TODAY IN KIMBERLEY’S HISTORY 24 JANUARY Biggest bombardment of Kimberley by the Boers during the siege, Maggie Maddocks killed, 1900 DID YOU KNOW The Siege of Kimberley found the Pescods well prepared. William wrote to his family that, “Isabella had got a good supply of provision in, but we were at a loss to know where to put them. Isabella devised a plan. A board was cut out in the bedroom floor, which, after a good deal of difficulty, we succeeded in getting out and then preceded to put away our stores.” The ever practical Isabella looked after the poor as well as her own family and wrote, “we have got meal, sugar, coffee and flour sent here, to help a few quiet deserving people who would never go to ask for it.” When the bombardment began, battles were fought and death was all around. William’s letters were filled with references to funerals, the great straits they were in with regard to food and fuel and lack of any news from the outside world. But Isabella remained remarkably strong and cheerful. Rationing was instituted and the Pescods received bread, mealie meal, samp and sugar daily. Isabella wrote to her family. “I mixed the mealie meal with oatmeal for porridge and it was very good. The samp we steeped all night and boiled for two or three hours, and used it instead of potatoes. A little of it boiled a while longer with a few raisins in it was almost as good as a nice pudding.” She was extremely touched by the kindness of their parishioners who insisted on sharing with them “any little thing they had and down to the half of an onion.” Throughout this time of danger and deprivation, Isabella’s faith was remarkable. She felt that “truly the angels had charge of us”. Soon After the siege was lifted, she wrote to her family…. “Never mind, it is all past now. About 8 or 9 were only killed directly by shells in the town. IS it not a miracle after such a number of shells?”
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 05:12:27 +0000
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