and four companies of the Loyal North Lancashire
Regiment, under Major Murray; in all, 564 officers and men. The staff
included Lieutenant-Colonel Kekewich, North Lancashire Regiment,
commanding; Major Scott-Turner, Royal Highlanders (staff officer);
Captain O'Meara, Royal Engineers (Intelligence Officer); and Lieutenant
MacInnes, Royal Engineers. The volunteer forces, when first called out
for active service, consisted of one battery Diamond Fields Artillery,
six 7-pounder field-guns, Major May, 3 officers, and 90 rank and file;
Diamond Fields Horse, Major Rodger, 6 officers, 142 rank and file;
Kimberley Regiment, Colonel Finlayson, 14 officers, 285 rank and
file:--total all ranks, 1060.

The whole garrison was reviewed, and a town-guard was formed at
Beaconsfield, under the command of Major Fraser. Colonel Harris
commanded the Volunteers, most of these being employees of the De Beers
mines. Preparations were made for the arrival of Mr. Cecil Rhodes, who
was hastening to the scene of his early life-work, and for whose body,
alive or dead, it was reported the Boers had sent out an offer of
L5000. The artillery was exercised and defences were erected on all
sides. Ladies and children made haste to leave by every train, but one
lady of note, the Hon. Mrs. Rochfort Maguire, remained. The Commandant
of Kimberley gave orders that trees should