the Navy in this matter lay so entirely outside the sphere
of the military operations on land that it will be sufficient to say
here that, despite the extreme delicacy of the situation created by
the fact that it was only through neutral ports that the Boers could
obtain supplies after the war had begun, the vigilance exercised was
remarkably effective. The amount of contraband which reached the enemy
was insignificant, yet very few claims for compensation were
successfully sustained by neutrals. Ordinary trade, through Lourenco
Marques, including, unfortunately, British trade, was uninterrupted
till, towards the end of 1900, in consequence of the progress of the
war, it died a natural death. In their careful watching of the coast
and river-mouths the sailors, under Captain W. B. Fisher, of the
_Magicienne_, had some trying experiences. Lieut. Massy Dawson, of the
_Forte_, and Lieut. H. S. Leckie, of H.M.S. _Widgeon_, who received
the Albert medal, did most gallant service.

SECTION IV. THE ASSISTANCE OF THE NAVY ON SHORE.

[Sidenote: The Navy on shore.]

This is incorporated in the accounts of the several campaigns and
battles, but there were certain preparations made beforehand on
board-ship which must here be recorded. During a cruise up the east
coast in the month of July, 1899, Admiral Harris, the Naval
Commander-in-Chief, was convinced that there would be war and that the
Boers were only waiting till the grass was in fit condition for their
cattle, to invade the colonies. He therefore took steps to have all
the ships ready for service. He concentrated the fleet within easy
reach of call. Early in October he sent to the G.O.C. at the Cape a
list of small guns, etc., which he could furnish if needful. He was
then told that it was not anticipated that such assistance would be
necessary. Nevertheless, a Naval brigade of 500 men was exercised and
prepared for landing. When the ultimatum was delivered it was clear
enough that the troops were not in adequate strength to resist the
forces the Boers could place against them, and that the enemy were
bringing into the field guns of unusual calibre and range. The utmost
numbers which it was possible to land were about 2,500, but heavy guns
were the very weapons with which the sailors were most familiar. It
seemed likely that these might prove to be of great value. On
September 19th, the Admiral was informed that the _Terrible_, which
was to have relieved the _Powerful_,