We should, for instance, never have encumbered ourselves with a convoy and guns, which hampered our movements and were of very little service to us.  Then again, we should not have crossed the river in one commando, but should have divided the force into at least twelve or fifteen commandoes, and these should have entered the Colony at different points, all moving in different directions, then the enemy could not have concentrated their hosts on us as they did.  Besides, our discipline and organisation was poor, and it is a well-known fact that a thousand in disorder can accomplish less than two hundred well-organised men.  But it is useless to dwell on these points.  ’Tis easier to criticize the past than to forecast the future.  Experience costs a great deal.

“Has our attempt been a complete failure?  In many respects I should say it has.  We have succeeded, however, in drawing the enemy out of the Free State, which was our chief object.  And, though it did not cost them many lives, yet their following us in such desolate regions must have proved very expensive, and must have been a source of great hardship to themselves.  If that be a consolation to know that we have not suffered alone, we have, then, at least one comfort.

“Brak River was the last nail in our coffin.  If we only could have forded that, we would not have been ousted.  On the other side of the river we would have found not only grass for our tired horses, but would also have been able to find remounts.  Hertzog’s commando was not far off, and they were strongly mounted, and could have rendered us great assistance.

“The president, who accompanied us, remained cheerful to the last, and, just as a common burgher, partook in all our troubles.  Such a man we may well be proud of, and, I need hardly say, that we love and honour him all the more.

“As to the conduct of the burghers we need only remark that it was beyond praise.  One never heard them grumble or murmur either against De Wet or any other officer.  No rebellious complaints or threats were flung at the heads of those in authority.  This, indeed, is typical of the Boer.  He endures suffering and hardship with a submissive spirit and with a dignity which is remarkable.  We do not marvel at this, for are they not formed of that stuff of which martyrs have been made in bygone years?  And does not the blood of the French Huguenot course through the veins of many a one, while others are animated by the dauntless spirit of that little nation that combated the once mighty Spain for eighty years, and so achieved that honour and distinction which has secured for them an abiding place in the history of nations?  Such men, who are willing to suffer and sacrifice all for freedom’s sake, surely deserve to succeed at last.—­Yours fondly,

     “R.D.  MCDONALD.”

CHAPTER VI.