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The speaker here enlarged upon the political developments which had taken place in the United States and in the principal European countries during the preceding two years, and then continued:—
"So far as we are concerned, the sum total of the foreign situation is that we obtain a great deal of sympathy, for which we are naturally most grateful. More than this we do not obtain, nor shall obtain for many a long year. Europe will go on expressing sympathy with us until the last Boer hero has died on the field and the last Boer woman has gone down to her grave—until, in fact, the whole Boer nation has been sacrificed on the altar of history and of humanity.
"I have already, on a former occasion, told you what I think about the situation in Cape Colony. We have made great mistakes there; perhaps even now Cape Colony is not ripe for the sort of policy which we have been pursuing with regard to it. At all events, we cannot entertain any hopes of a general rising of the Colonists. We cannot, however, give too much honour to those three thousand heroes in the Colony who have sacrificed all in our behalf, even though they have not succeeded in securing our independence for us.
"Thus we have given President Kruger's advice a fair trial. For twelve months we have been testing the value of the methods which he urged upon us. And, as a result of it all, we have become convinced that those methods are of no avail—that if we wish to remain independent we must depend upon ourselves alone. But the facts which the various delegates have brought before our notice show that we cannot thus depend upon ourselves; that, unless we obtain outside help, the struggle must come to an end. We have, then, no hope of success. Our country is already devastated and in ruins; let us stop before our people are ruined also.
"And now the enemy approaches with a proposal, which, however unacceptable it may be to us in other respects, includes the promise of amnesty for our Colonial brethren who have been fighting side by side with us. I fear that the day will come when we shall no longer be able to save these so-called rebels, and then it will be a just ground for reproach that we sacrificed their interests in a cause that was already hopeless. Moreover, if we refused the proposal which the British Government now makes to us, I am afraid that we shall considerably weaken our position in the eyes of the world, and thus lose much of the sympathy which to-day it evinces in our favour.
"Brethren, we have vowed to stand fast to the bitter end; but let us be men, and acknowledge that that end has now come, and that it is more bitter than ever we thought it could be. For death itself would be sweet compared with the step which we must now take. But let us bow before the will of God.
"The future is dark indeed, but we will not give up courage, and hope, and trust in God. No one shall ever convince me that this unparalleled sacrifice which the African nation has laid upon the altar of freedom will be in vain. It has been a war for freedom—not only for the freedom of the Boers, but for the freedom of all the nations of South Africa. Its results we leave in God's hands. Perhaps it is His will to lead our nation through defeat, through abasement, yes, and even through the valley of the shadow of death, to the glory of a nobler future, to the light of a brighter day."
Commandant A.J. Bester (Bloemfontein) said that at the meeting at which he had been elected his burghers had told him that they were resolved not to become the subjects of England. The arguments now urged against the continuation of the war were not new—they had been used in former times of depression. History gave many instances in which their nation had been delivered out of the most critical positions. One could not help believing that Right would conquer. How was it to be explained that two hundred and forty thousand troops had failed to exterminate two small Republics? Then there had been miraculous escapes; surely the thoughts of these ought to encourage them. They must all be of one mind. His own decision was to stand or to fall for his freedom.
Mr. Birkenstock (Vrijheid) asked whether the proposal could not be accepted under protest.
General J.C. Smuts answered that the meeting could empower the Governments to accept the proposal, and to add that they did so with such and such provisos.
Commandant A.J. Bester (Bloemfontein) thought that there had been enough said, and recommended that the discussion be closed.
Commandant F.E. Mentz (Heilbron) also thought that it was not necessary to argue any more. He believed that the war could not be continued. In Heilbron, Bloemfontein, and part of Bethlehem there were not five head of cattle left. The helpless condition of the women and children also demanded consideration. The state of the country was becoming so desperate that they were now obliged to break away from the kraals. He himself had been compelled to this not long ago, and had lost forty men in one day. He would have to leave his district, but could not bring it to his heart to leave the women behind. It was quite clear to him that the war must be stopped, for some parts of the Transvaal were absolutely unable to go on fighting. Moreover, were the war to continue, commando after commando would go over to the enemy.
General Kemp (Krugersdorp) took a more encouraging view of affairs. He would stand or fall with the independence. His mandate was to that effect. His conscience also would not justify him in taking any other course. He thought that the proposal of the English Government was vague, that there was not sufficient provision for the Boer losses in it, and that it treated the Dutch language as a foreign tongue. Circumstances had often been dark, and the darkness would pass away this time as it had done before. Remembering the commission which had been given to him by the burghers, he could not do otherwise than vote for a continuation of the war.
Vice-President Burger: "I have already given my opinion. I am sorry that the meeting seems to be divided. It is necessary for the welfare of our nation that we should be of one mind. Are we to continue the war? From what I have seen and heard, it is clear to me that we cannot do so. I repeat that there is no possibility of it, neither does any real hope exist that by doing so we should benefit the nation. It is idle to compare our condition in the struggle in 1877-1881 with that in which we now find ourselves; I speak from experience.
"It is true that the victory was then ours; that it was so is due to the help which we received from outside. The Orange Free State remained neutral, but assistance came from President Brand in South Africa and from Gladstone in England: thus it was not by our own sword that we were enabled to win.
"It will be asked why, if we have kept up the struggle for two years and a half, can we not still continue to do so?
"Because, in the meantime, we have become weaker and weaker, and if we persist the end must be fatal. What grounds have we for expecting that we may yet be victorious? Each man we lose renders us weaker; every hundred men we lose means a similar gain to the enemy. England's numerical strength does not diminish; on the contrary, there are even more troops in the country at this moment than when Lord Roberts had the command. England also has used our own men against us, and has not been ashamed of arming the Kaffirs; the enemy are learning from our own men in what way they should fight—he must be blind indeed who cannot see these facts.
"I do not think we can appropriately call this altogether a 'war of faith.' Undoubtedly we began this war strong in the faith of God, but there were also two or three other things to rely upon. We had considerable confidence in our own weapons; we under-estimated the enemy; the fighting spirit had seized upon our people; and the thought of victory had banished that of the possibility of defeat.
"The question still remains, What are we to do? I have no great opinion of the document which lies before us: to me it holds out no inducement to stop the war. If I feel compelled to treat for peace it is not on account of any advantages that this proposal offers me: it is the weight of my own responsibility which drives me to it.
"If I think that by holding out I should dig the nation's grave, nothing must induce me to continue the struggle.
"Therefore I consider it my duty, as leader of our nation, to do my utmost that not one man more shall be killed, that not one woman more shall die.
"The sacrifice must be made; is not this also a trial of our faith? What shall we gain by going on? Nothing! It is obvious that further surrenders will take place—here of a few, there of many—and our weakness will increase.
"We shall also be obliged to abandon large areas of the country. Will this make us stronger? Rather, will it not enable the enemy to concentrate still more? And the abandoned tracts—to whom will they belong? To the enemy!
"In all probability this is our last meeting. I do not believe that we shall be given another chance to negotiate: we shall be deemed too insignificant. If we reject this proposal, what prospects have we in the future? If we accept it, we can, like a child, increase in size and strength, but with its rejection goes our last opportunity.
"Fell a tree and it will sprout again; uproot it and there is an end of it. What has the nation done to deserve extinction?
"Those who wish to continue the war are influenced chiefly by hope; but on what is this hope founded? On our arms? No. On intervention? By no means. On what then? No one can say.
"I am sorry that the Transvaal and the Orange Free State are at variance on this point, and I regret that it is the Transvaal which has to declare itself unable to proceed further; but the enemy have concentrated all their forces in this State, and we can hold out no longer."
Mr. L. Jacobsz: "I have hitherto not spoken, because I am a non-combatant. I have also suffered much, although less than others. I have listened to what has been said, but my opinion is not changed by the views I have heard expressed.
"I repeat now what I said at Klerksdorp, namely that the struggle cannot continue. I have noted the condition of the country, which is such that the commandos can no longer be supported. I would point out the condition of the women and children, of whom many are dying, and all are exposed to great dangers. If there was a chance of succeeding in the end, then we might hold out, but there is no such chance; there is no possibility of intervention, and the silence of the deputation is ominous.
"I sympathize with the heroes present at this meeting; we must have a foundation for our faith, and we cannot altogether compare our people with the people of Israel. Israel had promises made to them; we have none. I would further point out that, in the interests of the nation, it will not do to surrender unconditionally: the terms before us may be deceptive, but they are the best obtainable.
"With regard to the difficulty of those delegates who consider that they are bound to act as they have been commissioned, I am of the same opinion as Judge Hertzog and General Smuts."
Commandant J.J. Alberts (Standerton) spoke more or less in the same strain. He was of opinion that the war should be finished by ceding territory, but, failing this, that it should be ended on any terms obtainable.
Vice-President de Wet expressed his opinion that, considering the short time at their disposal, they should proceed, if possible, to make some proposal.
General D.A. Brand said that he would have spoken if he had not thought that enough had been said; he considered it desirable to close the discussion, and was willing to make a proposal.
Veldtcornet D.J.E. Opperman (Pretoria South) considered that the difficulties of continuing the war, and of accepting the proposal, were equal. Some of his burghers would fight no longer. What troubled him most was the condition of the women; it went to his heart to see these families perish. He was of opinion that, for the sake of the women and children who were suffering so intensely, the proposal should be accepted under protest.
Veldtcornet J. Van Steedden, seconded by Veldtcornet B.J. Roos, moved that the discussion be now closed.
The meeting was adjourned after prayer.
[Footnote 120: The step of a tired horse.]
SATURDAY, MAY 31ST, 1902.
The meeting was opened with prayer.
General Nieuwouwdt, seconded by General Brand, made the following proposal:—
"This meeting of special deputies from the two Republics, after considering the proposal of His Majesty's Government for the re-establishment of peace, and taking into consideration (a) the demands of the burghers in the veldt and the commissions which they had given to their representatives; (b) that they do not consider themselves justified in concluding peace on the basis laid down by His Majesty's Government before having been placed in communication with the delegates of the Republic now in Europe, decides that it cannot accept the proposal of His Majesty's Government, and orders the Governments of the two Republics to communicate this decision to His Majesty's Government through its representatives."
Mr. P.R. Viljoen, seconded by General H.A. Alberts, made a proposal, amended afterwards by General Smuts and Judge Hertzog, which appears later on under the proposal of H.P.J. Pretorius and C. Botha.
A third proposal by General E. Botha and General J.G. Celliers was laid upon the table, but subsequently withdrawn.
Mr. F.W. Reitz considered it to be his duty not only to the nation but also to himself as a citizen, to say that, in case the proposal of the British Government should be accepted, it would be necessary for the meeting to make provisions as to whose signatures should be attached to the necessary documents. He himself would not sign any document by which the independence would be given up.
Remarks were made by several members on the first proposal, and Mr. P.R. Viljoen asked that no division should arise.
Vice-President de Wet then said that, as the time was limited, and all could not speak, he would propose that a Commission should be nominated in order to draw up a third proposal in which various opinions of the members should be set down; and that, whilst the Commission was occupied in this way, the Orange Free State delegates on their part and those of the South African Republic on their part, should meet in order that an understanding might be come to between them. They must endeavour to come to a decision, for it would be of the greatest possible advantage to them.
Commandant-General Botha thought that this hint should be taken. They had suffered and fought together: let them not part in anger.
