As the situation in the Cape Colony became more and more serious, the most arbitrary and despotic methods were adopted to quell the rebellion by trying to intimidate the Colonists.  The policy of the gallows was unscrupulously brought into practice, and the barbarous method of compelling the Dutch residents to attend the execution of their fellow-Dutch was enforced.  At Burghersdorp, Cradock, Middelburg, and various other places several rebels were executed.  The chief Dutch residents were compelled not only to listen to the public promulgation of these death sentences, but had also to be present at the execution.  On July 10, 1901, the execution of one Marais took place at Middelburg.  At 9 A.M. he was executed in the presence of the leading residents.  Among these was Mr. De Waal, M.L.A., who entered the precincts of the gaol attired in deep mourning.  The scene proved too much for him; he broke down completely before the executioner had drawn the bolt.

Now these tragic enactments influenced the Colonists in one of two ways.  Some of them—­the more timid—­who were eye-witnesses of the executions of their fellow-Dutch, became so intimidated that nothing could induce them to take up arms against the British.  Others—­and these not a few—­instead of being over-awed and frightened, got infuriated.  In the awful presence of the gallows, on which their beloved countrymen ended their earthly career, there and then, as they gazed on them in silent sorrow, they took a solemn oath that, come what may, avenge they would the blood of their kindred.  From the gallows they went to their different homes with impressions and feelings so deep and bitter that not even “Time’s effacing finger” will be able to wipe them out for centuries to come.  From these heartrending scenes they turned their faces, and anxiously awaited the first Boer commando.

On one occasion no less than fifteen colonists, who were forced to attend the execution of a fellow-colonist, came to my commando and begged me to provide them with horses and rifles.  Nothing could induce them to return, for they had seen a comrade slain, and that was sufficient.  And so time and again colonists joined the Boer ranks because they had to witness scenes calculated to stir up the most callous and indifferent.  If these were moved, how much more the hearts and hands of those linked by ties of blood and love to the fallen!  One brother would enlist because the other was heavily fined or imprisoned simply on suspicion.  Two or more colonists would club together and join the Boer ranks after a friend or relative of them had been executed.  To cite a few instances:—­