Monday, 2nd April.—Thinking that Plumer had had a brush with the enemy, our ambulance was sent out, and about dusk last evening brought back the bodies of three poor fellows who had fallen. The doctor who went with the ambulance was told that there were also five wounded, who had been taken prisoners, one of whom had died during the night; another was believed to be Lieutenant M'Laren, a personal friend of Colonel Baden-Powell. On the white flag going out to-day with bandages, &c., which the Boers appeared to be short of, the men were told that that officer had succumbed to his wounds. The Colonel sent for the body, and just as I left the fort the waggon conveying the corpse passed me on its way to the hospital mortuary.
We have no particulars of the fight, but it is surmised that a patrol had got too far down and had fallen into an ambush. The Boers admit losing one killed and three wounded in the engagement, and that in a feigned attack we made on hearing the firing, with the view of drawing off the enemy, they also had two men killed by our shells. From the Boer doctor who went to show our men where to find the dead we learned that General Joubert had died from wounds received in battle. They also state that Gatacre had met with another reverse, and that Russia and France had declared war against England!
Yesterday a nice shower or two fell, and the weather is splendid to-day. Rain seems to have come just at the right time.
Of the southern relief column we have no further tidings, and I begin to think that we have still some weeks to go. There is no use, however, giving way to despair.
Tuesday, 3rd April. — Runners in again to-day, bringing news of Plumer’s engagement on Saturday. He seems to have lost rather heavily, having about fifty casualties altogether. The officer who died at the Boer camp was Captain Crewe, not M'Laren. Crewe was the person who so nobly in Mashonaland saved Godfrey Hook, and was recommended for the V.C.
We cannot make out how Plumer’s force came so near to Mafeking, for apparently they were not trying to get in. Since the engagement the Boers have been very quiet about here, and we surmise that they are paying Plumer some attention.
We hear that Carrington is going to land at Beira 5000 mounted men, for the purpose of preventing the Boers from retiring into Rhodesia. I would like to know why they could not some months ago have landed there a large force to help Plumer. Is it that while the Boers were strong Portugal helped them, but now, the tide being turned, she helps us? It is high time that a power of such little stamina were crushed.
Wednesday, 4th April.—One of Plumer’s men came in during the night, bringing letters and telegrams. The tidings, however, seemed to damp rather than raise our spirits; for according to latest wires the relief column from Kimberley was only forty-five miles from that town on the 19th ult., which means that, if we are to depend on them, we must wait other five or six weeks here yet. Still my firm belief is that our troops are much nearer than that, and that we will see nothing of their movements till they are outside of the town.
The big gun remains quiet, and we hear that the Acting General in charge is away, leaving Botha in his place. If this be true, it is supposed that we will receive as few shells as possible, for Botha is very friendly with many people in the town, and, when opportunity admits, he sends in kindly messages.
A good deal of correspondence about our wounded, &c., has been going on since Plumer’s engagement. To-day a Major, who is a friend of Botha’s, was sent out with a white flag to try to see Botha himself about getting permission to visit the wounded. He had an hour’s chat with Botha and several others, and a promise was given that we would be told tomorrow whether or not our request could be granted. We seem to be getting more friendly every day with our besiegers, and, though we do not thirst for Big Ben to open fire again, it does seem a funny kind of warfare.
I am feeling a good deal better to-night, and could have eaten about four times our rations.
Thursday, 5th April.—There is really very little to record to-day. Some of the guns were firing a little this morning on the west side, but did no damage so far as we know.
A little news brought in. The chief item is that the Free Staters appear to be surrendering freely. But there being no news of our relief column, every one is very depressed.
Rain came on again this afternoon, as it has done every afternoon this week; and I am much afraid that we are in for wet guards to-night. This weather makes us feel like tackling a good meal. But, alas! our rations do not satisfy our appetites; and we always rise very hungry from the table. Still, we get enough to keep us in pretty good health; and perhaps we will not suffer any harm.
Now that the work is pretty well up to date, occasionally I do not go up to the office in the afternoon, but rest instead till about 4 o’clock, when I go to lock up and have my afternoon tea—a luxury which I was fortunately able to make arrangements for at Dixon’s Hotel.
Friday, 6th April.—The Big Gun, much to our surprise and disgust, boomed forth this afternoon. Six shots were fired, and one struck the house next to this. Fortunately, however, no one was in at the time.
Another storm has just come on again. It will, however, do no harm, and will give the cattle grass, and if, before our supplies run out altogether, troops are sent up, they will have water.
