ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPA1GN PRODUCTION NOTE University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library Brittle Books Project, 2014.COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION In Public Domain. Published prior to 1923. This digital copy was made from the printed version held by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It was made in compliance with copyright law. Prepared for the Brittle Books Project, Main Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign by Northern Micrographics Brookhaven Bindery La Crosse, Wisconsin 2014TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN DISTRESS FUND. 1 ieport of a Visit to the Camps of Women and Children in the Cape and Orange River Colcfeiesr By EMILY HOBHOUSE. >N\ ?1unted and published by the friars printing association, limited, 26a, Tudor Street, London, E.C. r ■--r- - PRICE ONE PENNY,To the Committee of the Distress Fund for South African Women and Children. I,-REPORT AND EXTRACTS FROM As I hare acting a>; your delegate in South Africa i am nnxiou# to submit to you without delay sowio account of the Camps In which the women and children are concentrated, and to put before you the need for further effort on their behalf* By the kind permission of .Lord Mi f nor a kid Lord Kite honor I have been enabled to visit » certain number of t hose Camps, investigate the ofunK of the people and arrange tar the partial ml mini siration of the Fmid with which you entrant mi inc. Considering tlie changing condition of the Camps, ?t h hardly possible to draw up nn or- dinary eon vent tonal report, It would seem better to phee before you what was written down day hy day, as it was seen and m ii hap- pened* Here ami there foot-no ten point out alterations or improvement* of later date, Hy thin moans Mmw faint picture may be presented to yonc m i ink of what is hemp; undergone by the weaker members of two whole eoontrks, Home nugget ions are appended winch, if adopted, would go far, in iny opinion, in alleviate die conditions of life in the Camps during the months or years* fhcy may be inamtained,—I have, cteJ r mnmovHK January i^imL " 1 had a splendid truck given wo at Cape- town, through tho kind cooperation of Bir Alfred Mliner.......a largo double-eovorod one, capable of holding 12 ton*?, I took £200 worth of groceries* besides all the bales of clothing I could mmhn\ The truck loft Capetown the day before nme!fs won hitched ua to my train at Do Aai% and so arrived when J dkb The first filing next day was to go down to the goods station, claim I ho truck, and arrange for its unloading, Thh n ornuig I have spent arranging all niv stores—unpacking and .sort* jtig them. It i;> very hoi. I think the cssema? id delightful work is when you qui to forget you havo a body, but here the boat keeps yon hi constant recollection that you are .still in the lloslu and it's a great hindrance, I. dk! not havo a lad journey from Capetown* though it was rather a lonely one. Going through the Karoo it was very hoi, and the second day there were horrible dust-storms, varied by thunder- n'Uynm, Tho sand penetrated through closed windows and doors, tilled eyes a ad oar*, turned my hair red and covered everything like a table- clot lu As iVr as est* at and .sweep of land and sky go the Karoo Is delightful, but it's a vast >olitud>\ and in many parts the very plants grow two or three yards apart, an if they shunned society. From Cohvherg on it was a desolate outlook, The land seemed dead and silent as far an ey^> could reach, absolutely with- out ldV>? only carcases of hordes, mules, a ail cattle, with a .sort of acute a aguish in their look, and bleached hones ami rofaso of many kind*, I saw a few burnt farms, but those auburn! seemed still and lifeless also, and no work is going on hi the holds, Really, the lino the whale way up is a string of Tommies yawning at their posts, and these always crowded to the carriage windows to beg for newspapers, or anything, they said, to pass the time, I gave them all I had, and all my novels. * . But I must pass on to tell you about iho Woaien^ Camp* which, aft^r all, is the central point of in tores tJ* T H K lilJ )K.\I PONT MIX ('A M V. January 26th, llie exile camp hero is a good two inilen frt)m the icavn, dumped down on the southern sdope of a kopje, right out on to the bare brown veldt, not a vestige of a tree In any direction, nor shade of ?uiy description. It was niunxi lour oVIock of a scorching afternoon wlam I foot in ihn camp, and I can't tell you what J felt like, so I won't try, I began by finding a woimm whose ahivt II ml met In Capetown. ^ It is *ueh a puxale to hod your way in a villa-go of bell tenU, no streets or names or i iu rubers, There are nearly ^5C)u on I he ground, While we sat there a ^nake came in; 'they said it wa« a poll udder, very poisonous* so they all ran our, one! I attacked the creature* with my parasoL' I could not hmr to think tho th\nil should he at largo in a community mostly sloeni ng oh the ground, A ft or a at niggle *:at if^ and 1 hen a man came with a i.u\ fun shod it otl\ » is very brave and calm, She has sis: ranging from fifteen down to two ud she does not know where any one of them is,* She wm lakeu right away from them ; tier husband is in detention of some kind at Bloom font eint hut not allowed to sea her. She espeeU her confinement in about three- week^ and yet has to lie on. the bare ground ng at ou ed ;1 iu d wonnde a I nndlet a children on won her grat got nm 080 til! she is stiff and sore, and sho has had not to sit on for over two mouthy but must % rolled~up blanket, I f*>k quite mn d like her to have a wmttress, and I f she would accept one, Bho did so >fully? and I did not mt yosterday til one out to her. AH her baby linen was mess at hmm^ but. all is lost Tim is 1 ease, c|uito ordinary, among hundreds ami hundreds. Tho women* are wonderful. They cry very little and never complain. Tho very uia#mludo of their sufferings, indignities, |o>V and anxiety seems to lift t hem boy on d tea rue re had comfortable, oven > not. themselves to qniot ko the- host of their hare and. terrible lot; only when it cuts afresh at them through their children do thr«r feelings Hash out, Mr.^» Mm for imdasiee, Bho ha^ dx: •hiWren ia camp, all ill, two m the tin hospital Thep and siukeiu l^or their sakes ^ho did plead with tears that sho nught go and fon^l for herself, 1 call this camp .system a wholesale cruelty. It can never bo wiped out of tho memories of tho people. It presses hardest ou tho children* They droop in the terrible heat^ and with tho insufficient, unsuitable food; whatever you do5 whatever tho authorities do? ami tboy are, 1 holiovoj doing their best with very limited means? it b ail only a miserable patch upon a great ill. Thon^mds, physical!? nnht, are placed Ui conditions of life which they have uui strength to em hire, In front of them is blank ruin. There aro eases5 tooskknn a ud force ii to ask what going to bo done with these people Y There mint be full Iof tlnan ; I should not wont I or if there are not more. Homo few have means but more are mined, and have not a present penny. In one of two ways mu^t tho .Hrili-h public support them, either by taxation through the. authorities or elso by voluntary charity, If the people at home want *o save their purses (you ^ 1 appeal to low motives), wtiy not allow those who can maintain them>elve* to go to friends and relatives hi the Colony r .Many wwh ardenHv io do so. That would be M>me relief. If only the Knglish people would try to exercise a 'little inm^maikm— pjernn- ihe whole miserable scene. Entire villages and din- trietn rooted up and'dumped in a strange? b^re place To keep the unpacking, sorting, and putting op in bundles Wo wore so glad of snoh odd things, socdijts st-avs and little boya* braces! J found some hafty linen for Mrs, P, I Uo< not think that there h a single superllnotis article. But what a fa mil v to clothe I Now "I must tell you their ration.^ — Daily— , Meat, {db (with bone and fat). Od'fee, 2-oas, Wholemeal, Jib, Coiuleus^I milk, one-twelfth of tin, Bugar, 2oZr Baity Urn, That is all, nothing else to fill in. Onee they sometimes had potatoes, «c»ven potatoes> for ooph% hut that has long been impossible. $o«p also ban been wmU&imbhi, and mmo given *t)f course tlo> numhm ^e now lamelv hoTea>H; buy all the food she could in the station and take it down to them, and devote the day to it, leaving alone church. The girl promised, and I had just time to jump into my train. I would have stayed myself and seen to it, but my permit was not stamped to break journey, so I could not do so. I know she will do her best. She is only 15, but very womanly. As there was not additional shelter of any Kind at Springfontein, I heard the whole lot were to be sent on to Bethulie, for now a Camp is forming there. It is endless and hopeless. I have just heard from a man who met the same trainload at Edenburg that four children died on the journey. If only the camps had remained the size they were even six weeks ago, I saw some chance of getting them well in hand, organizing and deal- ing with the distress. But this sudden influx of hundreds and thousands has upset every- thing, and reduced us all to a state bordering on despair. More and more are coming in. A new sweep- ing movement has begun, resulting in hundreds and thousands of these unfortunate people either crowding into already crowded camps or else being dumped down to form a new: one where nothing is at hand to shelter them. About food, too. The superintendent of a camp is getting in rations for such a number, and suddenly 200 more mouths are thrust in upon him, and things won't go round. Last Saturday 200 or 300 families were without meat in Bloemfontein Camp for that day and Sunday. This would not matter if there were an alterna- tive food, but there is only the ordinary supply of coarse bread to fall back upon, with black coffee and sugar. No wonder sickness abounds. Since I left " here six weeks ago there have been 62 deaths in camp, and the doctor himself is down with enteric. Two of the Boer girls who had been trained as nurses, and who were doing good13 work, are dead, too. One of them, Poppy Naude, was a universal favourite. She did not know where her mother was. Her father was in Norvals Pont, and there had been some talk of my taking her to join him; but in the end she thought she was doing useful work where she was, earning 2s. a day, and she had better stay and nurse the people in Bloemfontein. I come back to find her dead. The doctor, the nurse, and all had said, "We can't spare Poppy." But, in spite of the death-roll, I think your fund has saved and strengthened many children. It has provided brandy, Ehaizena, Mellin's, and, where possible, fresh milk. The Government clothing has hitherto come to almost nothing. I formed, as agreed, the committees. The camps were divided into sections, the minimum required was noted down, and the total requi- sitioned for. Now it has come to a full stop. The superintendent must certify that not one of the applicants has anybody in the camp who could rightly maintain her. Amongst so many, to find that out is well-nigh impossible. The superintendent hesitates, and the whole thing hangs fire. Thus, had it not been for our clothing, things would have been bad indeed. I hope to get up to Kroonstadt, where no help has been given." June 1. These letters end with an expressed hope of going on to Kronstadt, where I had been earnestly invited by the Superintendent, owing to the need of clothes in Camp and amongst the Boer nurses. But permission to do this or to go further north at all was refused. This fact, (combined with other reasons, and the belief that a more detailed knowledge of the circumstances was evidently needed in England to facilitate the collection of funds, etc., deter- mined me to return home at once, a few weeks earlier than I should otherwise have done. Moreover, it became clear that one person is unable to cop© with the work owing to the fresh influx of people. The months when the foregoing extracts from my letters were written are past and gone, but still the Camps continue and increase. Below are the returns up to the end of April for those under O.R.C. control. By this time those numbers are already left behind. More and more families are to be brought in. REFUGEE CAMPS. O.R.C. (Return for week ending April 27, 1901.) Whites. Natives. Total. Brandfori ........ . 1022 .... ... 2147 ..... 3169 Yredefort Road.. . 1373 .. 1859 ..... 3232 Norval's Pont..... . 1596 .... — ..... 1596 Bloemfontein . 3689 .. 1459 ..... 5148 Winburg ......... . 1145 .... ,_ 1145 Springfontein . 3011 . . — ..... 3011 Heilbron ........ . 1304 .... .. 1219 ..... 2523 Aliwal North ..... . 1786 .... .. 1859 ..... 3645 Kroonstadt ..... . 2502 .... — ..... 2502 Edenburg ........ _ .. 3048 ..... 3048 Harrismith ........ . 275 .... .. 252 ..... 527 Kimberley ........ . 1200 .... .. 200 ..... 1400 Bethulie ........... . 1125 .... 1125 (Return for week ending April 27, 1901.) Ladybrand ...... 361 ...... —■ _______ 361 Krommelleboog .. 23 ...... — ...... 23 204-12 12043 32455 Increase for week: 2897. A letter from the Governor of Pretoria tells me of 25,000 in Transvaal Camps. The Committee should notice the existence also of large Camps of natives, and in some at least of these sickness and death abound. During the past three months effort has un- doubtedly been made to improve the Camps, but difficulties of transport, scarcity of supplies and tents, limited means for outlay, tie the hands of those in authority. Added to this the incompetence of some Superintendents, and an over-centralised system which impedes good work that could and would be done by capable and resourceful local heads of camps. Another bar to advance is the interlacing of civil and military authority, and the unfitness of most military men (however good their intentions) for positions which involve the ordering of the lives of women and children. Thus the improvements have in many cases been swamped, partly by these things, and partly by the rapid influx of people. For in- stance, a great blunder was made by bringing an extra 2,000 people into Bloemfontein Camp, already known to be unhealthy and full of fever. Among the things pressing hardest, and which tend to undermine the health and consti- tutions of the women, are the following: — Lack of Fuel.—Imagine three small sticks of wood 18 inches long, or small stony coal enough to fill the well of a soup-plate, for daily cooking. The weekly baking becomes almost impossible, and often the meat cannot be cooked, and the bread is sodden because underbaked. In Kimberley charity has supplied the bulk of the fuel. In Springfontein mist (dried manure) ekes out the scanty ration, and the women root up a small weed to try and heat their clay-built ovens. Oil stoves would help if oil in any quantity could be procured. Lack of Beds and Mattresses.—Only a few have beds or mattresses—the great majority lie on the ground. Even if each tent had a bed, it would not accommodate more than one or two inhabitants of the tent. Mean- while the damp of the ground, the occa- sional streams of rain that run through, the draughty night air coming beneath the flap of the tent, combine to lower the health of the children and to kill them off in con- valescent and delicate stages. Lack of Soap.—This necessary was notT given in any Camp. After much urging and requisitioning, a very occasional and quite insufficient quantity is now doled out. Diet.—The food is monotonous, and does not suit children. Some vegetable diet is greatly needed. It presses hard when the meat (as often) is maggotty and the coffee coppery and undrinkable.14 Water.—In Bloemfontein the supply is insuf- ficient, and it is also bad. The clothes of thousands have for months been washed in a small dam of stagnant water only occa- sionally freshened by rain. It is foul. Many other Camps need washhouses. Overcrowding.—This is very great. Privacy is impossible. In some camps two, and even three, sets of people occupy one tent, and 10, and even 12, persons are frequently herded together in tents of which the cubic capacity is about 500 c.f. In Mafeking and Norvals Pont this trouble is not nearly so bad. Shoes, Clothes, and Blankets.—At first khaki blankets were plentiful. Now they are get- ting scarce, and there is much need in various places. The nights are very cold. Warm clothes are universally wanted. Those people burnt out are, of course, very bare, and have only been relieved by English, Colonial, and Dutch help. Recent im- portations have been allowed to bring more with them of both bedding and clothes. Quite recently the Government has pro- vided a little flannelette and dress stuff. Shoes are needed everywhere. Sanitary Accommodations.—This is very inade- quate to the number of people. They are separate for men and women, but other- wise wholly without privacy, open to the sun and the rain. Where properly looked after by the authorities all is sweet and clean, but elsewhere, notably Bloemfontein, the effluvia is terrible, making it impossible to approach within fifty yards, unless with nose and mouth tied up. The effluvia reach- ing one side of the camp makes those tents at times unbearable, and has resulted in tonsilitis and various throat troubles. The people feel these places a terrible degrada- tion. Each camp has now rough, but useful little hospitals. Many necessaries were lacking in these, which I have supplied. The death rate in most of the camps is high. In Bloemfontein it is terrible ; 172 deaths had occurred up to the date of my leaving. On Sunday, April 28, fifteen persons died in that camp. It figures out to about 25 per cent. The camp life is felt to be purposeless and de- moralising. Mothers are anxious to get young girls out of such an atmosphere if the means were forthcoming to place them in boarding schools. Education is now provided in a partial way for some of the children in some of the camps. Accommodation cannot be got for all. This is due to the energy of Mr. Sargant, Edu- cation Commissioner. There have been a few abortive attempts at recreation here and there, but most lack heart to enter into them. Something should be done in this direction. To sum up. There is no doubt that the general discomfort could be vastly alle- viated by attention to the points men- tioned, but it should be clearly understood that they are suggested only by way of amelioration. The main thing is to let them go. The ruin of most is now com- plete, but let all who have friends or means left go. Above all one would hope that the good sense, if not the mercy, of the Eng- lish people will cry out against the further development of this cruel system which falls with such crushing effect upon the old, the weak, and the children. May they stay the order to bring in more and yet more. Since Old Testament days was ever a whole nation carried captive? The following recommendations are those which were forwarded by me to the War Office by request of the Rt. Hon. St. John Brod- rick.—I have, etc., EMILY HOBHOUSE. June, 1901. RECOMMENDATIONS. Having, by the kindness of Lord Milner, been enabled to visit various women's camps, and bring succour to the people therein detained, I venture to urge the following improvements: 1. In view of the hardening effect of im- prisonment upon the hearts and resolution of the women—of the imperfect supply of tents or other shelter—of the scarcity of food—the difficulty of transport—and the appalling effect of camp life upon the life and health of the people, and in support also of recent statements made in the House of Commons, I urge: That all who sitill can, should be at once allowed to go: (a) viz., those who, themselves penniless, yet have friends and relatives in Cape Colony; (b) Those who have means and could sup- port themselves in the Cape Colony, or in towns on the line; (c) Those who have houses in towns to which they could go; (d) Those divided from their children who wish to find and rejoin them. 2. Free passes into towns for all equally wishing to find work there. 3. Equality of treatment, whether the men of the family are fighting, imprisoned, dead, or surrendered. 4. In view of the size of the camps, the sick- ness and mortality, a resident minister in every camp, or free access to anyone living close by. 5. That, considering the countless difficul- ties ahead, and the already overcrowded state of the camps, no further women or children be brought in. 6.. That, considering the mass of the people are women, and seeing the success in organiza- tion of the Matron at Port Elizabeth, a matron, conversant with both languages, be appointed m every camp. Many would undertake thia voluntarily. I do not consider this so necessary in the case of Norval's Pont.15 7. That, considering the congested state of the line, and the great lack of fuel, any new camp formed should be in a healthy spot in Cape Colony, nearer supplies and charitable aid. 8. That, because all the above, and much more, including the economical distribution of clothing, demands much careful organization, detailed work and devoted attention, free access should be given to a band of at least six accredited representatives of English philanthropic societies, who should be pro- vided with permanent passes—have the autho- rity of the High Commissioner for their work— be absolutely above suspicion, and be respon- sible to the G-overnment, as well as to those they represent, for their work. Their mother- wit and womanly resource would set rignt many of the existing ills. * * 9. That the doctor's report on the state of health of the children in Bloemfontein Camp be called for and acted upon. 10. That the women whose applications are appended be at once allowed to leave. Their health is failing under the long strain. All three are good, respectable women. By request of the Right Hon. St. John Brodrick these recommendations were for- warded to the War Office. I would like to add one more recommendation, which I consider of great importance, and which was unfortunately omitted from those sent to Mr. Brodrick. 11. That, considering the growing impertin- ence of the Kaffirs, seeing the white women thus humiliated, every care shall be taken not to put them in places of authority.APPENDICES. PERSONAL RECORDS, APPLICATIONS FOR RELEASE, AND NARRATIVES.18 APPENDIX A. PERSONAL RECORDS. In the course of her visits to the camps, Miss Emily Hobhouse found herself surrounded with thousands of strange persons, knowing nothing of them, and but little of their lan- guage. It was evident that she would be obliged to obtain a clear record, not only of their names, but of their family history, and especially of the circumstances under which they had arrived in the camps. The necessity for such inquiries will be obvious to anyone who has had the smallest experience of admin- istering relief, whether in London or elsewhere. Miss Hobhouse had fortunately enjoyed a good deal of such experience. This was useful to her in drawing up a set of questions in order to establish a basis of knowledge. But it must be remembered that Miss Hob- house was dealing with a very novel and extra- ordinary set of circumstances. These people were not paupers, except by accident and out- ward compulsion. Many of them were ladies of refinement and wealthy and others were the wives of poor men. But the community of circumstance in one sense simplified Miss Hob- house's work. She could put to them all one common set of questions, confined to the pre- sent crisis of their lives. There was no need to go beyond the present emergency. The fol- lowing questions, therefore, were drawn up with a strict view to present and future relief : 1. Name of person P 2. Name of farm and district ? 3. How many children P 4. Where is husband ? 5. How long in camp ? 6. Why brought here (voluntary or other- wise) P 7. If any means ? 8. Was farm burnt ? 9. If not, was furniture destroyed P 10. If allowed to leave camp, have you any friends in the Colony to go to, or means of sup- port elsewhere ? GENERAL REMARKS. a. What illnesses f b. Clothings etc. To these questions she obtained an immense number of replies, which were carefully put in writing on the spot. In most cases, the replies were taken down by herself or a close friend, on Avhose judgment and care she could abso- lutely rely. These replies are now in Miss Hobhouse's possession, and after due consideration it has been thought best to make a selection for pub- lication. The Committee has sufficient confi- dence in the purity and justice of British ad- ministration to put aside the fear that by any possibility the publication of these facts could injure anyone in the camps; and they are quite convinced that in any case complete publicity is desirable. Even if the present circumstances of these women should be rendered necessary by higher considerations of policy, there still remains the possibility, and indeed the duty, of tempering the harshness of fate by the quality of mercy. But mercy cannot act blindfold. It seems best to publish the statements with- out comment. They are the stories as told in the camps by the women themselves, and must be judged by every reader according to the face. value of evidence. The numbers of the replies must be compared with the questions given above, to whio.'i they form the answers. 1.— Mrs. C. A. 2.—Modderfontein, Bloemfontein. 3.—Four children. 4.—Husband Greenpoint. 5.—Brought in Nov. 6. 6.—Railway was blown up near the farm, and, not having known the Boers were about, the A's had not reported their whereabouts. 7.—Has very little money. 8.—Not burnt-when left. 9.—Furniture destroyed. One girl had measles and one low fever. Only the clothes on their bodies. 1.— MRS. BE B. 2.