Everything had been carried off; there was not a sheep left; and the burghers had been without meat for days.

But he was able to capture booty, and could still hold out for a year.
General Wessels (Harrismith) drew attention to the constant passage of large Kaffir families through the districts of Harrismith and Vrede.

He could tell the delegates that the Kaffirs had been quite astonished that there were still cattle and sheep and supplies of grain in the districts.

He had not yet come to the end of his provisions; but, even if everything were taken, he saw a chance of obtaining food from elsewhere.
Commandant C.A.Van Niekerk (Kroonstad) declared that if there was one part of the country which was entirely exhausted it was the part where he was in command, namely Hoopstad and a portion of Kroonstad.

But yet, during the last twelve months, they had been able to obtain food, and even to sow for the ensuing year.