Unless some move is made to relieve us soon, troops will arrive too late. By June we will have to give in.
It is strange that while we hear a great deal about Kitchener moving rapidly to Prieska and about other rapid movements, no such rapidity seems to be made in the direction of Mafeking, where the inhabitants have been doing Tommy Atkins’ work for six solid months.
I suppose there is a reason for it; but it is pretty hard on us, all the same. I have stuck up for the Government all through, but at times I do feel we are receiving little consideration.
Saturday, 7th April.—Again this week has come to an end, and still we remain like wretched mice in a trap, and cannot get beyond a certain area. No news whatever to-day, and they talk about arranging the rations to last until July 12th. I do not, of course, for one moment believe that the authorities expect the siege to last so long; but they do not seem to know much more than we do.
The idea is gaining ground that we are not being relieved because our being surrounded by the enemy here strengthens the hands of the Government in regard to the continuance of the war, and enables them to refuse to discuss terms of peace. And it seems possible that were the Boers entirely driven out of the colony the Little Englander party, and perhaps some foreign powers, might make themselves troublesome on the question of a settlement But while some part of the country is still invaded by the enemy the Government have a good excuse to go on and move in from other parts; for they know full well exactly how long our positions will last, and also that, unless an overwhelming force attack us, the town is safe.
If this be their motive, it is to be hoped they will fully recognise what we have had to put up with. But it is very hard on those who lose friends, not to mention the many whose health will be permanently affected by the siege. It is also very hard on us all to be entirely cut off from hearing about the welfare of loved ones.
Sunday, 8th April.—A lovely day. Early morning was nice and crisp, and the day has turned out bright with a cool breeze softly blowing. Really it needs some thinking to make sure that we are surrounded by an enemy and in the midst of a great war. In the town everything has the appearance of a busy Saturday morning. The market-place is very lively—two great crowds collecting round two auctioneers who are disposing of a very mixed lot of stuff, for which good prices are being got. Then a constant stream of people is always passing backwards and forwards to Dixon’s Hotel where the C.S. officer has his office; then to a board in the passage where the latest information which we are allowed to learn is posted up.
I have not been feeling very well for the whole of the week; however this morning I got a mixture which appears to be doing me good. I went to the bank and opened up, but I hope to get to the church in the evening. After the first six weeks of the siege the attendance at service has been very good, both morning and evening, and the service has been appreciated. This morning the Colonel and most of his officers were present.
It is very awkward being short of cash, as we are in the bank. Notwithstanding the fact that the paymaster offers 1% for gold paid either to him or to us, and also that notes and coupons have been issued to the extent of a couple of thousand pounds, we find it difficult to get in enough to pay the weekly amounts, so every Saturday now the first thing I do is to canvass the principal stores and get as much cash as they have got. Yesterday it took me until eleven o’clock to scrape together a hundred or two, and while doing so I had to dodge the big gun.
Captain Goodyear has been in to see me. It seems he was in command of the Cape boys and did very good work until he was shot through the thigh; ever since he has been off duty. The doctors say that it is rarely that any one recovers from a shattered thighbone, and attribute his recovery to a very good constitution.
Wednesday, 11th April.—Our position remains unchanged. We hear that Lord Methuen is on his way to relieve us, but, as he has not a good name here, people did not like the idea at all. He is supposed to have a great weakness for water, spending much time on the banks of a river, whenever he comes to one. From latest advices we hear he has been nearly a month already at the Vaal. It appears, however, that the river is in flood. We do hope he will put a pontoon across, and not attempt to build a railway bridge—leave the line alone and come on to us.
On the strength of the last news our bread ration is to be further reduced to six oz. and we are also to be served with “sowens!” This is made from the siftings after the oats are ground into meal. I tried it once, and nearly got ill. They say, however, that one can get used to it, so I will have to try to do so. The idea was that of one of the railway men, and I can safely say that hundreds of natives have been saved by it; it has been a great addition to the rations of the Europeans also.
This morning for about four hours we had another big bombardment by six guns. Big Ben fired 76 shells all over the town, but on enquiry I find that there were no casualties. Altogether about 400 shells must have been fired to-day! It is reported that the enemy has been reinforced by men from Vryburg and other places. Still they do not seem to be any bolder, and content themselves with attacking from about 2000 yards distance.
The nights and early mornings are getting very sharp now, and one has to wrap up well before going on guard.
