'HELD BY THE ENEMY'
_Extracts from the Journal of Lieutenant H. Frankland,
Royal Dublin Fusiliers, lately prisoner of
war at Pretoria_.
Lieutenant Frankland was captured by the Boers when the armoured train
was destroyed at Chieveley, in Natal, on the 15th of November, 1899. He
was carried as a prisoner to Pretoria, where he arrived on the 19th of
November, and where he remained until the 5th of June, 1900, when
Pretoria fell and the greater part of the prisoners were set free by
their victorious comrades.
* * * * *
'_November_ 19*th.*--To wake up and find oneself enclosed in the space
of a few acres for an indefinite period is scarcely pleasant; however,
one cannot always be miserable. The monotony will, I have no doubt,
become very trying, but for the first few days I have a good deal to do.
The State Model School, which has been turned into a prison for the
officers, is a building of rectangular shape. A long corridor runs
through the centre, and on both sides of this are the rooms, where the
officers sleep. They are supplied with a spring bed and two blankets
apiece, while the whole place is lighted by electricity. At one end is
the dining-room and gymnasium.
'In front is the road, from which the building is separated by iron
railings. Behind there is a sort of back garden where the police and
soldier servants live in tents, and where the kitchen and the bath-room
are situated. This piece of ground is surrounded on three sides by a
six-foot fence of corrugated iron, and the whole place is watched by a
cordon of armed police, about fifteen being on duty always. The
Government here generously supplies the officers with bread and water,
half a pound of bully beef a day, and groceries. We have a small piece
of ground and a gymnasium for exercise. As there are, alas! about fifty
officers here, we have formed a sort of mess, and for the sum of three
shillings a day we improve our scanty allowance of food. They have
supplied us with a suit of clothes each, but mine was much too big for
me. I began to write my diary this evening, and had a long talk with
Garvice in my regiment, who told me how he had been captured. Dinner
7.30; bed, and sleep.
'_November_ 20*th.*--It looks as if the rest of my diary for several
months would contain each day the words, "the same as usual." I have
only been here forty-eight hours, but the monotony has already begun to
show itself. Not the monotony only, but the want of freedom, the want
of news, the knowledge that the rest of the war will be carried out
without my share in its victories, when, had it not been for some
unhappy fate, I might yet have seen many an action--all these combine to
oppress and irritate my mind. I tried to make a sketch of the armoured
train, but it was not a success, and I must begin again to-morrow. The
very length of empty time in front of me makes me quite patient.
'_November_ 21*st.*--It is getting extremely hot. The lack of open
space to walk in makes me feel lazy, and one gets quite tired after
going a few times around the building. What one most looks forward to
are the meals, and these are not very satisfying. But of course I am
still suffering from the appetite of freedom, and I have no doubt that a
month or so of this sort of life will make me feel less ravenous. I
wrote some of my diary, and commenced another sketch of the armoured
train, which I hope to be able to send to the "Graphic." Churchill has
written asking to be released, but he does not expect any result. The
mosquitoes here are very troublesome, and I have been constantly bitten.
'_November_ 23*rd.*--The mail was supposed to go to-day, so I found
occupation in a few letters. It is still very sultry. I succeeded in
getting through a good deal of my diary, and, after writing nearly all
day, played a game of rounders in the evening. This last occupation
appears to cause much annoyance to the police, who frequently get hit by
the ball. Another game here is fives, which we play with a tennis ball
in the gymnasium. There seems to be some news about, but we can get
nothing out of these people. By these people I mean Malan--a spiteful,
objectionable animal--who ought to be at the front, were he not a
coward; Opperman, a slightly more agreeable person, of large dimensions,
and Dr. Gunning, a much more amiable fellow. It seems absurd that they
do not allow us to buy papers. What harm could we do with them?
'Some of the restrictions are so childish, and tend to make life here so
sickening, that I am sure if curses could harm the Transvaal Government
it would not be long-lived.
'This morning Churchill was visited by De Souza, the Secretary of War,
by the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and others, and there
followed a very animated discussion about the causes and the justice of
the war. It was a drawn game, and they all talked at once at the end,
especially Churchill. I am afraid for his sake he is not likely to be
exchanged or released. The Boers have got to hear of the part he played
in the armoured train episode.
'_November_ 24*th.*--There is some news abroad to-day. The Free Staters
have been attacked at Belmont by the British, probably under Buller, but
the result is uncertain. Of course the Boers report a victory on their
side, but one gets quite accustomed to their "victories." Dundee was a
victory, likewise Elandslaagte. I am getting on slowly with my diary,
and manage to make it occupy a great deal of time.
'_November_ 25*th.*--Evidently we have won a victory at Belmont; its
results are immediately apparent here. They have suddenly become much
more lenient and complacent. We are actually allowed newspapers, and
the President is considering the question of beer. The papers admit
that the British drove the Free Staters from their position at Belmont,
but with great loss, while that of the Boers is practically nil. Rumours
say that General Joubert is cut off between Estcourt and Mooi River; how
I hope it is true!
'_November_ 26*th.*--The Rev. Mr. Hofmeyr is a prisoner here, and held
service this morning, when he delivered a most eloquent address. There
is a harmonium in one of the rooms, and Mr. Hofmeyr, who sings very
well, gives us some very good music. He knows a lot of old English
songs, which are pleasant to hear, although they rather suggest the
Psalm beginning "By the waters of Babylon." Hofmeyr, though a Dutchman,
is an ardent supporter of the Imperial cause, and he has in consequence
been very cruelly treated by the Boers before he came here.
'It is quite touching to see how the Boers try to hide their defeat.
All the accounts are cooked, but even De Souza acknowledges that if
things go on as at present the war will soon be over. There have been
several days' fighting south of Kimberley, and Buller is advancing
steadily. On the Natal side Joubert passed Estcourt, and reached Mooi
River, where he was attacked by the new division and defeated. In
retiring he was attacked by part of the Estcourt garrison, result
unknown. He will probably retire on Colenso.
'_November_ 27*th.*--Not much news to-day. According to the "Volksstem"
British lost fifteen hundred at Belmont, and the Boers nine killed and
forty wounded. However, they can't deny that the Free Staters were
licked, and De Souza admits that Kimberley will probably be relieved
shortly. Moreover, Khama is said to have risen. This has disturbed
them all exceedingly, and Opperman is highly indignant.
'_November_ 30*th.*--I find nothing to record here except the scraps of
news one gets in the newspapers, all else is monotonous--appalling
monotony. In the evening one feels it most, and sometimes I don't think
I can endure it for another month. All sorts of absurd rumours are
spread about here by that intelligent paper the "Volksstem." The latest
is that four British regiments have refused to fight, being in sympathy
with the Republican cause. I wonder whether Buller will desert to the
Boer side? The fact remains that the papers give no news whilst there
must be plenty, and this looks as if the untold news must be bad for
them. We hear that General Forestier-Walker has been killed, and that
Lord Methuen is seriously wounded. This morning the rumour runs that
our troops have occupied Colenso. The regiment is sure to be there.
How I wish I were with it!
'_December_ 4*th.*--No real news, but various and contradictory rumours.
The Boers have begun to acknowledge their losses, and the paper have
long lists of killed and wounded. Major ----, of the West Yorks, arrived
to-day, having been captured near Estcourt. From him I learned that all
was well there. A few days ago three battalions--West Yorks, Borderers
and Second Queen's--went out and attacked the Boers. Apparently the
engagement was indecisive, and the losses on either side not very great.
The rumour goes that Buller is in Natal, and not in the Free State after
all. Of course he is advancing to the relief of Ladysmith. We all
think that his plan will be to hold the Boers in front of Colenso while
he takes a large force around by the flank. The Boers have retired
beyond the river, and have blown up the Tugela railway bridge. On the
other side, Lord Methuen's Division is having severe fighting; he has
defeated the Boers at Modder River, and the relief of Kimberley is
imminent. The papers do not publish much news themselves, but
occasionally publish some of the English cuttings with sarcastic
editorial comments. In the Dutch version of the "Volksstem" they slate
the Free Staters unmercifully for having run away at Modder River.
'Oh, that we might be exchanged. Joubert has wired _via_ Buller to
England advocating such a step.
