1899 - Diary of the siege of Mafeking by Edward Ross
Monday, 22 January
Big Ben commenced shelling us at 6.45 a.m. and between that time and midday sent us in the usual quantity of about 8 or 9, and I suppose would have continued during the afternoon only that they do not like water, and as it rained for some considerable time they desisted and gave us a respite. Of course the little 5-pounder was interwoven with the "big ’uns” every now and again but she seldom does any damage. Nothing happened much during the day. I developed photos all the afternoon in our dugout.
Our usual time for receiving the enemy’s good-night big gun has for some time past been about 8 p.m. or a little later, but I suppose Mr. Boer thought with his slimness he would surprise us and catch us on the hop this evening, so let her go at 7.25. She struck in the town but bumped and went to Hades having done no damage. This was followed up at 8.30 by a 5pounder coming whizzing over, striking between Early’s fort and the river.
At about 8.50 p.m. a lot of rifle-firing was going on at Cannon Kopje; the Boers must have crept in very close, as the flash of rifles could plainly be seen and looked as if they were within about 400 yards. The Kopje replied and nothing more was heard. It is thought the Boers were probably firing on natives trying to get out to go and sneak more cattle.
