On February 9 Lord Roberts arrived at Modder River, and was received with an enthusiasm that knew no bounds. His first act was to review the Highlanders just returned from Koodoesberg Drift, and congratulate them upon their steady behaviour. He told them that stiff work lay before them, and yet, striking the note of hopefulness, he added that success was certain. His speech had the best effect. Next day a redistribution of the troops took place, and a new Division, the Ninth, was formed of the battalions which had reinforced Lord Methuen from the time when he began his advance from Orange River; General Sir H. Colvile was appointed to command it, and General Pole Carew was transferred from the Ninth Brigade to the Guards' Brigade to take General Colvile's place. All was now ready for the great forward move. General Kelly-Kenny with a brigade of the Sixth Division, General French with a large force of cavalry and infantry from Colesberg, and the whole Seventh Division recently landed from England had concentrated at Modder River Camp. As the plain grew white with the tents of 35,000 combatants, Cronje's advisers, watching, grew more and more uneasy. "They will turn your flank" was day by day the warning of Major Albrecht. But Cronje had a firm belief that no British force would ever be able to leave the railway, and a flanking movement on Lord Roberts' part was impossible unless this was done. [Sidenote: FEB. 10, 1900.] _Roberts Ready to Strike._] [Sidenote: Preparations for the great blow.] In striking from Modder River instead of Colesberg and Norvals Pont, Lord Roberts had two objects. He wished to begin his campaign with a tremendous blow--and such the destruction of Cronje would prove. He would also be saved the delay which must inevitably be caused by bridging so wide a river as the Orange. If all went well he might be able to turn rapidly upon the Colesberg Boers after settling with Cronje. Whatever happened, he was certain of relieving Kimberley, which the Boers were now shelling with a great 6-inch gun. [Illustration: [_Photo by Robinson, Dublin._ LIEUT.-COLONEL T. D. PILCHER. (Of the Bedfordshire Regiment), commanding Mounted Infantry.] [Illustration: LIEUT. TAIT. Amateur golf champion. Killed at Koodoesberg.] Since the losses had not entirely been made good by drafts, the strength of Lord Roberts' army, as it stood ready to strike on February 10, may be estimated at 26,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry, 3,500 mounted infantry, and about 120 guns, including the 6-inch howitzers of the siege train. It was by far the largest and the best organised wholly British force that had ever taken the field. Australians, Canadians, and Ceylon planters were among the mounted infantry; Afrikanders, among the Cape volunteers; but the great majority came from within the limits of the British Isles. [Sidenote: Composition of the Grand Army.]