'_December_ 15*th.*--"_Tempus fugit_," and it has not been quite so dull
as usual. First, and most important of all, Churchill has escaped.
Whether he has made it good or not is still uncertain; but he has now
been gone two days, and I have great hopes. Besides the excitement there
has been a very amusing side to the affair. Of course Churchill was the
very last person who ought to have gone. He was always talking and
arguing with the officials, and was therefore well known, and, indeed,
scarcely a day passed without Dr. Gunning or Mr. de Souza inquiring for
him. His plans for escape were primitive; but, being still in prison, I
must not write anything about this part of the affair. Let it suffice
that Churchill got away without any trace left behind. Next morning, as
it chanced, it was the day for the barber to come and shave him, and
having only just woke up I put the barber off rather feebly by saying
that Churchill had gone to the bath-room, and would not need shaving.
What should the detective who accompanied the barber do but wait outside
the bath-room, and, finding no Churchill, began to suspect. Gunning
then came upon the scene, closely followed by Opperman, both asking and
seeking anxiously for their captive. Their distress at finding him gone
was really pathetic. They immediately put on all kinds of restrictions.
No papers, calling rolls, not allowing anyone into the yard outside the
building after 8 P.M,, and stopping all beer. I am reminded of the
fable "Le Corbeau et le Renard," which ends, "Le Corbeau ... jura, mais
un peu tard, qu'on ne l'y prendroit plus." Curiously enough, the day
after Churchill had escaped an order is said to have come from General
Joubert for his release. However, I have no doubt but that this was all
made up to excuse themselves for not being able to catch him. I do hope
he gets away.
'Our spirits are constantly on the rise and fall. At one time we are
about to be exchanged, at another nothing has been heard of it; at one
time there is a brilliant British success, greatly modified, of course,
by the enlightened "Volksstem" editor, at another a crushing British
defeat, with all the Generals and thousands of soldiers killed and
wounded. Yesterday we heard of the splendid achievement of the British
troops in Ladysmith in smashing up the 84-pounder at Lombard's Kop,
several Howitzers and a Maxim. Then came the defeat of General Gatacre
at Stormburg, and the capture of 600 prisoners, and on the top of this
the victory which the Boers claim at Magersfontein. All this is very
terrible. I think I feel almost as miserable as I did the night I was
captured. Are the British troops ever going to drive the Boers back?
Will they ever come and take Pretoria? or will they, on the other hand,
be driven back, and the people at home get sick of the war, like in '81,
and--no, impossible--and yet who will dare predict? It is too awful to
hear all these shocking reports, and to be able to do nothing oneself.
One always imagines on these occasions one's presence at the scene of
fighting absolutely indispensable if there is to be a victory. However,
these miserable days cannot last for ever. Perhaps they are even now at
an end. De Souza, with a faltering voice, has confessed that Buller is
advancing at last in great force. He must win.
'_December_ 19*th.*--Worse than ever. Buller has attacked in full
strength at Colenso and has been defeated with a loss of ten guns and
many hundred men. This is too awful--I could have cried. The hand of
fate seems to be raised against us. The only thing to do is to wait
patiently till the next disaster. The Stormburg prisoners have arrived,
the Colenso prisoners are expected to-morrow. Everybody is cursing the
Generals; but they always think they could do better themselves. I hear
that Hart's Brigade, with our regiment in it, were caught in quarter
column at close range. They must have suffered terribly. Never mind;
Methuen has relieved Kimberley. The officials all deny it, but it must
be true.
'_December_ 23*rd.*--No more news. The authorities are getting more and
more silly and disagreeable; all kinds of babyish restrictions are
invented to annoy us. Churchill has got to Delagoa Bay, and has wired
his safe arrival to De Souza. Hurrah!
* * * * *
'I have not dared until now, when all is a failure, to set down in this
book any account of the one occupation that has prevented us from going
mad with disappointment in these sad times. About the middle of the
month Haldane devised a plan of making a tunnel from under our room
across the road. The five fellows in our dormitory and Le Mesurier, who
shifted his abode for the purpose, began about ten days ago. First, we
thought of cutting a hole in the floor, but, on looking round, we
suddenly found a trap-door already made. Beneath the floor there is a
curious place. The rafters are supported by stone walls, so that
underneath there is a series of compartments about twenty-four feet by
four, with access from one to another by means of man-holes in each
wall. We commenced digging in the compartment next to the one under the
trap-door. The ground at first was very hard, but with chisels and
implements taken from the gymnasium, we managed to get down four feet of
the shaft in about four days. It was a queer sight to see two
half-naked figures digging away by candle light, for we used to work in
reliefs of two--one to dig and the other to cast away the earth in boxes
or jugs. Suddenly, one day, we broke through the hard crust and came to
some soft clay soil. We were delighted at this, and expected to get
through it in no time; but, alas! with the soft earth came water, and
without pumps, bale as we would, we could not get rid of it. Every
morning the shaft was completely bilged; so, having dug down six feet,
our plan was brought to an end, and we had to screw up our trap-door
again in bitter disappointment. The officers of the Gloucester Regiment
are digging too, but they are sure to find the same difficulties.
'_Christmas Day_, 1899.--I can scarcely realise that it is Christmas,
the day I have hitherto spent at home with family and friends. I can
see the rooms decorated with holly and "Merry Christmas" cut in white
paper and pasted on red Turkish twill hanging over the doorway. A Merry
Christmas! What irony! The time, of course, was bound to come when the
circle at home would be broken; but little did I dream where or under
what unhappy circumstances. A Merry Christmas! to a prisoner--not when
his countrymen, victorious and full of enthusiasm, are marching rapidly
to his release, but when the armies of his country, beaten back, lie far
away; when, helpless himself, despair seizes his heart; when reverses
grow into disasters and the might of the dear old land in which he
trusted seems to have weakened and died. A Happy Christmas! with the
New Year black, uncertain, and unknown. Of course we drank the health
of the Queen at dinner--in lime-juice. 'Twas all we had; but we meant
it none the less.
'_December_ 30*th.*--They say there were only 1,200 casualties at
Colenso; but we have just heard that ---- and ---- of our regiment have
been killed. O, God! it seems too awful. To hear of all one's friends
crippled or dead; all the best are picked off, and here are we tied up
quite safely with our beastly skins unhurt, and not likely to run into
the slightest danger while our comrades are losing their lives. We must
win this war.
* * * * *
'_January_ 1*st.*--I have had many arguments as to whether this is the
commencement of a new century or not, and after much reasoning I have
decided that as it is the year 1900, or the nineteen hundredth year, it
is the last of the nineteenth century and not the beginning of the
twentieth. Whatever it may be, this is a hateful place to spend the
beginning of anything in. The "Volksstem" printed a list of casualties
to-day, and I see that our regiment lost forty-two killed at Colenso.
What must the numbers of the wounded have been? [Here follows a list of
wounded officers.] Sergeant Gage was killed, and they say he was one of
the first to cross the waggon bridge. This looks as if the regiment had
stormed the bridge, which is much better than being mown down in quarter
column. All these losses are terrible, but I believe that Colenso is
only a reconnaissance in force. What must a battle be like?
'The last week has been, if possible, more dreary than usual. One of
the fellows in our room has made himself very obnoxious lately, and has
had to be sat upon severely. I have never met such an ungentlemanlike
creature. It is all the more unpleasant in a place like this, where we
are so closely packed. There are rumours of fighting near Colesburg,
probably by General French. The Boers say the action is indecisive,
which means a victory for us.
'_January_ 7*th.*--Nothing of importance has occurred lately. There has
been a bit of a fight with Opperman, who tried to take away from
Boscher, the local grocer, his contract for the supply of our mess, on
the ground that Boscher had helped Churchill to escape: Result a
complete victory for us and the reinstatement of Boscher. More Zarps,
as the policemen who guard us are called, and poor little Gunning have
been commandeered. He prepares himself to go. His reason is peculiar.
Should his children, in after years, ask him if he fought for the
freedom of the State, he would like to be able to say "Yes." However,
if he goes I hope he will find a large rock to get behind and so come
back safely.
