THE CLOSE OF HOSTILITIES--MARCH, APRIL, AND MAY 1902
TRANSVAAL (EAST)
General B. Hamilton, as we know, over mountainous country followed Botha
to the neighbourhood of Vryheid. The Boer force consisted of a
concentration of some 800 men who had been hustled from other districts
of the Eastern Transvaal. A laager was located east of Vryheid on the
10th of March, and General Bruce-Hamilton having blocked all exits in
the Ngotsi valley, proceeded to attack it. The manoeuvre was rewarded.
General Cherry Emmett, Botha's brother-in-law, and seventeen prisoners
were taken, and Botha merely escaped by concealing himself in a kloof
near the spot where his relative was seized. Eighteen more prisoners,
some of importance in the fighting roll, were secured on the 18th.
On the 1st day of April, near Springs, a laager was suddenly
discovered by a party of Queen's Bays and some National Scouts under
Colonel Fanshawe of Colonel Lawley's column. Immediately the Boers in
great strength attacked the small British force, and in the close and
spirited fighting, which lasted from dawn till dusk, Major Walker was
killed, and Captains Herron, Ward, and Lieutenant Hill were wounded.
As an instance of the hand-to-hand nature of the combat it may be
mentioned that the butt-ends of rifles as well as the blades of swords
came into play. Two squadron leaders and ten non-commissioned officers
and men were killed and five officers and fifty-nine men were wounded.
This concentrated body of the enemy was commanded by Alberts and
Pretorius. Commandant Prinsloo, who was with them, was wounded. The
Boers lost twelve killed and forty wounded.
The middle of the month was spent by General B. Hamilton in sweeping
from Middelburg to Standerton between the blockhouse lines. The
hard-worked columns of Park and Williams and Spens were engaged in the
undertaking, which was, though always hazardous, fatiguing as it was
monotonous. One hundred and forty-five Boers were killed, wounded, or
captured in the course of the operations.
Beyers, a troublesome personage, had betaken himself to a fertile
valley in the region of Pietersburg. He then proceeded to invest Fort
Edward, a fortified post near Louis Trichardt, placing the small
garrison of fifty souls in an unenviable quandary. To their rescue
went Colonel Denny (Northamptonshire Regiment) with some 500 men, but
he was so strongly opposed at various points that he had to fall back
on Dwars River without effecting his purpose. Colonel Colenbrander,
hurrying from Klerksdorp however, succeeded. He completely surprised
the enemy on the 29th and effected the relief of the Fort. Then Beyers
himself had to be dealt with, and on the 8th of April Colonel
Colenbrander and his warlike scouts, with the Inniskilling Fusiliers
under Colonel Murray, started to ferret him out and attack him.
Through the difficult and exhausting country, a wilderness of crags
and steeps, the troops moved carefully, exercising the utmost
perseverance and sagacity in stopping up all poorts or points of exit.
They then secured a commanding position--one which the Boers had
imagined to be inaccessible--and systematically delivered the attack.
Their determination and dash and dexterity were marvellous. By night
the Boers were driven out of their mountain stronghold, but only with
great loss on both sides. Colonel Murray was seriously, Lieutenant
Thompson slightly, wounded. Lieutenant Lincoln was killed. The enemy's
loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners was 106. But Beyers himself
escaped. Operations against him were continued in this region till May
with excellent results, for though the Boer leader was not caught, his
following was considerably reduced, and thus his power to be
mischievous crippled.
FINISHING CLEARANCE OF THE ORANGE RIVER COLONY
[Illustration: CAPTAIN H. T. LUKIN]
[Illustration: COLONEL DOUGLAS HAIG
(Photo by J. Edwards)]
After the Majuba Day successes the lower part of the Orange Colony
remained clear. Colonels Du Cane and Rimington in the region of Tafel
Kop made some important captures. Among the prisoners were Adjutant
Labuschaque and Viemann. Elsewhere, in the caves of the river bed, a
large Boer supply depot was discovered by Major Ross (Canadian
Scouts). A Krupp, a pom-pom, a Nordenfeldt, ammunition, heliographs,
and other valuable supplies were taken possession of or burnt. Another
of Lord Kitchener's big drives took place, the troops and tactics
being the same as before. The columns were encamped in the
neighbourhood of Harrismith, and the impression was given that they
would sweep towards the northern blockhouses. De Wet, finding that
Elliot and Rimington pushed him north, consequently flew west round
Elliot, and in the very direction desired. By the night of the 9th
there was a complete line of troops from Lindley to Frankfort, De Wet
and Steyn being enclosed. Stray parties made rushes at Dunlop's and
Scott's lines but were repulsed, and some Boers were made prisoners.
On the 10th, all keeping touch, the advance continued. It was
scorching weather, but the British stalwarts, under the blazing sun,
maintained splendid courage and cheeriness. As an example of their
endurance, it may be noted that Rawlinson's men on the 10th and 11th
covered sixty miles. On the 11th the drive concluded, but not with the
capture of the redoubtable one.
De Wet and Steyn, it appeared, had escaped west of the main Orange
Colony Railway by crossing the Heilbron-Frankfort line at night at an
hour when some of the British troops were expected to cross. Mentz, to
escape Colonel Cox and Rimington's Australians, adopted the same
tactics as De Wet's former ones. He rushed the Heilbron-Wolvehoek line
on the night of the 10th of March by furiously driving a herd of
horses against the line held by the Leinsters near Gothenburg. Though
these leaders got off, in the course of the operations, 127 Boers were
taken and Commandant Celliers was wounded.
De Wet and Steyn remained west of the railway line endeavouring, it
was presumed, to get into communication with Delarey. That some Boers
had evaded the big drive was evident by the fact that a convoy was
attacked between Kronspruit and Frankfort. The enemy was, however,
beaten off by the Mounted Infantry, who had some of their number
wounded.
The members of the so-called Acting Transvaal Government--Messrs.
Schalk Burger, Reitz, Lucas Meyer, Krogh, and Vanderwalt--proceeded on
the 22nd of March, under flag of truce, from Balmoral to Kroonstad to
interview Mr. Steyn, with Lord Kitchener's consent. The interview had
reference to possible peace proposals. The delegates travelled by
special train accompanied by Captain Marker, A.D.C. to Lord Kitchener,
Major Leggett, Assistant Director of Railways, and four other staff
officers. The meeting concluded a few days later, apparently without
practical results. The commandos in the district were now much
scattered and reduced, but on the last day of April, near Frankfort,
Colonel Barker had the good fortune to capture Mamie Botha (a smart
and resourceful ally of De Wet), his adjutant, and eleven Boers.
Early in May (the 6th) another rapid drive took place. A continuous line
of columns left Frankfort-Heilbron-Vredefort Road line quite unimpeded
by wheel transport, and drove swiftly to Kroonstad-Liebenberg-Vlei line,
which was reached in the afternoon. The British casualties were nil. The
prisoners taken were 208. Ten Boers were killed. From opinions drawn
from prisoners it was obvious that these "drives" were heartily dreaded,
and the fact of being thus chased from their own district was a fruitful
source of surrender.
TRANSVAAL (WEST)--MARCH
A new and original combined movement against Delarey was now conceived
by Lord Kitchener. The Boers were dotted about recuperating in farms
near Hartebeestefontein, and these had to be mopped up somehow before
they had time to concert or to concentrate. The district was too vast
for the usual cordon process, and there was great difficulty in
arranging a plan which would dispose sufficient troops on the west.
There, there were no blockhouse lines, but a line ran from the Vaal to
Klerksdorp and thence up the Schoenspruit till it joined the
Lichtenburg-Ventersdorp line. The programme was most concise. No
wheeled transport and no guns were to be taken. The thing was to be
accomplished "in the blink of an eye," so to say, at the rate of
nearly eighty miles in twenty-four hours at most. On the night of the
23rd of March every one was to be under way, silent and secret as
burglars, bold and resolute as lions. Kekewich, from Vaalbank, was to
march west. Rawlinson, from Klerksdorp, with columns of Scott, Briggs,
and Dawkins, was to march south of Hartebeestefontein straight through
the enemy's lines--a thing the enemy would be at a loss till too late
to understand--and arrive at dawn at a point thirty-nine miles to
west. General W. Kitchener (with Keir, Lowe, and Cookson's columns)
was to continue the line and march south of Rawlinson to a point some
forty miles distant. Lord Basing, from south of the Vaal, was to fill
in the more southerly place, and Colonel Rochfort was to form up to
the south of him with his right resting on the Vaal. Thus working on
the 24th in a line drawn from north to south, the columns were to
start forth and then drive back the enemy against the Schoenspruit
blockhouse line.... The midnight march was admirably executed under
the brilliant rays of the moon, and a Boer convoy was even chased and
captured by Dawkins' men by way of interlude! By dawn on the 24th,
after a forty-mile march, the machinery was set in the appointed
position. With sunrise the required revolution took place. The whole
force turned right-about face and marched swiftly back again. It was
not till 10 A.M. that Boers were discerned. Then, preparations were
promptly made to welcome them, and Rawlinson's men, in spite of their
sore and aching frames, advanced with alacrity. But the Dutchmen made
haste to retreat. By arrangement a signal was fired to inform the
British line that the quarry in force was sighted. Excitement
prevailed. All got into the semi-crescent position--the military
equivalent for "open arms." There were necessary gaps, however, before
the troops could extend into touch on so vast an area, and these the
Boers made for. But owing to the splendid activity of our men, the 2nd
and 8th Mounted Infantry, the Scottish Horse, and others, the enemy
failed to get away either their waggons or their guns. Lieutenant Herd
(2nd Mounted Infantry), with the remnant of his company, pursued the
fleeing band and expedited their race for the north, forcing them also
to leave their valuables behind. They were now in the position of the
traditional Derby dog--rushing helter-skelter, first north then south,
not knowing where to find a loophole of escape. Finally, however, some
of them abandoning everything did find it, and scurried towards
Klerksdorp. The total results of this cleverly arranged movement,
which concluded on the 25th, were 185 prisoners, 12 Boers killed; two
15-pounders, one 12-pounder, two pom-poms, a quantity of ammunition,
over 1000 head of cattle, about 60 vehicles, and a lot of horses and
mules captured.
