When we were close to the line, I sent some burghers in advance to cut the wire.

But this time there was a reception ready for us, which we certainly would rather have been without! This was to be ascribed to the fact that instead of only two scouts, as I had ordered, about ten had gone to reconnoitre.

So large a number had attracted the attention of the enemy, and the guards had concentrated at the spot where we wished to break through.
Thus before my commando reached the line a fierce fire was opened on it from two sides.

Yet notwithstanding this the wires were cut and we reached the other side, but not without loss.

One of my burghers was killed, and one wounded.