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CHAPTER XII

ADVANCE FROM THE ORANGE RIVER.

On the ioth of November Lord Methuen, with his staff, left Cape Lord Town for Orange River station, where he arrived two days Guettons, later. The orders which he had received from Sir Redvers Nov - IO /99- Buller ran as follows :—

November ioth, 1899.

1. You will take command of the troops at De Aar and Orange River stations,* with the object of marching on Kimberley as rapidly as possible.

2. In addition to the troops now at De Aar, the infantry of which are being formed into the 9th brigade under Colonel Fetherstonhaugh, you will have under your command :—

i. The ist Infantry Brigade.—Major-Gen. Colvile.

ii. The Highland Brigade.—Major-Gen. Wauchope.

iii. The 9th Lancers.

iv. The Brigade Division, Royal Field Artillery, under

Colonel Hall.

v. The Divisional Troops except Cavalry of the Division.

vi. Certain Royal Engineers, Army Service Corps and Medical Details which have been collected at the two stations.

I wish you to march from the Orange river to the Modder river, communicate with Kimberley, and to hold the line De

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VOL. I.

* See map No. 9.