I do not want the reader to think that the personal incidents and adventures described in this book are extraordinary, and beyond the common lot of those who move unrestricted about the field of war. They are included in the narrative, not on account of any peculiar or historic interest, but because this method is the easiest, and, so far as my wit serves me, the best way of telling the story with due regard at once to detail and proportion. In conclusion I must express my obligations to the proprietors of the _Morning Post_ newspaper for the assistance they have given my publishers in allowing them to set up the copy as each letter arrived from the war; to the DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH, to whom I am indebted for the details of the strength and composition of the force which will be found in the Appendix, and for much assistance in the attempt to attain accuracy; and thirdly, to MR. FRANKLAND, whose manly record of the heavy days he passed as a prisoner in Pretoria may help to make this book acceptable to the public. WINSTON SPENCER CHURCHILL. LONDON: _September_ 10, 1900. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. A Roving Commission II. Exit General Gatacre III. At Half-Way House IV. Two Days with Brabazon V. Two Days with Brabazon--*Continued* VI. The Dewetsdorp Episode VII. Ian Hamilton’s March VIII. Ian Hamilton IX. The Action of Houtnek X. The Army of the Right Flank XI. Lindley XII. Concerning a Boer Convoy XIII. Action of Johannesburg XIV. The Fall of Johannesburg XV. The Capture Of Pretoria XVI. "Held By The Enemy" XVII. Action Of Diamond Hill APPENDIX Composition of Lieut.-General Ian Hamilton’s Force PORTRAIT. IAN HAMILTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _Frontispiece_ _From the Picture by_ JOHN S. SARGENT, R.A. MAPS AND PLANS. Operations in the Orange Free State, April, 1900 Diagram Explaining Hamilton’s Action at Israel’s Poorte, the 25th of April Diagram Explaining French’s Operations Round Thabanchu, the 25th and 27th of April Diagram Explaining the Action of Houtnek Diagram to Explain the Passage of the Sand River, 10th of May, 1900 Ian Hamilton’s Action at the Sand River, 10th of May, 1900 Ian Hamilton’s Action before Johannesburg Plan of the Operations of 11th and 12th of June, 1900 Diagram Explaining the Action of Diamond Hill Map of March from Bloemfontein to Pretoria _At end of book_ IAN HAMILTON’S MARCH CHAPTER I A ROVING COMMISSION In the train near Pieters, Natal: March 31.