—Middelrand. Vryburg. 3.—One baby. 4.—Husband on commando. 5.—Arrested March 3. Arrived March 9. Brought in open waggons, and it rained hard. Lord Methuen swept her up. House windows and doors and floors torn up and smashed, not burnt. Stock taken. Clothes all burnt. Money stolen. Soldiers gave Kaffirs her sewing machine. Possesses one ticky (viz., threepenny bit). Three families are in Mrs. de B's tent, in all 12 persons Heat insufferable. I nearly fainted. 1.— MRS. VAN DEN B. 2.—Klipfontein. Jacobsdal. Father lived on farm. She lived in town of Jacobsdal. Old father been sick 15 years, and never commandeered or fought. English19 arrested him on farm3 and sent to Greenpoint. Smashed the house of farm. 3.—Mrs. Van den B, a widow for five years, lived with her children in Jacobsdal. October 25 English came, and there was a fight. A Maxim was put on her house, and they shot in and out of it. She and children sent to shelter in hospital the while. Clothes and furniture spoilt. Soldiers stole £3 6s. After fight, Boers came back the, 29th, and put every- body right; then in a few davs English came again, and she with ten other families locked up in the schoolhouse and given no food. Then sent to her own house, where for 3 weeks she was kept locked up, not even allowed on the stoep. Her child had scarlet fever the while. A neighbour had to get her food. This was by order of a Lieutenant, Colonial Volun- teer. Her only relative fighting was a brother, and Lieutenant L. said she must suffer for him, Brought to camp Feb. 13. 1.— MRS. B. AND JOHANNES ADRIAN B. 2.—Came now from Kopje Aleen, Winburg. 3.-^Four grandchildren (orphans), one deaf and dumb. Their fathers on Commando. 4.—Her old husband, aged 75, in St. Helena. 5.—Since November 26. 6.—Poor old Mrs. B. and her husband do not know why they were brought away. They were people from Cape Colony, and had only been four years in Free State. He was, therefore, not a burgher, and had never been on Commando or taken arms. Had intended returning ta the Colony, but rinderpest had killed their cattle, and could not afford it. So they were staying with friends on their farm (D.'s). The Commandos passed occasionally, but so also did the " troop Commandos," as she calls the soldiers. They and their friends were all turned out together and brought away in trucks. At Bloemfontein they were sepa- rated, her husband being detained.and sent down to Greenpoint, while she was brought to camp. She has just heard in a roundabout way that he has been sent to St. Helena, but still he does • not yet know where she is. The old woman is very poor, very forlorn, and in need of clothing for herself and children, but, most of all, appeals to get her old^husband back lest he die. He has done nothing to merit exile. I spoke of this case to the Commandant, who said she could make application through him. He acknowledged that a column passing through the country was meant to fight and not judge individual cases, and had made, of course, a dreadful muddle of such work. Consequently, the people are puzzled. There is no meaning in any of it. 1.— MRS. B. 2.—Farm of Deput, Brandford. ' 3.—Seven in camp. One son at Greenpoint prison. 4.—Husband on Commando. Not heard of him 9 months. 5.—Since January 10. 6.—Forced from nome. Soldiers roused them at 2 in the night and sent them in to Brandford to their town house. Next day made them come on. Train to Bloemfontein. Open waggons out to camp. 7.—Yes. Better anywhere than here.* 8 and 9.—Knows nothing. All confiscated. Soldiers said her house was theirs now, and if she remained she must pay them rent for it. They cut 200 loads of wood and gave no money for it. 10.—No. Since arrival never felt well. Good health at home. Daughter lying down ill; swelled throat, broken-out face, etc. Shoes needed. Mrs. B., a really handsome woman, with a fine family, was one of those who, early in the year, went out from Brandford to ask the Boers to give up. They refused. Now, she says, we are a ruined people. We will fight through. Roberts's first proclamation, if kept, would have ended war, but it has b^en lies, lies, lies. 1.— MR. AND MRS. J. B. 2.—Groenvlei. Heilbron. 3.—Six in camp; two still on commando, 4.—In camp since Feb. 16. 5#—Father 68 years old; never on commando. 6.—Came as prisoners. Farm was near the road, and English were constantly planted there, swarming over the farm. Fed British troops constantly. Had not seen Boers for very long time. One day, Feb. 11, an officer (unknown) came and said must take them to Kopje Siding for "protection." Did not need protection. Gave them five minutes, and as they were bundled into the waggons, the house, with everything in it, was fired; also three other houses on the farm and the Government school. Their house had three bedrooms, dining-room, parlour, and kitchen. Everything lost. They were kept one night at station, then three days in open trucks. All stock gone; no receipts given—900 sheep, 36 cattle, 8 horses, 8 mules. A nice young woman, eldest daughter, told me this, who had learnt English in a Govern- ment school. E. H., Springfontein. 1.— MRS. B. 2.—Kept a shop in village of P. 3.—Four children, who were away with their father at her mother's farm when she was arrested. 4.—Husband never fought—a shopkeeper. 5.—Troops came and turned all foodstuffs out of her shop. She resisted soldiery, so was forced and is destitute. Fine woman, with big gentle eyes, but desperate to get to her children. She and Miss Du T. planned escape. A scout (English) was friendly and expressed sympathy.20 His duty was to take him in P. direction, and he offered to take them with him. They gave him 30s. (Miss Du T. has a little money), and he drove them one night to a friend's house in Beaconsfield, meaning to take them on next day. House belonged to a Mr. P. on parole. Next day he went as usual to report; himself, and there heard that two women were missing. Not understanding they were runaways, said they were at his house, so co/ught and brought back. The scout got 42 days' hard labour, or so it is said. (By far the bitterest women I have met are in Kimberley; but no wonder. Their conditions are bad.—^1. H.) 1.— MRS. J. M. B. 2.—Lived at Jagersfontein. 3.—Had four children; one died in camp. 4.—Husband not heard of for eleven months. He was Government schoolmaster at Jagersfon- tein for ten years, and, though born a British subject, was therefore a burgher of Free State. But went on with his school, and did not go on commando at all, till March, 1900, they begged him to help the Netherlands Ambu- lance; since which she has heard nothing. 5.—Brought in with convoy. First, when English came to Jagersfontein, they turned her out of her schoolhouse, and she took refuge with a friend, taking her husband's expensive Greek and Latin books and some of her fur- niture. Then, at the evacuation, when stores were blown up, these were all destroyed. She applied to Major K. for permit to go to her people in the Colony, and was told she should have it if went to Bloemfontein. Was taken there in open trucks with convoy. She and the four children were only just recover- ing from recent measles, and were not fit to travel. She askecl for leave to sell remaining bits of furniture to pay the doctor, but was not allowed. Income had entirely stopped since March, 1900. In the trucks coming to Bloem- fontein very cold in the open at night. Reach- ing B., was told she must go out to the camp. Went straight to the hospital, and was there with ^children a month. Coming out of hos- pital, was allowed a residential pass to live in the town at her own expense. Quite useless, as she had no money left but a Christmas gift sent the children by grandparents, and with that she has had to buy soap, candles, and a little extra food for them. Was put into a leaky bell-tent. Her baby of 16 months got wet through one wet night. She had no dry clothes for it or means of drying it; it took a chill and died 15 days ago. Begs leave to go to parents to see once more old father of 80. Asks me to ask for her. Pretty, quiet young woman and three lovely children, exquisitely kept. , 1.— MRS. B. 2,—Village of P. 3.—Four daughters. 4.—Husband, a builder of houses, been 16 months in Greenpoint. 5.—Came into Camp in February. 6.—Compelled to come, taken by the shoulders and turned out of her house. English thought the Boers were in the town, and fired twelve cannon balls into it. Not a Boer there. Then they marched into it and cleared out all the Boer families in the place. One Afrikander, who had married an Eng- lishman, ran out to meet them with the British flag, and is allowed to remain, and one or two sick. Came in ox-waggon for four days. Very poor now; for 16 months no money coming in. 1.— MRS. T. DE B. 2.—Venterspaalmyn, Ventersburg. 3.-—Six children with her, and two daughters, who have been in Kroonstadt Camp since Sep- tember. 4.—Husband at Greenpoint. 5.—Arrived November 10. 6.—Daughters and husband were sent away because Boer spies had passed over the farm, though had not stopped. She and children were forced to oome here for " protection !" 7.—Has no means. 8. and 9.—Not when she left. 10.—Could return home. All the children have had dysentery. Cloth- ing in tatters. No boots. 1.— MRS. A. C. 2.—Burgherskraal, Dist. Winburg. 3.—No children. * 4.—Husband in Camp. 5.—Arrived January 11. 6.—Brought in prisoners for having given food to fighting Boers. 7.-—No means. 8.—House not burnt. 9.—Furniture destroyed. 10.—Nowhere else to go, except home. No illness yet. Hardly any clothing. 1.— MRS. C. 2.—Village of Ficksburg. 3.—One son on commando; one on parole at Pretoria; one son shot at Greenpoint by sentry (when holding a prayer meeting—he was preparing for the ministry). All will recollect his case. ' 4.—Husband on commando. 5.—Just arrived preceding night, Feb. 22, after 13 days' journey in waggon. Mr. C., a builder in Ficksburg, where they own two erven. Did not know why she was taken. Major S., of Manchester Regiment, said it was because her husband still on commando. Before that General K. had passed that way and spoilt everything. Her clothes, etc., taken. No tent for her on arrival. Simply said: " I am on the veldt." , Quite willing to be a prisoner in her country's cause. *21 Wept in speaking of her son who was shot. Very motherly woman. 1.— MRS. F. C. 2.—Lived in town Philippolis. 3.—One child. 4.—Widow. 5.—Arrived Bee. 13. 6*—Compelled. No reason given. 7.—Very little money. 8. and 9.—Not burnt or destroyed when left. 10.-—Could get taken in at Zonderhondt, near Philippolis. No illness so far. Clothing needed. 1._ MR. AND MRS. P. J. H. D. 2.—House in EdeUburg, one room in Bloem- fontein. 3.—Seven children. 4.—Husband a mason (in camp). Can also make shoes and turn his hand to anything. Never fought; was working quietly at Eden- burg, when taken from his work and bought to Bloemf ontein Camp. No reason; believes someone gave false information for spite. Came November 26. Furniture all destroyed. Longs for work. Wife was confined in the bell tent without nurse. I gave him leather, and he made shoes for all his family. I offered to pay him to make for-others, but he said he would gladly make them for nothing, as I had given him for his children. 1.— MRS. J. E. 2.—Village of Jacobsdal. 3.—Ten children, five in camp, one son St. Helena. 4.—Husband on commando. Field cornet, an Englishman by blood, son of English parents; an English officer, Major E., fought against him at Magersfontein; it was his cousin. After the fight October 25 the English, under Colonel J., burnt her house. They would not believe her that ho Boers were in the house, so burnt, and found none. Drove her from her house, and would hot listen to her pleadings. The 29th the Boers came back. She saw her husband, and he his blackened home. He was silent first, then lifted his hand and said, " The Lord will provide, but now I will never, never, never give in." She has not seen him since. November 7 English returned. She was locked ill the school for several days, and no .food or drink given, Early in February Mrs. E. was asked if she would take Kitchener's proclama- tion to her husband. She replied, " Though you give me 2,000 troops and £100 (and I have nothing), I will not do it." A second time she was urged, or if not she would be sent to Kim- berley Camp. Very well, then, she said, it must be the camp. Four other prominent women were urged to ask their husbands to surrender—in vain. 1.— MRS. E. 2.—Lived in a town. 3.—Two chiluren. 4.—When heard last husband with Hertzog. 5.—Arrived December 13. 6.—Compelled; no reason given. 7.—A little money. 8 and 9.—She believes not. 10.—Could, if allowed, go to friends at Spion Kop. No illness, so far. Has enough clothing. 1.— MRS. T. F. 2.—Uysberg, Lady brand. 3.—Ten children in camp, one in Simonstown. 4.—Husband Greenpoint. Was an invalid, and never fought. Took oath neutrality. 5.