'This afternoon a most alarming rumour was started by somebody, namely:
that Ladysmith had fallen. Though I did not actually believe it, we are
always having such frightful disasters that I felt very uncomfortable.
Later, however, we learned that all was well.
'_January_ 10*th.*--Ladysmith has not fallen. The news of the defeat of
the Boers on the Platrand has been confirmed, and, in spite of their
lies, we know their losses were heavy. At Colesburg there was a night
attack, and a half battalion of the Suffolks got much knocked about.
Two of their officers came in as prisoners yesterday; they say the Boers
have received large reinforcements at Colesburg. There is a rumour that
Dr. Leyds has been arrested in Germany for trying to enlist German
Reservists. A British force is said to be at Douglas, west of
Kimberley. They made a night attack and captured some stores and
ammunition. The Transvaalers in their excitement succeeded in firing
into the Free Staters, shooting, among others, Opperman's nephew. We
offered our sympathies, but after all it is one the less. This evening
we received a most excellent rumour that the Boers had lost 900 men near
Colenso. I hope it is true, and that the Tugela has, therefore, been
crossed. This will be a step towards the relief of Ladysmith. At
Colesburg the Boers are in a critical position. Things seem to be
looking up a bit. I wish that we could get just a little truth. These
rumours torture and deceive.
'_January_ 14*th.*--All kinds of startling rumours have been about
to-day: The British fighting in overwhelming numbers around Ladysmith;
Buller surprised and taken prisoner at Pieters Station. Boers in a
tight corner at Colesburg. What can one believe? All men are liars--in
Africa! Life is getting very unbearable. I am sure we shall be a lot
of lunatics when we are set free.
'_January_ 29*th.*--How we clamour for news, and how our spirits rise
and fall as the rumours are favourable or bad. The other day the
prisoners arrived from the Spion Kop fight. The result of the attack on
Spion Kop is not known. We took the hill, but, for some reason, the
rumour goes that we have left it again and re-crossed the river. Can
this be another lie? We hear that the regiment did not cross the waggon
bridge, but tried to swim the river at Colenso last month. Very few got
over. Hensley was killed the other day at Spion Kop. One can scarcely
realise these losses, and I don't think we shall until we join the mess
and see the sad gaps among familiar faces.
'_February_ 5*th.*--We have been getting a fair share of good news
lately, or, at least, good rumours. The relief of Kimberley is an
established fact. Colesburg is on its last legs, though news of its
surrender to French needs confirmation. There is fighting at the
Tugela, concerning which the latest bulletin is "British have taken a
position--Vaal Krantz." Nor is this all, other factors are at work
besides the British Army. There is considerable dissension between the
Transvaalers and the Free Staters. The former complain that they are
always put in the fore front of the battle, while the latter rejoin that
not only are they invariably sent to the more exposed kopjes, but that
while they are aiding the Transvaalers to fight in Natal they are
receiving no help in the defence of the Free State.
'_February_ 12*th.*--It would take too long, even when time is nothing
but a curse, to record all the items of news we have lately received.
So many startling rumours have been confirmed and denied that I long to
know what is the real truth, but in the Capital of this doomed
country--in the very metropolis of lies and liars--we shall never learn
the truth until our friends come to bring it with them.
'I have just finished reading "Esmonde," which I enjoyed very much. One
advantage of my forced sojourn in this country is that I may improve my
education. Indeed, reading occupies the greater part of our time,
though I myself cannot fix my attention on a book for very long under
these miserable circumstances. The State Library has a fair selection
of books, and by paying a small subscription the prisoners are allowed
to take out books therefrom. The only forbidden fruits are the books of
South Africa; for these volumes, recording the evil wrought by the
British race on this chosen people, are carefully stowed away for fear
of the English trying to destroy the histories of their crimes.
'This morning an officer of the South African Light Horse was buried.
To all intents and purposes he was murdered by the Transvaal Government.
Although he had typhoid fever he was thrown into prison, and not until
the authorities were pretty certain he would die was he sent to the
hospital. Ten officers on parole went as pall-bearers and we all
subscribed for a very pretty wreath.
'Patience is played as a game here largely by ancient Colonels and
Majors, and practised by us all with indifferent success as a cruel
necessity.
'_February_ 17*th.*--Good news at last! Kimberley has been relieved!
Boers are retiring in all directions. Lord Roberts, with the British
Army, has entered the Free State. Warrenton has been occupied, there is
great consternation in Pretoria. Opperman is furious. Perhaps the tide
has begun to turn.
To explain how we get news: Brockie, a Sergeant-Major in the Imperial
Light Horse, knows a Zarp here and gets a certain amount of news from
him, which is not, however, very trustworthy. When we first came here
an Englishman named Patterson, employed in the Government telegraph
office, used to pass by the railings and whisper the news. He only used
to come when there was good news to tell, and generally ended with the
words, Hurrah, hurrah! Since he was always accompanied on these
occasions by a large St. Bernard, we called him the Dogman. Lately he
has elaborated and improved his system of giving us news and has begun
to signal with a flag from the passage of Mr. Cullingworth's house
opposite. Either he or one of the Misses Cullingworth stands some way
back in the passage so as not to be visible to the Zarps and sends
messages, which are read by Captain Burrows from the gymnasium window.
As he is in the telegraph office and sees all that passes, the Dogman
sends very truthful information.
'_February_ 18*th.*--More good news this morning. Cronje is lost,
strayed or stolen. The Boers have been driven back at Dordrecht. The
British Army is within forty miles of Bloemfontein. Buller has taken
the Tugela position. All this needs no comment. "_Quo plus--eo
plus----_." I meant to quote a Latin phrase--the only one I ever
knew--but I cannot risk the tenses and moods of he verbs. It means,
however, the more we have the more we want. We live, as it were, from
news to news. Two officers arrived from Colesburg this morning. They
say Colesburg has never been quite surrounded, only hemmed on three
sides. General French began to withdraw his Cavalry about three weeks
ago, sending away detachments every night until only an Infantry Brigade
was left to sit in front of Colesburg, occupying exactly the same extent
of front as before. The Boers never spotted this, so that French and
his Cavalry succeeded in joining the Free State column, and the Infantry
Brigade, by making a great show of their forces, was able to keep up the
ruse until the other day, when it was decided to retire. Everything
went well with the retirement except for two companies of the Wiltshire
who were cut off and captured after a gallant fight. I suppose all
Governments lie to a certain extent about their defeats, but this Boer
one takes the cake.
'_February_ 19*th.*--I have caught the patience disease. I spent most
of the day at this interesting game, but found by 7 P.M. I was rather
sick of it. Le Mesurier told me to-day that Haldane, Brockie, Grimshaw
and he had thought of a plan of escape. The idea was to put out the
electric light in the house and in the yard by cutting the wire as it
entered the building in the roof above the entrance. The sudden
extinguishing of the lights on a dark night would enable them to creep
to the back wall and climb over unobserved by the Zarps, whose eyes
would not have become accustomed to the sudden darkness, They had made
small ladders, by means of which they could climb over the corrugated
iron more easily and with less noise. Once outside, they were going to
trek for Mafeking, which is only about one hundred and eighty miles off.
They had meant to go to-night, but, though it was wet, there was too
much lightning.
'_February_ 21*st.*--More good news both from Stormburg and the Tugela.
Our friend Opperman is getting excessively polite. I think one can best
describe him as a greasy, unwashed bully, oily physically and morally,
cruel to anyone in his power, cringing to those he fears.
'_February_ 22*nd.*--We hear that Cronje is completely surrounded. De
Wet tried to break the encircling cordon, but was defeated with great
loss. Buller has taken the Boschkop and all the British troops have
crossed the Tugela.
'A very amusing article appeared in one of the papers the other day, in
which Napoleon was termed "the Botha of the early '10's." Botha the
Napoleon of these days is presumption, but Napoleon, the Botha of the
early '10's! I cannot help pitying the editor of the "Volksstem," as he
is only allowed to publish good news, and must really be at his
wit's-end to know what to put in now.
'Haldane and the others had arranged to go to-night, but unfortunately
the sentry was walking about the place which had been chosen for getting
over, so that the escape was prevented.'
