as found on the 8th simply riddled with bullets, as
was also that of the Cape-boy who had driven him.

On the 10th, Major Pilson, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, one of the first
officers selected to proceed to South Africa on special service before
the war, arrived--not, unfortunately, to join the regiment, but the
South African Constabulary.

On the 11th the enemy blew up the railway just beyond Roodeport, the
first station out of Krugersdorp on the way to Pochefstroom.
Lieutenant Marsh and twenty men of the regiment were sent out as
escort to guard the Engineers who repaired it.

The storms continued to be very severe. Kilmarnock House was struck by
lightning, and the sentry on guard at the Court House in the town sent
spinning, fortunately only receiving a severe shaking.

On the 23rd the sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Victoria
was made known to the troops, by whom it was received in deep and
impressive silence.

A salute was fired by the Artillery on the 24th with plugged shell, to
celebrate the Accession of King Edward VII.

At the end of the month General Hart left us. The regiment had been
continuously under his command since the formation of the Irish
Brigade; officers and men alike had learned to entertain a deep
respect and admiration for their General, than whom no braver man ever
went into action. He on his part loved the regiment, and fully
appreciated the _esprit de corps_ which permeated it, from the Colonel
to the last-joined recruit. His farewell letter to Colonel Hicks,
another on the subject of our camping arrangements, and his farewell
order to his brigade, may all be found in the Appendix, and afford
proof of his regard for his troops and the spirit which he breathed
into them.

Colonel Groves took over command of Krugersdorp and its defences, and
gave Colonel Hicks a free hand: he also rode round the inner defences
with the commander of the town-guards and piquets, and arranged for
their being made stronger also.

In spite of the presence of a good many of our columns, the enemy was
very active all over the Magaliesberg and the Gatsrand at this time.
It will be remembered that on the return from the Klip River trek, a
party of the South Wales Borderers had been left to watch the
Modderfontein Pass.

This small force was now surrounded and being fiercely attacked, and
offering as determined a resistance. A force was hastily organized to
proceed to their relief, under command of Colo