—Since xNovember. 6.—Compelled. One Sunday, about twelve o'clock, Boers came. Between one and two o'clock same day she reported this to Mr. M., J .P. Next day, about three p.m., they sent to look for the Boers. Why, she said, didn't you come yesterday when reported P Of course, they are gone now. Major W. and Captain D. sent and took her. She was kept eight days in town of Ladybrand, was allowed to send for a little bedding and clothes. Eight days in the waggon coming to Bloemfon- tein. One of her nice daughters is setting up a private school in camp. One is chosen to go into Miss Murray's Institute. 1.— MRS. C. F. 2.—Lovedale, Thaba 'Nchu. 3.—Two children. 4.—Husband Ceylon. 5.—Brought in November 27. 6.—Compelled as prisoners. 7.—No means; washes for others. 8 and 9.—Not destroyed when she left. 10.—Nowhere to go but home. Needs cloth- ing. 1.— MRS. J. J. F. ~2.—Deelf ontein, district Winburg. 3.—Three children. 4.—Husband Greenpoint. 5.—Arrived in camp November 27. 6.—Compelled; no reason given. 7.—Very little money. 8.—House burnt. > 9.—House burnt, cattle taken. 10.—Could, if allowed, go to her father at Rookraal. Since arrival baby had measles. Vvants clotning. 1.— MISS F. 2.—Lubbesfontein, Winburg.—Daughter of Commandant F., who was killed the day before the relief of Kimberley. She and her little sisters and other women and children were all in a waggon going to join the Boer laager at Alexandersfontein. When near, found it occupied by town guard, who shot on ten, wag-r gons from 20 yards distance, so near could hear22 the soldiers talking. Commandant F. was killed, Miss F. shot through the arm, and sister of four years through the shoulder. She was about 10 months in hospital, but her arm is very useless and first finger gone. Bears no ill-will. Does not know where her mother is, but I hope I shall find her in Bloemfontein Camp. The girl would like to support her- self if she could find any way to do so, but cannot sew, arm stiff and painful and scarred, inflammation still troubles. Is a prisoner of war, but supported by a friend in the town. 1.— MR. AND MRS. G. 2.—rPondamsfontein.-—Boshoff. 3.—No children. A sister. 4.—-Husband in camp. Never fought or was on commando. When war broke out he was in Cape Colony (both he and wife British subjects born), and though a Free State burgher, was not allowed to return, but kept nine months in Colony. At 1st Proclamation he got leave to return to his wife and farm, and there lived quietly from June 5 to February 3, 1901. When he had got back to his farm found British troops had destroyed everything in the house except one chest of drawers. Lived on with no goods in the house till a column came along and gave them four hours to turn out. Stock was taken. No receipts. Came away with what they had left, sewing machine, small table, and chest of drawers. Woman delicate, and unable to keep anything down. Rations.—Jib. meat; lib. meal; 1 cz. coffee; 2 oz. sugar; J oz. salt, every other day; 1 potato or 3 to tent, according to size; alternate day, onion instead. Fuel.—Two small thin pieces of wood, one 14 the other 18 inches long; barely enough to boil one kettle, leave alone bake, etc. 1.— MRS. G. 2.—Hoenderkop.—Dist: Wmburg. 3.—Eight children. From 14 to 2 years. 4.—Husband taken prisoner at Paardeburg. St. Helena. 5.—Since November 9 in camp. 6.—Compelled to come. She states that for five months she saw no armed Boers. On August 27 a commando passed through her farm. She gave them food and took the wounded into her house to nurse. A month after, October 1, she went into Winburg to buy supplies, and was there taken prisoner. Only her eldest girl (14) was with her. Lieut. D. sent this child back to the farm in care of two armed natives, with orders to bring the rest of the family and nothing else in the cart. COPY OF ORDER. No. 4,276. Winburg, Oct. 1, 1900. Pass Miss G. (little girl) with two Cape carts and drivers (two natives) from Winburg to Hoenderkop to-day, and back to-morrow.—By order, F. P. D., 2nd Lieut., Asst. Provost-Marshal. Lieut. L. took her cart and horses. Gave no receipt for cart. Horses were worth £40, and he gave a receipt for £14 only. She was kept a month in Winburg (not in her own house there, but her brother's). The children came; but all that time neither Lieut. L. nor Major O'L. (whom she, like Miss E. C., describes as a brute) would allow her to fetch clothes from home. She had only a little money with her, and with this obliged to buy fresh clothes at Winburg. At home she had plenty of money, but no way of sending for it. After a month at Winburg, made to leave suddenly without notice. No time allowed to bring clothes, so a second time lost all. Yet they were kept waiting three hours at the station in boiling sun, and not allowed to go under shelter. Party of 22 was put in a cattle truck, which had not been cleaned and was filthy. Reached Smalldeel at 4 p.m., and were changed into a meat truck, and 22 persons had to sleep in that. At 5 a.m. reached Bloem- fontein, and, a% 11 a.m., the camp. Over 24 hours en route, and neither food nor water given to them. They had caught up a little bread at Winburg. Other prisoners got them some drink when they came at last. 8 and 9.—Knows nothing of farm. 10.—Plenty of money at home. None left with her. Mrs. G. spoke most highly of Captain M., of Imperial Yeomanry, who stayed some time in her house and was very kind. Also, W., F., S., and C. of that Regiment very nice and kind. 16 months since she has seen her husband. Her girl in hospital for third time with typhoid. Children's stomachs all bad. Clothes needed badly. 1.— MRS. G. 2.—Village of Potchefstroom. 3.—Three in Kimberley with her. One, a girl of 20, was ill of inflammation in Potchef- stroom, and she was taken from her, the girl left alone ill in the house, no one at all with her. Never heard since of her, and that was 23rd Sep- tember. 4.—Husband on commando. 5.—Driven from the house by armed Kaffirs, taken to Johannesburg, then by ox waggons, eight days' journey, to Kimberley. Arrived in rags and destitute. No camp here then, so placed in town, where, by kind friends, enabled to stay. Sister-in- law, Mrs. B., came, too, with six small children, and a seventh born since, to be named, " Smartrijk "—bitterness. Civil-Com- missioners give them 30s. weekly, each family —a* bare living in Kimberley. 1.— MRS. W. G. 2.—Bella Vista, Ficksburg.23 3.—1 child in camp, 1 orphan, 1 Kaffir. 4.—Husband in Ceylon, taken July 30. 5.—Some months. 6.—Compelled to come. First *■ Major W. took her to Ladybrand, where she remained 15 days. She was so ill there they sent her back. After a week at home 26 men came for her. She was bad and had had poultices on all night. Got as far as Mrs. M.'s, the J.P., when she fainted. Sick there for 12 days, was driven in her own trap to Bloemfontein, which took four days. Very well off, so also the orphan, but everything gone, and only one tiny tan trunk with them. Child had not a chemise, and, when wet, had to be put to bed for clothes to dry. Lieutenant D., of Black Watch (she believes), said it was all a mistake, but he has since been shot. Soldiers smashed everything. Neighbours brought into town keynotes of ner piano and harmonium chopped up. Farm 1,000 morgens, house had seven large rooms. Another farm in Senekal. 600 bags of wheat burnt and endless other things. Always been well-to-do and had servants. Most of all felt the loss of a pet horse given by her husband before her marriage. It could do tricks. This horse drove her to Bloemfontein, and then she lost sight of it. Fancies some one has made a hack horse of it. One day it came out to the camp, and turned round at the sound of her voice. The Sergeant^Major noticed, and said, "That horse surely knows your voice." Nice young woman, asthmatical. If farm is confiscated, have nothing. 1.— MR. AND MRS. A. H. H. 2.'—Swartlapberg. Dist. Thaba 'Nehu. 3.—Three children in camp ; 3 sons in Ceylon; 1 in Ladysmith Camp. 4.—Husband now with her in camp, aged 63. 5.—In camp since Oct. 21. 6.—Compelled to come. Husband was on commando, and had to surrender with Prinsloo. Understood they were to go home and live quietly. Went home. Soon after was sent for and brought to Thaba ;Nchu, where he was thrown into gaol. Kept theire a month. First 8 days no food given, and must have starved if friends in the town had not helped. This was under Dist. Comr. L. Then his brother came, who was better, not so hard. They were sorted and sifted by him, and finally he, Mr. H., was sent here to Bloemfontein and his boy of 15 to Ceylon. Lived on a Free State Government farm. This was burnt. Has nothing now. His wife very nice, also English, and sister of Mrs. C. G. H. Brothers married sisters. Mr. A. H. H. a very straightforward, pleasant man, with a merry twinkle. Thinks Prinsloo's men not come off very well, or so well as to induce others to surrender. Fight- ing would Jiave been pleasanter. Says none can understand Prinsloo's sur- render except on score of bribery. Men did not wish it. Plenty of ammunition and food, and good position. An awful blow to their fellow-burghers. Mrs. H. recently turned out and brought to this camp, where the two met. 1.— MR. AND MRS. C. G. H. 2.—Hex River. Dist., Ladybrand. 3.—Has 6 children; 2 in camp, 4 left behind. 4.—Husband in camp. 5.—Came Jan. 18. 6.—Prisoners. Mrs. H. is English, of Grahamstown, and a quiet, superior woman. Married a Boer. He was sickly, and so never on commando. When English took Ladybrand, about April, he took oath of neutrality. Mrs. H. had a pass, and went freely about every- where in and out of town, and did other folks errands. Known to be thoroughly English m sentiment, and had always hoped and uiought English would win. Now she is English io longer. Her husband had this permit also: u Leave is granted to Mr. C. G. H., of Hex River, dist. Ladybrand, to herd about 35 head of cattle, being the property of his chil- dren, who are all at home, and one old raaie with foal six months old, untrained, the latter on that account to be kept in his possession." H. did not farm his own land and was not well off, but they always got on and made two ends meet. Now are absolutely penniless. One day a patrol came and said she had com- municated with Boers. Parents and children to come at once to Swartlaagte. W'as told sti© would be allowed home again, so took uothvn^, neither food nor blanket. Major B. said then, " No, must go on to Bloemfontein, where she would hear all about it." Long journey across country. Sent from pillar to post. Had to buy food, lodging, etc., everywhere at the/r own charges. In Bloemfontein came befete Captain H., Provost-Marshal. Told him. all. He said, on hearing story, " You may not be the H., but we shall take all till the right H. is found." Everyone in Bloemfontein sent them to someone else. No use at all. "Were con- veyed to the camp. Everything at the farm taken. Live now m the quarter of a marquee, and wonder how they will ever begin life again; no longer young or strong. Husband about 60. 1.— MRS. H. H. 2.—Lived in town Philippolis. 3.—One child. 4.—Husband with Judge Hertzog. 5.—Arrived in camp Dec. 13. 6.—Compelled. No reason given. 7.—A little money with her. g_9.—Not hurt when she left. 10.—Could, if allowed, go to Spion Kop, Philippolis. L No illness. Has enough clothes,24 1.— MR. AND MRS. H. J. 2.—District, Heilbron. Bywoners. 3.—Four children in camp. 4.—Man in camp. 76 years. Surrendered under First Proclamation. 5.—Came February 8. 6.—Compelled. Things left in their house, know nothing of their fate. Stock taken. Three days in coal trucks. Nothing with them. Eight days in waggon. Son of 19 had been on com- mando. Surrendered. July 1. COPY. No. 153. Treinfontein. 1-7-1900. Pass.—C. J., of the farm Treinfontein (District Heilbron). He has given up the M.H. Carbine, and has taken the oath of neutrality. D. B. F., Assistant Provost-Marshal. Heilbron, 3-10-1900.—Renewed till 15th Oct. B.O. J. A. L., Cap. Pass.—Mr. C. J., with horse, may go unhindered to his house at Treinfontein, where he is to remain, not returning to town. H. H. C. B. (?), Lt., Provost-Marshal. In spite of all these, they were brought away. Promised should go only to station with cattle, and be there protected. All a lie. Cattle seen no more. Brought to Springfontein. 1.— ' MRS. H. M. K. 2.—Nooitgedacht, near Kroonstadt. 3.—No children. 4.—Husband in camp. 5.—Arrived Nov. 11. 6.—Compelled to> come. No* reason given. 7.—No means. 8-9.—House, etc., safe when they left. 10.—-Nowhere else to go. No illness. Clothing needed. , 1.— MRS. K. . 2.—Town of Boshoff. 3.—Eight children. Ten persons in tent. 4.—Husband on commando. 5.—Brought Jan. 21st. 6.