That more of the enemy were not taken was accounted for by Reuter's
correspondent, who stated:--
"One commando was disturbed very early near a spot where two
columns had not yet extended into touch. One of these columns
saw what appeared to be the next column getting into position
on its flank, and pressed on in order not to be outdistanced,
but the column on its right acted strangely, and soon it was
discovered that the strange column was a Boer commando seeking
to escape. As a pursuit would have resulted in making a larger
loophole the enemy got away.
"In another place a large body was observed passing along our
front, and it was greeted with a volley, whereon an officer in
British uniform, complete in every detail, with 'K.F.S.' on the
shoulder-straps, rode up and reported that it was a British
column passing along to take up its allotted place in the line.
The force was accordingly allowed to proceed on its way. The
'K.F.S.' officer, however, was a Boer and the column a Boer
commando."
It was discovered after all that Delarey had not been within the
radius of the big movement, and therefore General W. Kitchener, in
hope still to entrap him, set to work to reconnoitre towards the Hart
River. On the 31st of March Cookson and Keir struck track of guns, and
presently they were attacked with great determination. A long running
fight was continued for eight miles through the bush and scrub of the
region. A position in the open was taken, and both parties set to
work. Delarey, Kemp, and some 1500 Boers fought brilliantly, but were
outmatched by the dogged courage of the newly raised R.H.A. Rifles,
who let them advance within 200 yards, and then repelled them with
steady gusts of rifle fire; by the staunchness of Colonel Evans'
Canadian Rifles, of which one party under young Bruce-Carruthers held
their ground till every man was either killed or wounded; and by the
dash of the 28th Mounted Infantry, Damant's Horse, Kitchener's
Fighting Scouts, and the 17th and 27th Mounted Infantry. The enemy
after losing tremendously refused to continue the conflict, in spite
of being frantically urged forward by their leaders.
The columns of Von Donop and Grenfell under General Kekewich on the
11th of April, in the region of Rooival, had a hot fight with the
enemy. These eventually were repulsed by the Yeomanry, Scottish Horse,
and South Africa Constabulary, who fought with their accustomed
coolness and brilliancy. Forty-four Boers were left dead on the field
and thirty-four wounded. Twenty prisoners were taken. Captain Salter
(7th Imperial Yeomanry) and five men were killed and fifty-two
wounded. Lieutenant Bull, 3rd Inniskilling Fusiliers, died of wounds.
The pursuit of the band was vigorously taken up, and General Kekewich
had the satisfaction of securing two guns, a pom-pom, ammunition, and
waggons. Among the Boer dead was Commandant Potgieter of Wolmaranstad,
one of Delarey's right-hand men. About this time Colonel Rochfort's
column made a night raid on a laager at Schweizerreneke, and secured
fifty-five prisoners, with waggons and stock.
The columns under General Ian Hamilton continued their systematic
sweeping of the Western Transvaal, and after clearing the central area
to east of Harts River they formed a line, and in conjunction with
Colonel Rochfort from Bloemhof, moved west on the 7th of May. They
reached the railway on the 11th plus 357 prisoners and practically all
the waggons and stock of the commandos in the district. The total
reduction, therefore, in Delarey's forces since his success at
Tweebosch amounted to 860 men. The process of exhaustion had been
steady and sure.
CAPE COLONY--MARCH
A spirited engagement took place at Buffelshoek between Fouché's
commando and Colonel Price's men, with the result that Commander
Odendaal and Captain Vanderwalt were killed and two Boers wounded.
Major Wormald's and other columns meanwhile hunted Malan and Fouché in
the region of the Camdeboos Mountains, where pursuit is difficult,
sometimes impossible.
[Illustration: THE TRAIN CONVEYING THE REMAINS OF MR. RHODES SALUTED
BY THE BLOCKHOUSE GUARDS ON ITS WAY TO THE MATOPPO HILLS
Drawing by Ernest Prater]
And then, when negotiations for peace were being made between the two
nations, while all the sad events of the last three years were
apparently coming to a happy conclusion, the British nation lost a man
whose like, one may safely say, will never be found again. On the 26th
of March, at Muizenburg, Mr. Cecil Rhodes breathed his last. He had
long been ailing, therefore this misfortune was not unexpected, and
the effect of his loss on public affairs was minimised by the fact
that with characteristic foresight he had arranged all his business
matters, so that in his absence they might proceed without a hitch.
His Will, when opened, proved to be a document for all time, one which
might be studied with advantage by every British boy whose hope it is
to leave his country greater than he found it. To this man's life-work
we have already alluded. Of his influence in the future it is
impossible at present to write. Certain it is that his name is writ
large wherever the glory of Great Britain's greatest finds a place. He
gave minute directions regarding his last resting-place. Neither St.
Paul's nor Westminster Abbey were wide enough for his free spirit.
"I admire the grandeur and loneliness of the Matoppos in
Rhodesia, and I therefore desire to be buried in the Matoppos,
on the hill which I used to visit and which I called the 'View
of the World,' in a square to be cut out in the rock on the top
of the hill, covered with a plain brass plate with these words
thereon, 'Here lie the remains of Cecil John Rhodes,' and
accordingly I direct my executors at the expense of my estate
to take all steps and do all things necessary or proper to give
effect to this my desire, and afterwards to keep my grave in
order at the expense of the Matoppos and Buluwayo fund
hereinafter mentioned. I direct my trustees, on the hill
aforesaid, to erect or complete the monument to the men who
fell in the first Matabele War at Shangani in Rhodesia, the
bas-reliefs for which are being made by Mr. John Tweed, and I
desire the said hill to be preserved as a burial-place; but no
person is to be buried there unless the Government for the time
being of Rhodesia, until the various states of South Africa, or
any of them, shall have been federated, and after such
federation the Federal Government, by a vote of two-thirds of
its governing body, says that he or she has deserved well of
his or her country."
His wishes were carried out with reverence and to the letter. His body
was conveyed to Groote Schuur, where it lay in state till it was
removed to the Houses of Parliament in Cape Town, where it lay all
night. Next day the procession started for the Cathedral. All business
was suspended. The streets were draped with black--the thoroughfares
were lined with troops and sorrowing crowds. A more wonderful service,
a more impressive ceremony, has never been seen in South Africa.
Finally the remains started on their last voyage. Of this melancholy
journey the correspondent of the _Standard_ wrote:--
"Not the least striking feature was the reception given to the
train by the garrisons of the blockhouses as we passed them in
succession. As we glided slowly out of a station away ahead of
us would stretch the long vista of the line, dotted here and
there with the little fortresses. We would gather speed, and
the sun glinted on steel as the garrison of the nearest
blockhouse began to fix bayonets and fall in. Then as we swept
swiftly forward the little squad of men came abreast of us, and
the bayonets rose and fell symmetrically amid the solemn
solitude. Then the blockhouse was whirled away behind us and
lost to sight. So it went on for mile after mile, the fireman
busy at his duties and the driver, one of the oldest servants
of the railway department, steady and watchful at his post.
Down into De Aar we swept at such speed that as we passed the
blockhouses the saluting rifles seemed to rise and fall
mechanically and without intermission."
Buluwayo was reached on April 8th, and the coffin placed in the Drill
Hall and guarded by two Rhodesian volunteers with drawn swords.
Finally it was borne, on the 10th, to its lonely bed in the almost
inaccessible steeps that he loved.
Early in April the trial of Kruitzinger was concluded, and the
prisoner was acquitted of the charges of murder or train-wrecking that
were brought against him. He therefore fell into the category of
prisoners of war. From intercepted despatches forwarded by the
commandant to Scheepers it was discovered that he had seriously
condemned the inhuman practices of his countrymen. The raiders
continued their mischievous activities, the columns their incessant
chases and hunts. Lovat's Scouts engaged Bezuidenhout at Kaal River
on the 26th of April, and in the scrimmage two of the rebels were
wounded. On the 1st of May the town of Ookiep (in north-west of Cape
Colony), which for some time had been invested by the Boers, was
practically relieved by the appearance of reinforcements from
Namaqualand under Colonels Cooper and Caldwell. These relieved the
column at Klipfontein (fifty miles from Ookiep), and thus took the
pressure off the neighbouring places.
Further particulars were given in the _Morning Post_:--"General Smuts
demanded the surrender of Ookiep on 4th April. Colonel W. Shelton
refused to entertain any terms whatever, saying that he would hold out
to the bitter end. He must, however," the letter proceeded, "have a
relief column if the place is to be saved, as he has 6000 people to
feed and provisions for only three weeks. Colonel Shelton brought in
the Mesklip and Nababeep garrisons with all their arms and ammunition
successfully. Nababeep has since been looted. Springbokfontein made a
gallant fight, but had to surrender to overwhelming numbers, our
casualties being four killed and six wounded. It is reported that
Concordia surrendered without firing a shot. Colonel Shelton ordered
the Concordia Town Guard to Ookiep, but they refused to go. The Boers
seem to be bent on doing as much damage as they possibly can. They
have destroyed miles of railway and are burning the sleepers as they
take them up. The dynamite which they seized at Garrakop, eight miles
from Ookiep, they are now using to destroy the blockhouses by dropping
charges on the roofs from the kopjes above. Colonel White and his
column are at or entrenched near Gassies, and cannot get out. Anenous,
Kookfontein, Steinkop, Ooboop, and all outlying stations are deserted.
