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1900 - Mafeking siege day 196 (90%).

1900 - Mafeking - A diary of the siege by Major F D Baillie

Received my first letters since this abominable isolation commenced. One from Weston-Jarvis and another from Smitheman. Weston is very cheerful. Smitheman, extravagant as regards paper, and rather sparing of words and ink; I also received some Morning Posts, and see that I have successfully established communication, which is satisfactory.

1900 - Diary of the siege of Mafeking by Edward Ross

26-30 April

The enemy’s main laager grows bigger every day, and it is now known that Commandant Eloff is in charge of the enemy outside so an extra keen watch is being kept. He has brought large reinforcements, and we may soon expect a good deal of fighting.

Ben Weil has received a letter from his brother Sam who is with Methuen at Fourteen Streams. All about relief, etc. Blow the relief, if they are going to send it, why [not] let them do so before it is too late, but if not, what the deuce are the outside people always talking about it for? It only makes it worse for us.

1900 - Wepener

From the diary of 2nd Lieutenant Nigel K Charteris, Royal Scots, at Wepener

26th April

Still in the trenches. Relief columns marched in 8 am. Left trenches.

From the diary of Lance Corporal Luke Gormley, 1st Royal Scots, at Wepener

Apr 26th

No sign of the enemy this morning, but we can see the relief column in the distance, when it is too late. It is a blessing that there are some of us left to meet them. They are mounted men and some are our old comrades of the Irish Rifles, all that is left of our mounted regiment as the other companies were captured at Reddersburg.