We could now see that the English had hidden their horses behind some fruit-trees.

When they caught sight of our men on the top of the ridge, they took up positions behind kraals and a dam-wall not far from the house, knowing well that escape was impossible.
I thought it best to send a note to this handful of men, advising them to surrender, for I did not wish that any of my burghers' lives should be sacrificed in an unnecessary attack.

Whilst I was writing the letter they punctuated it by an incessant fire, to which the burghers replied by a few shots, although none of the enemy were visible.

As soon, however, as my despatch rider appeared with a white flag, their firing ceased.

The answer they returned left something to be desired--"We shall not surrender!" I immediately ordered fifty of my men to attack them.