A DESPATCH FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC
I had hardly arrived in President Steyn's laager when I heard of a
proclamation issued by him, in consultation with the Council of War,
dated the 2nd of November 1901, whereby it was made lawful that boys of
fourteen years old, when their physical condition and health permitted,
should be "commandeered."
It was as if a sword had pierced my heart when I heard of this
proclamation. Our Government had signalled that the Fatherland expected
not only every man, but also every child to do his duty.
It was at this time, perhaps in consequence of this proclamation, that
the English began to tear away little boys from their mothers, and not
only those of fourteen and over, but also those under that age; even
children of eight were mercilessly dragged away.
Immediately after I had joined the President his laager proceeded in the
direction of Lindley. We had now an opportunity of visiting our hospital
under the charge of Dr. Fourie, at the farm of Mr. David Malan. Then we
went in the direction of Senekal to meet General Kritzinger, who had
been driven over the border of the Cape Colony by General French, and
was now staying in the Free State to let his horses rest a while. On
Sunday, the 3rd of November, we held service, near Biddulphsberg, on
the farm of Mr. Leendert Muller, and there General Kritzinger was also
present. The President then resolved to be at Little Clocolan on the
following Sunday, to address the colonists under Kritzinger on the
occasion of divine service being held. This took place at the farm of
Mrs. Bornman. On our way thither something occurred which caused some
uneasiness to the President and the members of the Executive Council.
General de Wet sent a report after him, stating that a letter had
arrived from the Transvaal, and he asked President Steyn to fix a place
where the Executive Council could meet for the purpose of considering
that letter. The President fixed on the house of Christoffel de Jager at
Sand River, and rode back twelve miles to that spot.
The letter in question asked whether we should not again try to enter
into negotiations with the British Government, and to make a proposal
for Peace. The Transvaal Government proposed that as a basis of
negotiation there might be discussed such points as equal rights for the
Dutch and English languages, religious liberty, costs of the war, an
offensive and defensive alliance as far as South Africa was concerned,
etc.
President Steyn replied on behalf of the Executive Council, that in his
reply to Lord Kitchener he had already proposed to negotiate upon the
condition that the Republics should retain their independence, and that
the result was well known. Further, he said that he could not discuss
all the points suggested by the Transvaal Government _seriatim_, but if
there was to be a proposal for an offensive or defensive alliance with
England, then we might as well recall the Deputation from Europe.