Friday, 13th April.—Here am I, this Good Friday afternoon, sitting in my room. The weather has been good, but there is now the appearance of our having a sharp, frosty evening and a cold night. However, as my guard is from 7.30 to 9 o’clock, I will not feel it very much. For the last two days we have had nice rains, and everything is looking bright. The convicts have been busy clearing up the streets, and, but for the battered look of some buildings, and barricades at the extremities of the streets, and an occasional Mauser popping off now and again some 3000 yards away, you would hardly believe that we were surrounded by a cold, bloodthirsty foe. “Grietze” was taken from the position she occupied two nights ago, and her whereabouts cannot be found.
Some are talking of sending to Snyman a petition begging him not to take away our devoted friend, for they feel they cannot enjoy their meals unless they have to make a rush out of their house two or three times while taking them! But it is a relief having no big guns firing on the town.
Yesterday I was feeling very seedy, and after about two hours at the bank, came to my room, and remained there the rest of the day. The bread seems to be affecting me; I have not been well for ten days. Today, however, I feel better, and hope to keep so.
Mr. L-----, who knows the baker well, and who has been very good to me, has promised to try and secure for me a little white bread. Hot Cross Buns—that is our usual coarse bun with a cross stamped on it—were served out to-day. I have managed to keep mine, and hope to show you some day that and other curiosities.
We feel more hopeful about our relief, for yesterday a wire was received from Lord Roberts to the effect that he would relieve us in a week or two, and at any rate before May 20th, the time which the Colonel had informed him would be the limit of our holding out. We also hear that Methuen has crossed the Vaal, and I suppose he is ere now about Vryburg. What a tremendous time you are all going to have on our release! I am very much afraid that our larders will not admit of much in the banquet line. Still something will be managed. May He who has so mercifully preserved us so far, continue to watch over us to the end!
Our house boy has gone to Canya without letting us know, and so I am cleaning my own room. I am rather glad, too, that he has gone, for there is a great deal of sickness among the natives, and the food is not sufficient He need not, however, have gone without letting us know: we would not have stood in his way.
To-day is really a Bank Holiday, but we did not close. I have, however, arranged to close the Standard Bank on Monday. Just now it will not be possible to close the “Garrison Savings Bank” which we carry on on behalf of the Government. Most of the depositors come from the trenches, and are paid on Saturday evenings. This will, however, only necessitate one man being on duty, and we will take turns.
Saturday, 14th April.—Another week is just drawing to a close, and one asks one’s self, “How many more weeks will pass for us in our present position?” Some say that the authorities have misled us as to our relief, but my own opinion is that they are as much in the dark as other people. The only way in which, perhaps, they have led us astray is in publishing native rumours which the Colonel must have known to be incredible. But then, I argue, he had a difficult position to keep, and he had to do his best to keep up the hearts of the garrison. I suppose that at times no one felt the disappointment and the strain of the siege more than I did, but I have always stuck up for our chief. I must say, however, that I think he might have done more to save the lives of the natives. Only last night, for example, some twenty were either killed or wounded in trying to rush in a large herd of cattle, and that on a bright, moonlight night. The Boers waited for them, captured the cattle, and shot nearly all the natives. It seems a cruel shame. They, however, blame the native chief here, who is said to have had instructions to prevent the attempt. Still, if the proper means had been taken, the authorities here might have prevented such a slaughter.
Up to date we have no news of our southern relief column, but next week we should hear something.
The big gun is still silent, and we begin to think that it has really gone. Although this will make us a little safer, we will still be boxed up here. May He, who so mercifully protects us here, continue to watch over us all!
Monday, 16th April.—I have just come in from work. A heavy storm came on this afternoon, and another seems now gathering. Our position remains unchanged, and no news has come in. They say the Boers have strengthened the cordon round us, and that very few runners will be able to get in. This will not tend to raise our spirits, for we always feel more depressed when no news comes in for a long time.
Yesterday, Easter Sunday, the air was very keen, so that to keep ourselves warm we had to keep on the move. Unfortunately I was on duty in charge of the Garrison Deposit Bank, and could not get to church. However, next Sunday I will be free—the first one for five months. In the evening I went to church, and enjoyed the privilege. There was a good congregation, and the praise was beautiful, but I would have liked to have had the pleasure of listening to one of Mr. Davidson’s sermons. I wonder when we will all worship together again. My guard was from 10.30 P.M. to 12 o’clock. I had just fallen asleep when they called me for duty! Since the Boers have vacated the trenches near us, we have a much better time on guard, and get very few bullets fired at us.
