which we had to empty, but this consideration does not
excuse General Cronje's conduct. Had he but taken
my advice, and attempted a night attack, he might have
avoided capture altogether.

I have heard men say that as the General's horses
had all been killed, the attempt which I urged him to
make must have failed--that at all events he would
have been pursued and overtaken by Lord Roberts'
forces. The answer to this is not far to seek. The
English at that time did not employ as scouts Kaffirs
and Hottentots, who could lead them by night as well
as by day. Moreover, with the reinforcements I had
received, I had about sixteen hundred men under me,
and they would have been very useful in holding back
the enemy, until Cronje had made his escape.

No words can describe my feelings when I saw that
Cronje had surrendered, and noticed the result which
this had on the burghers. Depression and discourage-
ment were written on every face. The effects of this
blow, it is not too much to say, made themselves appar-
ent to the very end of the war.

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