The above-mentioned Commission was then decided upon, and Judge Hertzog and General Smuts were elected.
Then the Orange Free State delegates went to the tent of Vice-President de Wet, whilst those of the South African Republic remained in the tent in which the meeting was held.
After a time of heated dispute—for every man was preparing himself for the bitter end—they came to an agreement, and Judge Hertzog read the following proposal:—
"We, the national representatives of both the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, at the meeting held at Vereeniging, from the 15th of May till the 31st of May, 1902, have with grief considered the proposal made by His Majesty's Government in connexion with the conclusion of the existing hostilities, and their communication that this proposal had to be accepted, or rejected, unaltered. We are sorry that His Majesty's Government has absolutely declined to negotiate with the Governments of the Republics on the basis of their independence, or to allow our Governments to enter into communication with our deputations. Our people, however, have always been under the impression that not only on the grounds of justice, but also taking into consideration the great material and personal sacrifices made for their independence, that it had a well-founded claim for that independence.
"We have seriously considered the future of our country, and have specially observed the following facts:—
"Firstly, that the military policy pursued by the British military authorities has led to the general devastation of the territory of both Republics by the burning down of farms and towns, by the destruction of all means of subsistence, and by the exhausting of all resources required for the maintenance of our families, the subsistence of our armies, and the continuation of the war.
"Secondly, that the placing of our families in the concentration camps has brought on an unheard-of condition of suffering and sickness, so that in a comparatively short time about twenty thousand of our beloved ones have died there, and that the horrid probability has arisen that, by continuing the war, our whole nation may die out in this way.
"Thirdly, that the Kaffir tribe, within and without the frontiers of the territory of the two Republics, are mostly armed and are taking part in the war against us, and through the committing of murders and all sorts of cruelties have caused an unbearable condition of affairs in many districts of both Republics. An instance of this happened not long ago in the district of Vrijheid, where fifty-six burghers on one occasion were murdered and mutilated in a fearful manner.
"Fourthly, that by the proclamations of the enemy the burghers still fighting are threatened with the loss of all their movable and landed property—and thus with utter ruin—which proclamations have already been enforced.
"Fifthly, that it has already, through the circumstances of the war, become quite impossible for us to keep the many thousand prisoners of war taken by our forces, and that we have thus been unable to inflict much damage on the British forces (whereas the burghers who are taken prisoners by the British armies are sent out of the country), and that, after war has raged for nearly three years, there only remains an insignificant part of the fighting forces with which we began.
"Sixthly, that this fighting remainder, which is only a small minority of our whole nation, has to fight against an overpowering force of the enemy, and besides is reduced to a condition of starvation, and is destitute of all necessaries, and that notwithstanding our utmost efforts, and the sacrifice of everything that is dear and precious to us, we cannot foresee an eventual victory.
"We are therefore of opinion that there is no justifiable ground for expecting that by continuing the war the nation will retain its independence, and that, under these circumstances, the nation is not justified in continuing the war, because this can only lead to social and material ruin, not for us alone, but also for our posterity. Compelled by the above-named circumstances and motives, we commission both Governments to accept the proposal of His Majesty's Government, and to sign it in the name of the people of both Republics.
"We, the representative delegates, express our confidence that the present circumstances will, by accepting the proposal of His Majesty's Government, be speedily ameliorated in such a way that our nation will be placed in a position to enjoy the privileges to which they think they have a just claim, on the ground not only of their past sacrifices, but also of those made in this war.
"We have with great satisfaction taken note of the decision of His Majesty's Government to grant a large measure of amnesty to the British subjects who have taken up arms on our behalf, and to whom we are united by bonds of love and honour; and express our wish that it may please His Majesty to still further extend this amnesty."
Mr. P.R. Viljoen then withdrew his proposal.
Commandant H.P.J. Pretorius, seconded by General C. Botha, presented the proposal, as read by the Commission.
General Nieuwouwdt also withdrew his proposal, but it was at once taken over by General C.C.J. Badenhorst, seconded by Commandant A.J. Bester, of Bloemfontein.
The meeting then adjourned till the afternoon.
* * * * *
In the afternoon at 2.05 it again met.
Proceeding to the voting, the proposal of H.P.J. Pretorius, seconded by General C. Botha, was accepted, by fifty-four votes against six. Then Vice-President Burger spoke a few words suitable to the occasion as follows:—"We are standing here at the grave of the two Republics. Much yet remains to be done, although we shall not be able to do it in the official capacities which we have formerly occupied. Let us not draw our hands back from the work which it is our duty to accomplish. Let us ask God to guide us, and to show us how we shall be enabled to keep our nation together. We must be ready to forgive and forget, whenever we meet our brethren. That part of our nation which has proved unfaithful we must not reject."
Later, Vice-President Burger spoke a few words of farewell to the Commandant-General, to the Members of the Executive Councils, and to the delegates.
In the afternoon, as it turned out for the last time, Commandant Jacobsz, seconded by General Muller, made the following proposal, which was unanimously accepted by the meeting:—
"This meeting of Delegates, having in view the necessity of collecting means to provide for the wants of the suffering women and children, widows and orphans, and other destitute persons, who have through this war come to a condition of want, and also having in view the desirability of nominating a Committee, whose duty it shall be to arrange the necessary steps in this matter, and to finally decide on the management and distribution of the donations received, decides:—
"To nominate the Hon. Messrs. M.J. Steyn, S.W. Burger, L. Botha, C.R. de Wet, J.H. De la Rey, A.P. Kriel, and J.D. Kestell, as the Committee, to carry out all arrangements for the above-mentioned purposes, that may seem desirable and expedient to them, and also to appoint new Members, Sub-Committees and working Committees; and the said Committee is empowered to draw up regulations, and to amend them from time to time as shall seem to them expedient.
"This meeting further decides to send abroad from the above-mentioned Committee, Messrs. C.R. de Wet, L. Botha, and J.H. De la Rey, in order that they may help in collecting the above-mentioned donations."
Then this—the last meeting of the two Republics—was closed with prayer.
Index
Aard, Commandant Frans van— Election as Commandant of Kroonstad, 115 Killed in engagement between Kroonstad and Lindley, 157
Abraham's Kraal—Bombardment by British, Boer Flight, 52
Achterlaaiers, 3
Active Service—Calling up of Orange Free State Burghers, 4 Commando Law as to Equipment, Provisions, etc., 3 Notification to Orange Free State Burghers to hold themselves in readiness, 3
Alberts, Capt.—Tribute to, 243
Albrecht, Major—Command of Boer Reinforcements at Koedoesberg, 28
Ammunition—Amount possessed by Boers in 1902, 408 Capture of Ammunition by the Boers, 173 Dewetsdorp, 178 Doornspruit, Capture of Train near, 132 Roodewal—Amount captured, 103 Digging up, 191, 193 Disposal of, 104, 106 Tweefontein, 282 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Ammunition hidden in Cave, 298
Amnesty—General Amnesty for Boer Sympathisers in Cape Colony and Natal, proposed, 322
Annexation of the South African Republic—Battles fought after the alleged Annexation, 229 Peace Negotiations at Pretoria, References to the Annexation, 367
Armistice to admit of attendance of Officers at the Vereeniging Meeting (May, 1902), 315 Misunderstanding on the part of the British Columns, 317
Arms, Surrender of, see titles Banishment and Surrender
Assistant-Commander-in-Chief Gen. de Wet obtaining Post from Government, 95
Assistant-Commander-in-Chief of the Orange Free State— Prinsloo, Mr. Marthinus, Illegal Election of, 126 Steenekamp, Commandant, Nomination of, 144
Badenhorst, Siege of, by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 77, 78 Abandonment of Siege, 79
Badenhorst, Veldtcornet, 94 Vice-Commander-in-Chief in Districts of Boshof, etc., Appointment, 159
Baggage Animals of British Troops—Exhaustion of, 148 Use of, 279
Baker's, Col., Column—Commander-in-Chief de Wet lying in wait with a view to Reprisals, 271
Banishment Proclamation of Aug. 7, 1901 (Lord Kitchener's Proclamation), 247-250 Battles fought subsequent to, 252 Burghers, Effect on, 252 Kitchener's, Lord, Letter to Commander-in-Chief de Wet enclosing copy of Proclamation, 247 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Reply, 248 Officers, Effect on, 250 President and Commander-in-Chief of Transvaal and Orange Free State—Replies, 250, 251, 257, 258 Steyn's, President, Letter to Lord Kitchener, 251-259 Terms of, 247-251
Bank Notes of the South African Republic—Peace Terms, Arrangements for honouring Notes, 380 Prisoners of War, Opportunity of sending in Notes for Payment, 386
Barbed Wire Fences, see Wire Fences
Barton, Gen., Attack on at Frederiksstad by Commander-in-Chief de Wet and Gen. Liebenberg, 164-167
Beijers, Gen.—Continuance of the War, Spirit of the Nation an obstacle—Speech at Vereeniging Conference, 410 Waterberg District, Situation in—Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 339
Bergh, Capt.—Attacks on Boer Forces with bands of Kaffirs, 271
Bester, Commandant A.J.—Continuance of the War, Argument in favour of at the Vereeniging Conference, 421
Bester Station, Skirmish at, 10
Bethlehem—Commandants of Boer Forces, Appointments, 227, 228 Defence of—British Reinforcements, Arrival of, 121, 122 Dispositions of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 120, 121 Voetgangers on Wolhuterskop, Bravery of, 121, 122 Engagement near, 194, 195 Fall of, 122
Bethlehem Commando—Fidelity of Burghers, 94, note
Bezuidenhoutspas—Occupation by Vrede Commando, 7, 8
Biddulphsberg Engagement—English wounded burnt by veldt fire, 84
"Big Constable"—Transvaalers mistaking President Steyn for Police Agent, 86, 87
Birkenstock, Mr.—Continuance of the War, Terms of Surrender, etc., 399 Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902—Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 343
