If I had allowed the English to discover what I was doing they would have brought up troops from Thaba'Nchu, Sanna's Post and Bloemfontein; and these troops in combination with the force behind me might have put me into a very awkward position.
My old friend, General Knox, whose duty it had been to prevent me entering Cape Colony on a previous occasion, was again entrusted with the same task.

Any person who has had dealings with this General will acknowledge that he is apt to be rather a troublesome friend; for not only does he understand the art of marching by night, but he is also rather inclined to be overbearing when he measures his strength with that of his opponents.
And now, as we were in camp, congratulating ourselves that we were safe for the time being, my scouts reported that this same General Knox was approaching.

I at once ordered the burghers to up-saddle, and to inspan the ten waggons we had with us laden with ammunition and flour.
I left behind me a portion of my commando under General Fourie, whose duty it was to check General Knox, whilst I myself was going forward to clear a road through the enemy's forts.
It was lucky for us that General Knox had been deceived by the strong patrol I had sent in the direction of Springhaansnek, and that he had come to the conclusion that my commando was marching to the same place.
He therefore started off in that direction and continued until he discovered his mistake.

Then he turned aside and came in contact with General Fourie.

Our men held him back for a few hours, and lost two men, very badly wounded in the engagement.
Whilst this was occurring I had reached the forts between Thaba'Nchu and Sanna's Post.