'_February_ 24*th.*--Haldane and Co. have tried again. This time they
were determined to go. Clough, the servant, was sent up _via_ the
gymnasium on to the roof to cut the wire. I gave the signal by going
into the room under the main switch and asking for a map. The light went
down temporarily but came up again almost immediately. We were much
alarmed lest Clough should have got a shock, but he came down all right,
surprised that the lights had not gone out. Of course the escape was
off.
'_February_ 25*th.*--We were all sure that Clough had not cut the wires
at all last night. He had received a slight shock and then left it, so
it was arranged that Cullen should try. However, the position of the
sentry again prevented any attempt.
'_February_ 26*th.*--Best, of the Inniskilling Fusiliers, arrived to-day
from the Tugela. He said that all were well down there, though the
fighting had been very severe, and that the troops were beyond Pieters.
Cronje had no food and must surrender shortly.
'This evening the lights went out without any mistake. Opperman was
greatly alarmed, and the electrician could not find out what was up.
They all believed a football must have hit the wire outside and put the
light out. Probably Clough had partially severed the wires, and the
football had completed the damage. Now, however, the wire being broken
before it was quite dark, the advantage of surprise would be lost. It
was, moreover, a bright night, and we noticed that the light in the
streets shone on the wall where we had meant to climb over it. The
sentries were doubled, so we finally gave up the plan and tried to think
of another. We are told that they will remove us to a new place on the
1st of March, and, perhaps, this will give us a better chance.
* * * * *
'When I went into my room at about 9.30 I found that Le Mesurier,
Haldane, and Brockie were having a discussion. As we were to move in
two days to the new prison they argued "why not go to earth now." The
authorities would think they had escaped under cover of the light going
out and would, if anything, hasten the removal of the prisoners, leaving
these three under the floor to depart in peace when opportunity offered.
'_February_ 27*th.*--This morning Opperman came into our room as usual
to count the number of prisoners in bed, and on seeing three beds empty
he fairly staggered with astonishment. I was looking at him with one
eye and chuckled to myself at his dismay. He went and asked Brett if he
knew anything about it. Brett asked innocently, "About what?" Then I
pretended to wake up and ask Opperman what the hell he meant by
disturbing us at this hour. He left the room in a fury, but presently
returned with Gunning and later with Du Toit, the Chief of the Police,
who examined everything _a la_ Sherlock Holmes, and expressed, with a
smile, his confidence in the recapture of the flown birds. After
breakfast the whole house was cleared and searched. The rooms, the
cupboards, the roof--everywhere except under the floor. Then they
brought in a dark lantern, and I really thought they had discovered the
fugitives at last, but Sherlock Holmes never thought of the floor; his
reasoning did not carry him there. He found Haldane's saw made out of a
table knife, and connecting this with the hole in the roof of the
gymnasium, and the wires cut, he was sure they had gone away in the
darkness. The rest, such is their mutual trust of one another in this
country, were quite sure somebody had been bribed. The theories of the
other officers in the prison are diverting. The discussions as to how
the escaped had got out and where they had gone were full of
imagination, but quite off the mark. In the afternoon Opperman and
Sherlock Holmes came in with a hat and said the prisoners had been seen
going over the hills towards Mafeking and had dropped the hat in
question. By nightfall they had been tracked to Koodoosburg, about
thirty miles out; and, indeed, the remains of their midday meal had been
found. O wise detectives! This evening the Dogman went into
Cullingworth's house in a great state of excitement and lit a candle at
the verandah--a sign of good news, and on Majuba day too!
'_February_ 28*th.*--We received the good news which the Dogman's
excitement last night portended. Cronje has surrendered. This was
received through the British Consul at Delagoa Bay. Buller has also
driven back the Boers, and Botha wired: "No use; Burghers here won't
face British." In the afternoon we received the following wire:
"Cronje's surrender unconditional. Boers retreating on the
Biggarsburg," and in the evening we heard that the British were entering
Ladysmith.
'Three more officers replaced the three escaped in my room. We did not
let them know about those underground, but I managed to send food, news,
and water down as usual, also some hot cocoa at night.
'_March_ 1*st.*--Ladysmith is relieved. Joubert wires: "On Lancers
coming out of Ladysmith my mounted men retired leaving waggons and
stores behind them." This afternoon the Cullingworths signalled over:
"No more news, furthest telegraph station Elandslaagte." Kruger has
gone to the front to exhort his burghers with texts. He was preceded by
a telegram which was sent to all laagers. It is too long and too
profane for me to copy out. Nothing but texts and psalms, showing that
they are bound to win "though the enemy compass them about," as the
Almighty is their own exclusive and peculiar property. The "Volksstem"
says: "There seems to be some foundation for the rumour that Cronje has
surrendered, but the report that Ladysmith has been relieved is quite
untrue, our burghers are still fighting bravely south of that town.
Should, however, Ladysmith be relieved, the war will only enter upon a
new phase. We will then have to defend our borders against the greedy
grasp of an unholy race. Now will the British see what fighting with
the Boers really is. Now will the war begin in earnest."
'(Sherlock Holmes & Co. are completely off the track and all is well
below.)
'_March_ 2*nd.*--There are no signs of our moving into our new prison.
This is very disconcerting as our friends cannot stay below much longer
without getting ill. The Zarps' tents have been moved into the road.
Opperman says because the yard was damp, but I fancy they are afraid of
an attack on the Zarps. With the dumbbells in the gymnasium it might be
possible to overpower them. The day was wet and dreary; I wrote
letters, Mr. Hofmeyr prayed for the escaped. I have had to divulge the
secret to No. 12 room, owing to one of them unfortunately seeing the
trap-door open. They were very nice about it, and will do nothing to
compromise the chances of success.'
'_March 6*th._--Our signals this morning informed us that the President
had wired to Lord Salisbury, "Is it not time bloodshed ceased? Will
send peace proposals." These people have got some nerve. First they
declare war against an Empire, and then they expect that when they have
had enough they can demand a cessation of hostilities. There are no
signs of moving.
'_March_ 7*th.*--The Ides of March, but I don't expect Kruger will be
murdered in the forum of Pretoria. Those below are still all right,
though their condition is not enviable.
'_March_ 8*th.*--The following telegrams were received to-day by our
signaller-in-chief Burrows: (1) Fighting with De Wet; (2) Occupation of
Bloemfontein on the 6th. I busied myself in drawing a picture of Kruger
going to the front to exhort his burghers, on the wall my room. There
seems no chance of moving. Opperman says they have not even put down
the floor in our new abode. Haldane wants to try to make them move. He
thought that if Grimshaw vanished too it might alarm the authorities,
and make them anxious to move us to a more secure place, but I feel
sure--and Grimshaw agrees with me--this would only lead to the discovery
of everything.
'_March_ 11*th.*--I drew another large picture on my wall, a sequel to
the first. It represents Kruger just escaping from Lord Roberts, who
with drawn sword appears to be running after him at a good pace. My
picture No. 1 is entitled "President Kruger goes to front to exhort his
burghers;" No. 2 "But returns on urgent business."
'As chances of a move seem so uncertain and they are all determined
below not to give in, it has been decided to try to get out by making a
shallow tunnel, roofed in with cupboard shelves, into the hospital.
Haldane is making arrangements with No. 12 room, who, it appears, are
following the same plan.
'_March_ 12*th.*--The man who came for grocery orders reported this
morning that Bloemfontein had fallen, but our signal was that the
British were within seven miles of the Free State capital. Opperman saw
my portraits of Kruger this morning; I am afraid he did not appreciate
them as he should have done. However, I told him that with a pail of
whitewash and a brush he might obliterate them if he chose. (N.B.--Such
is the procrastinating nature of these Boer-Hollander people that
Opperman never had the pictures removed, and this with other things had,
I believe, a good deal to do with his own eventual removal.)
'No. 12 decided to have nothing more to do with the digging plan. We
have therefore arranged that Grimshaw, Garvice, and I shall take part in
the operation. Garvice has not been informed of Le Mesurier's
whereabouts, but has decided to dig. The Colonials in No. 20 room are
also digging, but theirs is to be a deep tunnel and I doubt if they can
master the water question.