Blauwbank, Fight at, 30 British Camp abandoned—Booty taken by Boers, 33, 34 British Convoy, Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Attack on, 32, 33
Blijdschap—Arrival of Laager of Women, 268 De Lange sentenced to death for High Treason at, 268, note Massing of Commandos at, 268
Blikkiescost, 4
Blockhouse System—"Blockhead" System, alleged, 260 Boer Success in breaking through Blockhouses, 260, 261 Bothaville, Boers breaking through Blockhouse Line, 299 British loss of faith in Blockhouses, 291, 292 Cost of erection and maintenance, 262 Description of, 262 Districts surrounded by the British, 261 Failure of, alleged, 261 Lindley-Kroonstad Line, Boers breaking through, 287 Palmietfontein, Boers breaking through Line near, 289, 290 Prolongation of the War by, alleged, 263, 264 Small number of Captures effected, 260, 261 Springhaansnek—Commander-in-Chief de Wet breaking through the Line of Blockhouses on the march to the South, 173 Thaba'Nchu and Sanna's Post, Forts between—Capture by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 201, 202 Trenches dug by British near Blockhouse Lines, etc., 288, 294, 295
Bloemfontein—Capture by British, 55 Defence of—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Arrangements, 54 Water Works—Occupation by General Broadwood, 61
"Boer Biscuits," 3
Boer Forces— Burghers who had returned home after fall of Bloemfontein, Re-call to the front, 71 Commandos left with Commander-in-Chief de Wet after fall of Bloemfontein, note 57 Confusion among Burghers at Holspruits, 294, 295 Discipline, see that title Disposition of Forces after fall of Bethlehem, 124 Harrismith Commando, Refusal to part with Waggons—Return home, 161, 163 Medical Certificates, Abuse of, note 59 Mobility, see that title Numbers at Outset of War, 408, 414, 415, 491 Numbers at the Termination of the War, 322, 338, 339, 347, 348, 359, 360, 361, 362 Orange Free State Commandos— Commander-in-Chief, Election of, 6, 7 Harrismith, Concentration at, 4, 6-7 Heilbron Commando, see that title Number of Burghers ready to fight after fall of Pretoria, 94 Panic after Paardeberg, 48, 49, 51, 52, note 57 Permission given to Burghers by Commander-in-Chief de Wet to return home, 56, note 57—Gen. Joubert's Protest, 57 Reduction in numbers due to Paardeberg Surrender, etc., 89, 90 Roberts', Lord, Surrender Proclamation—Effect on Numbers rejoining Commandos, 60 Non-observance of Terms, Burghers returning to Commandos, 80 Separation of Free Staters and Transvaalers after fall of Kroonstad, Reasons for, 89, 90
Boesmanskop Skirmish, 80
Boshof, Vrow—Gift of Clothes to Burghers who had swum the Orange River, 221, 222
Bosman, Landdrost—Continuance of the War, Terms of Surrender, etc., 404, 405, 406 Situation in South Africa on 15th May, 1902—Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 361, 362
Botha—Capture at Honingkopjes, Subsequent Escape and Death, 110
Botha, Commandant-General— Continuance of the War, Arguments against—Terms of Surrender, etc., 414, 415 Estcourt Skirmishes—Capture of Armoured Train, etc., 19 Fortitude after Fall of Pretoria, 93 Independence of the South African Republic and Orange Free State—Vereeniging Conference Delegates' power to decide as to Independence, 411 Junction with Commander-in-Chief de Wet at Rhenosterriviersbrug, 88, 89 Middelburg Peace Proposals, see that title Mission to Europe on behalf of Relief Fund Committee, 428 Peace Negotiations—Member of Commission of National Representatives at the Pretoria Conference, 320, 365-396 Situation in South Africa on 15th May, 1902—Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 337, 338, 354-358
Botha, General Philip— Dewetsdorp Defences, Occupation of, 175, 176 Engagement with General Knox's Forces, 194, 195 Kroonstad War Council, Presence at, 58 Reinforcements sent to Commander-in-Chief de Wet before Paardeberg, Command of, 36, 37 Stinkfontein—Failure to recapture Position, 45 Storming of, 40 Tabaksberg, Engagement at, 83
Botha, Mr. Jan—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Tribute to, 150, 151
Bothaville—Boers breaking through Blockhouse Line, 299 Surprise Attack by the British on Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Forces—Boer Panic, 168-170 Losses of the Boers, 170-171
Bout Span, 5
Boys—Presence with Commandos, 287, 289, 290 Children killed and wounded, 289, 290, 295, 296
Brabant's, General, Successes, 50
Brabant's Horse—Attack on Commandant Kritzinger and Captain Scheepers, 185, 186 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Opinion of, 75, 76
Brand, President—Assistance rendered to South African Republic in War of 1877-1881, 422, 423
Brandfort, Boer Forces at—Hotels closed by Commander-in-Chief, 60
Brandwachten, 22
Breijtenbach, Veldtcornet B.H.—Continuance of the War, Impossibility of Carrying on the Struggle, 403, 404
British Forces—Artillery, Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Tribute to, 25 March from Bethlehem to Reitz, under guidance of Free Staater, 263, 264 Sixty Thousand Men, Cordon of, 291, 292, 293, 294
Broadwood, General—Occupation of Thaba'Nchu, 65, 66 Retreat towards Thaba'Nchu before General Olivier, 62
Broodspioen, 207, 208
Bruwer, Commandant—Appointment to Command of Bethlehem District, 227, 228
Buller, Sir Redvers—Drakensberg Frontier, Crossing of, 93 Landing at Cape Town, 21 Relief of Ladysmith, 50 Strength of Positions operated against by Sir Redvers Buller, 21
Bulwana Hill—Boers surprised by British, 21
Burger, Vice-President—Continuance of the War, Terms of Surrender, etc., 398, 421, 422, 424, 425 Meeting with Orange Free State Government, Letter to President Steyn, 301, 302 Situation in South Africa on 15th May, 1902—Address at the Vereeniging Conference, 336, 337, 351-354 Steyn, President, Resignation of—Announcement at Vereeniging Conference, 411
Cape Colony— De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Attempted Inroad—March towards Cape Colony— Blockhouses—Commander-in-Chief de Wet breaking through the Line at Springhaansnek, 173, 187, 188, 189 Dewetsdorp— Defences, British neglecting to hold, 175, 176 Storming of, 175-179 Forces under Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 172 "Good Hope" Farm, Engagement near, 181 Knox's, Gen., Arrival with British Reinforcements, 181 Gun and Amount of Ammunition taken, 173 Karmel, March towards, 181, 182 Knox's, Gen., Pursuit of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 185, 186, 187, 189, 190 Orange and Caledon Rivers in flood—Commander-in-Chief de Wet "cornered," 182, 183 Prinsloo's, Commandant Michal, Commando—Appearance in the nick of time, 187, 188 Retreat across Orange River, 184, 185 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Expedition into— Capture of Farm held by British Troops, 207, 208 Courage and Endurance of Burghers, 212 Diminution in number of Boer Forces, 206, 207 Engagements with British Troops, 206, 207, 212 Escape of Boer Forces in the darkness, 216, 219, 220 Fodder, Lack of, 206, 207 Knox's, Gen., Movements, 201, 202, 203 Miraculous Nature of Boer Achievements, 223, 224 Moddervlei, Passage of—Boer Loss of Ammunition and Flour Waggons, 208, 209, 210, 212 Officers serving with Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 195, 196 Position of Boer Forces after crossing Orange River, 205, 206 Retreat across Orange River, Difficulties of, etc., 217-224 Strategy employed to mislead Gen. Knox, 202, 203, 204 General Rising of Burghers, Impossibility of—Reports of Delegates at the Vereeniging Conference, 340, 341, 342, 355, 360, 361, 405, 406 Position of affairs at the beginning of 1901—Colonial Burghers' Sympathy with Boer Cause, 195, 196 Sheep-farming, success of in North-Western Districts, 211 Small Commandos sent to Cape Colony, Policy of, 234
Cape Mounted Rifles, Commander-in-Chief de Wet's opinion of, 77, 78
Cartwright, Mr., Editor of South African News—Punishment for publication of "not to take prisoners" Anecdote concerning Lord Kitchener, 184, 185
Casualties, see Losses in Killed and Wounded, etc., on either side
Cattle—Blockhouse Line between Lindley and Kroonstad, Boer Cattle breaking through, 288 Capture of Boer Cattle on "Majuba Day," 296, 297 Destruction by the British, 192, 232 Supply available on May 15, 1902—Report of Vereeniging Delegates, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 343, 344, 345, 346, 351, 352
Causes of the War—British Government Interference with the inner policy of the South African Republic, 252, 253 Declaration of War by the South African Republics as the Cause—President Steyn's Contradiction, 251, 252 Extermination of the Republics already determined on by England, alleged, 254, 255 Franchise Law—British Government Demands, 252, 253, 254 Goldfields the main object, alleged, 350, 351 Jameson Raid as a Cause, alleged, 251, 252, 253 Memorials to H.M. Government concerning alleged Grievances—President Steyn's efforts to keep the Peace, 252, 253, 254 Orange Free State joining issues with the Transvaal, 254, 255 Steyn's, President, Letter to Lord Kitchener, 250-259 Troops landed by the British Government prior to outbreak of War, 253, 254 Ultimatum of Boers, Lord Salisbury's Assertion, 53, 54
Ceylon—Boer Prisoners taken with Gen. Prinsloo sent to Ceylon, 156
Chamberlain, Mr. J.—Boer Ultimatum—Telegrams to Sir A. Milner, 329 Jameson Raid—Defence of Mr. Rhodes, President Steyn on, 251, 252
Cilliers, Gen. J.G.—Continuance of the War, Terms of Surrender, etc., 404, 405 Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902—Address at the Vereeniging Conference, 353, 354
Cilliers, Sarah—Death at Frederiksstad Engagement, 166, 167
Clothing—De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Clothes hidden in Cave, 298 Difficulty of obtaining, 233 Hides for tanning, Destruction by the British, 233 Stripping British Prisoners to obtain, 233
Colenso—British losses at, 23
Colesberg—Strength of Boer Positions, 26
Colonial Burghers—British subjects fighting on Boer Side, Boer Hopes of Assistance unfulfilled, 405, 406, 408, 420 British Government Intentions with regard to Rebels, 394, 395 Proposal for General Amnesty, 413, 414 Safeguarding in Peace Negotiations, 398, 402, 403, 411, 414, 415, 416, 421, 427
Commandeering—Provisions of Commando Law, 3
Commander-in-Chief of Orange Free State— De Wet, Gen.—Appointment of, 49 Secret Election of, 118 Prinsloo, Election of, 6, 7
Commando Law—Provisions as to Commandeering, 3
Commandos—Division of into small parties, 225 Advantages of, 227 List of Districts and Commandants, 225-227 Skirmishes, Splendid Record, 267 Small Commandos sent into Cape Colony—De Wet's Policy, 234 (For particular Commandos see their names)
Commissariat—Comparison of Boer and British Commissariat Arrangements, 4, 5, 6, 7
Compensation for Boer Losses, see Repatriation
Concentration Camps—Number of Deaths in, etc., 416, 419, 426 Women—Flight of to avoid being sent to Camps, 193, 279 Maintenance of Boer Women and Children by the British Government—President Steyn on, 257, 258 Treatment of, 232, 257, 258
Conduct of the War by British—Exhaustion of the Republics, 419