Two trains of refugees arrived at Port Nolloth this morning during a
heavy shower of rain. Lilliesfontein refugees are also here, making
the number over fifteen hundred. The inhabitants of Port Nolloth are
feeling very uneasy, for they greatly fear that an attack will be made
on the port; but our defences are perfect, and with the assistance of
his Majesty's ship _Barracouta_ we mean to give the Boers a warm
reception. During a thunderstorm that broke over Ookiep a few days ago
a party of Boers was seen on the mountain to the east of Ookiep making
a blockhouse in good position, but Major Edwards with a small patrol
soon put them to flight."
A member of the garrison of the Springbokfontein blockhouse, commanded
by Lieutenant Dorrington, reported as follows: "The Boers were
gallantly kept at bay for twenty-four hours, when they succeeded in
making a rush on the village. They first made a raid on the Civil
Commissioner's house, which they found locked, the magistrate, Mr. J.
A. Van Renen, being at Ookiep at the time on his way back from Port
Nolloth, where he had been to fetch his family. Lieutenant Dorrington,
seeing a fire at the Residency from the blockhouse, thought the Boers
were setting fire to the house. He ordered his men to open fire on
them, whereupon the Boers rushed the kopje on the top of which the
blockhouse was built, and demanded its immediate surrender. When
Lieutenant Dorrington refused to surrender he was greeted with charges
of dynamite. The Boers then crept under the hill, making it quite
impossible for our men to fire on them, and began to place dynamite
underneath the blockhouse. They again sent to tell the officer in
command that if he did not surrender he and his men would be blown up.
A message was sent back to them to say that he would surrender on
condition that they did not harm his men. This was agreed to, and the
men came out. They were all promptly lodged in prison. The same
informant states that Mr. Stuart, the resident magistrate's clerk, Mr.
Van Coernden's son, and two others were killed by charges of dynamite
thrown on the top of the blockhouse from a kopje."
A second letter, which was dated 12th April, announced that transports
had arrived at Port Nolloth and that reinforcements were pouring into
the town. A third letter was written on the following day, and it
said: "Lieutenant Meyrick, with his party of N.B.S., has so far
gallantly defended the viaducts and the mountain pass above Anenous. A
native who has just come in reports that the Boers have, however, come
round the mountain and destroyed the railway on this side of Anenous
as far as the 37th mile. Mr. F. Phillips, of Concordia, son of the
superintendent, arrived at Port Nolloth yesterday, having obtained a
pass from the Boer Commandant Smuts. He states that the Boers who have
got possession of Concordia are mostly Transvaal men. Ookiep is
evidently giving the Boers a warm time, for many wounded are brought
into Concordia, others going back to take their place. They say that
they are quite determined to take Ookiep at any cost, and seem to have
quietly settled down at Concordia. They have their doctor and
chaplain, and hold services twice daily. The Commandant Smuts lives in
the doctor's house, the doctor being absent in Cape Town. He has his
secretary with him, a Frenchman, whom they have nicknamed 'Roberts,'
and who has a great reputation for ability among them."
On the 27th of May Major Collett, with the Jansenville District
Mounted Horse, encountered the Boers, who thought this a fine
opportunity for attacking raw material. But the local force was
tougher than they thought, and moreover Lovat's Scouts, who had been
pursuing Malan for a long time, were at hand. These promptly came to
the rescue, upon which the enemy fled, leaving Malan--one of the best
of the Boer leaders--in their hands. Malan was one of the
"irreconcilables," and he had rejected the offer of a safe conduct to
attend the Vereeniging conference, which at this time was taking place
with a view to the signing of peace.
THE SITUATION--APRIL AND MAY
It was officially computed that by May 1902 the British forces had
been reduced through the South African war by 1055 officers and 20,520
men who died in South Africa, 1 officer and 131 men returned as
missing and prisoners, 7 officers and 487 men who died after having
been sent home as invalids, and 5531 invalided men who left the
Service as unfit. These figures represent a total of 27,732. The
following figures, taken from a table published by Colonel Henderson,
Professor of Military Art and History at the Staff College, in his
"Life of Stonewall Jackson," may be found interesting for purposes of
comparison with the British losses:--
Strength. Killed and wounded. Percentage.
Talavera, 1809 20,500 6,250 30
Albuera, 1811 8,200 3,990 48
Barossa, 1811 4,400 1,210 27
Salamanca, 1812 26,000 3,386 13
Quatre Bras, 1815 12,000 2,504 20
Waterloo, 1815 23,991 6,932 29
Firozshah, 1845 16,000 2,415 15
Sobraon, 1846 15,500 2,063 13
Chillianwallah, 1849 15,000 2,388 15
Alma, 1854 21,500 2,002 9
Inkerman, 1854 7,464 2,357 31
Of the Boer losses no exact total could be arrived at.
In April, a careful computation of the strength of the enemy in the
field put it at about 10,000 men. The commando of Delarey and Kemp was
the largest, their following being about 900 men; but concentration
was marvellously quickly accomplished, and near at hand on the west
were odd bands of perhaps a hundred, commanded by Potgieter, Klassen,
and Cronje. Beyers, with less than four hundred, hung about
Zoutpansberg, and other leaders near Lydenburg were practically
dependent on fragments from their master's table, otherwise the
escaped ones and twos from Botha's and De Wet's hunted forces. In the
Eastern Transvaal, east of Springs, were Alberto, Opperman, and Van
Niekirk, with small yet enterprising gangs. Klassen and Badenhorst
were fairly well supported at Ermelo, and 200 Boers hung
occupationless about Piet Retief. Minor leaders were sprinkled about
the Orange Colony, clinging mostly to the sheltering region of the
Brandwater Basin.
In the Cape Colony they were equally scattered. Malan and Fouché north
of Murraysburg, Maritz and Bowers near Garees, Theron north of
Calvinia, Van Reenan north-east, near Fraserburg, had each a small
trail of troublesome rebels at his heels. Raking and combing was
taking place everywhere. Since the 22nd of March, when the question of
peace came to be discussed, the Boer forces had been reduced by about
860 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. A conference between Lord
Kitchener and Lord Milner was held in Pretoria, the result of which
was digested on the 20th by the Boer leaders, who then took themselves
off to rejoin their commandos. Meanwhile Lord Kitchener maintained his
vigilant tactics, knowing that the wily ones if given an inch would
take an ell, and General Ian Hamilton in the west, General
Bruce-Hamilton in the east, and Colonel Colenbrander in the north,
continued their sweeping operations.
It was now decided that the Boer leaders, who had again met together
at Klerksdorp on the 11th of April, were to reassemble on the 15th of
May to deliberate among themselves and arrive at a decision as to the
terms of surrender they would be prepared to accept. The conference,
which opened at Vereeniging in due course, included the
representatives of all the bodies of Boers throughout the two
colonies. The delegates chosen by the conference at Vereeniging
arrived at Pretoria on the 20th May. They were six in number,
consisting of members of the two "Governments," with Generals Delarey
and De Wet, accompanied by their secretaries. They were lodged in the
house next to that occupied by Lord Kitchener. Lord Milner also
arrived.
There was an interval of great suspense, which was shared by the whole
civilised world. All parties watched the telegraph wires with bated
breath, then on Saturday, May 31st, the great Boer War came to an end.
The conference at Vereeniging had brought forth good results! The
Peace Agreement, long anxiously looked forward to by both
belligerents, was signed!
APPENDIX
THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS--COMMENCED MARCH 12, 1902--CONCLUDED MAY 31,
1902
The following is the text of the draft agreement signed by the Boer
representatives in Pretoria on the 31st of May after it had been
approved by his Majesty's Government:--
His Excellency General Lord Kitchener and his Excellency Lord Milner,
on behalf of the British Government, and Messrs. M. T. Steyn, J.
Brebner, General C. R. De Wet, General C. Olivier, and Judge J. B. M.
Hertzog, acting as the Government of the Orange Free State, and
Messrs. S. W. Burger, F. W. Reitz, Generals Louis Botha, J. H.
Delarey, Lucas Meyer, Krogh, acting as the Government of the South
African Republic, on behalf of their respective burghers, desirous to
terminate the present hostilities, agree on the following articles:--
1. The Burgher forces in the field will forthwith lay down their arms,
handing over all guns, rifles, and munitions of war in their possession
or under their control, and desist from any further resistance to the
authority of his Majesty King Edward VII., whom they recognise as their
lawful Sovereign. The manner and details of this surrender will be
arranged between Lord Kitchener and Commandant-General Botha, Assistant
Commandant-General Delarey, and Chief Commandant De Wet.
2. All Burghers in the field outside the limits of the Transvaal or
Orange River Colony, and all prisoners of war at present outside South
Africa who are Burghers, will, on duly declaring their acceptance of
the position of subjects of his Majesty King Edward VII., be gradually
brought back to their homes as soon as transports can be provided and
their means of subsistence ensured.
3. The Burghers so surrendering or so returning will not be deprived
of their personal liberty or their property.
