That they arrived there unmolested is due to the forbearance of the enemy and to the tact and energy of Surgeon-Captain Porter, who commanded the convoy.
Encouraged by this small success, and stimulated by the news that Hertzog and Kritzinger had succeeded in penetrating the Colony without disaster, De Wet now prepared to follow them.

British scouts to the north of Kroonstad reported horsemen riding south and east, sometimes alone, sometimes in small parties.

They were recruits going to swell the forces of De Wet.

On January 23rd five hundred men crossed the line, journeying in the same direction.

Before the end of the month, having gathered together about 2500 men with fresh horses at the Doornberg, twenty miles north of Winburg, the Boer leader was ready for one of his lightning treks once more.