The great excitement some days is stamp collecting, shell collecting, and general curios collecting. I have a very fair all-round collection. The stamp business is an idea of the Colonel so as to cause a diversion. Every other day some new issue comes out. They are all either Cape, English, or Protectorate stamps surcharged, with the exception of a special issue with the Colonel's head on. These are made, or rather leased out by photography. They are not sold, but on taking an addressed envelope to the Underground Post Office and paying threepence the letter will be delivered duly stamped with the Colonel’s stamps. Sometimes, during the day of course, we address a letter to ourselves, and get others to post the same letter, paying the postage through them, and so manage to secure these curiosities for ourselves.
Tuesday, 17th April.—A cold, damp evening. It began raining early in the morning, and has been showery all day. We were told last night that an attack was expected early this morning, and that we were to sleep with our rifles handy. However, as is generally the case when attacks, or heavy bombardments are expected, we have had an exceptionally quiet day. No news at all from the outside world; not even native rumours, and not even a local fabrication! so you can imagine how dull it is. My days, however, are generally mapped out: work until one o’clock, thin mid-day rations, a little rest and a chat with Lamplough; then a little writing, and off to the bank again about three o’clock to see if everything is all right. I generally remain there till 4.30, then to my room, and either do a little gardening or a little solid reading. At a quarter to six I have a fire made and prepare part of my evening meal, “sowens.” As it is served out it is not very palatable, but I got a recipe, which I am using—viz., a half packet of egg-powder and a drop of the essence of lemons, and boil, adding a little vinegar, if it can be got—and "sowens” thus prepared is not so bad.
I have been feeling very well for the last few days and put it down to the fact that I drink no coffee; our ration coffee is very bad.
Wednesday, 18th April. — Rain fell from early morning till about five o’clock, and consequently this has been a quiet day. It is now some days since news either were brought in or sent out. The nights are very bright: and the Boers, from all accounts, seem to be very much on the alert, watching for any runners who may try to get through. Yesterday they amused themselves, too, by blowing up the line a few miles south. We are in doubt whether to consider it a good sign or not. We try, however, to hope it is a sign that our troops are getting somewhere near, but we have been so often disappointed that we after all feel that we must get definite official news, before placing much reliance upon such suppositions.
A further reduction of our rations took place to-day, sugar was reduced from 2 oz. to 1 oz. This, of course, is more of a luxury, and will make very little difference. Now into my warm clothes, and off to my post.
Thursday, 19th April.—Again as I write a shower of rain is falling; and it has been like this ever since half-past two o’clock.
As usual on going down in the morning our first enquiries were for news; for how we do thirst to hear of the relief coming! But no runners have arrived yet. Why the Boers should keep such a sharp lookout just now I cannot make out; for unless our troops are getting near, there seems no object for their doing so. For the two months before this runners seemed to come and go almost in daylight. So I take the watchfulness of the Boers as a good sign.
Yesterday and to-day, as no fireworks were going on, we did banking business in the office as we used to do years ago!—let me see: how many? What!— only months! It does really seem like years! at any rate, we did some business in the old office, and really it is a relief not to be continually going up and down to the strong room.
The office presents a sorrowful look with a superfluous air hole just over the front door, and all the windows broken and boarded up, and the walls cracked almost their whole length. As it is probable the troops will arrive in time to save us from surrendering, we are getting men to temporarily repair the damage, but eventually nearly all the walls will have to come down.
My guard is early to-night, so I hope to have a good sleep. And now to my rations, which, of course, I take time to eat! A long menu!
Saturday, 21st April. —Yesterday I was feeling so very sick and tired that I spent nearly the whole day in my bed. This morning, feeling a very little better, I went to the bank for an hour or two, and did what I could. Then I went to see the doctor. He examined me very carefully and prescribed for me. It appears, as I myself have thought, that the strain for six months—day and night duty, anxiety for loved ones, not to say the danger one’s own life has been constantly exposed to—has been too much for me. Now, however, I have a certificate to be relieved from night duty for the present. I did hope to do without stimulants during the siege. I had seen so much liquor drunk to keep up the pluck when the shell fire was heavy in the trenches during the early part of the siege, and that in most cases it had the opposite effect, that, although thrown into close contact with some, I never had any inclination to touch it. But now my heart’s action has become so very slow (48 sometimes) that the doctor says he really should prescribe some strong stimulant for me, but, as he knows I never touch it, he will only insist on a little light wine. My brain, too, he says, must have as much rest as possible, and I am to have some good food—where it is to be got I know not! for in consequence of news received yesterday from Lord Roberts to the effect that he will not be able to relieve us before the 18th May, polonies of horseflesh are being prepared as fast as possible, to be served out as part of our rations, and our supply of fresh meat will be reduced.