4. No proceedings, civil or criminal, will be taken against any of the
Burghers surrendering or so returning for any acts in connection with
the prosecution of the war. The benefit of this clause will not extend
to certain acts contrary to usages of war which have been notified by
Commander-in-Chief to the Boer generals, and which shall be tried by
court-martial immediately after the close of hostilities.
5. The Dutch language will be taught in public schools in the
Transvaal and Orange River Colony where the parents of the children
desire it, and will be allowed in courts of law when necessary for the
better and more effectual administration of justice.
6. The possession of rifles will be allowed in the Transvaal and
Orange River Colony to persons requiring them for their protection on
taking out a licence according to law.
7. Military administration in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony
will at the earliest possible date be succeeded by civil government,
and, as soon as circumstances permit, representative institutions,
leading up to self-government, will be introduced.
8. The question of granting the franchise to natives will not be
decided until after the introduction of self-government.
9. No special tax will be imposed on landed property in the Transvaal
and Orange River Colony to defray the expenses of the war.
10. As soon as conditions permit, a commission, on which the local
inhabitants will be represented, will be appointed in each district of
the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, under the presidency of a
magistrate or other official, for the purpose of assisting the
restoration of the people to their homes and supplying those who,
owing to war losses, are unable to provide themselves with food,
shelter, and the necessary amount of seed, stock, implements, &c.,
indispensable to the resumption of their normal occupations.
His Majesty's Government will place at the disposal of these
commissions a sum of £3,000,000 for the above purposes, and will allow
all notes issued under Law 1 of 1900 of the South African Republic and
all receipts given by officers in the field of the late Republics, or
under their orders, to be presented to a judicial commission, which
will be appointed by the Government, and if such notes and receipts
are found by this commission to have been duly issued in return for
valuable considerations, they will be received by the first-named
commissions as evidence of war losses suffered by the persons to whom
they were originally given. In addition to the above-named free grant
of £3,000,000, his Majesty's Government will be prepared to make
advances on loan for the same purposes free of interest for two years,
and afterwards repayable over a period of years with 3 per cent.
interest.
No foreigner or rebel will be entitled to the benefit of this clause.
The correspondence relating to the last stage of the South
African War was published as a Parliamentary Paper. As the
future policy of South Africa will be directed by the
considerations which influenced the wording of the final
agreement, the important part of the correspondence is quoted
in its entirety. A series of brief despatches passed between
Lord Kitchener and the Secretary of State for War between March
12 and April 11. The first despatch announced the desire of Mr.
Schalk Burger, after receiving from Lord Kitchener a copy of
the correspondence connected with the Dutch Government's
negotiations, to obtain safe conduct in order to meet Mr. Steyn
with a view to making peace proposals. The meeting of the Boer
commanders, as is known, was arranged, and it took place at
Klerksdorp. On April 11 Lord Kitchener received permission from
the Secretary of State for War to accede to a request from the
Boer representatives for permission to lay certain proposals
before him. This Boer request was addressed to Lord Kitchener
in the following terms:--
"After quoting at length the correspondence between his
Majesty's Government and the Netherlands, they are of opinion
that it is a suitable moment to do everything possible to put a
stop to the war, and therefore decide to make certain
propositions to Lord Kitchener which can serve as a base for
further negotiations in order to bring about the desired end.
They further decide that, in their opinion, in order to
accelerate the desired aim and prevent misunderstanding, Lord
Kitchener be requested to meet them personally, time and place
to be appointed by him, in order to lay before him direct peace
proposals, which they are prepared to submit, and in order to
settle at once, by direct communication with him, all questions
that may present themselves, and thereby to make sure that this
meeting will have the desired result."
PRELIMINARY OVERTURES.
Then followed the succeeding telegraphic correspondence.
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _April 12, 1902_, 9.22 P.M.
All Boer representatives met to-day and wished the following
telegram sent:--
"The Boer representatives wish to lay before his Majesty's
Government that they have an earnest desire for peace, and that
they consequently decided to ask the British Government to end
hostilities, and to enter into an agreement by which, in their
opinion, all future war between them and the British Government
in South Africa will be prevented. They consider this object
may be attained by providing for following points:--
"1. Franchise.
"2. Equal rights for Dutch and English languages in education
matters.
"3. Customs Union.
"4. Dismantling of all forts in Transvaal and Orange River
Colony.
"5. Post, Telegraph, and Railways Union.
"6. Arbitration in case of future differences, and only
subjects of the parties to be the arbitrators.
"7. Mutual amnesty.
"But if these terms are not satisfactory they desire to know
what terms the British Government would give them in order to
secure the end they all desire."
I have assured them that his Majesty's Government will not
accept any proposals which would maintain independence of
Republic, as this would do, and that they must expect refusal.
FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR TO LORD KITCHENER.
WAR OFFICE, _13th April 1902_, 2.30 P.M.
His Majesty's Government sincerely share the earnest desire of
the Boer representatives for peace, and hope that the present
negotiations may lead to that result; but they have already
stated in the clearest terms, and must now repeat, that they
cannot entertain any proposals which are based upon the
continued independence of the former Republics, which have been
formally annexed to the British Crown.
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _14th April 1902_, 6.10 P.M.
The High Commissioner and I met the Boer representatives this
morning, when I communicated to them the substance of your
telegram. We then endeavoured to induce them to make fresh
proposals, but President Steyn, who throughout acted as their
leading spokesman, immediately took the line that while the
Boer Governments were competent to make peace they were not
competent to surrender the independence of their country; that
only the people could do this--the people, as explained,
meaning the Burghers still in the field. If he was to suggest
anything involving the abandonment of independence, it would be
a betrayal of their trust.
Schalk Burger and General Botha took precisely the same line.
As no progress could be made the meeting was adjourned by
mutual consent till this afternoon. The Boer representatives
then suggested an armistice in order to consult their people;
but I pointed out, with Lord Milner's full concurrence, that we
had not got nearly far enough in the direction of agreement to
justify such a course. Finally it was agreed that I should send
you the following message, which was read over several times,
and fully agreed to by the representatives, to whom I have
given a copy of it:--
"A difficulty has arisen in getting on with proceedings. The
representatives state that constitutionally they have no power
to discuss terms based on the surrender of independence,
inasmuch as only the Burghers can agree to such a basis;
therefore, if they were to propose, it would put them in a
false position with regard to their people. If, however, his
Majesty's Government would state the terms that, subsequent to
a relinquishment of independence, they would be prepared to
grant, the representatives, after asking for the necessary
explanations, without any expression of approval or
disapproval, would submit such conditions to their people."
THE QUESTION OF INDEPENDENCE.
FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR TO LORD KITCHENER.
WAR OFFICE, _April 16, 1902_, 2.20 P.M.
We have received with considerable surprise the message from
the Boer leaders contained in your telegram of April 14.
The meeting was arranged at their request, and they must have
been aware of our repeated declarations that we could not
entertain any proposals based on the renewed independence of
the two South African States. We were, therefore, entitled to
assume that the Boer representatives had relinquished the idea
of independence, and would propose terms of surrender for the
forces still in the field.
They now state that they are constitutionally incompetent to
discuss terms which do not include a restoration of
independence, but request us to inform them what conditions
would be granted if, after submitting the matter to their
followers, they were to relinquish the demand for independence.
This does not seem to us to be a satisfactory method of
proceeding, or one best adapted to secure, at the earliest
moment, a cessation of the hostilities which have involved the
loss of so much life and treasure.
We are, however, as we have been from the first, anxious to
spare the effusion of further blood, and to hasten the
restoration of peace and prosperity to the countries afflicted
by the war, and you and Lord Milner are therefore authorised to
refer the Boer leaders to the offer made by you to General
Botha more than twelve months ago, and to inform them that,
although the subsequent great reduction in the strength of the
forces opposed to us and the additional sacrifices thrown upon
us by the refusal of that offer would justify us in imposing
far more onerous terms, we are still prepared, in the hope of a
permanent peace and reconciliation, to accept a general
surrender on the lines of that offer, but with such
modifications in detail as may be agreed upon mutually.
You are also authorised to discuss such modifications with
them, and to submit the result for our approval.
Communicate this to High Commissioner.
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _April 17, 1902_, 6.40 P.M.
I communicated your telegram to the Boer representatives this
morning. They immediately asked for adjournment to consider it.
We met again at 2 P.M., when they pressed for the return of the
Boer delegates and for an armistice to enable them to consult
their burghers. I refused both on military grounds, but
promised facilities for them to hold meeting of their Burghers.
Lord Milner impressed on them necessity of coming back with
definite powers and determination to make peace at once, which
they promised to do. The meeting then broke up, and I had a
short meeting with Generals Botha, De Wet, and Delarey, to
arrange details of how they are to carry out meeting. These
were settled satisfactorily, and they will probably leave
to-morrow to get vote from their people.
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _April 18, 1902_, 10.55 A.M.
Have now arranged with the generals all details as to holding
meeting, and representatives of both States will leave here
to-night to carry out the arrangements.
FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR TO LORD KITCHENER.
WAR OFFICE, _April 19, 1902_.
Yours of yesterday. We fully realise the necessity of giving
the Boer leaders all due opportunity of consulting their
commandos, but we trust that no arrangements will be come to
which will make it necessary for you to suspend operations
until some definite arrangement is in view. We are continuing
to send reinforcements.
SURRENDER OF INDEPENDENCE.
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _April 19, 1902_, 11.40 A.M.