—Was living in the house of a Widow S., who had two sons on commando. English in- spected either her or the house. For five months before her arrest, English kept taking away her food to force her to make her husband surrender. During this time she had a baby. Three times they came and searched the house, and the fourth time came when baby was only two days old, on which occasion tore up the floors, broke doors, windows, ceilings, etc. At last broke all the furniture, and when baby was two months old she was brought to camp. Would not ask her husband to surrender. 1.— MR. H. K. AND WIFE. 2.—Moordenaarspoort. . . Bethulie. 3.—Two daughters, son, niece. 4.—Man in Camp. Never went on commando. Took oath of neutrality. 5.—Since early January 10th. 6.—Compelled. No reason given. Patrol of four men sent to farm about 5 p.m/; with orders that by sunset they were to be in Bethulie. No time to collect things. Kept in Bethulie that night; left next day in dirty cattle trucks. Allowed to go into a carriage for the night. Food given them at Springfon- tein. They are told their furniture is all taken and destroyed, but farm not burnt. Miss K.'s grandfather is nephew of Oom Paul. 1.— MRS. L. AND MISS L. 2.—Rhenosterfontein. District, Winburg. 3.—All other children married and now in Brandford Camp. 4.—Husband a farmer. He and two sons on commando. 5.—Since December 17th. 6.—By force. Prisoners of war. 7.—Enough to pull through if sent home. 8.—No, but doors and windows all broken. 9.—Goods destroyed. Cattle, carts, etc., all s taken. 10.—No. Since arrival both suffered with violent stomachic pains and dysentery. Never so at home. Mrs. Leroux needs a dress complete, daughter a sidrt. Very respectable farmer's wife and daughter. Sleep on the ground; not sat in a chair since arrival. Hope the men will fight on now to the end. Nothing more to lose, and death welcome. 1.— MR. AND MRS. VAN L. 2.—Lived in village of Petrusville. 3.—Three children in Camp. 4.—Man in Camp. A blacksmith. Was on commando, but surrendered under Roberts' first proclamation, in which, like others, he had trusted. Lived quietly after that. February 1st he and wife and children taken and given two hours to prepare. Arrived in Camp, February 4th. Had tried to get blacksmith work in town, but trade slack, because no iron can be got up to work. It was sad to see the food in Petrusville destroyed. Flour bags cut and the white flour strewn about the streets. In the tent two families—in all nine persons. Three of the children with measles. No beds. The dew falls thickly now, and every night beds and clothes are saturated. It takes all day spreading them in the sun to get them dry again. Wearing apparel must be put on damp. 1.— MRS. F. C. L. 2.—Farm, Springfontein, near Fauresmith; but lived in town. 3.—One child. 4.—Husband prisoner, Greenpoint. 5.—Brought in November 20th. 6.—Compelled to come in. No reason given. 7.—A little money. /25 8 and 9.—Does not know. 10.—Friends at Tulbach, Cape Colony. Since arrival has had dysentery. Has heart disease. Clothed for the present. 1.— MRS H. L. 2.—Hestersrust, Winburg. 3.—Seven children. 4.—Hnsband in camp. 5.—Brought in November 27. 6.—Were told to go to Virginia Siding with cattle for protection from troops. Thence the family was sent here; don't know what has be- come of the cattle. 7.—No means. 8.—Don't know. 9.—Don't know. 10.—Nowhere to go except home. Children had dysentery. Very little cloth- ing. 1.— MBS. M. 2.—Lived in town of Brandford. 3.—Eight children, youngest four; all left, she taken. 4.—Left also at home. Husband not ever on commando, because bad eyes. Overseer of waggons. 5.—Since November 28. 6.—Taken prisoner under martial law, no reason assigned. Brought in truck to Bloem- fontein. Had to hire for herself trap to the camp, and to pay for bringing her bit of lug- gage. 7.—Yes; husband1 could support her. 8 and 9.—Her own house broken up, things partly saved. Children left in a brother's house. Health has been so far good. Wants a dress. Mrs. M. now lives in the section of a mar- quee with five other women. All six sleep on the ground. 1.— MRS. J. C. M. 2.—Farm Leeuwvlei, district Bloemfontein. 3.—Six children. 4.—Husband Ceylon. 5.—Brought in November 23. 6.—Compelled to come, no reason given. 7.—Has means. 8.—House not burnt when left. 9.—Furniture destroyed. 10.—Has means to get home or to friends in Colony. Three children in hospital with typhoid, two sick in tent just starting it. Confinement com- ing in April. 1.— MRS. J. N. 2.—Vlakkuil, Heilbron. 3.—Six in camp. 4.—In camp. Old man, never fought or on commando. Bad hand. 5.—Three weeks, since Feb. 15. 6.—Compelled, doesn't know why. Believes there was suspicion had fed Boers. It was untrue; they had barely enough for own use. Everything in the house pulled out and burnt before them. Heard afterwards house also burnt, but did not see it. Brought in ox- waggon to station siding, thence in open trucks. Four nights were spent in these open trucks. The N.'s were badly for. clothes, Very respectable people. The girls borrowed kappies and blouses to come across to the farm where' I was dispensing clothes. OLD MR. N. Rabenthal, Boshoff. Never fought. Paid substitute. After English entered Boshoff was under their protection. Commandant very friendly, and used to come shooting on his farm. Old wife left on farm, a large one, ten rooms, £2,000 to buna. Since he arrived here in Kim- berley word brought that farm was burnt, but Commandant sent to say it was done by mis- take ! Armed native scouts frequently about, and very cheeky. Military have taken his house in Boshoff too. Not even a cushion or blanket he asked for could he have. MRS. N. Mrs. N.'s farm is in Cape Colony. Zoutpansfontein, near Riverton Station. She takes snuff. She has been long a widow, and has no sons fighting. She speaks only Dutch, but has been always a loyal British sub- ject. She cannot believe the Queen knew what had been done to her. Her farm is 15 minutes' ride from the station. Feb. 16, 1900, she saw a Boer commando pass in the distance; after that she never saw a Boer. Dec. 10, in the nighty Riverton Station was burnt by Boers. In the morning from the farm smoke could still be seen, and she thought boys had been smoking, perhaps, and set fire to it. That morning the English troops under Captain D. came and said she must go. How could they hold her, a fat old woman, responsible for the station. She did not know of it till all was over. They took her to Kimberley, and put her in the prison. The disgrace she will never forget. She is rich. To have lived to be 57, and then to be put in prison! The Queen could not know. Now she is kept in Kimberley on parole, and every week must report herself. She did nothing, knew nothing, and mayn't go home, and town presses and chokes her. 1.— MRS. TJ. 2.—Elim District, Heilbron. 3.—Three children. . 4.—Husband surrendered under 1st Proclama- tion. A month afterwards was arrested, and sent to Greenpoint. Has been there many months. 5.—She was taken Feb. 4, and brought here. 6.—Colonel W. took her; gave ten minutes. Trekked in same convoy with Mrs.26 Wessels. 1,300 sheep, 300 horses, 140 cattle— ^11 gone. Doors and windows smashed in. Fate of house unknown. 1.— MRS. J. J. P. 2.—Farm, Burghers Kraal, Winburg. 3.—One child. 4.—Prisoner in Bloemfontein. 5.—Arrived January 11, 1901. 6.—Compelled to come as prisoners. 7.—Has no means. 8.—Not burnt when left. 9.—Furniture destroyed and cattle taken. 10.—Could go to Velterreden, winburg. No illness so far. Very scant clothing. 1.— MRS. P. 2.—Farm Gruysfontein, near Bethulie. 3.—-Has six children, ages 15 to 2 years. Taken from them, does not know where they are. 4.—Husband a farmer, detained in Bloem- fontein. May not see her. 5—About two months. 6.—Brought by force. Lost everything. Ex- acts confinement in three weeks. Shares a single bell tent with eight others, and all lie •on the ground. Rise stiff and miserable. 7.—Would get on somehow if let loose. 8 and 9.—Knows nothing. 10.—No. Mrs. P. is wonderful in the brave way -she faces her troubles, present and future. She ♦did not complain or ask for anything. None •of them do. I have to find out what each longs for most. In her case a mattress and baby •clothes as what she prepared was all lost. 1.— MRS. B. 2.—Lives in Village of Zastron. 3.—Has six from four years to 17. Knows nothing of them. 4.—A farmer. He and one son in Ceylon. 5.—Since January 4. 6.—Is a prisoner—forced here. Besides (house in Zastron has cattle near Bethulie. She went off alone to fetch them, but was taken prisoners before could reach home, because, on .getting near Zastron, found the town taken by English. 7.—Yes; feels sure she could get on. 8 and 9.—Knows nothing. No tidings. Wrote !>ut no reply. 10.—No. Since arrived never feels well, but sne looks hardier and healthier than others. Needs a dress, and has a great longing for a pillow. Terribly anxious for children. 1.— MRS. P. 2.—Lived on father's farm, near Petersburg. 3.—Had five children in Camp, also three little boys/who the troops had taken out in the fields with the sheep, whom she befriended away from their parents. One day the Sergeant frightened these lads with threats of Ceylon, and her two eldest lads, of 13 and 9, with these three others, all ran away together. Nothing has been heard of them, and they were not fol- lowed. . , Mrs. P. is mad with anxiety, and that is why she herself tried to escape, with Mrs. Y. B. and Miss T., as elsewhere related. 4.—Husband on commando. No soap or clothes. 5.—Been in Camp since Feb. 13. 1.— MR. AND MRS. F. P. 2.—Corneliusdam—Winburg. 3.—Five children in Camp. 4.—Husband also in Camp. Deaf, and with weak eyes. Never on commando. 5.—Since Oct. 8, in Bloemfontein. 6. 7, 8, and 9.—Compelled, Mr. P. had always lived quietly at home, on account of health and bad sight. In June, on the ap- proach of troops, thought it best to take oath of neutrality, and did so, receiving a pass stat- ing he was under British protection, etc., etc. In September the Boers occupied Thornburg, about one hour from his farm. No burghers had been near them. v The British troops came along, and on the evening of September 17 Mrs. P. and family stood at the door of her house listen- ing to the band playing in the distance. Ihen they sat down to supper. When it was dark a knock was heard, and on opening there stood a man with a gun. It was an English officer, and he said to Mr. P., "I am come to take you prisoner." " How can that be," said he, "when I am living here at peace, under the oath of neutrality." " Have you a pass ? " said the officer. Yes," said the farmer, and pro- duced it. "Very well," said the officer, " then that is all right." They gave, him some coffee, and when he went out Mrs. P. followed him, chatting. She said she always liked to chat with people. He whistled, and behold a number of men appeared. " Why," she said, " my house is surrounded, and I never knew it." " Yes," said the officer, "we are looking for burghers." "We have not," she assured him, " had any or seen any on our farm." She further asked him if they were safe, and he replied they were, with the husband's pass. Next morning, September 18th, before 9 a.m., a captain and eight men appeared. " You have five minutes," he said. " I am come to burn the house." They pleaded. But he said, "These are my orders. I shall be shot if I don't obey." He then sent Mr. P. to find the General, Hector Macdonald, under whom he served, saying he would be found passing in such a place with the column. In less than half an hour, before the farmer could get back, the Captain set fire to the house. Mrs. P. said she cried and prayed anjl pleaded; all in vain. He told her to get out her things, and she hastily began pulling out chairs, chests of drawers, etc., with the chil- dren's clothes. Then he began to smash the27 furniture, saying he could not wait for that. She got out a box with her husband's clothes, and containing a small box packed with trin- kets. These were: 1 gold watch. 1 silver watch, with gold chain. 1 diamond ring. 2 plain rings. 1 pair earrings. Set of silver studs. Silver bangles. All of these were stolen, besides her hus- band's shirts, and other clothes, In answer to her distress the Captain gave her a paper (unsigned), of which the following is a copy. It is a somewhat poor exchange for a burnt home: • WINBURG. P., Corneliusdam. " Homestead burnt, by order of General Mac- donald. " P. claims to be immune on grounds of not having taken up arms." He was accused of nothing, and had no arms in his possession owing to bad sight. When Mr. P. got back he found the house burnt. That day they remained outside. Then they were put into a waggon and taken to Winburg, thence, on the 8th October, to Bloemfontein Camp, where they have been ever since. At Winburg he again showed his pass, which testified to his oath of neutrality and his being under the " protectionof the British. Major L. took this from him, and gave instead a rough piece of paper of which the following is a copy: Copy. "I certify that F. T. P., of Cornelius- dam, has taken the oath of neutrality, date unknown.'7 ' W. W. (or 0') L., Major, D.C. " Winburg, August 21, 1900." The l^ajor was District Commissioner. His name figures also in Miss Ellie Cronje's story, and, I think, the dates of burning the farms under Macdonald, coincides. September was a black month for farms in the Winburg district. "British protection" has become rather a grim joke to numbers of these people. At Winburg Mrs. P. at once com- plained of the theft of her jewellery and her husband's clothes, but, failing to get any re- dress, or to have the matter looked into, she got angry, for the first time, and told Major L. something of her feelings. Mrs. P. is a very plain woman, but singularly quiet and gentle in manner and speech. She speaks English perfectly. The farmers' wives in this country compare very favourably with English ditto. rlney may have less book learning and less fashion, but mostly speak the two languages freely, and have far more dignity and breeding. You feel at once they hold the position of ladies in their country, and they behave as such. 1.