If cavalry is not to be used in pursuing a retiring enemy encumbered with much baggage, then its day is indeed past.
The relief of Ladysmith stirred the people of the Empire as nothing, save perhaps the subsequent relief of Mafeking, has done during our generation.

Even sober unemotional London found its soul for once and fluttered with joy.

Men, women, and children, rich and poor, clubman and cabman, joined in the universal delight.

The thought of our garrison, of their privations, of our impotence to relieve them, of the impending humiliation to them and to us, had lain dark for many months across our spirits.

It had weighed upon us, until the subject, though ever present in our thoughts, was too painful for general talk.