Several attempts were made unsuccessfully to construct a raft; but, at last, a hawser was thrown across and fastened to a tree on the opposite bank, and then a lighter rope was passed over, by which the india-rubber pontoon, which had been brought up by the Riflemen from King William’s-town, was worked backwards and forwards. On the 23rd Captain Murray’s company was carried over. And on the three following days the remainder, and the baggage were taken across; not without difficulty, on account of the steepness of the banks leading to the place of embarkation, and the rapidity of the current. The embarkation was superintended by Colonel Buller; the disembarkation by Major Beckwith. However by sunset on the 26th the whole force was conveyed across, and encamped on the right bank of the river. On the 27th the troops marched at daylight, the Riflemen leading the infantry (the Cape Corps being in advance), and after a march of about twenty miles, encamped on the plains near Phillipolis, at Benlois Hoek.[200] On the 28th, marching at daybreak, the Riflemen encountered swarms of grey locusts which actually obscured the light of the sun. They proceeded past Phillipolis, a village of the Griqua Kaffirs, and after a march of about twenty miles encamped for the night. On the 29th they continued their march at dawn; and after proceeding about ten miles, halted at some deserted farm-houses to breakfast. These were situated on the slope of a hill overlooking an extensive plain, called the Boemplaats, which extending about twelve miles was terminated by a range of low, rocky hills, rising one above another in height. Those on the right projected into the plain. Through these hills the road or track wound; and on them the Boers, estimated at about 2,500 or 3,000 in number, had taken up their position, adding to its natural strength a kind of breastwork of piled stones. Had it been defended by disciplined troops, under a competent leader, it would have been if not impregnable, at least not to be forced without most serious loss. While the Riflemen were at breakfast the tidings reached them that they were soon to meet their enemy; and when breakfast was over, rifles were looked to, and packets of cartridges loosened. As soon as they fell in, Sir Harry Smith addressed them. No one could do so, on such an occasion, with more authority and experience; for he had fought in their ranks (or, while on the Staff, at their side) from Monte Video to Waterloo, in the Peninsula, in America, in Holland, in Belgium. He reminded them of the glorious deeds there done, ending an inspiriting address by declaring that he would drive the arch-rebel Pretorius and his followers like rats from those hills. He was answered by such a cheer as Riflemen can give to an old Rifleman who leads them into the fight.