During these weeks there were signs of ferment in all directions in the Colony. The Boers had expected a rising of all the Dutch, and asserted that they had received promises to that effect from the leaders of the Bond or Dutch party at the Cape. Rifles and ammunition had certainly been surreptitiously poured into the Colony from the north and distributed to those whom the Boers thought they could trust. Trains with troops and munitions of war on board were fired upon well to the south of De Aar, and obstructions on many occasions were found placed upon the line. But the general attitude of the Dutch Colonials was a hedging one. They had no real grievance against the Imperial Government, which had given them the fullest measure of self-government, and, though sympathising warmly with the Boers, and sharing to some extent their dream of an independent South Africa under Boer rule, they waited for some big success before irrevocably throwing in their lot with the enemies of the British Queen. [Illustration: HER MAJESTY ADDRESSING THE WIVES AND CHILDREN OF THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY AND RESERVISTS AT WINDSOR, November 29, 1899. After reviewing the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards, Her Majesty, with that unfailing sympathy which since the opening of war has endeared her more than ever to her subjects, spoke some words of good cheer to the wives and children of the Life Guards, the Blues, and the Reservists, who had that morning left for South Africa.] [Illustration: [_Photo by Gregory._ HER MAJESTY REVIEWING AT WINDSOR THE COMPOSITE REGIMENT OF HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY UNDER ORDERS TO PROCEED TO THE CAPE (November 11, 1899). The regiment consisted of men selected from the 1st and 2nd Life Guards and the Horse Guards Blue; preference was given to light weights, out of consideration for the horses. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales had bidden the regiment farewell on the preceding day.] CHAPTER IV. THE DESPATCH OF THE ARMY CORPS. Dilatoriness of the Government--Full notice to the enemy--Mobilisation begins--Small proportion of cavalry--Loyal action of the Colonies--The greatest Expeditionary Force ever sent over seas--Embarkation of the troops--Food supplies--The voyage out--The plan of campaign--Character of the country--New tactics required--Despatch of the Fifth and Sixth Divisions. [Sidenote: Dilatoriness of the Government.]