'_March_ 13*th.*--Tragedy. The Dogman and Cullingworth have been
commandeered as undesirables, but intend, I fancy, to escape to the
British lines. We signalled to him, "Good-bye, eternal gratitude, God
bless you!" The Dogman replied, "British twenty miles north of
Bloemfontein; Good-bye; speedy release; will return with Bobs."
'We started our shaft under the big room No. 16. Apparently we made a
good deal of noise, for the old Colonels were very much alarmed and
threatened to stop all digging, though they did not know who the
culprits were. Opperman came into the room when mining was in full
swing below, and it was all the occupants could do to hustle him
outside, drowning the noise of the pick by stamping. We were rather
distressed and decided to wait a few days. Garvice was very much
startled when he saw Le Mesurier. He describes his feelings vividly.
On going down by the trap-door he remarked what an awful hole it was.
Suddenly, in the flickering candle-light he saw a gaunt, bearded,
unwashed face, and a half-naked body. At first he could not make out
what it was, but when he at last realised it was a brother officer he
said you could have knocked him down with a feather had it not been that
he was already crawling on his stomach. The new shaft is a long way
off; when I went down I had to crawl on hands and knees along passages
and through man-holes, backwards and forwards in a regular maze of
compartments, and, indeed, had the candle gone out one could easily have
been lost. Haldane looked very ill, but the others, except for being
covered with dirt, seemed well enough.
'_March_ 14*th.*--Grimshaw went down this evening to hold a confab.
They have managed to dig without making a noise by wetting the earth.
Grimshaw and I made the trap-door into one piece by securing the planks
together and also made it so as to batten down from underneath. I sent
them down jugs of water during the day to wash in.
'_March_ 15*th.*--All went as usual this morning. Grimshaw descended
and did a little digging. In the afternoon Opperman brought the news
that we were to be moved to-morrow! Most of the officers were very
annoyed, but Grimshaw and I sent the information below with gladness.
Well, there was no time to be lost. Food enough to last them a week,
all the bottles filled with water, and everything that could possibly be
of any use to the cave-men was sent down. We heard, however, and not to
our surprise, that others were thinking of going into their respective
holes so as to escape after we had moved. As this could have had no
other effect than to cause the discovery all, we were determined if
possible to stop it. We told Colonel Hunt, and he managed to persuade
all concerned to abandon their schemes.
'This settled, we set to work, after final good-byes and handshakings,
to putty up the cracks between the boards of the trap-door, which had
already been fastened down from underneath. This we succeeded in doing
to perfection, and after covering the place well with dust, the
trap-door could scarcely have been located by anyone; certainly not by
those who did not know of its existence.
* * * * *
'_March_ 16*th.*--The Staats Model School at an early hour was more than
usually busy. We were all packing up such belongings as we had. I
rolled everything in my mattress and rugs, and secured with rope. Then
the gates were opened and all baggage was moved out on the road ready to
be packed on the trolleys provided for the occasion. To be outside
those gates was to breathe fresh air; to pass those barriers which had
so long defied our efforts and our wits was like going out into another
world. I went back into my room, and by prearranged taps on the floor
Grimshaw signalled that all was well. I then sang "For Auld Lang Syne"
as a parting farewell.
'The Government had generously provided cabs for the convenience of the
officers (who afterwards found they had to pay), and at about 10 A.M.
the first cabs rolled off amid the friendly farewells of many
neighbours. The long column of vehicles was escorted by a motley guard,
consisting of very old men and tiny boys armed with Sniders and sporting
guns of ancient pattern.
'We soon passed out of the town and, crossing a small river, began to
crawl up a steep hill. The roads outside of Pretoria appear very much
neglected, but, of course, the money that should have been devoted to
general improvements was all spent in secret service or in preparations
for the war. We soon arrived at our destination. The building stands
halfway up the side of a hill, and is probably a much healthier place
than the Model School. Besides, the view is really pretty. To the
north, indeed, it is limited by the tops of two hills. Southward lies
Pretoria, a collection of large Government buildings and of small villas
amid masses of trees, nestling beneath a high range of hills, along the
crest of which rise the famous forts. The view on the west is merely a
vast plain which reaches to the horizon, and a large hill obliterates
any view to the east.
'The place itself consists merely of a long white shanty with a fairly
large compound enclosed by formidable barbed-wire entanglements. Outside
are Opperman's house and the Zarps' tents. There are electric lights
all round the enclosure, making escape a matter of considerable
difficulty. Inside, the place looked more like a cattle-shed than
anything else. A long galvanised-iron building, divided into a
servants' compartment and kitchen, eating rooms, sleeping room, and
four small bath-rooms. The sleeping-hall is eighty-five by thirty yards
long and accommodates 120 officers, our beds being, roughly, a yard
apart. There is no flooring. The drains consist of open ditches, while
the sanitary arrangements are enough to disgust any civilised being. A
strong protest was at once sent in to the authorities, but I doubt that
it will have any effect.
'_March_ 18*th.*--The greatest disadvantage of this place over the
Staats Model School is that we can get no news.
'_March_ 22*nd.*--Gunning gave us a small baboon the other day, which
was very fierce at first, but has tamed wonderfully. There are many
different kinds of curious insects here, not curious for this country,
of course, but which I have never seen before. The "Praying Mantis" or
"Kaffir God" is one of the queerest. The whole place seems to be a
large ants' nest, and we have often witnessed great fights between the
different kinds. Snakes also abound. A night-adder was killed the other
day. It was about thirteen or fourteen inches long and very poisonous,
so Gunning says.
'We hear Gunning and Opperman are going to the front to-morrow. I am
very sorry for the former, though the departure of the latter is a great
advantage.
'_March_ 23*rd.*--The Zarps and Opperman departed for the front this
morning. Their place was taken by a new guard selected from the
Hollander Corps. The Commandant is a pleasant fellow and a great
improvement on Opperman.
'_March_ 25*th.*--We had service as usual this morning. This evening an
attempt to escape was going to be made by Ansell and Co., but it never
came off. There has been no news of Haldane and the others, so I
suppose they are well away by now. This evening the new Commandant had
roll-call. We call him "Pyjamas," because he wears a suit of clothes for
all the world like a pair of pyjamas. His real name is Westernant.
'_March_ 30*th.*--There has not been anything very important to record
for some days. On Tuesday an attempt to escape was made by Best. While
one sentry was gossiping with another he crept under the barbed wire. As
luck would have it, when Best had got half way through, the sentry
finished his _tete-a-tete_ and returned to his post. At first he
thought Best was a dog and called out _footsack_,[#] but seeing he was a
human being, merely told him to go back. He might have shot him with
some excuse, so Best was lucky in striking a kind-hearted man.
[#] Be off.
'On Wednesday Joubert died. In respect to him we sent a wreath. I
don't think this will have any effect on the war, as (and the papers say
as much) his moderate attitude in the recent crisis had taken away much
of his popularity.
'_April_ 3*rd.*--Hurrah! the papers this evening report the safe arrival
of Haldane, Le Mesurier and Brockie at Lourenco Marques, having
travelled through Swaziland. We were so glad to hear this news. Alas!
We also hear that sixteen officers arrive to-morrow, and that seven guns
were captured with them.
'The Cullingworth girls came up this evening and signalled with a
handkerchief that Mafeking had been relieved. I hope it is true. We
all admire the pluck of those girls. We have already collected a large
subscription to get them and the Dogman handsome presents.
'There was a large swarm of locusts yesterday. So thick was the cloud
that it quite obliterated the view of the distant hills. They continued
passing over nearly all day.
'_April_ 5*th.*--The prisoners arrived this morning. They mostly belong
to U Battalion, R.H.A.; some to the M.I. and Cavalry. I have not quite
gathered the circumstances of their capture, but they seem to have been
caught in a trap, owing to the want of the ordinary precautions. The
convoy and one battery were practically held up without firing a shot,
but the other battery got away. When marched off they heard that
another British force was pursuing so that the guns may be recaptured.
'They bring very little news; apparently they have heard nothing about
the relief of Mafeking, though Warren was on his way thereto. Roberts
has been delayed in his advance for the want of horses, but as this has
been remedied the forward movement should begin shortly. Had the horses
not been so done after Abram's Kraal, they say De Wet would have been
caught and the war over. Such is the fashion of war. If so-and-so had
happened--always "if"!
