TOPIC:

1899 - Beginning of the war. Sir George White goes to Ladysmith.
1900 - Martial law withdrawn from Steynsburg and Britstown districts.
1901 - Commandant Letter executed. Capture of Scheepers near Blood River Station. Botha joins the Transvaal Government at Athole, near Amsterdam.

Good morning David,
The ultimatum expired at 15.00, the press dubbed it "The Tea Time War", Buller set sail three days later, but Alfred Milner had been planting stories in the press as early as May, hoping to promote a more pro-active approach in South Africa in the eyes of the British public.
After pushing hard, he got just what he wanted when Transvaal Forces mobilized on the 27th of September and the Free State on the 2nd of October!
The game was afoot!
Best regards Frank

1899 - From the diary of Trooper A J Crosby, Natal Carbineers

Detailed to go to Ladysmith with waggon to go into hospital with Sheney. Left at 10.45 and arrived at 5 p.m. having suffered terribly en route. Passed Burleigh (Correspondent Daily Telegraph) and Colonel Rhodes as we approached town. Warned by picquets that they were suspected as spies, they not knowing who they were.

Trooper Crosby was certainly not the only man intent on getting to Ladysmith on this day, after spending the day at Dargle Road, in the small hours, two Troop Trains arrived and Arthur Curran and his Manchester's entrained for Ladysmith, the journey can not have been very nice, but, certainly better than another march. the first member's of the battalion arrived mid morning and had plenty of time to bivouac before sunset.

1899 - Preparations in Australia.
....Mr Lyne was informed by telegraph by the Premier of Victoria that he had provisionally secured the Medic to transport the Victorian, South Australian, Tasmanian and West Australian troops. There was an impression that the vessel had been practically chartered for the New South Wales troops, but Victoria seems to have moved more expeditiously. Mr Lyne, however, says the action of Victoria will not affect his position at all, and he now says with emphasis that he has made other arrangements four or five days ago. The Premier is confident there will be no hitch in despatching troops once Parliamentary authority is given for action to be taken. ....The debate in the Legislative Assembly on the motion approving of the despatch of troops to the Transvaal was continued until two o'clock this morning, when Mr Hamilton's amendment: 'That a unit be sent only in the event of the Empire being seriously threatened,' was negatived by 69 votes to 11. The original motion was then carried by 67 votes to 13, amid great enthusiasm, the National Anthem being sung, and cheers given for the Empire. ....The Government have come to an arrangement with the owners of the Medic to charter that vessel to transport the Victorian and South Australian, West Australian, and Tasmanian troops to South Africa. The whole vessel will be utilised for the accommodation of the troops.
....In the Assembly the Premier moved a motion regarding the despatch of the troops to the Transvaal. He said he had cherished the hope of peace, but there seemed little prospect of that now, especially in view of the Boer outrages. Although the assistance which the colonies were proferring was not great it was sufficient to indicate what would be forthcoming if the Empire were really endangered or undermined. The proposals would not cost more than £30,000. The motion was opposed by several members, one of whom, Mr Hamilton, of Bendigo, said it was utter stupidity for a small Government offering to help England, it amazed him, and the proposal to assist one of the largest nations to crush the smallest smattered of cowardice. He moved an amendment that a force only be sent if the difficulties were prolonged and the interests of the British Empire seriously threatened. ,The .amendment was received with laughter, but was seconded by Mr Watt. ....The time for volunteering for the Transvaal closed to morrow; it is stated on good authority that no difficulty has been experienced in raising the requisite 125 men. Major Hawker, it is believed, will go in command with the rank of Captain.
....The Legislative Council spent three and a half- hours discussing the motion authorising the equipment and despatch of 125 troops to the Transvaal, the Chief Secretary said the cost would not be more than £10,000. The proposal was heartily supported by some, and ridiculed by others. The motion was eventually carried on the casting vote of the President.
....In the Assembly the proposal was debated until midnight. The Government were anxious to close the debate, but in a thin House the adjournment was obtained on the casting vote of the Speaker. ....It has been decided by the Government to accept the, offer of Dr M'Williams and the Medical Corps to form a part of the contingent. As soon as the corps is formed it will be subjected to a course of arduous training to fit them for the expected campaign. The men all go to camp as privates, and the non-commissioned officers will be elected from those showing the greatest aptitude. ....B. Company, Queensland Mounted Infantry, paraded to-night, and was addressed by Lieutenant-Colonel Ricardo. Twelve men volunteered, and also two men of K Company volunteered. It is expected a number of others will also join. ....Colonel Gunter, Commandant of the Queensland Defence Force, returned from Melbourne on Saturday night, and held a consultation with the Chief Secretary to-day, regarding the despatch of a Queensland corps to the Transvaal. It is anticipated the vote for the contingent will be passed by the Assembly, but is likely to meet with strong opposition in certain quarters.
....The Government have not yet arrived at any decision regarding officers for the Transvaal, in charge of the Queensland troops.
....A table message was sent last week by the Chief Secretary to the Agent-General in London, asking that representation be made with the War Office on the subject of obtaining a supply of wheaten hay for use by the British Army in South Africa. A reply has been received that the War Office has given the matter full consideration. The Premier also urged that in view of the large orders for tinned meats sent to American firms, the claims of Queensland in this respect should not be overlooked. A cable has been received stating that the reports of orders for meat having been placed in the United States are totally unfounded.
....It will be some days before anything like a substantial enrolment in Queensland can be effected, and, indeed, the authorities are not yet prepared to enrol men. The Commandant and Lieutenant-Colonel Lyster had a long interview with the Chief Secretary this morning, and the terms to be offered the men will no doubt be settled to-day.
....To-morrow the Premier will submit his proposals to Parliament for the matter to be discusscd on Wednesday. Should the vote pass, and there is no reason to suppose it will not, advertisements will be published on Thursday inviting members of the Mounted Infantry reserve and old members of the Mounted Infantry to offer their services.
....The proposed camp on the Eagle Farm line has been inspected by the principal medical officer, and Lieutenant-Colonel Thomson, and it will be recommended to the Government in due course.
....The following is the message sent to the War Officc regarding the supply of Queensland hay:—'The recent frosts have completely spoilt 30,000 acres of wheat for grain, and the farmers are cutting it for hay. It is expected to yield 15,000 tons of good hay. Does the War Office require any for South Africa.' No reply has yet been received. When the Minister for Agriculture learnt the extent of the damage, he immediately consulted the Premier, with the result that the above message was despatched. The following message has also been sent to Sir Horace Tozer regarding the orders for tinned meats :—'The public are greatly concerned at the cables published announcing that large orders for tinned meat have been placed with America firms; see the British authorities, and point out the excellence of the colony's products, with a view of securing orders.' Sir Horace Tozer replied that the War Office had informed him that there was no foundation in the rumor.
The Queensland Register, Monday 16th October 1899