The weather to-day has been very fine, air clear and crisp. The rain, too, seems to be over. The enemy remains very quiet, and it looks as if the intention is to starve us out, and, unless some rapid movements take place, this will happen.
Now to light my fire and cook my “sowens." May God bless and strengthen you all!
Sunday, 22nd April.—I am feeling a little better; the doctor says to-day that my heart beats better. This morning up to half-past seven o’clock the men of Colonial birth in the garrison had a photo taken, and, having promised to go, I turned out at seven o’clock. As usual we had to wait about for some time, so, when it was over, I was very much knocked up. Therefore, after breakfast, I just went to the bank and handed the keys required over to G----------, and came to my room where I have been ever since, except when I went to see the doctor who had called while I was away. As he lives near by, he suggested my drawing my rations and messing with him, which as a good idea. He says that I must have good food, and will see that I get milk and white bread, and has an order for a few luxuries in the way of jam, &c. Besides this, he will be able to see how I get on.
Though runners came in to-day, I have not heard any news yet. During the week I had been looking forward to being able to get to church twice to-day, but this morning I did not feel equal to it; my head troubles me, and I feel very listless.
A number of armed Boers were seen on the hills to-day, but what they were doing or where they went to, I have not heard.
Horseflesh polonies are being turned out fast now, so as to get the meat in as good condition as possible, for, as the supply of fodder is becoming exhausted, the horses are getting very thin.
Monday, 23rd April.—A new week has begun, and here is Monday evening, the sun sinking after a warm day, and the air now grand. No news whatever today. The 9-pounder fired a few shots about breakfast time, but did not distress us very much. I started my meals with the doctor and enjoyed the comfort of a decent table cloth, &c., very much. He has made arrangements with the authorities for me to get milk daily (milk is all commandeered now, and can only be had by the doctor’s certificate; of course, women and young children get milk without that). He has also given orders that I am to have white bread. I asked him if there was anything organically wrong, and he said no; but I will need to be very careful for the present: there is slight inflammation of the muscles of the heart. Tea and coffee I must not drink just now, and have to take claret instead.
I managed to get to church last evening and it was very nice, only I wish we were all together, but doubtless we were so in spirit.
Thursday, 26th April.—I have been too seedy to write anything since Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday I tried to do a little work, but, feeling so ill yesterday after it, I have decided to take a few days’ complete rest. The doctor says that to-day my pulse is slightly better. At present there is some friction between the doctor and the P.M.O., and some of the doctor’s patients find a difficulty in getting what he orders. Thus, so far, I have not been able to get either white bread or milk, but he has to-day seen Lord Cecil, and I think he has fixed up things. If he cannot get what I need, then I will simply have to go to the hospital where good food is served out.
Our news has been better the last few days, and we now look forward to relief some time before the end of May. The Boers made another desperate attack on our north-west fortifications yesterday morning, but they did not muster pluck enough to come nearer than 2000 yards. We had had word of the proposed attack, and were ready to give them a warm reception.
Saturday, 28th April.—Here once more at the close of another week your besieged son is permitted to write in safety a few lines to his loved ones. When one looks back on all the dangers that have surrounded us, how much there is that one has to be thankful for! How mercifully I have been preserved! I do hope that protection has been extended to you all also.
Both yesterday and to-day runners have come in, but not a line or message has been brought to cheer me up. We get very little war news, but now we have it from the High Commissioner that relief columns are on their way from both north and south, and we may expect to be relieved in two or three weeks. I expect it will be fully a month or more. It will not need to be much longer than that, for, as it is, we are eating up five or six horses daily. Horse polonies are not so bad!
My health has improved a little with the three days quiet and a little extra food I have had. My heart still wants a good deal of strengthening in the morning its beat is about 40, though it averages during the day about 48. I cannot do much writing or reading for my head spins so. God bless you all!
Sunday, 29th April.—I have just come in from morning service, for I ventured there, and, though feeling somewhat giddy, I managed to sit through the service. It is so long since I went to church in the forenoon that I very much wanted to go. I think my heart is gradually becoming stronger, and now I get twelve ounces of white bread and half a bottle of milk daily, so with such good diet I should do very well.
No runners in to-day. The general belief is that we will be relieved by Carrington in about three weeks, but I am very much afraid that before then a good many will find their eternal rest. Fever seems to be raging, and every day fresh cases are taken to the hospital. Five or six died during the week.
