These entanglements conduced greatly to the defeat of the Highland Brigade. The photograph was taken after the position had been abandoned by the Boers.] [Sidenote: Skirmishing.] [Sidenote: [DEC. 9, 10, 1899.] On December 6 there was skirmishing between the Boer outposts and the British scouts, two of Rimington's "Tigers" being captured by the enemy and two Lancers wounded. On the 7th Lieutenant Tristram, of the newly arrived 12th Lancers, was so unlucky as to be badly wounded and taken prisoner when on patrol. On the 9th an artillery reconnaissance was undertaken; it began with an ineffective bombardment of the Magersfontein hills by the 4·7-inch gun. At the same time the cavalry moved out towards the gap of almost level ground between Magersfontein and the Modder and drew a scattering fire, while the horse artillery battery fired a few rounds at a distance of 6,000 yards from the Boer works without producing the slightest impression. With wise self-restraint the Boers avoided disclosing their position, and the reconnaissance taught the staff little or nothing. The greatest difficulty all through Lord Methuen's brief but fierce campaign was to locate the enemy exactly. And in no case could this be accomplished till battle had been joined and the main attack delivered. [Illustration: [_From a private photo, supplied by Mr. T. Kemp, Dalkeith._ MAJOR-GENERAL WAUCHOPE. Entered the Navy in 1859 as midshipman on board the _St. George_. Six years later he entered the Army; served in the Ashanti War, 1873-4, the Egyptian War of 1882, and the Nile Expedition of 1884-5. Commanded the First Brigade at Omdurman and Khartoum, 1898, and the Highland Brigade at Magersfontein, 1899, where he was killed.] [Sidenote: Lord Methuen's plans.] Next day, Sunday, the 10th, Lord Methuen made his plans. That evening the Boer trenches were to be bombarded for two hours just before sunset. During the night the Highland Brigade, under Major-General Wauchope, was to march out and at dawn deliver an assault upon the Magersfontein kopjes. In this terrible enterprise it was to be supported by the Guards' Brigade and the whole strength of the British artillery. The plan was kept absolutely secret and no one outside the staff could more than conjecture what was in hand. [Illustration: DIVINE SERVICE IN CAMP AT MODDER RIVER.] [Sidenote: DEC. 10, 1899.] _Sunday Selected for the Bombardment._] [Sidenote: Choice of Sunday.]