igence, New Cavalry Brigade, Richmond Road, from
Intelligence, De Aar._

"You must organise your intelligence locally, impossible to
supply so many columns with men from here. Will see what can be
done later. Authorise such expenditure as you think fit."

2. _To Int. N.C.B. from Int. De Aar._

"De Wet Expert[2] reports De Wet moving towards Vosberg. Plumer
still in touch. Hertzog, Brand, Pretorius, all between Prieska
and Vosberg with large quantities remounts for De Wet. Theron
has been detached by De Wet, moving south rapidly to join Brand,
intention attacking Britstown. Local farmers Hanover and
Victoria West districts collecting to assist invaders. Inform
New Cavalry Brigade. This wire is repeated to Intelligences
Victoria West, Carnarvon, Fraserberg, 'Chowder'[3] Cape Town,
Orange River, Beaufort, and Chief Pretoria."

3. _From Brigade-Major New Cavalry Brigade, Hanover Road, to O.C.
N.C.B. Richmond Road._

"Hope to move out from here to-morrow. No trains available. As
ordered by you, proceed by road to Britstown. Saddles for Mount
Nelson's not yet arrived."

4. _From Ass. Director Transport De Aar to O.C. N.C.B. Richmond
Road._

"Impossible to equip you with more mule transport than has been
forwarded to you; will make up your deficiencies with ox
transport, which will be waiting for you at Britstown when you
arrive."

5. _From O.C. De Aar to O.C. N.C.B. Richmond Road_ (60871).

"Proceed with extreme caution, as local rebel commando under Van
der Merwe said to be collected at Nieuwjaarsfontein between you
and Britstown. As extra precaution you may take the company of
Wessex Mounted Infantry, stationed at Richmond Road, with you as
far as Britstown."

6. (Six hours later) "_Vide_ my 60871. Wessex M.I.
countermanded."

These only represent a portion of the communications which were
waiting for us in the telegraph-office at Richmond Road. But
they are a fair enough sample to illustrate the difficulties
with which the brigadier had to contend. The communication about
the rebel gathering at Nieuwjaarsfontein moved him to moralise.
"Alas for my advance squadron! If I believed that it were true,
I would move out at once with what we have got and nab those
rebels. But as it is I will leave it to the advance squadron,
and we will supply the bur