The Boer representatives have all left. The meeting of elected
representatives from commandos is arranged to be held at
Vereeniging on 13th or 15th May. I did my best to hasten, but
it was found impossible. I am not allowing facilities for
meeting of commandos in Cape Colony, and none will be there. I
have arranged with Boer leaders that foreigners serving with
them shall have no vote, and that votes will be by ballot. Each
commando will be represented by two Burghers. It is thought
probable that the meeting at Vereeniging will take two days,
after which, if favourable decision is arrived at, Boer
representatives will come here to arrange final settlement.
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _May 17, 1902_, 6.55 P.M.
Following telegram just received:--
"From State Presidents Burger and Steyn to Lord Kitchener.
"We have the honour to communicate to your Excellency that, as
a result of the Burghers assembling here, a commission has been
appointed by our Governments to negotiate with your Excellency
with a view to finishing the present hostilities. This
commission consists of Louis Botha, Christian De Wet, Hertzog,
Delarey, and Smuts. If your Excellency is agreeable to meet
this commission we request you to appoint time and place of
meeting."
After consultation with Lord Milner I have sent following
reply:--
"I have the honour to acknowledge your communication, and
should be glad to be informed if the commission you announce
have plenary powers to agree to terms for the cessation of
hostilities. If so, Lord Milner and I will be prepared to
receive them here. Colonel Henderson will arrange to put a
train at their disposal directly they inform him when they wish
to start."
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _May 18, 1902_, 2.15 P.M.
Following is reply from Burger and Steyn:--
"In reply to your Excellency's telegram of this morning, we
have the honour to inform you that commission, appointed in
accordance with instructions by the Burghers assembled, has
power to negotiate with your Excellency, subject to
ratification by the Burghers."
After consultation with Lord Milner, I have informed the
Presidents we will be glad to meet the commission here
to-morrow.
LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _May 19, 1902_, 7.20 P.M.
Meeting took place at 11.30, and Boer commission made following
proposals:--
1. We are prepared to surrender our independence as regards
foreign relations.
2. We wish to retain self-government under British supervision.
3. We are prepared to surrender a part of our territory.
Lord Milner and I refused to accept these terms as basis for
negotiation, as they differ essentially from the principles
laid down by his Majesty's Government. After a long discussion
nothing was decided, and it was determined to meet in the
afternoon. Commission met again at 4 P.M., when Lord Milner
proposed a form of document that might be submitted to the
Burghers for a "Yes" or "No" vote. There was a good deal of
objection to this, but it was agreed finally that Lord Milner
should meet Smuts and Hertzog with a view of drafting as far as
possible an acceptable document on the Botha lines. They will
meet to-morrow for that purpose. Lord Milner stipulated for the
assistance of Sir Richard Solomon in the preparation of the
draft documents.
FOR A "YES" OR "NO" VOTE.
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _May 21, 1902_, 4.50 P.M.
Commission are prepared to submit the following document to the
Burghers assembled at Vereeniging for a "Yes" or "No" vote if
his Majesty's Government approves of its terms:--
"His Excellency General Lord Kitchener and his Excellency Lord
Milner, on behalf of the British Government, and Messrs. M. T.
Steyn, J. Brebner, General C. R. de Wet, General C. Olivier,
and Judge J. B. M. Hertzog, acting as the Government of the
Orange Free State, and Messrs. S. W. Burger, F. W. Reitz,
Generals Louis Botha, J. H. Delarey, Lucas Meyer, Krogh, acting
as the Government of the South African Republic, on behalf of
their respective Burghers desirous to terminate the present
hostilities agree on the following articles:--
"1. The Burgher forces in the field will forthwith lay down
their arms, handing over all guns, rifles, and munitions of war
in their possession or under their control, and desist from any
further resistance to the authority of his Majesty King Edward
VII., whom they recognise as their lawful Sovereign. The manner
and details of this surrender will be arranged between Lord
Kitchener and Commandant-General Botha, Assistant
Commandant-General Delarey, and Chief Commandant de Wet.
"2. Burghers in the field outside the limits of the Transvaal
or Orange River Colony, on surrendering, will be brought back
to their homes.
"3. All prisoners of war at present outside South Africa who
are Burghers will, on their declaring their acceptance of the
position of subjects of his Majesty King Edward VII., be
brought back to the places where they were domiciled before the
war.
"4. The Burghers so surrendering or so returning will not be
deprived of their personal liberty or their property.
"5. No proceeding, civil or criminal, will be taken against any
of the Burghers surrendering or so returning for any acts in
connection with the prosecution of the war.
"6. The Dutch language will be taught in public schools in the
Transvaal and Orange River Colony, where the parents of the
children desire it, and will be allowed in Courts of Law when
necessary for the better and more effectual administration of
justice.
"7. The possession of rifles will be allowed in the Transvaal
and Orange River Colony to persons requiring them for their
protection on taking out a licence according to law.
"8. Military administration in the Transvaal and Orange River
Colony will at the earliest possible date be succeeded by civil
government, and, as soon as circumstances permit,
representative institutions, leading up to self-government,
will be introduced.
"9. The question of granting the franchise to natives will not
be decided until after the introduction of self-government.
"10. No special tax will be imposed on landed property in the
Transvaal and Orange River Colony to defray the expenses of the
war.
"11. A judicial commission will be appointed, to which
Government notes issued under Law No. 1 of 1900 of the South
African Republic may be presented within six months. All such
notes as are found to have been duly issued in the terms of
that law, and for which the persons presenting them have given
valuable considerations, will be paid, but without interest.
All receipts given by the officers in the field of the late
Republics, or under their orders, may likewise be presented to
the said commission within six months, and, if found to have
been given _bonâ fide_ for goods used by the Burgher forces in
the field, will be paid out to the persons to whom they were
originally given. The sum in respect of the said Government
notes and receipts shall not exceed £3,000,000 sterling, and if
the total amount of such notes and receipts approved by the
commission is more than that sum there shall be a _pro rata_
diminution. Facilities will be afforded to the prisoners of war
to present their Government notes and receipts within the six
months aforesaid.
"12. As soon as conditions permit, a commission, on which the
local inhabitants will be represented, will be appointed in
each district of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, under
the presidency of a magistrate or other official, for the
purpose of assisting the restoration of the people to their
homes, and supplying those who, owing to war losses, are unable
to provide for themselves with food, shelter, and the necessary
amount of seed, stock, implements, &c., indispensable to the
resumption of their normal occupations. Money for this will be
advanced by the Government, free of interest, and repayable
over a period of years."
MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S EMENDATIONS.
FROM MR. CHAMBERLAIN TO LORD MILNER.
COLONIAL OFFICE, _May 27, 1902_, 3.45 P.M.
I have to inform you that his Majesty's Government approve of
the submission to the assembly at Vereeniging for a "Yes" or
"No" vote the document prepared by the commission, and
forwarded by Lord Kitchener on 21st May to the Secretary of
State for War, subject to the following alterations:--
Clauses 2 and 3 should be put together, and will run as
follows:--
"All Burghers in the field outside the limits of the Transvaal
and Orange River Colony, and all prisoners of war at present
outside South Africa, who are Burghers, will, on duly declaring
their acceptance of the position of subjects of his Majesty
King Edward VII., be gradually brought back to their homes
as soon as transport can be provided and their means of
subsistence ensured."
The object of this alteration is to make clear that Burghers in
the field outside the two States will, like the Burghers inside
and the prisoners of war, declare their acceptance of the
position of subjects. It was clearly not intended that they
should be in any different position to their countrymen
elsewhere.
We have also inserted words to explain that return must be
gradual.
Clause 5. We add at end of clause the words:--
"The benefit of this clause will not extend to certain acts
contrary to usages of war which have been notified by
Commander-in-Chief to the Boer generals, and which shall be
tried by court-martial immediately after the close of
hostilities."
Clauses 11 and 12 must be omitted and the following clause
substituted:--
"As soon as conditions permit, a commission, on which the local
inhabitants will be represented, will be appointed in each
district of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony under the
presidency of a magistrate or other official, for the purpose
of assisting the restoration of the people to their homes and
supplying those who, owing to war losses, are unable to provide
themselves with food, shelter, and the necessary amount of
seed, stock, implements, &c., indispensable to the resumption
of their normal occupations.
"His Majesty's Government will place at the disposal of these
Commissions a sum of £3,000,000 for the above purposes, and
will allow all notes issued under Law 1 of 1900 of the South
African Republic, and all receipts given by officers in the
field of the late Republics, or under their orders, to be
presented to a judicial commission, which will be appointed by
the Government, and if such notes and receipts are found by
this commission to have been duly issued in return for valuable
considerations, they will be received by the first-named
commissions as evidence of war losses suffered by the persons
to whom they were originally given.
"In addition to the above-named free grant of £3,000,000, his
Majesty's Government will be prepared to make advances on loan
for the same purposes free of interest for two years, and
afterwards repayable over a period of years with 3 per cent.
interest. No foreigner or rebel will be entitled to the benefit
of this clause."
In making this communication to the delegates you must inform
them that if this opportunity of an honourable termination of
hostilities is not accepted within a time fixed by you the
conference will be considered at an end, and his Majesty's
Government will not be bound in any way by their present
declarations.
Lord Kitchener should have a copy of this telegram.
[Illustration: SURRENDERED BOERS AT BELFAST ANXIOUS TO JOIN THE NATIONAL
SCOUTS AFTER BEING ADDRESSED BY LORD KITCHENER
Drawing by F. de Harnen from Photographs]
THE SUBJECT OF BANISHMENT.
FROM MR. CHAMBERLAIN TO LORD MILNER.
