26.--Finding the passage of the river near Colenso commanded by strong entrenchments, Sir Redvers Buller sent his guns and baggage back to the south side of the Tugela, and found a new crossing. 26-27.--Colesberg and Rensberg, having been evacuated by the Boers, were occupied by General Clements, while Jamestown was occupied by General Brabant. 27 (on anniversary of Majuba, 1881).--Cronje, with 44 commandants and other officers of all grades, and over 3500 men, surrendered unconditionally to Lord Roberts. Sir Redvers Buller's force captured the Boer position at Pieters. This action opened the road to Ladysmith. Boers retired north to Ladysmith. 28.--Relief of Ladysmith after 120 day's investment. MARCH 1900. 1.--Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener visited Kimberley and attended a meeting in the Town Hall. 2.--Cronje and his staff, having been moved to Simonstown under a guard of City Imperial Volunteers, were put on board H.M.S. _Doris_, and sent to St. Helena. 3.--General Buller formally entered Ladysmith. Skirmish near Osfontein. General French came in contact with a Boer force, who tried to get away, but were held to their position by the British force. 4-5.--General Brabant advanced from Dordrecht against Labuschagne, and was completely successful. 5.--General Gatacre occupied Stormberg without opposition. 7.--Lord Roberts dispersed Boers near Poplar Grove. General Gatacre reached Burghersdorp. 8.--General Clements occupied Norval's Pont. 10.--The Boers dispersed near Driefontein, fifteen miles east of Poplar Grove. 11.--Presidents Kruger and Steyn received reply from the Prime Minister refusing to entertain their absurd overtures for peace. 12.--General French (with cavalry, R.H.A., and Mounted Infantry) arrived before Bloemfontein, and captured two hills which command the railway and town. General French captured the railway near Bloemfontein. General Gatacre approached Bethulie. 13.--Lord Roberts occupied Bloemfontein. His despatch ran:--"The British flag now flies over the Presidency vacated last evening by Mr. Steyn, late President of the Orange Free State. The inhabitants gave the troops a cordial welcome." 14.--General Pretyman, C.B., appointed Military Governor of Bloemfontein. 15.--General Gatacre occupied Bethulie. Boers attacked Colonel Plumer's camp and were repulsed. 16.--Fighting at Fourteen Streams. 19.--Lord Kitchener occupied Prieska, and received the submission of rebels. 20.--Rouxville occupied by Major Cumming. 21.--Smithfield occupied by British troops. 23.--Party of English officers shot near Bloemfontein. 27.--General Clements occupied Fauresmith, and arrested the landrost. Death of General Joubert. 29.--Action at Karree Siding. Boer position taken. Wepener occupied by Brabant's Horse under Colonel Dalgety. 30.--Colonel Broadwood with Cavalry Brigade and two batteries Royal Horse Artillery at Thabanchu retired on waterworks pressed by the enemy.