Chapter XXXVII: The End of the War (6)

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A third proposal by General E. Botha and General J.G. Celliers was laid upon the table, but subsequently withdrawn.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

Kotzé, 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