COLONIAL OFFICE, _May 27, 1902_, 5.10 P.M.
We understand that the terms of surrender offered in my
telegram of to-day are confined to Burghers of the Orange Free
State and South African Republic at the date of the outbreak of
the war. His Majesty's Government are unable to make any
pledges on behalf of the Governments of the Cape or Natal as to
the treatment of rebels. You have no doubt kept in mind that
any favourable terms accorded by either of these Governments
will have to be sanctioned by the Legislature of the Colony.
His Majesty's Government must place it on record that the
treatment of Cape and Natal colonists who have been in
rebellion and who now surrender will be determined, if they
return to their colonies, by the Colonial Governments and in
accordance with the laws of the colonies, and that any other
British subjects who have joined the enemy will be liable to
trial under the law of that part of the British Empire to which
they belong.
The Cape Government have informed his Majesty's Government that
the following are their views as to the terms which should be
granted to British subjects of Cape Colony who are now in the
field, or have surrendered, or have been captured since the
12th April 1901:--
"With regard to rank and file, Ministers advise that upon
surrender they shall all, after giving up their arms, sign a
document before Resident Magistrate of district in which
surrender takes place acknowledging themselves guilty of high
treason, and that the punishment to be awarded to them,
provided they shall not have been guilty of murder or other
acts contrary to usages of civilised warfare, shall be that
they shall not be entitled for life to be registered as voters
or to vote at any Parliamentary, Divisional Council, or
Municipal election. Legislation will be required to give effect
to this recommendation. With regard to Justices of the Peace
and Field-Cornets of Cape Colony and all other persons holding
an official position under Government of Cape Colony, or who
may occupy post of commandant of rebel or Burgher forces,
Ministers advise that they shall be tried for high treason
before the ordinary tribunal of country or such special court
as may be hereafter constituted by law, the punishments for
their offence to be left to the discretion of court, with this
proviso, that in no case shall penalty of death be inflicted."
The Natal Government are of opinion that rebels should be dealt
with according to the law of the colony.
FROM MR. CHAMBERLAIN TO LORD MILNER.
COLONIAL OFFICE, _26th May 1902_, 6.50 P.M.
Have any promises been made to Boers by you with regard to the
leaders liable to banishment under the proclamation of 7th
August, some of whom have been specially named in notices
issued subsequently? This proclamation, you will recollect, was
the result of a strong representation from Lord Kitchener, and
supported by minute of Natal Government of 25th July. The exact
terms were finally settled by you. If you now think that this
proclamation should be disregarded I have no objection to make.
FROM LORD MILNER TO MR. CHAMBERLAIN.
(Received Colonial Office 3.30 P.M., _27th May 1902_.)
Referring to your telegram of 26th May. No promises have been
made or asked for. The Boers are no doubt aware that
legislation is required to give effect to banishment, and feel
that we would not introduce such legislation if Article 3 of
proposed agreement is accepted. This is obvious, and it follows
that if surrender comes off banishment will be tacitly dropped.
I was in favour of banishment proclamation, and was prepared to
go even further, as I thought, and I still think, that
resistance of Boers had ceased to be legitimate at that stage,
and that it was our duty to impose special penalties upon those
responsible for adoption of guerilla methods by which the
country was being ruined and by which alone the struggle could
be kept up at all.
So far from regretting the proclamation I believe it has had
great effect in increasing the number of surrenders, and in
inducing the Boers still in the field to desist from further
fighting. That has certainly been Kitchener's opinion, as he
has always pressed and given the greatest publicity to the
lists of banished leaders. But it would be a mistake if the
Boers now give in in a body and live as British subjects to
continue a prescription which would only keep up bitter
feelings and tend to prevent the country from settling down.
Kitchener agrees entirely.
FROM LORD MILNER TO MR. CHAMBERLAIN.
(Sent 7.55 P.M. Received Colonial Office 7.45 P.M., _27th May
1902_.)
My telegram of to-day, No. 1.
I made it clear, I hope, that what I said applied only to
banishment, not to sale of farms. Smuts did allude to this
point in committee, though not to banishment, but I gave him an
emphatic negative, and the subject was then dropped.
THE FIRST DRAFT AGREEMENT.
FROM LORD MILNER TO MR. CHAMBERLAIN.
(Despatched 11.10 P.M., _May 28_. Received Colonial Office 5.5
A.M., _May 29, 1902_.)
Referring to your telegram No. 1 of May 27. Commander-in-Chief
and I met the Boer delegates again this morning, and I
communicated to them the alterations and additions to their
draft contained in your telegram under reply, and informed them
that his Majesty's Government approved of the draft so altered
being submitted to the Burghers at Vereeniging for a "Yes" or
"No" answer. I added that if this opportunity of an honourable
termination of hostilities was not accepted within a time fixed
by us the conference would be considered at an end, and his
Majesty's Government would not be in any way bound by the
present declarations. I handed them at the same time a copy of
draft agreement in accordance with your instructions. There was
no discussion of it. Commander-in-Chief stated that before
fixing definitely the time by which we must receive an answer
he would like to know their opinion. He thought forty-eight
hours would be ample, but he did not wish to rush them.
The delegates, who it was agreed should return to Vereeniging
this evening, asked for an adjournment before giving an answer
as to time. To this we agreed.
Before they left I read to them a statement based on your
telegram of 27th May, No. 2, and was obliged to modify slightly
your message in order to bring it into harmony with the latest
communication I have received from the Cape Government on the
subject, according to which fresh legislation will not be
necessary; but essential points, viz., the degree of punishment
to be awarded and the classification of rebels, were given
absolutely in your words.
The delegates asked for a copy of my statement, which I handed
to them. The meeting then adjourned.
This afternoon we met delegates again for a few minutes. They
asked us to give them until Saturday night for their answer, to
which we agreed. We then shook hands and parted.
They returned at 9 P.M. to Vereeniging.
FROM LORD MILNER TO MR. CHAMBERLAIN.
(Despatched 6.5 P.M., _30th May_. Received Colonial Office 8.30
A.M., _31st May 1902_.)
After handing to Boer delegates a copy of draft agreement which
his Majesty's Government are prepared to approve with a view of
terminating the present hostilities, I read to them the
following statement and gave them a copy:--
His Majesty's Government must place it on record that the
treatment of Cape and Natal Colonists who have been in
rebellion and who now surrender will, if they return to their
colonies, be determined by the Colonial Governments and in
accordance with the laws of the colonies, and that any British
subjects who have joined the enemy will be liable to trial
under the law of that part of the British Empire to which they
belong.
His Majesty's Government are informed by the Cape Government
that the following are their views as to the terms which should
be granted to British subjects of Cape Colony who are now in
the field, or who have surrendered, or have been captured since
April 12, 1901:--
"With regard to rank and file, they should all, upon surrender,
after giving up their arms, sign a document before the Resident
Magistrate of the district in which the surrender takes place,
acknowledging themselves guilty of high treason, and the
punishment to be awarded to them, provided they shall not have
been guilty of murder or other acts contrary to the usages of
civilised warfare, should be that they shall not be entitled
for life to be registered as voters or to vote at any
Parliamentary, Divisional Council, or Municipal election. With
reference to Justices of the Peace and Field-Cornets of Cape
Colony and all other persons holding an official position under
the Government of Cape Colony, or who may occupy the position
of commandant of rebel or Burgher forces, they shall be tried
for high treason before the ordinary court of the country or
such special court as may be hereafter constituted by law, the
punishment for their offence to be left to the discretion of
court, with this proviso, that in no case shall penalty of
death be inflicted."
The Natal Government are of opinion that rebels should be dealt
with according to the law of the colony.
THE SIGNING OF THE TERMS.
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _May 31, 1902_, 5.15 P.M.
It is now settled that the Boer representatives will come here
immediately, and also the High Commissioner from Johannesburg.
It is possible that the document will be signed to-night. I
have received from them a statement saying that they accept and
are prepared to sign.
FROM LORD KITCHENER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
PRETORIA, _May 31, 1902_, 11.15 P.M.
Negotiations with Boer delegates. The document containing terms
of surrender was signed here this evening at 10.30 P.M. by all
Boer representatives, as well as by Lord Milner and myself.
FROM LORD MILNER TO MR. CHAMBERLAIN.
PRETORIA, _June 1_, 10.15 A.M.
The agreement, as amended by his Majesty's Government in your
telegram of May 27, was signed just before 11 P.M. last night
by Lord Kitchener and myself and ten Boer delegates, six
representing the Transvaal and four Orange Free State. A
resolution of Burgher assembly at Vereeniging authorising them
to sign was put in by them before signing it. Names of
signatories are the same as those in original draft sent in
Lord Kitchener's telegram, except that the initials had been
corrected in some cases and Mr. Steyn's name was omitted. He
was too ill to come up, and had already taken his parole. The
order of signatories is chiefly the same, except that De Wet
signed first of the Orange River Colony delegates, Hertzog
next, and then Brebner, the reason being that De Wet was
nominated "Acting President" by Steyn on retiring.
* * * * *
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE AFTER THE BATTLE OF COLENSO, DECEMBER 15, 1899
Since the conduct of General Sir Redvers Buller in regard to the
Relief of Ladysmith has been much discussed, it seems necessary for
the sake of the completeness of this Record of the War to reproduce,
without comment, the Official Correspondence which followed the defeat
at Colenso. General Buller himself forwarded the Despatches to the
Press Association, accompanied by the following letter:--
"17 LOWDNES SQUARE, W., _July 7, 1902_.