Continuance of the War in 1902, Vereeniging Conference— Burghers, Attitude of, 404, 405, 410, 411 Effect on Vereeniging Meeting, 413, 414 Comparison of Situation with that of 1877-1881, Futility of, 421, 422 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Speech, 407 Kruger's, President, Advice, 420 Possibility, Question of—Situation in South African Republic, Reliance on Government, etc., 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354-358, 359, 360-362, 363, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 407, 408, 410, 412, 413, 414, 415, 417, 418, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 426 Reasons for, 400, 401
Correspondence relating to the War, Preservation of, 247
Court Martial on Commandant Vilonel, Composition of, note 85
Cowboys, Capture by Boers—Blauwbank Capture, 33, 34
Cronje, Commandant—Continuance of the War, Reliance on God, etc., 402 European Intervention, Boer Deputation to Foreign Courts, 402, 403
Cronje, Gen. A.P.—Modder Spruit, Command at, 11 Sanna's Post, Share in Engagement, 64 Vechtgeneraal of Orange Free State, Nomination as, 11
Cronje, Gen. Piet—De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Scheme for breaking Lord Methuen's Railway Communications—Refusal to permit Execution of, 23 Ladysmith, Occupation of Positions South and Southwest of, 19 Magersfontein—Command at, 23, 24 Refusal to profit by Commander-in-Chief De Wet's Advice, 25 Message in reply to Commander-in-Chief De Wet's warning before Paardeberg, 31 Retreat towards Paardeberg, 36, 37 Surrender at Paardeberg (see Paardeberg)
Cronje, Vechtgeneraal Andreas—Command of Boers' Reinforcements from Bloemfontein, 45
Cropper, F.C., Death of, near Lindley, 269
Dakasburg Engagement, 200
Dalgety, Colonel—Command at Badenhorst, 77
Davel, Commandant—Command of President Steyn's Bodyguard, 191
Days of Thanksgiving and Humiliation, Appointment of, 243
De Clercq, Mr.—Continuance of the War, Terms of Surrender, 399 Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902—Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 344, 348
De la Rey, General—Colesberg Command, 24 Continuance of the War, Terms of Surrender, etc., 403, 404 Fortitude after Fall of Pretoria, 93 Independence of the South African Republic—Powers of Vereeniging Delegates to decide on Question, 411, 412 Kraaipan, Capture of Armoured Train, 8 Kroonstad War Council, Presence at, 58 Magersfontein Laager, Command at, 23 Mission to Europe on behalf of Relief Fund Committee, 428 Peace Negotiations—Member of Commission of National Representatives at the Pretoria Conference, 320, 365-396 Permission given to Burghers to return home, 56 Reitfontein, Work at, 52 Roberts', Lord, Attempt to cross the Orange River—Success in preventing, 26 Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902—Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 358 Steyn's, President, and General de Wet's visit to, 300
De Lange—Sentence of Death for High Treason at Blijdschap, 268 note
De Wet, General Piet—Advice to Commander-in-Chief De Wet after Siege of Badenhorst, 81 Discontinuance of Struggle proposed—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Reception of Proposal, 130 Lindley Garrison, Capture of, 92 Sanna's Post Engagement, Share in, 64 Swartbooiskop, Guarding after Fight at Nicholson's Nek, 17
De Wet, Jacobus, Capture of, 296, 297
De Wet, Johannes—Death near Smithfield, 181
De Wet, Veldtcornet—Wounded during Retreat from Dewetsdorp, 181
Debtors, Protection of, against Creditors for Six Months after the War—Peace Negotiations at Pretoria (May, 1902), 387
Declaration of War by South African Republic (see Ultimatum)
Deputation to European Powers to ask for Intervention (1900)—Departure from Delagoa Bay, 53, 54 Encouragement to continue Struggle, 407 England's Refusal to permit Return of Deputation, 409, 412, 413 European Governments unwilling to receive, 415, 416 Failure of, 355, 356 Object of, 54 Silence of, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 407
Delagoa Bay Harbour, Forbidden to Boers by Portuguese Government, 53, note 54
Destitution caused by the War, 321, 322 Appointment of Committee to Collect and Administer Relief Funds, 428
Devastation by the British—War against Boer Property, 192 Crops destroyed, Corn burnt, etc., note 83 Farm-burning and Waggons (see those titles) Male Attire, Burning of, 221, 222
Dewetsdorp, Occupation by British, 71 Storming by Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Forces, 174-179
Diederiks of Boshof, Commandant, 24
Discipline of Boer Forces—Imperfect Discipline, 7, 8, 9, 57 Failure to remove Cattle along Railway Line, 111 Roodewal, Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Difficulties in carrying away Booty, 103, 104 Sanna's Post, irritating Results at, 67 Stricter Discipline, Results of, 61 Taljaart's and Prinsloo's, Veldtcornets, Burghers "preferred to go their own way," 286 Waggon Difficulty, 120, 121 Harrismith Burghers' Refusal to part with their Waggons at Spitskopje, 161-163
Doornberg, War Council at—Decision as to Presidential Election, 197
Doornspruit—Line near crossed by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, Capture of Train, Ammunition, etc., 132
Drakensberg Range— Boundary between Boer and British Territory in 1899, 7, 8 Passes, Occupation by Orange Free State Commandos, 7, 8
Drive Tactics of British— Bethlehem-Lindley to Frankfort-Vrede Line—Cordon of Sixty Thousand Men, 290-296 Boer Forces caught between Cordon of Troops and Vaal River, 135, 136 Harrismith, Heilbron and Bethlehem District, 285, 286
Du Toit, General—Continuance of the War, Terms of Surrender, etc., 400, 401
Dundee, Line near, cut by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 9, 10
Elandsfontein Engagement—Commandant Michal Prinsloo's Exploit, 119, 120
Elandskop—British Attack in Hope of Capturing Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 290, 291
Elandslaagte Engagement, 114
Els, Veldtcornet Marthinus, wounded outside Ladysmith, 20
Epithets applied by the British to the Boer Forces, 227, 228
European Journals kept from Republics by England, 409
Eustin, Lieut. Banie, wounded and captured by British, 204, 205
Extermination of the South African Republics—British Determination to exterminate the Republics prior to the Outbreak of War, alleged, 254, 255
Fanny's Home Farm—Recapture of Guns by British, 285
Farm-burning, etc., by the British—Heilbron, Bethlehem and Harrismith District, 285 Roberts', Lord, Proclamations, ordering, 192 Shelter, Lack of—Women living in Narrow Sheds, 290, 291 Wholesale Destruction of Farms by the British, 232
Fauresmith and Jacobsdal Burghers—Failure to rejoin Commandos, 60 Return Home without Permission after Poplar Grove, 56
Ferreira, Mr. T.S., Commander-in-Chief, at Kimberley—Death due to Gun Accident, 49
Firing of the Veldt by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 141, 142
Fissher, Abraham—Member of Boer Deputation to Europe (1900), 53, 54
Food Supply—Failure of Food Supply, Reason for Acceptance of British Peace Terms, 233, 321, 401, 402, 405, 406, 410, 416, 417, 421, 422, 427, 428 Kemp's, Gen., Plan of Commandeering Food Supplies from the Kaffirs, 345 Situation in the various Districts on May 15, 1902—Reports of the Delegates to the Vereeniging Conference, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 355, 361, 362
Forces—Comparison between numbers, etc., engaged on either Side in the War, 339 (See also titles Boer and British Forces)
Fourie, General Piet—Bethlehem Engagement, 281 Blauwbank, Exploits at, 33, 34, 35 Cape Colony Expedition, Part in, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 210, 212, 213, 221, 222 Commandos escaped from behind the Roodebergen, Command of, 238, 239 Despatch of, to the South-Eastern Districts, 225 Engagement with British Troops from Bloemfontein (1900), 80 Prinsloo's Surrender, Escape from, 128 Springhaansnek, Leader in Attack on Blockhouse Line, 187, 188, 189 Vice-Commander-in-Chief in Bloemfontein District, Appointment, 157
Franchise—British Government Demands on the South African Republic prior to Outbreak of War, 252, 253, 254
Frankfort, British Success at (1900), 82 Ross', Commandant, Engagement with Colonel Rimington's Troops, 267
Fraser, Gordon—One of two faithful Burghers of Philippolis District, 94
Frederiksstad Station—Attack by Commander-in-Chief de Wet and General Liebenberg on General Barton, Causes of Failure, etc., 165-168
French, General— Koedoesberg, Fight for, 27 Magersfontein—Boer Lines broken through, 36, 37
Froneman, General— Continuance of the War at all Costs advocated, 402, 403 Escape from Paardeberg, 41 Frederiksstad, Attack on General Barton—Failure to hold advanced Position, 165, 166, 167 Koedoesberg, Share in Fighting at, 27, 28 Kroonstad War Council, Presence at, 58 Prinsloo's Surrender—Escape from, 128 Railway Line wrecked near America Siding, 115, 116 Reddersburg, March on, 72, 73 Rhenosterriviersbrug Engagement, 99, 101, 104, 105 Sanna's Post Engagement, Share in, 62 Smithfield Expedition, Results of, 79 Train captured by, near Jagersfontein Road Station, 203, 204 Ventersburg, Failure to hold Position, 85
Gatacre, General—Capture of Stormberg, 50
Gatsrand—Death of Danie Theron, 153, 154
Germany—Attitude towards the War, Reasons for Non-intervention, 358, 359
Gladstone— Assistance rendered to South African Republic in War of 1877-1881, 422, 423 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, tribute to, 85
Goldfields—Surrender of, to the British proposed, 350, 351, 352, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364
Gouveneurskop—General de Villiers' Exploits at, 83
Government of Orange Free State— Accompanying Commander-in-Chief de Wet in Departure from Roodebergen, 124, 129 Bethlehem, Transference to, 117 Cape Colony, Expedition into, Decision to accompany, 197 Capture of Members of the Government by the British at Reitz—Escape of President Steyn, 244 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Operations after Prinsloo's Surrender—Government accompanying Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 124, 129 Executive Raad, Constitution of, 198 Heilbron, Transference to, 86 Kroonstad, Transference to, 58 Third Transference, Reasons for, 92 Volksraad—Impossibility of assembling a legally constituted Volksraad, 198, 199
Government of South African Republic— Capture of Members by the British at Reitz, 244 Appointments to Vacancies, 244 Treachery on the part of Burgher Steenekamp, 244 Steyn's, President, Visit to Machadodorp, 144 Termination of the War (see that title)
Governments of the Orange Free State and South African Republic— Peace Deliberations, Meeting at Klerksdorp, 303, 305 Peace Negotiations at Pretoria, Boer Proposals for Retention of Self-Government under British supervision, 366, 371, 372
Grain Waggons, captured by British near Vredefort, 133
"Granary" of Orange Free State lost to Boers, 84
Grant by the British Government for Repatriation Purposes, Re-stocking Farms, etc., 394
Great Britain, King of—Thanks of Boer Generals for Efforts to promote Peace—Resolution at the Vereeniging Conference, 346
Grobler, Commandant H.S.—Continuance of the War, Impossibility of carrying on the Struggle, 406
Grobler, Mr. E.R.—Colesberg Command, 22
Groenkop, Description of, 278
"Guerillas"— Designation of Boer Forces by the British as "Guerillas," Objections to the term, 228, 229 Meaning of the term, 229