'There was great excitement this evening caused by an attempted escape.
The electric wires had been tampered with, and at about 10.30, by some
device, Home, a colonial, who is also an electrician, made the current
travel on a shorter circuit, thus blowing out the main fuse and
extinguishing all the lights round the building. Hardly had this
happened than two shots were fired in quick succession, and then
another. The escape failed, but all got back into the building
unwounded. Apparently the lights had gone down, then up for a second,
then finally out.
'During the momentary flash Hockley, of the escapees, had been seen and
fired at. However, "All's well that ends well," though some say that two
bullets went through the dining-room. Sentries were doubled for the
night and patrols sent out.
'_April_ 6*th.*--How the fortunes of war vary! We seem to be going
through a series of small disasters. To-day the papers have the report
of a "Brilliant Boer Victory, thirty-six miles south-east of
Bloemfontein; 450 prisoners!!!" The only hope is that the account is
not "official." But we must be ready for the worst. The leading
article says: "Within a few days Roberts will be forced to evacuate the
Free State. _His retreat from Bloemfontein will be like Napoleon's
retreat from Moscow_."
'_April_ 11*th.*--The prisoners reported captured some time ago have not
arrived yet. They always seem to be "expected to arrive somewhere," but
apparently have not yet been actually seen by anybody. On Saturday
their capture was reported officially. On Thursday English wires said
that 300 Royal Irish were surrounded. To-day they say the prisoners are
expected at Pretoria to-morrow! Well, we shall see.
'The last few days we have had many good rumours about the capture of
Boers and British victories. To-day the papers say that Lord Methuen is
advancing on Boshof (he must be there by now), and that Colonel de
Villebois has been killed. He apparently and his men (100, so they
say--probably 500) were all killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. A
distinguished ex-French officer and his foreign legion is a good bag.
'The next piece of information is, quoting from Boer paragraphs or head
lines, "Fifteen hundred English in a corner;" "Brabant's Horse in a
trap." Then, again, "There is every hope of their surrender." So much
for this. But on the Dutch side we read that all telegraphic
communication with Ladybrand and the south has been cut, so I rather
fancy the Boers have over-reached themselves for once.
'The Boers have attacked our camps at Elandslaagte, and because, when
they shelled, our camp tents were struck, they report that the British
fled. I wonder if Le Mesurier was in this show.
'In all these fights, as usual, the Boers "By the grace of God had
(about) one man killed and four wounded." This is heavy; generally it
is one horse and three mules. "The enemy," of course, "must have lost
heavily." So the paragraphs run on. Many are the funny expressions.
"One brave burgher succumbed to the explosion of a bomb." "One of our
guns _in firing_ damaged its sight and one of its wheels!" They always
end up with "Our burghers are full of courage, and determined to
withstand the enemy to the last."
'Various officials came up the day before yesterday to inquire into the
causes of the protest we had sent in, signed by all the officers here.
They promised that everything would be seen to; but they are all--well
they are Boer officials, and I doubt if our lot is to be in any way
improved.
'The weather is getting much colder now, though the sun is still hot by
day. A few stray shots whistled over the building to-day, probably
"accidentally on purpose." I hope they do not begin sniping regularly.
'_April_ 12*th.*--Alas! my hopes were doomed to disappointment. Eight
prisoners arrived. They are mostly of the Irish Rifles; unlucky
regiment, twice the victims of misfortune! There is among them a gunner
who was on the staff. As usual, they bring little news, except a vivid
account of their own "show," which happened when they were on a
bill-posting expedition.[#] A cart-load of packing cases came in to-day
for the prisoners of war. Seven tons have already been sent to
Waterval. These cases contained papers, books, cigars, cigarettes,
tobacco and groceries, for which we were very thankful, the more so to
feel that the people at home had not forgotten the unhappy prisoners of
war.
[#] Distributing the proclamation.
'Since the new year one of the chief topics of discussion and bets has
been: "When the war will be over." We have, alas! always underestimated
the length of our stay here; had the prophecies of the more sanguine
come true, we would have been free long ago. Some put the date of our
release at the Queen's birthday; others later, and a few earlier.
Personally, I have learnt since I have been here the impossibility of
predicting what the future has in store. The day will surely come,
though would that we knew the date, be it months hence, for we might
then cross off the days as they passed.
'_April_ 17*th.*--The papers have given no news for a considerable time.
But rumours of the wildest description have been spread. Ever since
Friday last rumour has persisted in De Wet's capture, and, indeed, it
seems possible, even probable; having succeeded in two captures, General
De Wet was not likely to be allowed to take another bag without some
counter move on Lord Roberts's part. The papers to-day say nothing on
the English side about De Wet, except that no news has been received
from him for a considerable time; but the Dutch columns express anxiety
as to his whereabouts. He had surrounded Brabant, they say, but strong
columns came out of Bloemfontein, and to-day no news has been got, or,
indeed, can be got, from the lost General. Rumour also has it that
Lucas Meyer has been captured on the Natal side.
'I have been continuing my sketches and caricatures pretty regularly. I
have also been reading more lately. Being Easter week, Mr. Hofmeyr held
a service on Good Friday, and administered the Holy Communion on Easter
Sunday. Easter Sunday! If somebody had told me when first captured that
I should still be in prison on Easter Sunday, I should have thought him
mad, or expected to go mad myself. 'Tis well we know not the future,
but always live on hopes of early release.
'I have written and received a good many letters. I think I am quite
reforming in the way of letter writing--that is, I am getting into the
way of writing four pages of tolerably sensible stuff on nothing at all,
which is a sure sign of a good correspondent.
'Talking of being a prisoner, we have heard more of those fortunate
escaped Fortunate! One cannot but think them lucky, and envy them, now
they are free, with the just credit for their escape. But how many
hardships had they to suffer? Well, to come to the point. Davy has
just returned from hospital, where he saw Haldane's account of his
escape in the "Standard and Diggers' News." The trains did not seem to
fit in, and our friends had a lot of walking to do. Le Mesurier
sprained his ankle; food ran out, and they had to live on Kaffir food.
Finally, getting into a coal truck, where they were nearly discovered,
they crossed the border at Komati Poorte. I envy them; but such success
cannot be got without daring. Luck has certainly followed them, but I
think their patience underground won Fortune's favour.
'We hear from Davy that the Dogman and Cullingworth are prisoners,
having been arrested when trying to escape to the British lines. Poor
fellows! Though, as our friends at home say of us, "They are safer in
prison than at the front." This saying always irritates me. Every
letter hints at it, as if safety were the chief reward one hoped to get
during a war; one cannot help feeling bitter, though our imprisonment is
only the payment for our very lives.
'_April_ 19*th.*--Roulette is in full swing here. The arrangements are
most ingenious, and the dining-room after dinner is a regular Monte
Carlo.
'We had a large mess meeting to-day to appoint a new mess committee, and
to discuss various questions as regards the expenses, etc. It was a
very amusing assembly, rather too frivolous to carry any real motions.
Most of the speeches wandered off the point, and we finally dispersed
without deciding anything of importance. One thing was, however,
serious. Colonel Hunt appealed for further subscriptions for the sick
soldiers in hospital. They are apparently entirely supported by
charity, and by our subscriptions. The Transvaal Government (although
boasting to be civilised) does not even supply beds! This fact might,
perhaps, disillusion some who are so taken in by Boer cant.
'_May_ 8*th.*--We have had an immense amount of news lately. Roberts
has begun his big advance. Brandfort is in our hands, also Winburg.
The force advancing _via_ Boshof has reached Hoopstad, while the British
have crossed the Vaal at Fourteen Streams. De Wet has not been heard of
for a considerable time. So much is acknowledged in the papers.
Rumours say that we are behind Kroonstadt!! That De Wet, Steyn, and
8,000 Boers have been taken!! The English in the town think we shall be
released by the 24th of May. A panic seems to have seized the Boers,
and excited meetings have been held. Kruger summoned the Volksraad on
Sunday, and addressed them in stirring words, which, while acknowledging
the serious nature of the situation, exhorted the burghers to continue
the struggle trusting in the Lord. General Schalk Burger, while
addressing the townspeople, said that a stand might yet be made, if not,
the independence of the Republic was at an end. The Church of Pretoria
has addressed petitions for peace to the Churches of Great Britain and
of Europe and America. They pray that this unholy bloodshed may cease.