"I send you the enclosed document in the exact form in which it
has been supplied to me by the Secretary of State for War for
publication, and I shall be much obliged if you will kindly
circulate it to all newspapers, together with this letter, as I
wish to supplement the document by the remark that I was
delighted to receive the answer of the Secretary of State for
War of the 16th December 1899, because it assured me that
forces which I had been apprehensive were pledged in another
and less important direction would be at my disposal for
operations in Natal. Thanking you in anticipation, I am, sir,
yours faithfully,
"REDVERS BULLER, _General_."
FROM SIR R. BULLER TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR.
"CHIEVELEY CAMP, _December 15, 1899_.
"A serious question is raised by my failure to-day. I do not
now consider that I am strong enough to relieve Ladysmith.
Colenso is a fortress which, if not captured by a rush, could,
I think, only be taken by a siege. Within the eight miles from
the point of attack there is no water, and in this weather that
exhausts infantry. The place is fully entrenched. I do not
think we saw either a gun or a Boer all day, but the fire
brought to bear on us was very heavy. The infantry were willing
enough to fight, but the intense heat absolutely exhausted
them. I consider I ought to let Ladysmith go and to occupy a
good position for the defence of South Natal, and so let time
help us. But I feel I ought to consult you on such a step.
Twenty thousand men, I consider, faced us to-day; both in arms
and in position they had the advantage. They admit, indeed,
that they suffered severely, but my men are dispirited because
they have not seen a dead Boer. My losses have not been very
heavy; much heavier, indeed, I could have made them, but the
moment I failed to get on the run the result would have been
the same. I was beaten. I now feel I cannot say that with my
available force I can relieve Ladysmith, and I suggest that for
me to occupy a defensive position and fight it out in a country
better suited to our tactics is the best thing that I can do."
FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR TO GENERAL SIR R. BULLER.
"WAR OFFICE, _December 16, 1899_.
"The abandonment of White's force and its consequent surrender
is regarded by the Government as a national disaster of the
greatest magnitude. We would urge you to devise another attempt
to carry out its relief, not necessarily viâ Colenso, making
use of the additional men now arriving if you think fit."
FROM SIR R. BULLER TO SIR G. WHITE.
"_December 16, 1899_.
"I tried Colenso yesterday but failed; the enemy is too strong
for my force, except with siege operations, and these will take
one full month to prepare. Can you last so long? If not, how
many days can you give me in which to take up defensive
position? After which I suggest you firing away as much
ammunition as you can and making best terms you can. I can
remain here if you have alternative suggestion, but unaided I
cannot break in. I find my Infantry cannot fight more than ten
miles from camp, and then only if water can be got, and it is
scarce here."
NOTE.--In his subsequent message of 17th December Sir R. Buller said
the above message had been signalled correctly, but asked to make the
following corrections:--
"Strike out from 'If not how many' down to 'after which'
inclusive, and substitute 'How many days can you hold out?' Add
to end of message, 'Whatever happens recollect to burn your
cipher, decipher, and code-books, and all deciphered
messages.'"
Message of 16th December, as altered by that of 17th December 1899:--
"I tried Colenso yesterday but failed; the enemy is too strong
for my force, except with siege operations, and these will take
one full month to prepare. Can you last so long? How many days
can you hold out? I suggest you firing away as much ammunition
as you can and making best terms you can. I can remain here if
you have alternative suggestion, but unaided I cannot break in.
I find my Infantry cannot fight more than ten miles from camp,
and then only if water can be got, and it is scarce here.
Whatever happens recollect to burn your cipher, decipher, and
code-books, and all deciphered messages."
FROM SIR G. WHITE TO SIR R. BULLER.
"_December 16, 1899_.
"Yours of to-day received and understood. My suggestion is that
you take up strongest available position that will enable you
to keep touch of the enemy and harass him constantly with
artillery fire, and in other ways as much as possible. I can
make food last for much longer than a month, and will not think
of making terms till I am forced to. You may have hit enemy
harder than you think. All our native spies report that your
artillery fire made considerable impression on enemy. Have your
losses been very heavy? If you lose touch of enemy, it will
immensely increase his opportunities of crushing me, and have
worse effect elsewhere. While you are in touch with him, and in
communication with me, he has both of our forces to reckon
with. Make every effort to get reinforcements as early as
possible, including India, and enlist every man in both
colonies who will serve and can ride. Things may look brighter.
"The loss of 12,000 men here would be a heavy blow to England.
We must not yet think of it. I fear I could not cut my way to
you. Enteric fever is increasing alarmingly here. There are now
180 cases, all within last month. Answer fully; I am keeping
everything secret for the present till I know your plans."
RECIPIENTS OF THE VICTORIA CROSS
(_Continued_)
King Edward VII. was pleased to confer the decoration of the Victoria
Cross on the following officers, non-commissioned officers, and men,
whose claims were submitted to his Majesty's approval, for their
conspicuous bravery in South Africa, as stated against their names:--
=Captain H. N. Schofield=,[11] Royal Field Artillery.--At Colenso, on
December 15, 1899, when the detachments serving the guns of the 14th
and 60th Batteries Royal Field Artillery had all been killed, wounded,
or driven from them by infantry fire at close range, Captain Schofield
went out when the first attempt was made to extricate the guns, and
assisted in withdrawing the two that were saved.
=Private C. Ravenhill=, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers.--At
Colenso, on December 15, 1899, Private Ravenhill went several times,
under a heavy fire, from his sheltered position as one of the escort
to the guns, to assist the officers and drivers who were trying to
withdraw the guns of the 14th and 66th Batteries Royal Field
Artillery, when the detachments serving them had all been killed,
wounded, or driven from them by infantry fire at close range, and
helped to limber up one of the guns that were saved.
=Lieutenant (now Captain and Brevet-Major) J. E. I. Masterson=, 1st
Battalion Devonshire Regiment.--During the action at Wagon Hill on
January 6, 1900, Lieutenant Masterson commanded, with the greatest
gallantry and dash, one of the three companies of his regiment which
charged a ridge held by the enemy and captured their position. The
companies were then exposed to a most heavy and galling fire from the
right and left front. Lieutenant Masterson undertook to give a message
to the Imperial Light Horse, who were holding a ridge some hundred
yards behind, to fire to the left front and endeavour to check the
enemy's fire. In taking this message he crossed an open space of a
hundred yards which was swept by a most heavy cross fire, and though
badly wounded in both thighs managed to crawl in and deliver his
message before falling exhausted into the Imperial Light Horse trench.
His unselfish heroism was undoubtedly the means of saving several
lives.
=Privates R. Scott and J. Pitts=, 1st Battalion Manchester
Regiment.--During the attack on Cæsar's Camp, in Natal, on January 6,
1900, these two men occupied a sangar, on the left of which all our
men had been shot down and their positions occupied by Boers, and held
their post for fifteen hours without food or water, all the time under
an extremely heavy fire, keeping up their fire and a smart look-out,
though the Boers occupied some sangars on their immediate left rear.
Private Scott was wounded.
=Sergeant W. Firth=, 1st Battalion West Riding Regiment.--During the
action at Plowman's Farm, near Arundel, Cape Colony, on February 24,
1900, Lance-Corporal Blackman, having been wounded and lying exposed
to a hot fire at a range of from four to five hundred yards, Sergeant
Firth picked him up and carried him to cover. Later in the day, when
the enemy had advanced to within a short distance of the firing line.
Second Lieutenant Wilson being dangerously wounded and in a most
exposed position, Sergeant Firth carried him over the crest of the
ridge, which was being held by the troops, to shelter, and was himself
shot through the nose and eye while doing so.
=Corporal J. J. Clements=, Rimington's Guides.--On February 24, 1900,
near Strijdenburg, when dangerously wounded through the lungs and
called on to surrender, Corporal Clements threw himself into the midst
of a party of five Boers, shooting three of them with his revolver,
and thereby causing the whole party to surrender to himself and two
unwounded men of Rimington's Guides.
=Captain N R. House=, New South Wales Medical Staff Corps.--During the
action at Vredefort on July 24, 1900, Captain House went out under a
heavy cross fire and picked up a wounded man and carried him to a
place of shelter.
=Sergeant H. Hampton=, 2nd Battalion Liverpool Regiment.--On August
21, 1900, at Van Wyk's Vlei, Sergeant Hampton, who was in command of a
small party of Mounted Infantry, held an important position for some
time against heavy odds, and when compelled to retire saw all his men
into safety, and then, though he had himself been wounded in the head,
supported Lance-Corporal Walsh, who was unable to walk, until the
latter was again hit and apparently killed, Sergeant Hampton himself
being again wounded a short time after.
=Private E. Durrant=, 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade.--At Bergendal, on
August 27, 1900, Acting-Corporal Wellar having been wounded, and being
somewhat dazed, got up from his prone position in the firing line,
exposing himself still more to the enemy's fire, and commenced to run
towards them. Private Durrant rose, and pulling him down endeavoured
to keep him quiet, but finding this impossible he took him up and
carried him back for 200 yards under a heavy fire to shelter,
returning immediately to his place in the line.
=Private C. Kennedy=, 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry.--At
Dewetsdorp, on November 22, 1900, Private Kennedy carried a comrade,
who was dangerously wounded and bleeding to death, from Gibraltar Hill
to the hospital, a distance of three-quarters of a mile, under a very
hot fire. On the following day, volunteers having been called for to
take a message to the commandant across a space over which it was
almost certain death to venture, Private Kennedy at once stepped
forward. He did not, however, succeed in delivering the message, as he
was severely wounded before he had gone twenty yards.