Guns— Boer Captures— Blauwbank, 33 Colenso and Stormberg, 22 Dakasburg Engagement— Capture of a Maxim-Nordenfeldt, 200 Dewetsdorp, 178 Nicholson's Nek, 16 Sanna's Post, 67, 69 Tweefontein, 282 Boer Losses, 208, 209 Bothaville, Number lost at, 170, 171 Fanny's Home Farm, Recapture of Guns by the British, 285 Frederiksstad, Retreat after—Loss of one gun, 167 Springhaansnek, Gun Abandoned, 189, 190 Ventersdorp, Loss of Krupp Gun near, 141
"Hands-uppers," British use of, 18
Harbour, Boer Lack of, note 53
Harrismith— Engagement with British Troops near, 272-274 Boer Casualties, 274 Failure of Boer Charge, 273 Orange Free State Troops, Concentration at, 4, 6
Harrismith Burghers— De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Visit to, 260 Surrender following Prinsloo's Surrender, 128 Waggon, Refusal to part with—Return home, 161-163
Hasebroek, Commandant—Cape Colony Expedition—Holding the Enemy in Check, 212, 215, 219, 220 Engagement with Colonel White near Thaba'Nchu, 189, 190
Hattingh, General—Command at Harrismith and Vrede Commandos, 161 Commander-in-Chief in the Drakensberg Appointment, 117
Hattingh, Veldtcornet Johannes—Leader in Springhaansnek Attack on Blockhouse Lines, 187
Heenop, David—Swimming the Orange River, 220
Heilbron—District to which Commander-in-Chief de Wet belonged, 4 Government of Orange Free State transferred to, 86 Mentz, Commandant F.E., Engagement with Colonel Byng's Column, 267
Heilbron Commando—Commandant Mr. L. Steenekamp, 4 Vice-Commandant, Election of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 7 Visits to, by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 230, 243
Heliographic Communication, Use by Boers, 286 note, 289
Hertzog, Judge—Continuance of the War, Arguments for and against—Vereeniging Conference, 412 Despatch of, to the South-Western Districts, 225 Mission to bring back Commandos which had escaped from Prinsloo's Surrender, 137 Peace Negotiations—Member of Commission of National Representatives at the Pretoria Conference, 320, 365-396 Rejection of British Terms—Proposal, 425, 426 Report on Attitude of Burghers in North-Western Parts of Cape Colony, 195 Vice-Commander-in-Chief, Appointment in Districts of Fauresmith, etc., 158
Hides for Tanning—Destruction by the British, 233
Hijs, Commandant, P.L.—Impossibility of European Intervention, 401, 402
Holspruits—Boers breaking through British Lines, 293, 294
Honing Kopjes—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's first Engagement with Lord Kitchener, 108-110
Honingspruit Station, Failure of Commandant Olivier's Attack, 115, 116
Horses—Bothaville, Capture of Horses by Boers, 299 Condition of Boer Horses, 338, 339, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 355 Dependence of the Boers on their Horses, 172 Fodder, Scarcity of, 341, 355 Skin Disease among, 271, 272 Wild Horses of the Veldt, Use of, by the Boers, 292, 293
Humiliation Days, Appointment of, 243
Independence of the Republics— Afrikander Feeling as to, 58 British Government Attitude towards, 337 Correspondence between Presidents Kruger and Steyn and Lord Salisbury, 330-332 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Meetings to ascertain the feeling of the Burghers as to Surrender of Independence, 313 "Irretrievably Lost," 419 Maintenance of—Burghers' Mandate to Vereeniging Delegates, 333, 337, 338, 347, 348, 362, 363, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 407, 411, 412, 417, 421, 422, 423, 424 Peace Negotiations—Conference at Pretoria between Commission of the National Representatives and Lords Kitchener and Milner (May 19-28, 1902), 366, 370, 371 Refusal of the British Government to consider Terms based on Retention of Independence, 53, 54, 309, 310, 397 Steyn, President, Views of, 306 Surrender of—Conditions offered by the British in exchange, 346, 347, 358 Vereeniging Conference, opinions of Burghers' Delegates, 333, 336, 346, 347, 348, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 362, 363, 364
Intervention of Foreign Powers on behalf of the Republics— Attitude of England towards, 356, 362, 363 Boer Deputation to European Powers (see Deputation) Boer Hopes unfulfilled, 405, 406, 412, 414, 415, 416, 423, 424 Germany, Reasons for Non-intervention, 358, 359 Improbability of Intervention, 355, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 433 Intervention not desired by Boers, 54 Steyn, President, on, 354, 355
Jameson Raid, President Steyn on, 251, 252
Jew at Nicholson's Nek—Burgher declining to do Business, 15
Johannesburg Police, Behaviour at Nicholson's Nek, 15, 16
Jonson, Burgher, Death at Bester Station—First Victim in the Fight for Freedom, 10, 11
Joubert, General— Junction with Orange Free State Forces at Rietfontein, 13 Kroonstad War Council, Presence at, 58
Kaffirs—Arming by England, 422, 423 Attitude towards the Boers—Reports of Vereeniging Delegates, 337, 338, 339, 340, 343, 345, 346, 355, 361, 362, 363 Boer Women, Treatment of, 151, 152, 153 Capture of Kaffirs by Boers at Dewetsdorp, 178, 179 Release of Prisoners, 181 Treatment of Kaffirs by Boers—Kaffirs captured at Leeuwspruit Bridge, 113 Warfare, Native Methods—Boer Sufferings at the Hands of Zulus and Basutos, 10
Kemp, General—Continuance of the War, Independence of the Republics, etc., 421, 422 Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902—Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 345, 347, 348
Kitchener, Lord—Armistice agreed on, to admit of Attendance of Boer Officers at the Vereeniging Meeting, 316 Misunderstanding on the Part of the British Columns, 317, 318 Capture of President Steyn and Commander-in-Chief de Wet anticipated—Visit to Wolvehock Station, 290, 291 Escape from Armoured Train, near Leeuwspruit Bridge, 112 Honingkopjes and Roodepoort—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's first Engagement with Lord Kitchener, 108, 109 Independence of Republics as basis for Peace Negotiations, Refusal to consider—Pretoria Conference, 309, 310, 397 Kroonstad, Arrival at, 111 Middelburg Peace Proposals (see that title) Peace Negotiations—Conference at Pretoria with Commission of National Representatives (May 19-28, 1902), 320, 365, 395, 396 Proposals by the Boer Representatives in April, 1902, 305-313 Prisoners, Order given to Gen. Knox "not to take prisoners"—South African News Statement, 184, 185
Klerksdorp—Peace Deliberations, Meeting of Governments of the Republics, 303, 304, 305
Knight, Captain Wyndham— Surrender at Rhenosterriviersbrug, 105, 106 Tribute to, by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 107
Knox, General—Bethlehem, Engagement near, with Generals Botha and Fourie, and Commandant Prinsloo, 194, 195 Cape Colony—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Operations—Attempted Inroad—Fighting near Smithfield, 181 Expedition into Cape Colony, Dispositions to prevent, 201, 202, 203 Kroonstad taken by, 194, 195 Pursuit of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 185, 186, 187, 189, 190 Thaba'Nchu, Engagement near, with Gen. Fourie, 201, 202
Koedoesberg—Struggle between General French and Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 27, 28, 29
Kotze, Mr. (General Prinsloo's Secretary)—Bearer to Commander-in-Chief de Wet of News of General Prinsloo's Surrender, 135, 136, 137
Kraaipan—Armoured Train captured by Boers, 8, 9
Kritzinger, Commandant—Crossing of Orange River, Seizure of British Outpost, 195, 196
Kritzinger, Commandant, and Captain Scheepers—Engagement with Brabant's Horse, 185, 186
Krom Ellenborg, Sub-district to which Commander-in-Chief de Wet belonged, 4
Kroonstad—British Advance, 86, 87 Abandonment by Boers, 87, 88 Capture by General Knox, 194, 195 Government of Orange Free State transferred to, 58 Government of Orange Free State transferred to Heilbron, 86, 87 Kitchener's Lord, Arrival—Strength of British Forces, etc., 111
Kroonstad Commando, Share in Battle of Modderspruit, 10, 11
Kruger, President—Despatch of Mission to Europe to represent Condition of the Country to President Kruger, proposed, 236, 237, 238 Peace, Joint Letter to Lord Salisbury stating Conditions on which the Republics were willing to make Peace, 330, 331, 332 Poplar Grove, Visit to Boer Troops at, 50 War Council at Kroonstad, Presence, at, 58
Krugersdorp-Potchefstroom Railway—Crossed by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 149
Ladysmith— British Retreat on Ladysmith, 9, 10 Bulwana Hill—Boers surprised by British, 21 Engagement of 3rd Nov., 1899, 29, 30 Relief, 50
Landsheer, Doctor de—Death at Bothaville, English Newspaper Report, 170, 171
Language Question— Equal Rights for English and Dutch Languages in Schools—Boer Peace Proposals to Lord Kitchener (April, 1902), 308, 309 Terms of the Peace Protocol, 380, 393, 394 Objections to, 412, 421, 422
Leeuwspruit Railway Bridge—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Scheme for breaking British Lines of Communication, 112 Froneman's, General, Failure to carry out Instructions, 113 Kitchener's Lord, Escape, 112
Leeuwspruit Scheme, Failure of, 112 Methuen's, Lord, Railway Communications—General Cronje's Refusal to permit Execution of Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Scheme for Cutting, 23 Orange Free State Railway—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Work on, 153, 154 Scheepers, Captain, Work of, 154 Wolvehoek, Wrecking the Railway, 163
Liebenberg, General— Frederiksstad—Failure of Attack on General Barton, 164, 165, 166, 167 Mooi River, Junction with Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 140, 141 Retreat from Rustenburg, 142, 143
Liebenbergsvlei— British Retreat, 284 Guns, Recapture by British at Fanny's Home Farm, 285
Lindley— British Garrison Captured by General Piet de Wet, 92 Destruction by the British, Alleged, 271, 272 Engagement near, 268 Postponement of Second Boer Attack—Escape of the British during the Night, 270 Halt of Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Forces, 271, 272
Lindley-Kroonstad Line of Blockhouses—Boers breaking through the Line, 287
Lines of Communication—Boer Attempts to cut British Lines, 172, 246 America Siding Railway Line Wrecked by General Froneman, 115, 116 De Wet, Commander-in-Chief, Schemes of, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153 Frederiksstad Station—Wrecking of Railway Bridge and Line, 140, 141 "Little Majuba"—Name given to Swartbooiskop after Nicholson's Nek, 13
Loans by the British Government for restocking Farms, etc., 394
Long Tom damaged by Dynamite, 21
Looting by British, 6, 7
Losses in Killed, Wounded, etc., on either side during the War, 201, 202, 247, 265, 266, 415, 416, 417, 422, 423 Blijdschap, 269 Bothaville, 170, 171 Cape Colony Expedition, 206, 207, 208, 209 Colenso, 22 Dakasburg Engagement, 200 Dewetsdorp, 177, 178 Engagement between Commandant Hasebroek and Colonel White, 189 Frederiksstad Engagement, 166, 167 Heilbron, 26 Koffiefontein, 35, 36 Ladysmith, Engagement of 3rd Nov., 1899, 20 Leeuwspruit Bridge, 112, 113 Lindley, 267, 269 Magersfontein, 23 Modder Spruit, 11 Nicholson's Nek, 16 Paardeberg, 50 Prinsloo's Surrender, 127 Reitz, 265 Rhenosterriviersbrug, 105 Roodewal, Extent of British Losses, 102 Sanna's Post, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 Stinkfontein, 40, 46 Stormberg, 23 Tijgerfontein, 138, 139 Tweefontein, 181 Vanvurenskloof, 139, 140 Verkijkersdorp, 239, 240 Vredefort Engagement, 134, 135
