The reinforcements may prove none too numerous. The Boers fight
exceedingly well, and have immense advantages in their positions, in their intimate knowledge of the country, and in their ability, after fighting on foot, to mount their horns and move with the speed of cavalry. They are believed to be 2,000 strong in front, besides the forces besieging Pre- toria, Wakkerstroom, Potchefstroom, and three other minor places. They are, moreover, receiving assistance from their countrymen in the Free State, and possibly in Natal itself. As yet, the Free State is not openly engaged in the war, and its rulers—President Brand in particular—understand Great Britain too well not to advise neutrality ; but the Dutch are getting excited, and the local Parliament, which meets in the last week of this month, may overrule the President. In this case, the conflict might become serious, as a defeat Tor the British when reinforced would rouse every Dutch- man north of Cape Colony. It is to bo observed, how- ever, that the Boers still offer to accept a British Pro- tectorate, and that the local officials all believe, though possibly on mistaken grounds, that there is a British party among them. Sir 0. Lanyon, the Administrator at Pretoria, seems to have done much to irritate all classes, even the British settlers con- demning his rule.