Kruger says "Continue the struggle to the end." Is it for England or
for Kruger to give in?
'We have started a newspaper; it is progressing. We call it the "Gram,"
because at the Staats Model School all our news came in under the
popular names of signal-gram (when news was signalled), Kaffir-gram
(when brought through the Kaffir). Brockiegram (when Brockie succeeded
in getting information from the Zarps), and so forth. Rosslyn is editor;
Major Sturges sub-editor. White, R.A., Wake, 5th Fusiliers, and I, are
the artists. The paper has been all written out by Rosslyn, and is now
being hectographed. We hope to bring out seventy good copies of the
first number.
'_May_ 13*th.*--Though two or three prisoners have arrived lately, we
can get no particular details of the news. There is no doubt that a
general advance has been begun, but what point our troops have reached
is uncertain. Also, it is still a question whether De Wet is captured
or not. This morning the most serious rumour came in, to the effect
that Mafeking had fallen, but I can scarcely believe it.
'Yesterday Mr. Hofmeyr received the welcome order to pack up his things
and go. He seemed very affected at saying good-bye and nearly broke
down. We all liked him very much, and bade him a hearty farewell,
cheering him as he left the enclosure, and singing "He's a jolly good
fellow." We shall miss him as well as his services.
'Our paper came out yesterday and was a great success. We hope to bring
out a new one on the Queen's Birthday, though it is an awful labour.
'Life has not been so bad lately. Buoyed up with hope of a speedy
release, and occupied with the "Gram," time has passed, in my case, more
quickly. We had a selling lottery the other day for the day of our
release. The dates ranged from the 15th of May to the 15th of August.
The Queen's Birthday was much in request, while "the field" (any day
after August 15th) went for six pounds.
'The "Volksstem," of course, progresses as usual. Having exhausted all
other insults on England, they commenced lately on the Queen! During
the present British advance the mendacious powers of the editor are once
more brought to trial, and once more he has not been found wanting. The
burghers are full of courage (running everywhere); even the women wish
to fight! There was, indeed, a rumour that our present guard was to be
commandeered and the women put here to look after us. Poor time for us!
I fancy we should be all shot! The Volksraad sat the other day, and
after Kruger and others quoting a few scriptures the session of 1900 was
closed after sitting two days!
'_May_ 14*th.*--So much news has arrived to-day, that I think I had
better inscribe it, while I remember. This morning came the rumour that
a good many Boers actually did get into Mafeking, but, being
unsupported, still remain there. This evening's "Volksstem" is truly a
wonder. It gives more news than it ever has given before. An attack
was made on Mafeking. The Boers took a "fort," but were attacked by
night, and lost seven killed and "some" wounded and prisoners. At
present Carrington and Plumer are proceeding to Mafeking by train, so
that it must have been relieved. Everywhere the Boers fly, and the
British troops entered Kroonstadt on the 11th inst. Hunter, with his
25,000 men, drove the enemy back at Warrenton, and "the Boers are unable
to resist the advance of the forces at Vryburg."
'"But," says the "Volksstem," "the fact that Kroonstadt is in the hands
of the enemy need create no alarm. As we retire our line of defence
becomes less and our commandos can be concentrated to resist more
effectually the advance of the British forces. Besides, many things may
happen which will put an entirely new face on the war. Our delegation
has reached America, &c., &c. Lord Roberts' hastened advance is said to
be caused by his desire to reach Pretoria on the Queen's Birthday, but
might not the real reason be the fear of foreign intervention? Lord
Roberts wishes to strike a decisive blow before his forces are needed
elsewhere. Every day's delay is, therefore, an advantage to our cause.
Courage is all that is needed, &c., &c."
'The above is a _precis_ of the "Volksstem" leading article. Still they
harp on foreign intervention, but from what I gather from recent
Continental criticisms on the war, I fancy their chances in this line
are less than at the beginning of the war. As to the burghers' courage,
I doubt if the majority of them have much left. For many months the
Transvaal Government have whipped their subjects to the fight; but even
the worm will turn, and to the simplest, or the most ignorant, the
Government promises and hopes must seem vain.
'The day of our release is, perhaps, approaching; but it does not do to
be too sanguine; one never knows where a check may occur. Still I
"plump" on the end of the present month.
'_May_ 20*th.*--The month is drawing to a close, and the day of our
release is still a matter of speculation. News is pretty plentiful;
even the "Volksstem" tries to hide nothing. Roberts has made a great
advance, but whether he has halted at Kroonstadt or not is uncertain.
We all hoped he would not stop until he had reached Pretoria.
'We have been very much alarmed lately at the rumoured intention of the
Government to move us to Lydenburg, but at present it is only a rumour.
If we are moved we shall have every prospect of being shunted about the
country with guerilla bands of Boers who would keep us merely as
hostages, if, however, we are kept here we shall have every chance of
being released during the siege of Johannesburg. The Boers, it is said,
have decided to hold that place and are not going to blow up the mines.
The defence of Pretoria would be impossible with the troops at their
disposal.
'Life goes on as usual. The only diversion that has lately occurred was
the athletic sports, which were got up by some energetic people. The
event took place yesterday, and, on the whole, was a decided success.
The chief feature, however, of the day was the betting. Several
enterprising officers kept books, but Haig, of the Inniskilling
Dragoons, cut the best figure in that line, and it was chiefly owing to
his amusing performance that the day was a success. White has made an
excellent sketch of "Our Bookie" for the next "Gram" number.
'The sermon this morning is worth recording. The Rev. Mr. Bateman
delivered a most extraordinary speech as part of his service. Whether
it was meant for our spiritual edification, or merely intended to convey
news to us under the disguise of a text, was not quite certain; but, by
preaching on the text that begins "as cold water is to the thirsty soul,
so is good news, &c.," he led us to believe that we were to be released
in a very short time.
'Roulette has been going very strong. Large sums have been lost and won.
'_May_ 25*th.*--Yesterday we, prisoners of war, joined with the British
Empire all over the world in the celebration of the Queen's Birthday.
In our little enclosure we have quite a representative British
Empire--English, Scotch, and Irish soldiers, Colonials, South Africans,
Australians, and civilians, and, indeed, we only require a Canadian to
complete the list.
'Yesterday evening we drank the Queen's health in light port (rather
nasty). The first drops of wine or spirit I had tasted since the 18th
of November. This was followed by "God Save the Queen," sung by all
with a heartiness and feeling that I never heard before. It must have
sounded very well outside. To us it was as it were "giving vent" to our
imprisoned feelings, while we also found in it a link with our country,
from which we have for so many months been severed.
'It is now pretty certain that Roberts is resting his troops, and
rumours have it that the Boers have asked for an armistice. Whether Lord
Roberts celebrated the Queen's Birthday by a victory or a peaceful
armistice remains to be seen.
'The "Volksstem" considers that it would be a graceful act on the part
of the State President if he were to wire the Queen and offer her as a
birthday present the unconditional release of all the British prisoners
of war. As the "Volksstem" is the official organ, this may quite
possibly be merely a feeler to the public (if public there be in this
country). At any rate it would be an act worthy of the wily Boer. He
finds it a source of trouble and expense feeding and guarding 5,000
prisoners, so he gives them away with a pound of tea--I mean as a
graceful act. Whether the offer would be accepted is uncertain. But we
at any rate will be very happy if the Transvaal Government puts us over
the border.
'The weather (by day) is simply perfect. Every morning the lovely air
makes one long for a walk or ride, and causes one to chafe at the
inability to roam beyond the one hundred yards' enclosure. We are
henceforth to be allowed to have wine, but personally I shall wait for
freedom before I indulge in that luxury again. The second number of the
"Gram" came out yesterday, and, I believe, was much appreciated.'