Loyalty to British Government—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Final Advice to the Boers, 324
Lubbe, Commandant—Return from Paardenberg's Drift, 36, 37 Wounded and Captured near Thaba'Nchu, 82
Lyddite Shells, Effect of— Bethlehem Incident, 121, 122 Magersfontein Laager, 24
Maagbommen, 5
Macdonald, General Sir Hector— Command of Reinforcements against Bethlehem, 121, 122
Machadodorp—President Steyn's Visit to the Government of the South African Republic, 144
Magalies Mountains, Passage of, by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 145, 146, 147
Magersfontein Engagement— British Losses, 23
Magersfontein Laager— De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Command, 23, 24 Duties and Annoyances of Command, 64 Shelling by British, 24 Women, Presence of—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Failure to induce Government to Prohibit, 25
Mailbags captured at Roodewal, Contents used by Boers, 102
"Majuba Day"—Capture of Commandant van Merwe and men, 296, 297
Malan, Lieut.—Expedition into Cape Colony, 206, 207
Martial Law—Proclamation by Governments of the Republics, 7, 8
Massey, Major—Command at Dewetsdorp, Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Tribute, 175, 176
Matthijsen, Corporal Adriaan and the crossing of the Magalies Mountains, 146, 147
Mauser Rifle in Portrait of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, History of, 151, 152
Mears, Commandant—Loss of Guns at Fanny's Home Farm, 285
Medical Certificates, Abuse of by Burghers, note 59
Meijer, Commandant J.—Tribute to, 271, 272
Mentz, Commandant J.E.— Continuance of the War, Impossibility of, 421, 422 Situation in South Africa on 15th May, 1902—Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 351, 352
Merve, Commandant-General van, wounded at Sanna's Post, 68, 69
Merve, Commandant van der— Appointment to Command of Winburg Burghers, 64 Capture of, on "Majuba Day," 296, 297
Meyer, Mr. J.L.—Continuance of the War, Arguments against, Vereeniging Conference, 413, 414
Meyer, Veldtcornet—Loss of Position at Stinkfontein, 42
Middelburg Peace Proposals— Annulled by the Terms of Peace arranged at the Pretoria Conference (May, 1902), 392 Communications between the Boer Leaders with reference to the proposed Conference, 230 Difference between the Basis of Negotiations proposed by the Boer Representatives in May, 1902, and the Middelburg Proposals, 367, 372, 373 Receipts issued by Boer Officers, Proviso as to Payment, 384, 385
Milner, Lord— Boer Ultimatum—Mr. Chamberlain's Telegrams, 329 Independence of Republics as Basis for Peace Negotiations, Refusal to consider—Pretoria Conference, 365-396, 397 Peace Negotiations—Conference at Pretoria with Commission of National Representatives (May 18-29, 1902), 320, 365-396
Mobility—British Incapacity to keep pace with Boers, 140, 141 (see also Waggons)
Modder River—British entrenched at, 24
Modder Spruit, Battle of, 9, 10, 11 Boer and British Losses, 11, 12
Modderrivierpoort (see Poplar Grove)
Muller, Capt.—Exploit at Roodewal, 101
Muller, General C.H.—Continuance of the War—Vereeniging Delegates' Refusal to accept British Surrender Proposal, 417
Myringen, Burgher, killed at Rhenosterriviersbrug, 105, 106
Naauwpoort—Prinsloo's Surrender, 85
Natal—British Subjects fighting for the Boers (see Colonial Burghers)
Natal Operations— Absence of Commander-in-Chief de Wet after 9th Dec., 1899, 21 Bester Station Skirmish, 10, 11 Colenso, Magersfontein, and Stormberg Engagements—British Losses, 23 Drakensberg Passes, Occupation by Orange Free State Commandos, 7, 8 Estcourt Skirmishes—General Louis Botha's Exploits, 19 Failure of Boers to cut off English at Dundee and Elandslaagte, 9, 10 Kraaipan, Capture of Armoured Train by General De la Rey, 8, 9 Ladysmith (see that title) Modder Spruit, Battle of, 9, 10, 11 Natal Frontier, Commander-in-Chief C. de Wet's Reconnaissance, 7, 8 Nicholson's Neck (see that title)
National Representatives (see Peace Negotiations)
National Scouts—Arming men who had taken the Oath of Neutrality, 159 Bergh's, Captain, Attacks on Boers with bands of Kaffirs, 271, 272 Night Attacks by the British instigated by, 263, 264 Services to the British, 184, 185, 223, 224
Naude, Mr. J.—Independence of the South African Republic and Orange Free State, Vereeniging Delegates' power to decide as to Position of British Subjects fighting on Boer side, etc., 411
Neikerk, Altie van—Capture at Honingkopjes, 186
Neikerk, Captain—Appointment as Commandant of President Steyn's Bodyguard, 245
Nel, Commandant— Farm stormed by English—Escape of Commander-in-Chief C. de Wet, 152, 153, 154 Modder Spruit—West Wing of Boer Forces commanded by Nel, 10, 11 Nicholson's Nek—Failure to hold Swartbooiskop, 13, 14 Resignation, 115, 116
Nerwe, Van de—Drowned in crossing Orange River, 217
Netherlands— Peace—Correspondence with the British Government, 301, 302 Boer Response to the Invitation implied in the forwarding of the Correspondence, etc., 305, 306, 370, 371 Queen of—Thanks of Boer Generals for efforts to promote Peace—Resolution at the Vereeniging Conference, 345, 346
Newspapers—Circulation of European Papers prohibited in Republics by England, 409
Nicholson's Nek— Ambulance for British wounded—Sir G. White's Delay in sending, 17 Booty taken by Boers, 16 Swartbooiskop— Nel's, Commandant, Failure to hold, 13, 14 Storming by Steenekamp and Commander-in-Chief C. de Wet, 14, 15 White Flag Incident, 15 Transvaal Burghers, Work of, 17
Nieuwouwdt, General—Peace, Rejection of British Terms, Proposal, 424, 425
Night Attacks by the British—Success of, Losses caused to the Boers, 263, 264
Norvalspont—Commander-in-Chief C. de Wet's Schemes for Operations in rear of British, 81, 82
Oath of Neutrality, Breaking—Re-arming of Burghers who had taken the Oath, Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Scheme, 156-160 British Military Authorities' Breach of Terms of Lord Roberts' Proclamation justifying Scheme, 159, 160
Olivier, Commandant— Bethlehem District, Appointment to Command, 227, 228 Honingspruit Station, Failure of Attack on, 115, 116 Prinsloo's, General, Position as Private Burgher, Dissatisfaction with, 118
Oliviershoekpas—Occupation by Bethlehem Commando, 7, 8
Orange Free State— Annexation of—Battles fought after the alleged Annexation, 228, 229 De Wet, Commander-in-Chief, Return of, 144, 150, 151 Government (see Government of Orange Free State) Number of Burghers in Arms after Fall of Pretoria, 94 Outbreak of War—Orange Free State joining issues with the South African Republic, 254, 255 President—Powers granted to President in Matters Concerning War, 9, 10 Situation of Boer and British Forces in 1901, President Steyn on, 255, 256
Ortel, Mr. Charles—Owner of Abraham's Kraal, 51
Outbreak of the War, 7, 8
Paardeberg—General Cronje's Forces surrounded by the British, Bombardment of Laager, etc., 39 Boer Reinforcements, Arrival of, 45 Cronje's, Gen., Determination not to abandon Laager, 41 Efforts to release General Cronje—Storming of Stinkfontein, etc., 40-46 Abandonment of Position by Boers, 44 Botha's, General, Attempt to recapture Position abandoned on 25th February, 45 British Efforts to recapture Position, 42, 43, 44 Way of Escape opened to General Cronje, 41, 43 Sketch of Boer and British Positions, 38 Surrender of General Cronje, 47 Effect on Boer Forces, 48, 49, 51 Theunisson, Mr., Capture by British, 6, 7
Paardenberg's Drift, British Advance on, 30 Camp of "Water-draggers" surprised by British, 32, 33
Palmietfontein—Boers breaking through Blockhouse Line, 289, 290
Panic among Boer Forces— Burghers returning to Farms after Fall of Pretoria, 93 Holspruits, 294, 295
Peace Negotiations—Boer Overtures, etc.— Armistice agreed on, to admit of attendance of Officers at the Vereeniging Meeting, 315 Misunderstanding on the part of the British Columns, 317, 318 Concessions in addition to the Terms already offered in the Negotiations of April, 1902, 366 Conference at Pretoria between the Commission of National Representatives and Lords Kitchener and Milner (19-28 May, 1902), 320, 365 Draft Document drawn up to place Negotiations in position to amend the Middelburg Proposals, 376, 377 Prolongation of Meetings due to Cable Correspondence with Great Britain, 397 Report of Commission discussed at Vereeniging Meeting, 397 Governments of the Republics, Meeting at Klerksdorp, 303, 304, 305 Burger's, Vice-President, Letter to President Steyn, 301, 302 Independence (see that subheading) Middelburg Peace Proposals (see that title) National Representatives— Commission sent to the Pretoria Conference (May, 1902)— Decision to appoint Commission, 364 Names of Members, 412 Election of Representatives for the Commandos, 313, 314 Meeting at Vereeniging (15th May) to consider the Situation, 352, 353, 358, 359, 362, 363 Peace Terms Proposed, 362, 363, 364 Netherlands' Communication with the British Government, 301, 302 Boer Response to the Invitation implied in the forwarding of the Correspondence, etc., 305, 306, 370, 371 Letter sent to Commandos, 336, 345, 346, 347 Presidents of the Republics—Correspondence with Lord Salisbury, and Lord Salisbury's Reply (5th March, 1900), 50, 53, 54, 330-332, 409 Proposals to Lord Kitchener (April, 1902), 299 Correspondence between Lord Kitchener and the Secretary of State—Independence Difficulty, 401, 402 Signing of Peace at Pretoria, 323, 324 Steyn's, President, Views, 258, 259 Terms of Peace sanctioned by the British Government and accepted by the Boers (May, 1902)— Acceptance of British Terms, 320, 427, 428 Acceptance under Protest proposed, 421 Dissatisfaction among men of the Commandos, 324 Failure of Food Supply as reason for acceptance, 321 Unconditional Surrender v. Acceptance, 399, 401, 404, 405, 417, 423, 424 Better Terms, Possibility of obtaining, 406, 409, 410, 423, 424 Decision as to Acceptance or Rejection essential, 425, 426 Middelburg Proposal Annulled by the Terms of the Peace Protocol of May, 1902, 392 Milner's, Lord, Telegrams, 392 Rejection of Terms proposed, 424, 425 Signatures to Acceptance, Question of, 425, 426 Sub-committee appointed to aid in formulating Peace Proposals, 378, 398 Text of Draft Proposal and of Draft Proposal with Amendments sanctioned by the British Government, 379, 393 Time allowed for discussion of Terms, 394, 395 "Ultimatum," Description of British Terms, 321
Penzhorn, Mr., Relatives of—Kindness to Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 145
Petrusberg—Capture of by British, 51 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Visit, 232
Plans, Sketch Plans of Engagements, 97, 276
Plessis, Veldtcornet du—Death due to White Flag Treachery at Reddersburg, 76
Poplar Grove— Concentration of Boer Troops at, 50 Kruger's, President, Visit to Boer Troops, 50 Panic among Boers—Commander-in-Chief de Wet unable to prevent flight, 51
Potchefstroom, Portrait of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, History of Mauser Rifle, which appears in the photograph, 151, 152
Potgieter, Commandant (of Wolmaranstadt)—Escape from Paardeberg, 41
Potgieter, Mr. Hendrik—Appointment as Public Prosecutor of Orange Free State, 198
Preeij, Vice-Commandant Ignatius du, killed near Bethlehem, 194, 195
