The letter was written by Col.  H. F. White in the presence of the cyclists, and partly at the dictation of Dr. Jameson.  It was in the form of a memorandum from Col.  H. F. White to Col.  Frank Rhodes, and bore no signature; but the last line was in Dr. Jameson’s handwriting, and was initialed by him.  It ran as follows: 

As you may imagine, we are all well pleased by your letter.  We have had some fighting, and hope to reach Johannesburg to-night, but of course it will depend on the amount of fighting we have.  Of course we shall be pleased to have 200 men meet us at Krugersdorp, as it will greatly encourage the men, who are in great heart although a bit tired.  Love to Sam, Phillips, and rest,

  L. S. J.

Mr. Celliers’ report—­after detailing the incidents of the ride out—­runs: 

...  I reached the column between 9 and 10 o’clock.  I saw Dr. Jameson personally.  He received us very well, and was very glad with the news I brought him.  He read the despatch, and asked me for full details.  I told him the strength of the Boers and the dangers he was in.  I told him that they had no guns, and all that I saw and heard that they had during my travels.  I explained to him everything in detail.  The Doctor seemed to be very brave.  He told me that he had two scrimmages, and that no damage had been done.  I said to him whether it would not be well for him to halt until we got through and sent him some help.  The Doctor said he did not think there was anything to fear, and at the same time he did not want to go to Johannesburg as a pirate, and it would be well for them to send some men to meet him.  I also made inquiries as to whether I could return by any other road, but found it was impossible, and that we had to come back the same way.  I got his despatch, shook hands with him, wished us well, and set on our journey back.

The report, which is given above literally as transcribed from the shorthand notes, concludes with an account of the return journey.  Mr. Celliers in a subsequent statement confirmed the above, and added: 

The impression which the Doctor gave me most certainly was that he had never expected help and did not want it.{30}

The march continued on towards Krugersdorp.  At one or two places a few shots were fired by Boer pickets, and on one occasion the Maxims of the invading force were turned on a party of some fifty Boers ensconced in a good position.  No casualties however occurred until Krugersdorp was reached at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.  A message was sent by Sir John Willoughby to the authorities at Krugersdorp that if he encountered any opposition he would shell the town, and he warned them to have their women and children removed.

Shortly after mid-day positions were taken up on the hills pear Krugersdorp, and at three o’clock severe fighting took place which lasted well on into the night.  An ambush at the crushing mill and works of the Queen’s Mine was shelled and an attempt was made to storm it by a small party of the invaders.  It was unsuccessful however, and after nightfall Dr. Jameson’s force was obliged to retreat from its position and seek a more advantageous one on higher ground.