1899 - Diary of the siege of Mafeking by Edward Ross
Tuesday, 16 January
They did not lose much time in inspanning me at my new redoubt, for I had no sooner arrived there for roll-call at 9 p.m. last night than I was ordered to do sentry-go, from 9.30 to 11.30. Post: from west of railway lines to within short distance of cossack post in Cape Police old fort. Two hours of this marching backwards and forwards soon makes one tired, especially when a sharp look-out has to be kept for the visiting rounds, to say nothing of the enemy, spies, etc.
Seven or eight big gun shells heaved at us today, together with a five pounder and about 25 one-pound Maxims this morning, and the usual surfeit of Mauser bullets, one big shell bursting up an engine and tender at the railway workshops, and killed a horse some distance behind.
The order re reduction of meat rations was withdrawn again yesterday and the amount to be issued as formerly.
There is a rumour going about that the Boers are selling grain to the natives down the river, saying that they wish to dispose of it and go home. Oh! let it be soon.
At 8 p.m. volleys of Mausers over and in the town.
9 o’clock warned for duty 3.30 to 5.30 tomorrow morning, with instructions to retire when sniping commences early in the morning. Our sentry-go is out in the open veldt where one’s every movement can be seen by the enemy, who think nothing of letting off nearly all their artillery and volleys of rifle bullets if they think they could kill even one human being.
Native caught in Early’s redoubt was brought before court this morning and was further remanded until tomorrow, Wednesday.