Presidency of Orange Free State— Expiration of President Steyn's term of office—Difficulties in the way of an Election, Action of the Doornberg War Council, 197, 198 Resignation of President Steyn, 411 Rhodes, Mr., proposed as Candidate, 198
Pretoria— Capture by British, 92 Panic ensuing among Transvaalers, 93 Peace Negotiations—Conference between Commission of National Representatives and Lords Kitchener and Milner (May 19-28, 1902), 320, 365
Pretorius, Willem— Storming of British Schanze on Orange River, 204, 205 Tribute to, 271, 272 Veldtcornet, Nomination as, 205, 206
Prinsloo, Commandant Michal— Bethlehem Engagement, 194, 195 Elandsfontein Exploit, 119, 120 Liebenbergsvlei Engagement, 284 Springhaansnek, Covering Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Passage of Blockhouse Lines at, 187, 188 Train captured and burned by, 152, 153 Vice-Commander-in-Chief of Bethlehem and Ficksburg Sub-districts, Appointment, 227, 228
Prinsloo, Mr. Marthinus— Assistant Commander-in-Chief, Irregular Election as, 126 Commandant of Winburg District, 6, 7 Commander-in-Chief of Orange Free State, Election, 6, 7 Natal Campaign, Preliminary Arrangements, 7, 8 Resignation of Post as Commander-in-Chief in the Drakensberg, 117 Surrender at Naauwpoort, 85 Letter to Commander-in-Chief de Wet announcing Surrender and Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Reply, 136, 137 News brought to Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 135, 136, 137, 138 Suspicious Circumstances of Surrender, 127
Prinsloo's, Veldtcornet, Burghers, Capture of, 286
Prisoners—Boer Prisoners— Bank Notes of the South African Republic, Opportunity of sending in for Payment, 386, 387 Ceylon—Prisoners taken with General Prinsloo sent to Ceylon, 156 Merwe, Commandant, and men—Capture on "Majuba Day," 296, 297 Number taken by the British, Frederiksstad, 40, 46, 170, 171, 264, 265 Total Number (35,000) in the Hands of the British in 1901, 256, 257 Taljaart's and Prinsloo's Veldtcornets, Burghers, Capture of, 286 British Prisoners— Boer Inability to keep their Prisoners, 227, 228, 426, 427 Clothing taken by the Boers, 233 Numbers taken, 16, 23, 66, 67, 69, 70, 76, 102, 105, 106, 112, 113, 163, 178, 179, 185, 186, 194, 195, 202, 203, 205, 206, 207, 222, 223, 267, 281 Release on Fall of Pretoria due to Transvaalers' negligence, 92 Treatment by Boers— Personal Property of Prisoners, etc., Disposition of, 101, note Prisoners taken in Cape Colony Expedition, Treatment of, 210 Kaffir Prisoners taken by Boers— Dewetsdorp, 178, 179 Release of Prisoners, 181 Leeuwspruit Bridge, 113
"Pro-Boers"— De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Tribute to, 218 Meetings in England, 407
Public Prosecutor of Orange Free State—Appointment of Mr. Hendrick Potgieter, 198
Railways—Wrecking the Lines, Cutting British Lines of Communication, 172, 242 America Siding, Line near, wrecked by General Froneman, 115, 116 De Aar and Hopetown, Line blown up, 208, 209, 211 Frederiksstad Station, Bridge and Line wrecked, 115, 116 Leeuwspruit, Failure of Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Attempt, 112, 113 Orange Free State Line, Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Work on, 153, 154, 155 Scheepers, Captain, Work of, 153, 154 Schemes of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153 Wolvehock, 163
Rebels—Colonial Burghers Fighting on Boer Side (see Colonial Burghers) Roberts', Lord, Description of Burghers continuing to fight after annexation of the Republics as "Rebels," 227, 228
Receipts issued by Boer Officers for the Purchase of Cattle, Grain, etc.—Peace Negotiations, Boer Representatives' Request for a Guarantee of Payment, 382 Amount likely to be required, 386, 387 Middelburg Proposal, 384, 385 Orange Free State, Position with reference to Receipts, 383, 384, 385, 386 Terms of Peace Agreement, 380
Reddersburg—Boer Messenger fired on by British, 74 British Commanding Officer's Reply to Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Advice to Surrender, 74 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Dispositions, 71-74 Mostertshoek, British Failure to reinforce Detachment at, 75 White Flag Treachery, 75, 76
Reich, Dr.—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Meeting with at Senekal, 231
Reitz—Engagement near, 263-266 Surrender of Arms by Commandos after Declaration of Peace, 323, 324
Reitz, Secretary of State—Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902, Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 350, 351
Relief Funds for Destitution caused by the War—Appointment of Committee to Collect and Administer, 428
Repatriation of Boers—Compensation for Losses sustained during the War—District Commissions, Institution of, 393, 394 Grant of L3,000,000 by the British Government, 393, 394 Inadequacy of Proposals, 402, 403, 421 Loans by the British Government, 394, 395
Rheeder, Commandant—Continuance of the War, Terms of Surrender, etc., 401
Rhenoster River, Fighting on, 89, 90 Hurried Retreat of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 90
Rhenosterriviersbrug—General Froneman's Success, 104, 105, 106
Rhodes, Mr. C.— Jameson Raid—Mr. Chamberlain's Defence of Mr. Rhodes, 251, 252 Presidency of Orange Free State—Mr. Rhodes proposed as a Candidate, 198
Rietfontein, Battle of (see Modder Spruit)
Roberts, Lord— Advance of, into the Orange Free State, 26 Bloemfontein, Appearance before, 54 Dispositions after Capture of Kroonstad (May 18, 1900), 88, 89 Inaction after Paardeberg, 50 Thaba'Nchu, Operations near (1900), 82 Proclamations— Burning of Buildings within radius of Ten Miles from Railway wrecked by Boers, 192 Oath of Neutrality, Proclamation as to Charge against Lord Roberts of violating Terms of Proclamation, 80, 159 Effect in preventing Burghers from rejoining Commandos, 60 Roodewal Disaster due to negligence of Lord Roberts, 105, 106 Sanna's Post, Failure to reinforce Troops at, 70 note Ventersburg, Attack on, 85
Roch, General—Natal Campaign, General Roch's Command in Opening Movement of Boer Forces, 9, 10
Roodebergen—De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Departure from, 124, 129 Occupation by Boer Forces—Commander-in-Chief De Wet's Opposition to Scheme, 124 Passes of, 123
Roodepoort—Commander-in-Chief De Wet's first Engagement with Lord Kitchener, 108, 109
Roodewal Station, Action at, 98-101 Booty burnt by Boers, 104, 105 Sketch Plan, 97
Roux, Assistant Commander-in-Chief—Prinsloo's Surrender, weak and childish Conduct of General Roux, 126, 127
Roux, Deacon Paul, Appointment as Vechtgeneraal, 85
Russian Reception of Escaped Burghers, 110 note
Rustenburg—General Liebenberg's Retreat, 142, 143
Salisbury, Marquess of—Peace Negotiations, Boer Proposals of March 5, 1900—Reply to, 50, 53, 54, 409 Peace—Correspondence with Presidents Kruger and Steyn, 330-332
Sanna's Post, Action at— Broadwood's, General, Troops, Arrival of, 65, 66 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Preparations, 62, 64 Koornspruit, Position occupied by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 64, 65, 66 Women and Children from Thaba'Nchu, Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Care for, 66, 67
Scheepers, Captain, and Commandant Kritzinger— Brabant's Horse, Engagement with, 185, 186 Despatch Rider chosen by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, to carry Message to General Cronje before Paardeberg, 31, 32 Orange River, Crossing of—Seizure of British Outpost, 195, 196 Railway Lines, Wrecking of, 152, 153, 154 Scouting Services, 124, 131 Zandnek Engagement, 139, 140
Scouting— Boer and British Methods—Services rendered to the British by Boer Deserters, etc., 18, 121, 122 Importance of, 165, 166 National Scouts, Services of (see National Scouts)
Secrecy as to Future Movements—Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Determination to keep his Plans secret, 61, 199
Self-Government, Retention of under British Supervision—Peace Negotiations, Boer Representatives' Proposals at the Pretoria Conference (May 19, 1902), 366, 371, 372
Sheep—Huge Tail of African Sheep, 211
Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902—De Wet's Commander-in-Chief, Address at the Vereeniging Conference, 358-362
Situation of the Boer and British Forces in 1901, President Steyn on, 255, 256
Sketch Plans of Engagements, 38, 97, 276
Smith, Veldtcornet Hans, of Rouxville, Desertion after Roodewal, 106, 107
Smuts, General— Continuance of the War, Arguments for and against—Vereeniging Conference, 418 Peace Negotiations—Member of Commission of National Representatives at the Pretoria Conference, 320, 365-396 Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902—Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 340-342
Sobriety of Boers, 60
South African News—Publication of, Order not to take Prisoners, Anecdote of Lord Kitchener, 184, 185
South African Republic— De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Journey with General De la Rey, Incidents during, 238, 239, 242 Extermination of, by the British determined on prior to the Outbreak of War, alleged, 254, 255 Government of (see Government of South African Republic) Situation of, in 1902—Impossibility of continuing the War, 421, 422 Situation of Boer and British Forces in 1901—President Steyn on, 255, 256
Speller, Veldtcornet, of Wepener—Capture by British at Stinkfontein, 44
Springhaansnek—Blockhouse Line broken through by the Boers, 173, 187, 188
Spruit, Commandant—Capture by British at Stinkfontein, 42, 43; Subsequent Escape, 43
States-Procureur of Orange Free State—Capture of Mr. Jacob de Villiers at Bothaville, 170, 171, 198
Steenekamp, Burgher—Betrayal of Members of the South African Government to the British, 244
Steenekamp, Commandant— Assistant-Commander-in-Chief, Nomination as, 144 Heilbron District, Commandant of, 4, 6, 7 Illness of, 7, 8, 9, 10 Vredefort Road Station, Attack on, 98, 105, 106
Steyn, President— Accompanying Commander-in-Chief de Wet in his departure from Roodebergen, 129 Bethlehem Engagement, Presence at, 117 Bloemfontein, Departure from, 57 Bodyguard— Davel, Commandant, Command of, 191 Niekerk, Captain—Appointment as Commandant, 245 Botha, General Philip, Visit to, 86, 87 Burgher's Vice-President, Request for Meeting with Orange Free State Government, 301, 302 Cape Colony Expedition, Decision to accompany, 197 Capture of Members of Governments of the South African Republics by the British at Reitz—President Steyn's Escape, 244 Causes of the War—Letter to Lord Kitchener, 250-259 Commander-in-Chief of Orange Free State, Refusal to allow Election—Consent to Election of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 118 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Schemes for operating in the Rear of the British, Opposition to, 82 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Tribute to, 212 Eyes, Weakness of—Visit to Dr. van Rennenkamp, 300 Government of the South African Republic, Meetings with— Machadodorp Visit, 144 Vrede Meeting, 231 Illness of, 319 Independence of the Republic, Refusal to surrender, 306 Intervention of Foreign Powers, Attitude as to, 54 Kroonstad War Council presided over by President Steyn, 58 Peace—Correspondence between Presidents Kruger and Steyn and Lord Salisbury, 330-332 Resignation owing to Illness, 411 Ventersdorp—Meeting with Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 168, 169 Western Parts of the State, Visit to, 298-302
