Diary of events that occurred at the town of Potchefstroom, Transvaal during the rising of the Boers against the British Government, commencing on the 15th December 1880

Abstract

Wednesday, l5th December, 1880.- Was this morning at the North end of Potchefstroom. Was informed about 11 o' clock a.m. that a large body of mounted and armed men were approaching the town by the Heidelberg and Pretoria roads. At 1 o'clock p.m. saw twelve mounted men pass in a body, two of whom were armed with rifles. Went to the Willow Bank Mill, and saw a large body of mounted men coming along the Heidelberg road; these formed as they came in sight an extended semi-circular line, and halted about half-a-mile from the bridge over. Mooi River Eight of them then advanced to the bridge, and dismounting on the town side of the river, took possession of the bridge; the main body then moved forward in double file, and on reaching the bridge increased their pace, and proceeded townwards at a hand gallop. As they thus passed the mill, I observed that every man was armed with a rifle; the number, which I carefully counted, was 570, exclusive of a few black servants, who were unarmed.