=Farrier-Major W. J. Hardham=, 4th New Zealand Contingent.--On January
28, 1901, near Naauwpoort, this non-commissioned officer was with a
section which was extended and hotly engaged with a party of about
twenty Boers. Just before the force commenced to retire Trooper M'Crae
was wounded and his horse killed. Farrier-Major Hardham at once went
under a heavy fire to his assistance, dismounted and placed him on his
own horse, and ran alongside until he had guided him to a place of
safety.
=Sergeant W. B. Traynor=, 2nd Battalion the Prince of Wales's Own
(West Yorkshire Regiment).--During the night attack on Bothwell Camp
on February 6, 1901, Sergeant Traynor jumped out of a trench and ran
out under an extremely heavy fire to the assistance of a wounded man.
While running out he was severely wounded, and being unable to carry
the man by himself he called for assistance. Lance-Corporal Lintott at
once came to him, and between them they carried the wounded soldier
into shelter. After this, although severely wounded, Sergeant Traynor
remained in command of his section, and was most cheerful, encouraging
his men till the attack failed.
=Lieutenant F. B. Dugdale=, 5th Lancers.--On March 3, 1901, Lieutenant
Dugdale, who was in command of a small outpost near Derby, having been
ordered to retire, his patrol came under a heavy fire at a range of
about two hundred and fifty yards, and a sergeant, two men, and a
horse were hit. Lieutenant Dugdale dismounted and placed one of the
wounded men on his own horse; he then caught another horse, galloped
up to a wounded man and took him up behind him, and brought both men
safely out of action.
=Lieutenant F. W. Bell=, West Australian Mounted Infantry.--At
Brakpan, on May 16, 1901, when retiring through a heavy fire after
holding the right flank, Lieutenant Bell noticed a man dismounted and
returned and took him up behind him. The horse, not being equal to the
weight, fell with them. Lieutenant Bell then remained behind and
covered the man's retirement till he was out of danger.
=Sergeant James Rogers=, South African Constabulary.--On the 15th June
1901, during a skirmish near Thabanchu, a party of the rearguard of
Captain Sitwell's column, consisting of Lieutenant F. Dickinson,
Sergeant James Rogers, and six men of the South African Constabulary,
was suddenly attacked by about sixty Boers. Lieutenant Dickinson's
horse having been shot, that officer was compelled to follow his men
on foot. Sergeant Rogers seeing this, rode back, firing as he did so,
took Lieutenant Dickinson up behind him, and carried him for half a
mile on his horse. The sergeant then returned to within four hundred
yards of the enemy and carried away, one after the other, two men who
had lost their horses, after which he caught the horses of two other
men, and helped the men to mount. All this was done under a very heavy
rifle fire. The Boers were near enough to Sergeant Rogers to call on
him to surrender: his only answer was to continue firing.
=Lieutenant W. J. English=, 2nd Scottish Horse.--This officer with
five men was holding the right of a position at Vlakfontein on July 3,
1901, during an attack by the Boers. Two of his men were killed and
two wounded, but the position was still held largely owing to
Lieutenant English's personal pluck. When the ammunition ran short he
went over to the next party and obtained more; to do this he had to
cross some fifteen yards of open ground under a heavy fire at a range
of from twenty to thirty yards.
=Private H. G. Crandon=, 18th Hussars.--On July 4, 1901, at Springbok
Laagte, Privates Berry and Crandon were scouting towards a kopje when
the Boers suddenly opened fire on them at a range of one hundred
yards. Private Berry's horse fell and became disabled, and he was
himself shot in the right hand and left shoulder. Private Crandon at
once rode back under a heavy fire to his assistance, gave up his horse
to the wounded man to enable him to reach shelter, and followed him on
foot having to run for one thousand one hundred yards, all the time
under fire.
=Sergeant-Major Alexander Young=, Cape Police.--Towards the close of
the action at Ruiter's Kraal, on the 13th of August 1901,
Sergeant-Major Young, with a handful of men, rushed some kopjes which
were being held by Commandant Erasmus and about twenty Boers. On
reaching these kopjes the enemy were seen galloping back to another
kopje held by the Boers. Sergeant-Major Young then galloped on some
fifty yards ahead of his party, and closing with the enemy shot one of
them and captured Commandant Erasmus, the latter firing at him three
times at point blank range before being taken prisoner.
=Lieutenant L. A. E. Price Davies. D.S.O.=, King's Royal Rifle
Corps.--At Blood River Poort, on September 17, 1901, when the Boers
had overwhelmed the right of the British column, and some four hundred
of them were galloping round the flank and rear of the guns, riding up
to the drivers (who were trying to get the guns away) and calling on
them to surrender, Lieutenant Price Davies, hearing an order to fire
on the charging Boers, at once drew his revolver and dashed in among
them, firing at them in a most gallant and desperate attempt to rescue
the guns. He was immediately shot and knocked off his horse, but was
not mortally wounded, although he had ridden to what seemed to be
almost certain death without a moment's hesitation.
=Driver F. G. Bradley=, 69th Battery Royal Field Artillery.--During
the action at Itala, Zululand, on the 26th September 1901, Major
Chapman called for volunteers to carry ammunition up the hill. To do
this a space of about one hundred and fifty yards swept by a heavy
cross fire had to be crossed. Driver Lancashire and Gunner Bull at
once came forward and started, but half-way across Driver Lancashire
fell wounded. Driver Bradley and Gunner Rabb without a moment's
hesitation ran out and caught Driver Lancashire up, and Gunner Rabb
carried him under cover, the ground being swept by bullets the whole
time. Driver Bradley then, with the aid of Gunner Boddy, succeeded in
getting the ammunition up the hill.
=Private W. Bees=, 1st Battalion Derbyshire Regiment.--Private Bees
was one of the Maxim-gun detachment which at Moedwil on the 30th
September 1901 had six men hit out of nine. Hearing his wounded
comrades asking for water he went forward, under a heavy fire, to a
spruit held by Boers about five hundred yards ahead of the gun, and
brought back a kettle full of water. In going and returning he had to
pass within one hundred yards of some rocks also held by Boers, and
the kettle which he was carrying was hit by several bullets.
=Lieutenant L. C. Maygar=, 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles.--At
Geelhoutboom, on the 23rd November 1901, Lieutenant Maygar galloped
out and ordered the men of a detached post, which was being
outflanked, to retire. The horse of one of them being shot under him,
when the enemy were within two hundred yards, Lieutenant Maygar
dismounted and lifted him on to his own horse, which bolted into boggy
ground, causing both of them to dismount. On extricating the horse,
and finding that it could not carry both, Lieutenant Maygar again put
the man on its back and told him to gallop for cover at once, he
himself proceeding on foot. All this took place under a very heavy
fire.
=Surgeon-Captain T. J. Crean=, 1st Imperial Light Horse.--During the
action with De Wet at Tygerskloof, on the 18th December 1901, this
officer continued to attend to the wounded in the firing line, under a
heavy fire at only one hundred and fifty yards' range, after he had
himself been wounded, and only desisted when he was hit a second time,
and, as it was at first thought, mortally wounded.
=Surgeon-Captain A. Martin-Leake=, South African Constabulary.--During
the action at Vlakfontein, on the 8th of February 1902,
Surgeon-Captain Martin-Leake went up to a wounded man and attended to
him under a heavy fire from about forty Boers at a hundred yards'
range. He then went to the assistance of a wounded officer, and while
trying to place him in a comfortable position was shot three times,
but would not give in till he rolled over thoroughly exhausted. All
the eight men at this point were wounded, and while they were lying on
the veldt Surgeon-Captain Martin-Leake refused water till every one
else had been served.
FOOTNOTES:
[11] See Author's remarks, Biographical Record, vol. vi.
TRANSCRIBERS' NOTES
General: Corrections to punctuation have been made but not individually
noted
General: Variable hyphenation of pom(-)pom and women(-)folk as in the
original text
General: Variable accenting of depôt and bonâ as in the original text
Page iv: Arril corrected to April in first section of chapter XVII
Page v: Klersdorp standardised to Klerksdorp
Page vii: Herschell standardised to Herschel
Page x: Ookief standardised to Ookiep
Pages 9, 105, 106: Variable spelling of Boesman's Kop/Boesmans Kop/
Boesmanskop as in the original
Pages 19, 148: Lambart's Bay standardised to Lambert's Bay
Pages 31, 34, 113: Venterdorp standardised to Ventersdorp
Page 39: prisioners corrected to prisoners
Page 41: Commandant Brester corrected to Bester; Luneburg standardised
to Luneberg
Page 45: Steelport standardised to Steelpoort
Page 72: Lydenberg standardised to Lydenburg
Page 82: Luckkoff standardised to Luckhoff; Frederickstad standardised
to Frederikstad
Page 85: Presidents corrected to President
Page 91: Bothasberg as in the original. Left as part of a quotation
Pages 95, 120: Middlekraal standardised to Middelkraal
Page 101: livlihood corrected to livelihood
Page 109: spendidly corrected to splendidly
Page 114: maurauders corrected to marauders
Page 123: sevitude corrected to servitude
Page 135: splended corrected to splendid
Page 138: Laingsberg standardised to Laingsburg
Page 145: neigbourhood corrected to neighbourhood; Lieuentant-General
corrected to Lieutenant-General
Page 162: Colonel corrected to Colonels after "by columns under"
Page 189: Cornelius River standardised to Cornelis River
Page 194: columus corrected to columns