Steyn, Willie, Capture at Honing Kopjes—Subsequent Escape, 110 note
Stinkfontein, Stormed and Abandoned by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 40
Stormberg— British Losses at, 22, 23 Capture by General Gatacre, 50
Stormjagers, 5
Strauss, David—Prisoner taken by the British in contravention of Lord Roberts' Proclamation, 80
Stripping British Prisoners in order to obtain Clothing, 233
Supervision of the British Government—Peace Negotiations, Boer Representatives' offer to accept Supervision as a Compromise on the Independence Question, 366, 371, 372, 373
Surrender— Banishment Proclamation (see that title) Oath of Neutrality, Lord Roberts' Proclamation (see Oath of Neutrality) Peace Negotiations at Pretoria in May, 1902—Draft Agreement, 376
Surrender of Arms after Declaration of Peace, 323, 324
Swartbooiskop— Nel's Commandant, Failure to hold, 13, 14 Storming by Commandant Steenekamp and Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 14, 15
Swaziland—Cession to the British, Proposals of the Vereeniging Conference, 350, 351, 360, 361, 363, 364
Sympathy felt for Boer Cause in England—Indirect Intervention, etc., 407, 410, 420
Tabaksberg Engagement, 83
Taljaart's, Veltcornet, Burghers, Capture of, 286
Telegraph Wires—cutting wires between Wolvehock and Viljoensdrift, 299
Telegraphic Communication between Orange Free State and Transvaal, 92
Termination of the War— Attitude of the Burghers, 237, 238 Boer Women, Opinion of, 361, 362 Conference between Transvaal and Orange Free State Governments— Decision to continue Fighting, 242, 243 Klerksdorp Meeting, 303, 304, 305 De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Forebodings, 58 Letter from Commandants in the Field to Secretary of the Orange Free State— Conference with Transvaal Government, 242 Discussion of, by President Steyn and Generals De la Rey and De Wet, 234 Steyn's President, Answer, Extracts from, 236-239 Terms of, 234-237 Mission to President Kruger on behalf of South African Republic proposed, 236, 237, 238 Vereeniging Conference—Views of the Representatives, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 354-358, 359, 360-362, 363
Territory, Session of—Peace Negotiations— Pretoria Conference, Boer Representatives' Offer, 366, 375 Vereeniging Conference Proposals (15th May, 1902), 350, 351, 352, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364
Thaba'Nchu— De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Retreat on after Badenhorst, 81 Occupation by General Broadwood, 65, 66
Thanksgiving Days, Appointment of, 243
Theron, Danie— Death at Gatsrand, 153, 154 Paardeberg—Passing Enemy's Lines to carry Message from Commander-in-Chief de Wet to General Cronje, 46 Scouting Party, Appointment as Chief by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 54 Scouting Services, 88, 89, 124, 131 Train Captured by, 132
Theron, Jan—Appointment to succeed Commandant Danie Theron, 153, 154
Theunissen, Commandant of Winburg, 45 Capture by British at Stinkfontein, 46 Election as Commandant of Winburg, 6, 7
Thring, Veldtcornet—War Experiences, Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Tribute, etc., 87, 88, 89
Tijgerfontein Engagement, 138, 139
Tintwaspas—Occupation by Kroonstad Commando, 7, 8
Tonder, Mr. Gideon van—Killed by Lyddite Shell at Magersfontein, 25
Trains— Blowing up with Dynamite, 230, 246 Devices to throw the British off the Scent, 246 Mechanical Devices, 246 Boer Captures of, 132, 152, 153, 203, 204
Transvaalers— Negligence in leaving Prisoners at Pretoria, 92 Nicholson's Nek, Work at, 17
Truter, Commandant—Abandonment of Krupp gun and Ammunition, 182
Tweefontein—Attack on British Position, 275-283 Sketch Plan, 276
Uijs, Commandant—Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902, Report to the Vereeniging Conference, 349, 350
"Uitschudden"—Institution of, in order to obtain Clothing, 233
Ultimatum by the South African Republic— Cause of the War alleged— Salisbury's, Lord, Assertion, 53, 54, 409 Salisbury's, Lord, Demand, 53, 54, 409 Steyn's, President, Contradiction, 251, 252 Chamberlain's, Mr. J., Telegrams to Sir A. Milner, 329 Text of the "Ultimatum," 325-328
Unconditional Surrender—Discussion at Vereeniging Meeting of May 29, 1902, 398, 399, 401, 405, 406, 423, 424
Vaal River—Crossing of President Steyn's Party, 300
Valsch River Bridge, Destruction by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 88, 89
Van Dam, Under Captain—Command of Johannesburg Police at Nicholson's Nek, 16
Van Niekerk, Commandant—Continuance of the War, Argument in favour of, 414, 415
Van Reenen's Pass— Occupation by Harrismith and Winburg Commandos, 7, 8 War Council at—Commander-in-Chief de Wet attending in place of Commandant Steenekamp, 8, 9
Vanvurenskloof, Boer Retreat from, 139, 140
Vechtgeneraal of the Orange Free State— Abolition of Post, 95 Creation of Post, 9, 10 De Wet, Commander-in-Chief, Appointment of, 22 Roux, General Paul, appointed by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 85 Ventersburg—Boer Lines broken through, 85
Ventersdorp— Fighting near, 140, 141, 142 Meeting between President Steyn and Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 168, 169
Vereeniging— Meeting of General Representatives to discuss the Situation (May 15, 1902), 333-364 Authority given to Delegates to voice the wishes of their Constituencies, 333, 337, 338, 400, 402, 403, 404, 405, 407, 411, 412, 417, 421, 422, 423, 424 Thanks of the meeting to the King of England and Queen of the Netherlands for efforts to promote Peace, 345, 346 Unity among Delegates essential, 337, 338, 349, 350, 351, 357 Meeting of Special National Representatives to discuss British Peace Terms (May 29, 1902), 397 Armistice agreed on to admit of Attendance of Officers, 315 Misunderstanding on the part of the British Columns, 317, 318 Divisions among Delegates, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426 Meeting a Fatal Error, 413, 414 Questions to be decided, 398, 411, 417 (For details of subjects discussed see Independence, Peace Negotiations, etc.)
Verkijkersdorp—Capture of Women's Laager near, by the British, and Rescue by Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Commando, 238-241 British Casualties, 239, 240
Vice-Commanders-in-Chief, Orange Free State— Badenhorst, Veldtcornet, C.C., Appointment for Districts of Boshof, etc., 159 De Wet, Gen., Appointment of, 49 Fourie, Gen., Appointment for Districts of Bloemfontein, etc., 157 Hertzog, Gen., Appointment for Districts of Fauresmith, etc., 158
Vice-President of Orange Free State— Appointment of Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 411 Creation of Temporary Post, 198
Viljoen, Mr. P.R.—Situation in South Africa on May 15, 1902, Report of the Vereeniging Conference, 346, 347
Villiers, General de—Death due to Wound received at Biddulphsberg, 84 Natal Expedition, Commanding as Vechtgeneraal, 8, 9 Prinsloo's Surrender, Escape from, 128 Work in South-Eastern Districts of the Orange Free State, 83
Villiers, Mr. Jacob de, States-Procureur of Orange Free State, Capture of at Bothaville, 170, 171, 198
Vilonel, Commandant— Resignation—Enforced Resignation due to Insubordination, 64 Surrender to British—Recapture by Captain Pretorius and Trial for Desertion, 84 Removal from Bethlehem to Fouriesburg, 121, 122 Waggons, Persistence in use of, 62
Visser, Commandant—Death of at Jagersfontein Engagement, Faithfulness and Valour of Commandant Visser, 158
Vleeschkorporaal, Duties of, 4, 5
Vrede— De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Meeting with Louis Botha, 231 Meeting between President Steyn and the Transvaal Government, 231
Vrede Commando, Surrender following Prinsloo's Surrender, 128
Vredefort— Capture of British Outpost, 232 Engagements near, 133, 134, 135 Retreat of the Boers to the Vaal River, 164, 165 Surrender of Arms by Commando after Declaration of Peace, 323, 324
Vredefort-weg Station—Commandant Steenekamp's Success at, 98, 105, 106
Vrijheid—Kaffir Atrocities, Murder and Mutilation of Burghers, 426, 427
Waggons— Boer Reluctance to abandon use of, 62, 120, 121, 129, 131, 135, 136 Harrismith Burghers' Refusal to part with their Waggons at Spitskopje, 161-163 De Wet, Commander-in-Chief, Use of Little Waggon, 293, 294, 398 Destruction by British, 120, 121, 191 No Waggons with Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Commando, 279 Vilonel's, Commandant, Persistence in using Waggons, 62 Waggon Camps, Regulation prohibiting, 58
War Commission—Orders to commence Natal Campaign, 4
War Councils, 19 Decisions of Council of March 28, 1900, 61 Doornberg, Council at—Decision as to Presidential Election, 197 Kroonstad Council—Officers present, Decisions, etc., 58 note, 59
War of 1877-1881—Futility of Comparison with War of 1899-1902, 421, 422
Warfare, Boer Methods of— Checking an Enemy's Advance—Boer Tactics, 213 Rapidity of Action, Importance of, 75
Wauchope, General—Death at Magersfontein, 23
Weilbach, Commandant—Desertion of Post at Bloemfontein, 54
Wessels, General J.B.— Kroonstad War Council, Presence at, 58 Sanna's Post Engagement, Share in, 64
Wessels, Mr. C.J.— Commander-in-Chief of Free Staters at Magersfontein and Kimberley, 23 Member of Boer Deputation to Europe (1900), 53, 54
Wessels, Veldtcornet— Capture of, at Frederiksstad, 166, 167 Dewetsdorp Exploits, 176, 177, 178
White, Colonel—Engagement with Commandant Hasebroek near Thaba'Nchu, 189, 190
White Flag Treachery at Reddersburg, 75, 76
Wire Fencing— Bothaville Boers cutting the Wire, 299 Erection of, by the British, 262 Lindley-Kroonstad Line of Blockhouses—Escape of Boers, 287 Palmietfontein, Boers breaking through Line, 289, 290
Witkopjes Rheboksfontein Engagement, 135, 136
Witwatersrand, Cession to the British—Proposals of the Vereeniging Conference, 350, 351, 360, 361, 363, 364
Wolfaard Brothers—Wounded by Lyddite Shell at Magersfontein, 25
Wolmarans, Daniel—Member of Boer Deputation to Europe (1900), 53, 54
Wolvehock—Railway blown up by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 163
Women and Children— De Wet's, Commander-in-Chief, Care for, after Sanna's Post, 66, 67 Difficulties of providing for—Deliberations of the Vereeniging Conference, 333, 339, 342, 343, 344, 345, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 356, 405, 406, 410, 412, 413, 415, 416, 417, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427 Flight of Boer Women to escape Capture by the British, 279 Kaffir Treatment of Boer Women, 151, 152, 153 Magersfontein Laager, Presence in, 25 Sufferings in Concentration Camps, etc., 198, 290, 291, 421, 422 Treatment by the British, 232, 239, 240, 241, 257, 258 Verkijkersdorp Laager, Capture of by British, and rescue by Commander-in-Chief de Wet's Commando, 238-241
Wonderkop—General de Villiers' Exploits, 83
Wounded, Boer Treatment of— Doornspruit, Care of Wounded after, 133, 134 Nicholson's Nek—Care for Wounded by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 17
Yeomanry, Imperial—Gallantry at Tweefontein, 281
Yule, General—Ladysmith Retreat conducted by, 9, 10
Zandnek—Captain Scheepers' Engagement near, 139, 140
Zwavelkrans Farm—British Convoy Captured by Commander-in-Chief de Wet, 96, 98
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