This proved to be the end of the resistance in
that position, and on Tuesday Sir Redvers Buller entered Machadodorp, while General French continued to sweep round to the northward. Since the reception of these items of news we have had no authentic information from the front, but on Friday morning rumours were received from Lourengo Marquez to the effect that the Boers admitted to a total defeat, and that the three thousand British prisoners had been released at Nooitgedacht and were marching to Watervalboven to join Lord Roberts's forces. It was also stated that President Kruger and all the Boer officials had retired to Nelspruit, and that he and President Steyn were expected to take refuge in Portuguese territory. It is impossible to know exactly what amount of reliance to place on these rumours, but it is evident that the British arms have had a very great success. We have released all the remaining prisoners, we have got possession of the only railway line left in the Boer hands and their only source of supply, and we have demoralised their remaining armed force. It is said that the remnant of the Boers will now retreat into the fastnesses of the Lydenburg district. If they are not headed off from this by a British force operating from the north, which is just possible, we must no doubt expect a continuance of mountain war. But this, though disagreeable, need cause no anxiety. Meantime it is clear that our progress towards ultimate victory and peace has been greatly advanced.
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