— MRS. J. P. 2.—Uitzicht, Ventersberg Road, Winburg. 3.—Children, three, in camp. 4.—Husband at Greenpoint since December 14. 5.-—Came November 11. 6.—Compelled. Captain P. had been often in her house, and very kind, a real gen- tleman. He had meals often with her, and had said her house, etc., should be safe. But some Generals came and camped near the farm. - ere there was a fight,, and the Boers passed along the main- road near her farm. She could not help it, and the British were pursuing. Next day, 10 a.m.,. a lot of men came and turned her out. It was- raining hard, and she wept and prayed mercy for the children's sake. House was burnt, and she was put into a waggon. She saw seven, neighbours' houses burning as she wen/t. She tried to take some furniture, etc., but it dwindled as she went, and got left behind here and there. Her house had five large rooms. At Kroonstadt she was put into the church with 20 other families and guards all round. Kept there three days. Then wey were brought down to Bloemfontein and put into* camp. Was well off, has nothing now. A few weeks after telling me the above, Mrs. Potgieter, who could not stand the life or the- diet, grew very weak, sank rapidly, and died. 1.— MRS. W. P. 2.—Weltefreden, Winburg. 3.—Three children. 4.—Husband took fever on commando, and died at home last April. 5.—Brought in Nov. 16. 6.—Compelled to come prisoners. Two sons fighting with J. Theron. 7.—A little money. 8.—House not burnt when left. 9.—Furniture all taken. 10.—If could get home to bare walls would manage to get cn. No illness so far. Clothed at present. 1.— MRS. A. P. 2.—Burghers' Kraal; Dist., Winburg. 3.—Two children. 4.—Husband also in Camp from Oct. 6. 5.—Mrs. P. brought in Jan. 11, 1901. 6.—Compelled to come. No reason given. 7.—Have no means. 8.—Not burnt when left. 9.—Some furniture taken. 10.—Could go to friends if allowed out* Child had dysentery. Very little clothing.28 1.— MR. AND MRS. W. J. P. 2.—Farm, Het Kruis, Smaldeel. 3.—Wire and 4 children in Gamp. 4.— 5.—Since January 7. 6.—Forced here against will. Took oath of neutrality last May. Never broken it. British nothing against him. Only took arms 28 days at beginning of war. Was against it always. Got a certificate from Free State Government to go home, and hired a substitute to fight. Lived quietly on farm ever since. Had no fear of Boers. Yet suddenly soldiers swooped down. Said he must come in for their protection (which lie did not want) and all brought to Camp. 7.—Yes; could get on. 8.—No. 9.—All packed in cellar. No illness yet; only here 17 days. No clothes wanted yet. Only to go home and see to farm work. 1.— MRS. R. 2.—Klipladrift, Heilbron. 3.—Four children in Camp. 4.—Husband in Camp, too. Never fought. Had sick certificate from Free State and pro- tection paper from British. 5.—Since February 4. 6.—Compelled. No reason given. Officer (Col. W.) from Vredefort came early one day and asked if she would like to go. She refused, and then he said he must protect them. In vain she said she needed no protection, and offered stock, goods, anything to be left alone; but she was carried off to Kopje siding, and after being kept there nine days was brought here. Food stuffs were all burnt, and her fur- niture taken. Promised to return stock some day. House left empty, but she had seen many empty houses burnt, and feared for hers. Clothing sparse. 1.— MRS. J. C. V. R. 2.—Farm, Bornonansdrift, Ladybrand. 3.—Four children and an orphan in camp. Two sons on commando. Two in Ceylon. One son in Simonstown prison. 4.—^-Husband a Field Cornet. Still on com- mando. 5.—She was taken December 21st. Captain Davies told her that some neighbours had laid information against her. It was false, and she believes it was done in spite, because her hus- band, being Field Cornet, had been obliged to commandeer some of their goods. Mrs. V. R. had been very kind to British soldiery, and fed many, and they had com- mandeered much of her stock, etc. In May, 1900, some officers left the following paper with her: (Copy.) " 18th May, 1900. " To all it may concern.—Sufficient in the eyes of the Colonial Division has been commandeered from Mrs. V. R., and she has been left in charge of her husband's farm, with her chil- dren^ who have been very civil to us, who slept here last night. " J. H. LYON, Border Horse. "H. E. SPRING, Border Horse." Mrs. V. R. had quarter-hour's notice to leave her house. Three hundred men came along with two cannon. She was allowed neither clothes nor food, saying that could be sent for afterwards. Arrived in Ladybrand; refused to let her send back to the farm for either. She managed to buy a few loaves and some jam. Twenty-four persons were put into one waggon, and they started for Thaba N'chu. At night they slept under the waggon. The 29th December they reached Thaba N'chu; no food had been given on the way. After Thaba N'chu fodd was given. Reached Bloemfontein Camp Jan. 1st. Not until the 8th was a tent given to her. Slept with her children where and as she could till that day. Was a wealthy woman. Has now only a trifle of money left, and no clothes or means of any kind. Captain W. had given her a note of protection, but Captain D. took no notice of it. She has a receipt for six loads of goods taken by Brabant. Her farm cost £2,560 to build. The house was 70 ft. long and 40 wide, and had thirteen rooms. The roof was taken off, doors, windows, and all woodwork destroyed. Flooring torn up. Piano and organ cut to pieces, best furni- ture carted into Ladybrand to furnish an officer's house. Seven hundred bags of wheat burnt, large quantities of mealies, 3,000 sheep (17 were German sheep imported, and worth alone £450), 100 horses, with a valuable imported stal- lion, a new buggy, waggons, cattle, etc., etc. The farm was only 1,800 morgens, but^they had another in Winburg district, where the cattle mostly were. Her husband (as Field Cornet) had got off free from fighting 11 English-born burghers, who did not want to fight their own race, a^d he pleaded for them and sent them home safe. Mrs. V. R. is very quiet and calm. One of her girls, Engela, is chosen to be put to school with Miss Murray in the Institute fo? six months. The mother is more than grateful. They were rich, now they have nothing but what they stand up in. A married daughter, Mrs. J. J., of Con- cordia, Senekal, nursed two wounded British soldiers. One died, and she buried him; one recovered. An officer came and thanked her warmly, and said nothing should happen to her. Next day her house was burnt down, and she and her little ones fled. 1.— MRS. M. M. R. 2.—Village of Bethulie. 3.—Six children, three in camp, one (only six- teen) in Bloemfontein Prison, though never on commando, two married.29 4.—Husband surrendered with Prinsloo; in- stead of going home as promised, sent to Cey- lon. 5.—Came in November, 6.-—Compelled. Taken prisoner by General G. Went to Smithfield for three months, and on return found everything destroyed. He (the General) siaid he must have half of every- thing. Took the best half. Doors kicked open. Woodwork spoilt. 1.— MRS. R. 2.—-Lives in town of Phillipolis. 3.—Daughter of fifteen in camp, four sons on commando. 4.—Husband at Greenpoint prison. 5.—Arrived October 27. 6.—Forced to come while ill. Open waggon to Springfontein, then open cattle truck. 7.—Enough to live somehow. 8 and 9.—Knows nothing. 10.—No. Not much illness, only she and girl unwell off and on. Mrs. R. has slept three months on the ground, and longs for a mattress, also shoes. An elderly woman, quiet and composed. 1— MRS. S. 2.—House in Jacobsdal and farm at Koffi- fontein. 3.—Three daughters in camp, one son on com- mando. 4.—A widow for fourteen years, so put care- taker on farm and lived in town to educate girls. English occupied Jacobsdal. Her house be- tween barracks and cannon, soldiers all round, no one could pass in or out unseen. October 25 a fight, and English badly shot. Accused her house. Said Dutch were in it. So turned and fired through all the windows and doors till riddled with shot. Then searched and found not a Boer within. So burnt down the house and eighteen others in village that day. First all was smashed. Girls pleaded for dead father's likeness enlarged, but refused. Threatened to shoot Mrs. S. if she pleaded. She was taken and shut up in parsonage, where watched all night. Then, with ten other families, put into the schoolhouse, and only allowed out from four to six daily. No food given, and the other families would have starved if she had not sup- plied them and herself with her sheep. Colonel J. was head of the troops. Her farm at Koffifontein also burnt. A good, motherly woman of substance, with pleasant, well-man- nered girls. "I cannot offer you a chair," she said, 44 for they are burnt." To illustrate Kaffir impertinence, she said one night while she was in the parsonage a Kaffir came and Said General S. had sent to say he was going to burn tthe house earlv next morning. They all sat up ready dressed, with things collected, waiting the dawn, and then found the Kaffir was making game of them. Mrs. S. told an officer out- side, who, instead of whipping the Kaffir, only laughed. 1.— MRS. P. S. 2.—Ramhoogte.—Bethulie. 3.—Four children in camp, and two orphansv Three sons in Ceylon. 4.—Husband at Greenpoint, over 60. Never fought, being invalid with bad legs. 5.—In ©amp since Oct. 19.. 6.—Prisoner (but hopes I will not take it amiss if she calls herself so.) She has two- farms. Was told Boers had been on the farm one day, and she had not reported it. Said she could not. Her husband was in bed, and! she had no man to send. Some time after she droye in with him to the doctor. He was cap- tured, sent off, and she has never seen him since. Family brought in, said for only three days, so only brought one small trunk. Not allowed back, however, and all brought to Bloemfontein. They had food, and were put into a first-class carriage! This was October, when there was not such a rush. Knows noth- ing of fate of farms. 1.— MRS. S., a German. 2.—Lived at Ventersburg Station. 3.—No children. 4.—Husband drank, so they separated four years ago, and he went back to Germany, while she has supported herself in this country. 5.—Since November 15. 6.—Compelled. Was happily and success- fully getting a living (having a cow) by selling coffee at Ventersburg-road Station. Captain P. commandant there in the station, and very kind to her. She supplied the offi- cers' table with milk. Then Captain R. . came too, and was cross that she had barely enough milk to supply another customer. One morning her Kaffir missing, and she had no one to milk her cow, so could supply none. The Captain was angry, and came and threat- . ened to send her away. That was the first time. She trembled inwardly and walked warily. Her little house was almost in the camp, so they could know all her movements. One night she was in bed* and, being poorly, had the lamp still burning, though the window was well covered. Captain B. came, roused! her, said she was signalling to the Boers, and threatened to send her away. That was the second time. One day, soon after, a man called Hewins, who had been some days hanging about the station, was put into her coffee-stall, and took possession of her house and goods; her stove cost £15 alone, and she was brought away to Bloemfontein. It was a bitter blow. She had written to Hewins to pay her for her goods*, but no reply. All gone. Wants to go to rela- tions in Germany. Getting old, cannot begin here again. Duringen her home. Her husband's father is kind. Could pay most of her journey. Lonely and grieving. Mrs. S. was permitted to leave, and is now in Germany. ' - » . . , .30 1.— MRS. C. S. 2.—Altcma.—Ladybrand, and also a house in the town. 3.—Three children in camp. Boy in Ceylon. 4.—Husband at Greenpoint. Never fought, arrested for sympathies only. 5.