'_May_ 26*th.*--Two prisoners of war arrived this morning. They were
caught at Lindley, which the Boers have apparently reoccupied. They
were taken across country to the Natal railway, and then conveyed
straight to Pretoria. They say they have heard firing at the Vaal, so I
suppose Lord Roberts is there. The Boers hold a strong position south
of Johannesburg, and they also intend defending that town. One of the
De Wets is still on the right rear of our army, but will be dealt with
by Rundle's division which is coming up that way. It is said that De
Wet at one time offered to surrender on condition that he himself should
not be made a prisoner. But Roberts would receive none but an
unconditional surrender. Buller has been ordered to force Laing's Nek
at all costs. The "Volksstem" says that Lord Roberts's headquarters are
at Honningspruit, some way north of Kroonstadt, but this is probably
news of some days' standing. There is also a rumour that our troops have
occupied Potchefstroom.
'_May_ 19*th.*--At last our release seems near at hand. Yesterday and
to-day big guns were heard plainly in the direction of Johannesburg,
which is now in our hands. Boscher, the grocer, has just arrived, having
come up by the last train. He says that the Dragoons were actually in
the streets when he left. I fancy to-morrow or next day will see us
out. Everybody is in the best of spirits and full of excitement.
'Greatest excitement during dinner. Mr. Hay and Mr. Wood came in and
asked Colonel Hunt to send twenty-four officers to Waterval to look
after the men. Kruger has gone to Holland. The British are expected
here to-morrow, and we shall be free! We sang "God Save the Queen" and
cheered Hay and the Commandant, who made a very nice speech, saying he
hoped to shake hands with us outside. Oh! how I longed to see the old
regiment once more! The Commandant says that there is still fighting at
Klipdrift, but a force of 4,000 men has broken through and come here. I
believe there is a lot of looting going on in the town now. Roulette is
at an end. I can scarcely write coherently, so excited am I. Fancy
being free; I can scarcely believe it! Six and a half months'
imprisonment, and about to be freed! Thank God!
'_May_ 31*st.*--Too premature were our hopes. Yesterday and to-day have
been spent in awful suspense. Distant guns have been heard, Boers have
been seen riding about, and rumours of all kinds and descriptions are
rife. It is too awful this final suspense. We do nothing in hope of a
speedy release, and we pass the day anxiously scanning the horizon for
the approach of troops.
'All day commandos have gone through the town, and one was seen on the
plain coming in from Mafeking. One commando came up our way, and we
were rather surprised that they made no attempt to shoot us. Indeed
there was nothing to prevent them. Three prisoners came in. They were
caught in or near Johannesburg. That town was officially surrendered at
10 A.M. this morning. The Boers intend making a sort of stand (one of
their usual ten-minute affairs I suppose) at Irene, a place six miles
south of Pretoria, and a fight is expected there to-morrow. Their line
of flight is past our abode and Waterval, and I should not be surprised
if, unable to face and shoot armed men, some of these foreign ruffians
shoot a few prisoners.
'The town is evidently to be handed over quietly. The "Volksstem" is
still covering a sheet of paper with print, but seems to take not the
slightest interest in the war. They speak of giving up Pretoria as one
of our papers might of a concert. Well, I suppose it will come at last,
but I shall heave a sigh of relief when it does!
'_June_ 1*st.*--No sign of the British! But we expect to hear guns
to-morrow. There are plenty of rumours about--Roberts captured, French
killed, &c. There was a good deal of looting in the town yesterday, and
five men were shot. Our hopes of a few days ago have been somewhat
damped, and most of us put our release down at a week hence.
'The "Volksstem" is remarkable. The editor is evidently wishful to
avoid his tarring and feathering, and scarcely speaks of the war at all.
'_June_ 3*rd.*--I have almost given up looking forward to our release,
and have fallen back into the ordinary monotonous life. No guns have
been heard, and therefore no serious fighting can have taken place
anywhere near Pretoria. Rundle has been reported as having received a
check in the Free State, and Lord Roberts is said to be still in
Johannesburg; otherwise there is no news at all. Botha has taken
matters into his own hands, has kicked out the officials appointed by
Kruger, chosen a committee of his own, and has arranged the defence of
the positions outside the town. He has therefore made himself
practically President of what remains of the Transvaal. Kruger went off
with a million of hard gold, paying the Government officials with
dishonoured cheques on the National Bank, from which he has removed all
the money. Every one of his ministers thirsts for the old man's blood,
and perhaps it were best for him to go further than Middelburg.
'_June_ 4*th.*--At about 8.30 this morning firing was heard at no great
distance, in the south-west direction--field-guns, "pom-poms," Maxims,
and even musketry. At about nine o'clock a shell was seen to burst on
an earthwork on a ridge of hills south of the town. Field-glasses and
telescopes were immediately brought out, and we were well entertained
for the rest of the day. Shrapnel burst all along the ridges, and
presently lyddite shells were planted on the hills. The firing seemed
very unmethodical, and the Boers made little or no reply. On the
western kopjes shrapnel was seen bursting all over the place, and we
expected the Infantry to attack them. But the lyddite shells were
certainly the most interesting. They burst with a tremendous noise,
throwing up clouds of brownish earth. For some time the forts seemed
the mark our gunners were aiming at, and these costly erections
certainly received their share--four shells pitching well inside the
west fort; but, later, the shells were directed on the eastern outskirts
of the town. Whether these were intended for the railway station, we
could not make out; but, otherwise, they seemed to have no object. At
about 4.30 the Boers were seen leaving the western ridges and trekking
at a remarkable pace across the plain, disappearing along the northern
road. The day's action was ended by a kind of _feu de joie_ of lyddite
shells, which struck the two forts and the surrounding hills. Then
peace ensued. The last few shots seemed to have been fired by guns
which were much closer than at the commencement of the bombardment, and
the flight of the projectiles, which we could distinctly hear, passed
from west to east, so that we hope our troops have occupied the hills on
the west.
'The hills are burning to-night, and the scene is strangely illuminated
in honour of our approaching rescue.
'_June_ 5*th.*--A day of strangely mingled hopes and fears. This
morning at about 1.30 the Commandant awoke us and ordered us to pack up
at once and prepare to march to the railway, whence we were to be
transported by train down the Delagoa Bay line to some station beyond
Middelburg. All were filled with consternation. To be hurried away
when release was so near at hand seemed too awful. Words cannot express
my feelings. At last we decided to refuse to go. Let them massacre us
if they dared. We reminded the Commandant of the promise made to the
officers the week before that if they restrained the men in Waterval
neither they nor the men should be transported. The Commandant replied
that he had his orders and must execute them, and he rose to leave the
building, but we refused to let him or his lieutenant go, and held them
both prisoners. The Commandant said that the guards would soon come in
to rescue him, but he eventually promised to do his best to save us from
being deported, if we set him free. Then, by Colonel Hunt's advice, for
we did not know when a commando might appear, we returned to bed--you
cannot shoot men in their beds. And so passed the anxious hours away
till dawn. With the first streaks of daylight we scanned the hills
anxiously for the British troops. We could see lines of men moving on
the race-course, but it was impossible to make out what they were.
Presently, at about half-past eight, two figures in khaki came round the
corner, crossed the little brook and galloped towards us. Were they
Boers come to order our removal?--The advance scouts, perhaps, of a
commando to enforce the order! or were they our friends at last? Yes,
thank God! One of the horsemen raised his hat and cheered. There was a
wild rush across the enclosure, hoarse discordant yells, and the
prisoners tore like madmen to welcome the first of their deliverers.
'Who should I see on reaching the gate but Churchill, who, with his
cousin, the Duke of Marlborough, had galloped on in front of the army to
bring us the good tidings. It is impossible to describe our feelings on
being freed. I can scarcely believe it, after seven months'
imprisonment; the joy nearly made up for all our former troubles, and,
besides, the war is not yet over.
'To close the scene we hoisted the Union Jack which Burrows (one of the
prisoners) had made by cutting up a Vierkleur, on the staff whence the
Transvaal colours had so long reminded us of our condition. I will not
write about the triumphal entry of Lord Roberts and the army into
Pretoria, because that has been already told by so many others.
'The Dogman and Cullingworth shared our good fortune, both being
speedily released from the gaol where they had languished since their
attempt to get through to the British lines, and with this happy fact
let me end my record of so many weary days passed in uncertainty,
disappointment, and monotony, but borne, I hope, with patience, and
ending at last in joy.'