( NOTE: This will be my 500th post.... Never thought I would get there LOL Posted a day early because I may be traveling tommorrow.... )
VLUCKSFONTEIN
August 31st. 1900.
From Lt. Leckie,
Strathcona Horse
To Officer Commanding
Strathcona Horse
Sir,
I have the honor to report that yesterday I went with 6 men to obtain information with regard to the movements of the enemy and of the released prisoners.
I left the regiment on the heights North of Nooitgedacht. The descent into the valley is very abrupt but I found a trail over which we could lead our horses. Horses had been brought over this trail a short time previously. There is a drop of about 2000 feet to the valley.
My first intention was to go to Nooitgedacht if possible, but was informed by a Kaffir that there were Boers there and along the line to Watervaal Ouder. He said that they had chased him and his horse showed signs of hard riding.
We hid our horses and I took one man with me and we went on carefully until I could get a good view of the country. We got up high in the direction of Watervaal Ouder and parties of the enemy could be seen riding along the road to Nooitgedacht and Watervaal Ouder. They seemed to have small parties stationed at different points on the road. I could see no guns or wagons in Nooitgedacht. I could see about 150 men drawn up in fair order apparently waiting for some movement.
At 5.p.m. a train came into Nooitgedacht from the East. Some men rode up to it and then 50 of them rode off Eastward. I could see no guns or wagons there.
At 6.30 the train was run into the station which is concealed by trees. The remainder of the troops rode off to the East and in a few minutes flames were seen about the station. I am of the opinion that either the train or the station was set on fire, possibly both.
As it was then dusk I took my men to Steyn's farm near the line. The house was surrounded and entered but no one found but two women, two children and a kaffir.
Double sentries were put on and we spent the night there. A party of Boers were camped at a section house across the river from us. They were on the move all night.
At daybreak we left Steyn's Farm and made for the railway. The wagon road runs beside it to Watervaal Ouder. We followed it on to Watervaal Ouder, arriving there at 9.a.m. I could see no damage done to the railway on the way. No persons were seen and I heard no shots fired.
We reached Watervaal Ouder at the same time as a party of French's Scouts who came from the North. They returned to camp about three miles to the North and we followed. A few shots were fired to the East of the town but I could see no signs of the enemy.
I reported to General Buller at Gen. Pole-Carew's camp and then came on here, reaching camp about 7.p.m.
The released prisoners were escorted to Watervaal Ouder by parties of Boers.
The prisoners report that about 2000 Boers passed through the town going to the Eastward. Within the past few days. They had six or seven guns, but no big ones. There were numbers of wagons and a lot of women and children.
President Kruger and Mr. Steyn passed through two days ago.
The imprisoned officers with a few exceptions and some of the Yeomanry were taken to Barberton.
The wagon road to Nooitgedacht, excepting one or two places is in good condition.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) J. E. LECKIE, Lt.