—She was living in town for education of the children and her brother on their farm. They said Boers were on the farm, and they went out and burnt it down. The house cost £1,262, and was only completed two years ago. Farm of 5,000 morgens (2 acres), all the wheat tournt. All of English parentage. Speaks and looks English. She received half-day's notice to leave about 10 days ago, February 15. Commissioner -came to her house and told her the ^ason. She had written a letter to a friend, in which she had complained of two neighbours who had sided with the enemy, and given spite- ful information about old friends. The sentence ■was read out to her by officer: " Mr. Van D. and J. Van S. are too big for their boots, and if it had not been for these mean Afri- kanders the war would have been over long ago." For this she was arrested, and after eight ■days' journey brought to Bloemfontein Camp. Nice woman, but perfectly furious in a quiet way. Well off. 1.— MR. AND MRS. M. S. 2. Ongegunde, Vryheid, dist. Yentersburg. 3. Ten children, five have died in camp. 4. Mr. Stander never fought. Had certifi- oate from# Government not fit for commando •service. 5. Arrived Nov. 1st, 6. Compelled. After month of May, when troops came north, Mr. S. never went 'from home for fear he should b© suspected. British soldiers often passed, and as often he fed them for nothing. In October there was a fight, and the Boers passed along main road, never stopping, closely pursued by English. Next day General H. came with 300 men to burn the house. Their farm had 1,976 mor- rgens, and the house seven large rooms. They 'had no time to get clothes or food. Some were -put into a cart, five or six of them were driven in front of 300 troops to the station, two hours •distant. Thirty horses were taken out of a horse-truck, and they were put in. It wai not •cleaned, and three dead horses lay there. (These were afterwards removed.) Army biscuits were given to them. Arrived at Bloemfontein, they slept at the station in an open coal-truck, and it rained 'heavily. They asked for a sail-cloth, bnt it was refused. Next day entered camp. 1,800 bags of mealies were burned, and neigh- bours coming later said it took 14 days to con- sume them. They were still burning. The S. family is intensely affectionate. Nearly broken-hearted over the five sons and daughters who died within two months. Now the mother is very ill in hospital, and' father and daughter got poisoned hands, from which several are suffering. 1.— MRS. E. S. 2. Lived in town of Philippolis. 3. Five children. 4. Widow. 5. Brought in Dec. 14. 6. Compelled; no reason given. 7. No means. 8 and 9. Not so far as she knows. 10. Nowhere to go if allowed, except home. No boots. Three of the children got left in Philippolis with strangers. 1.— MRS. T. 2.—Kaffirfontein, District Winburg. 3.—Four children living, 10—5 years. 4.—Husband on commando so far as she knows. 5.—Came in October 9. 6.—Compelled to come. Five days, first in * Winburg, not allowed to stay, though had her own house there, and means to live tnere. in one now. 7.—Farm burnt in September. 8 and 9.—Furniture also. Stock confiscated. 10.—In April, Brabant's Horse and Border Horse passed through, 1,500 strong, and cleared off every bit of forage, and food, and mealies, etc., so had nothing to give Boers if they came. She had money, several hundred pounds, and, instead of burying it, as some do, gave all with papers to Dr. S., of Yentersburg, to keep in his safe, as did many others. Since then he has been arrested. Everything in his house looted. Safe broken, and thousands of pounds taken from it. Government school on their farm destroyed. Benches, tables burnt. Since arrival never felt well. One child died of measles, another almost of pneumonia, another inflammation of brain, the rest had measles. All look ill now. x 1.— MRS. b. 2.—Damplaats, Yentersburg, District Win- burg. 3.—Seven children, from 11 years to eight months. 4.—Husband in camp. Said he surrendered under Roberts's first Proclamation, because his wife was sick, to be confined, etc., and some- thing wrong with her. After that never gave Boers anything nor signalled. 5.—Since November. • 6.—Compelled to come. Stock taken, 282 sheep, 19 cows, 8 horses. Receipt given him for two horses only. Another promised, but never given. 7.—A few sovereigns with him. Obliged to31 use this to buy food now for the children. Will soon be gone. 8 and 9.—Knows nothing. Only 10 minutes given to come away. Put with four other families into a railway van. 10.—No friends to go to, but could manage with bare walls only at home. Begged me to go to England to-morrow, and telegraph next day they might go. One child in hospital with typhoid. All are ailing. Children's clothes badly needed. 1.— MRS. W. S. 2.—Fonteinspruit, District Thaba'nchu. 3.—Two children. 4.—Husband Ceylon. 5.—Arrived November 27. 6.—Competed to come. 7.—A little money with her. 8 and 9.—Does not know. 10.— Boy had the measles in camp. Only a little clothing. 1.— MR. AND MRS. S. 2.—Poedamoor, Transvaal. 3.—All grown up and gone. The S.'s are an old crippled couple, aged 75 and 65. He has a twisted leg from rheu- matic fever, and she has not walked for 10 years. Cannot even dress herself. They had already been taken from their own farm to that of a neighbour, Mrs. G. When there Lord Methuen's column came along one Sunday and ordered off this helpless couple. They came at sunset one Sunday evening, put these people into a waggon, where they sat all night, and were driven off at dawn next morning. 120 people were swept up from that part, and of these only two were men—her husband (75) and a lad of 15. At Vryburg they were kept three weeks, and then brought to Kimberley Camp in spite of entreaties that they might stay in a Vryburg house. She was sore and bruised with the rough travelling. Arrived in Kimberlev cold, tired, and hungry. No tent for them; no food. A poor woman, with 6 small children in a bell tent, took in the helpless pair, and there they still are. A lady of the Dutch Committee came and wrapped the old woman in a blanket, and gave her food. So they are 9 in the hot little tent, with one bed, and the rest on the ground. They are miserable. 1.—MRS. T. AND HUSBAND, AND FATHER-IN-LAW, MR. PIETER T. 2.—Verona, Bechuanaland. 3.—Three children,'with whooping cough. 4.—Husband in Vryburg prison. Surren- dered under first proclamation. Lived quietly. Two months since arrested. Mr. Pieter T. never fought. He is 72, • and always a loyal resident of Bechuanaland. One day he saw afar the flying column of the General who relieved Mafeking. Fearing for his daughter's house a mile distant, he went there to lock it up. Returning, he found troops in possession of his own house and looting everything. They refused to let him in, and he saw they had found his cash-box, and begged for it; but they laughed, and divided it amongst themselves. His wife, aged 67, and daughter, with two children, were in the garden. The soldiers put one child in the arms of each and drove them in front of them to the next farm. They burnt the house. They inspanned the waggon, and putting the old man at the head of the team to urge the oxen, set out for Vryburg. Then they took him on to Bulawayo, and then back to Vryburg, where they put him in prison last May, and there he is to-day. He has had no kind of trial, and no reason was ever given for this treatment. One of his sons—long since married and a burgher of the Transvaal—is with Kruger in Holland, and they wonder if that is why the father is punished. 1.— H. G. T. AND WIFE. 2.—Lived at Ventersburg, Winburg. 3.—Wife and four children. 4 and 5.—In Camp since September. Wife came in October. 6.—Compelled. Is a Colonial, of EnglisK parentage, but had lived 10 years in Free State,, so a burgher, and bound to fight. Married a Dutch woman. Colonial brothers fighting the other side. Went home from commando sick. Very good-looking, clever man. Had just • built a house of seven rooms, and had#ploughed and sowed, and had built up a little contract business. House burnt. Everything destroyed. Not a cent in the world. Baby of 16 months died in Camp/.. Only boy of 4 emaciated. 1.— MRS. F. DU T. 2.—Ventershoek, Winburg. 3.—Two children. 4.—Husband in Camp, too. 5.—Arrived Nov. 27. 6.—Compelled to come ; no reason given. 7.—No means. 8.—House not burnt when left. 9.—Furniture broken. 10.—Could, if allowed, go to J. de Beer, Riet- spruit. One child; bad eyes. Very few clothes. 1.—MRS. D. T. AND DAUGHTERS. 2.—Village of Petrusburg. 3.—Three children, unmarried. 4.—Father retired farmer, aged 58; never on commando, always in the municipality help- ing poor, etc. Not in camp—whereabouts un- known. The Tuesday before Feb. 1st Mr. D. T. weni32 out to a distant farm of his to bring in his lad of 14. While absent the English came, Feb. 1st. They made a fire in Mrs. Du T.'s yard, and, having smashed up things, burnt all the food and soap. Then two hours were given to put all they wanted on waggons. Iney packed clothes and money and placed in waggon. £600 was in a case securely placed in a bundle •of clothes. As the waggons got full in the trek, which lasted four days, the clothes and boxes were thrown off by Colonel C.'s order—all of theirs was thus lost, including the £600. 'They went to the Colonel and complained, and he'said he thought they were Kaffirs' things. All is lost. Their farms swept of stock, even six cows they had in town. The four days' trek had only hard biscuits, except the Sunday, then bully beef was given. Know nothing of the father and his lad. I ;gave Miss D.'T. a new pair of boot® and a skirt* 1.— Two sisters—MISSES U. 2.—Town of Brandford. 3.-—No little sisters or children with them. 4.—Father never fought; is 66. Now pri- soner at Greenpoint. 5.—Since Nov. 28. 6.—Forced to come here. No reason given. Had to hire to come out and pay themselves. 7.—No money to get home, but once there •could live. 8 and 9.—Know nothing. 10.—Married sisters left at home. Their health poor; constant acute neuralgia and dysentery. At home slight neuralgia, but never dysentery. Their father had a butcher's business. Can 'find no reason for their arrest unless it were -some man had a spite against them. Since arrival in Camp have earned a trifle by sewing for others, and so kept themselves in •clothes. Evidently very delicate girls—with sweet faces and gentle manners. Like very superior 'dressmakers. 1.— mrs. h. j. y. 2.—Vraainitzich. Ventersburg. 3.—Three children and one adopted boy. 4.—Husband died in hospital, Bloemfontein, .Jan., 1901. 5.—Arrived in Camp Oct. 3, 1900. 6.—Was told to be ready to come south with "food and cattle; latter left at Zand River, and ■"not heard of since.. 7.—No means. 8.—House burnt. 9.—Ditto. 10.—If released, could go tp father-in-law '{also in camp). Husband died of fever. Clothing for the present. 1.— MRS. A. S. V. 2.—Klipplaatsdrift. Bloemfontein. 3.—Five children; eldest nine, baby 15 days 'when came. 4.—Husband now at Greenpoint. 5.—Since Nov. 26. 6.—Compelled—50 men went out to take her just after confinement. False information given by a neighbour, a half-breed called S. Her husband, being sickly, was on the farm, and had complied with rules by sending in report that Boers were on the farm. But no use; h© was arrested. She not fit to travel—put in a van on line and kept there all night. Journey 24 hours, instead of 5J. No food given. Took a little bread with her. 7.—No money. 8.—Does not know. 9.—Furniture destroyed. Fowls exiled— everything—30 cattle, 936 sheep, 50 horses- all gone. Captain H. promised receipt; gave none. 10.—No friends in Colony. One child diarrhoea, one bad chest. Herself sick more than a month after arrival. All look ill. No soap. Very poor and worn and ill. 1.— MRS. W. 2.—Farm Serano, Thaba Nchu. 3.—One small child. 4.—Husband in Camp also. Always been sickly, and so never fought. Brought here five months ago. No reason. 5.—She arrived January 17th. 6.—After husband had been here five months she asked to come to this Camp to join him. 7.—No means, nothing. Has friends, but could not live on them. 8.—Burnt, and eight houses on the farm besides. 9.—All destroyed, trees uprooted. But for this could have gone home and lived somehow. 10.—No. Paid her own fare all the way to camp. Very young, and poor, and sad. Very respectable and tidy. Needs a gown and shoes for child. 1.— • MRS. W. 2.—Siberia. District, Kroonstadt. 3.—Two small children. 4.—Husband on commando. For many months she has heard nothing of him; may be dead, wounded, prisoner, or still fighting. 5.—In Camp since February 5th. 6.—Prisoners. Officer came in the morning and asked if she would like to come under British protection. She said, No; wbuld rather remain at home, where she had plenty. He said he would not press her, and went away. In the afternoon came again with soldiers, and gave her ten minutes to be ready. She expostu- lated after what had passed in the morning. He got cross, and smacked his whip, and in a minute the house was full of troops, who took many things. All her corn and meal were burnt. Has no tidings of her house. Stock all taken. She was taken to the soldiers' Camp in ox waggon. It is three hours' journey to Kopje Siding, and it took them five days with33 rain. Then in open truck to Springfontein, and two nights' rain. A pretty, gentle young woman, speaking good English. MR. AND MBS. G. W. Lived at De Wet's Kraal, Rouxville, but have four or five farms. Evidently very well off, and a very nice woman. Six children, five of whom are in camp; the eldest, a lad of seventeen, the British said they would take under their protection, but they protected him badly, for the boy, angry that his people were all taken prisoners, escaped and joined the Boers. Mr. G. W. had fought for ten months. Then he goit fever, and was therefore sick in hos- pital at the time of Prinsloo's surrender. Coming out of hospital, he went home and took the oath of neutrality. He was allowed passes to go from one to the other of his farms, but had not used the same. In November a commando suddenly appeared on the farm. They had with them two wounded men. Her husband was away from home help- ing a neighbour about some sheep at another farm. She had not the remotest idea the Boers were coming. They asked her to take in the two wounded men. She. gave them all a meal, as they demanded it. Numbers of times she has fed crowds of British soldiers, and has treated both the same. Mrs. W. says she always believed, in common with her country- women, that it was actual duty and law to take in wounded men of either army. She would equally that day have taken in British wounded. Had often done so. She was sending a man to report the presence of Boers on her farm when the Boers stopped her saying if she did they must shoot the mes- senger. They said they were going to report themselves by attacking the British near by, and went and did so. Twenty days afterwards, November 27th, Lieut. A. was sent, with fifty men, to seize herself and her husband. Reason given was that a commando had been there and two -wounded taken in. They were taken to Rouxville, where they were kept seven days, he in prison, she in a "house. Then the children were brought, and ishe was sent with them to Bloemfontein Camp. Later Mr. Gr. W. wask also sent to Bloem- fontein and lodged in prison pending his sen- tence. He had been tried at Rouxville (or Aliwal), and, after the lapse of two months, has been sentenced here on the strength of the papers sent from the other town. He has been -given two years' imprisonment, with hard labour, and is now working as a convict in Bloemfontein; while his nice wife and five chil- dren inhabit one tiny corrugated iron room in the CamD. All but one sleep on the floor. Mr. W. was sentenced on native evidence alone, supported by English soldiers. No wit- nesses were called on his side, neither the white 13ywoner (wiho came into the town) nor any of the family. Two men and one woman, Kaffir, were the witnesses, and people round all said they had been bribed. Mrs. W. says her husband never broke bis oath of neutrality. P. D. W. Aged 73. Has epileptic fits. Never on commando; but now at Greenpoint. His old wife begs me daily with tears to get him released. She follows me, wailing, " He is old, he is sick, he never fought. Bring him back to me." It is astonishing how many there are in the prisons who never fought, and who are boys or quite old men! .1— MRS. W. 2.—Reddersburg town. House of Govern- ment School. 3.—Five children ; two down with fever. 4.—Husband was teacher in Government School, in prison Greenpoint. Taken Oct. 11. 5.—In camp since Dec. 20. 6.—Most unwillingly. No reason given. Fled from home first to a cottage, then to father's house, Mr. C., minister of Reddersburg. Brought in an ambulance waggon to Edenburg, thence by cattle truck to Bloemfontein. 7.—Could manage to live with old mother. 8.—No. 9.—Does not know. 10.—With mother in Reddersburg. Children never well since arrival, dysentery and diarrhoea. Never had these complaints before. Two children now with typhoid. Mrs. W. herself suffered in her liver since arrival. A young, nice-looking, neat woman, speak- ing pretty "English. 1.— MISS V. 2.—Townswoman of Brandford. 3.— 4.—Her father left at home. He never fought. 6.—Since Nov. 28. 6.—Forced away from a comfortable home. No reason given her. When arrested, had not even seen a Boer for eight months. 7.—Could live if sent home. 8.—No. 9.—Cows, calves, etc., all taken. 10.—Could go to sister in Newlands, Cape- town, who is married to a Cornishman, Mr. R. Oats. Since arrival had dysentery, also continual headache and lassitude. Never had dysentery at home. Was very strong. Needs a petticoat and underclothes. Miss V., a very respectable young girl, felt keenly the indignity of being driven through the town with six guards, with bayonets, be- hind her, having to carry her parcels, and con- tinually urged to go faster.34 APPENDIX B. APPLICATIONS FOR RELEASE, &C. In the course of her visits to the camps, and her correspondence, Miss Hobhouse naturally received a large number of applications for re- lease. In the earlier period of her visit, she foundf that some very few were able to get away from the camp, and she was fortunately able to give them some assistance in doing so. One of these cases was that of a Free State lady and her four children, who were allowed to go to friends in the Colony in February. Another was that of a German widow, who was allowed to return to her friends in Germany. Miss Hobhouse helped this lady to send in her ap- plication, and gave her some money towards her journey. The professed policy of the authorities at Bloemfontein in the month of February, as far as Miss Hobhouse could judge from their utterances, was to release those women and children who had friends in Cape Colony ready to receive them, and had no grown man in the party within the camp. Miss Hobhouse accord- ingly obtained and forwarded to the authorities certain applications from such cases^ The authorities gave no pledges, but promised to consider each on its individual merits. But as no favourable reply was received, the applications fell off. At Kimberley Miss Hobhouse met with some success in get- ting 'permission for a few women " prisoners " of war to leave the town of Kimberley for the south of Cape Colony. The following applications, handed to Miss Hobhouse at Bloemfontein, have hitherto met with no success : (Copy.) MAJOR WRIGHT (Commandant), We, the undersigned, respectfully wish to address you with the following request: I. As we are separated from our husbands, and thus left without help, it is impossible, in the circumstances in which we are placed, to live. II. On account of carelessness, bad manage- ment, anl ill-treatment, it is now the second time that we are drenched through and through by rain, which caused our children, already sick with measles, whooping cough, and fever, to become dangerously ill. III. Being without money, it is impossible for us to provide or obtain soap, candles, • or other necessaries. It is now almost three weeks that most of us have been unable to do any washing. It is more than we can stand to be satisfied under all this. These are our griefs. This our humble request is—to look into our case with all reasonableness, and to have com- passion on our position, and to give us our liberty by allowing us to return to our respec- tive homes. We hope and trust that you will take our humble request in favourable consideration, and meet us in this our request as soon as possible. We are, dear Sir, Your humble Servants— A. S. EAPLE. ANNIE EARLE. J. M. HORAK. R DU TOIT. A. J. BRITS. S. BOTHA. E. BOTHA. M. BE KLERK, A. SERFONTEIN. H. BRITS. M. BRITS. M. J. ROODT. E. M. ROODT. A. C. COMBRINCK. A. PIENAAR. S. DU TOIT. J. HORAK. M. BOTHA. J. 0. MATTHEE. Newton Refugee Camp, C. E. LOUW J. VAN NIEKERK. M. BRITZ. 0. ROODT. C. DU TOIT. HERMINA YAN BREDA. R. HORAK. M. COMBRINCK. S. COMBRINCK. A.BOTHA. C. BOTHA. A. DE KLERK. W. WESSELS. M. SERFONTEIN. S. BRITS. M. 0. ROODT. J. J. ROODT. M. HERBST. Kimberley. P.S.—Major Commandant and others in authority,—With God there is mercy. Is there, then, no mercy with you for us poor innocent women and children ? Our request is to allow us to leave the 10th March, 1901.35 (Copy.) /Refugee Camp, Bloemfontein, April 25, 1901.) To the Military Governor of Bloemfontein. Dear Sir,—I have been here for the last five months. I wish to ask you if you will please allow me to proceed to the Colony (Piquetberg) to live with my father. My husband, J. M. Brink, is not a fighting man, but has been in the ambulance for the last 15 months. Whether he is alive or not I cannot tell. I have three children—having lost the fourth in camp—and I have no means to provide for them. If you could grant me a free pass I shall be very pleased; if it be against the rules my father is willing to pay my railway expenses. Both my parents and myself are British sub- jects, born in the Colony. The camp life has effected my health very much lately, and I shall, therefore, be very grateful to you if you will grant my request. Hoping to receive a favourable reply, I am, dear Sir, yours BEATRIX BRINK. Mrs. J. M. Brink, Refugee Camp, Bloem- fontein. (Copy.) Refugee Camp, Bloemfontein, 26th April, 1901. To the Deputy Administrator, Bloemfontein, O.R.C. Honourable Sir,—I hope you'll kindly excuse me taking the liberty of appealing to you. I hereby humbly beg you to grant me and my two girls the request of proceeding to Worces- ter, Cape Colony, to my brother-in-law, N. J. van Biljoen, who has offered to pay all my ex- penses down. I intend leaving for good. My husband surrendered in July; was sent to Ceylon, where he is now prisoner of war since September; in November I, with four children, were sent to camp, of which I lost two, they being too delicate to stand the heat in these tents; a third is now suffering from typhoid in the hospital for the second time, and I simply dread losing her too, on account of winter drawing near. A change for my two little ones would really be good to pick up their strength again. Although the authorities here in Camp are very kind, and treat us well, still I and my two children can't enjoy the comfort here that I could with my people in Worcester. Trusting to receive a favourable answer soon, by which you'll oblige.—Your most humble servant, S. VAN BILJOEN. Add.—Mrs. F. L. Biljoen, Refugee Camp, Bloemfontein. (Copy.) Refugee Camp, Bloemfontein, April 25, 1901. The Deputy Administrator, Bloemfontein. Dear .Sir,—Pardon my liberty in writing to you. I have a most humble request—namely, whether you would allow myself and family to proceed to Newlands, Cape Colony. The family consist of two girls and one boy of ten years old. I am at this camp close to five months, , and am feeling the need of a change greatly, and am dreading the coming winter months, as our health has not been good of late. Friends of mine have offered to pay my ex- penses, if you should allow me to go. Hoping to receive a favourable reply, I have the honour, Sir, To be your obedient servant, Mrs. P. J. Botha. E. BOTHA. [Note by Miss Hobhouse: Mrs. Botha's help and influence have been invaluable in the camp, and all would feel the loss if she left. Never- theless, she is really unable to bear the physical and mental strain much longer. The family have had dysentery, inflammation of kidneys, and fever attacks in succession.] The following are the notes of this case taken at the Bloemfontein Camp by Miss Hobhouse at the time of her visit: 1.— MRS. PHILIP BOTHA. . 2.—Landdrost's house, town of Phillipolis. 3.—One at school in Colony, five in camp (ages sixteen to eight), one in Ceylon. 4.—Husband on parole at Durban at his own expense. 5.—The camp since November 14 6.—Sent away by force because the town was cleared; came with second convoy. 7.—Some slight means left, nothing coming in. 8.—Knows nothing of house. 9.—Goods wantonly destroyed, £60 worth silver stolen. 10.—Sisters in Cape Colony would receive them. Since arrival two daughters had dysentery, she herself had inflammation of kidney after rain (qaught cold). Now child of eight down with fever and dysentery. Never had thase ill- nesses before. Wants bedding, child's night- dress, boots and shoes, underclothes. Mrs.fJptha is always cheerful and helpful. She copies of an old Capetown family, and so hates the camp life. She wishes as each one dies it was hei- self. RATIONS. When Miss Hobhouse first went up to the camp at Bloemfontein the system of half r^ions to prisoners whose relations were still oi| com- mando was in force. It was abolished o# Feb- ruary 27th in consequence of a question. asked in Parliament on February 26th. The Rations now stand for O.R.C. Caipps. Meat, ^lb. (including fat and bone). Flour, fib. Sugarf 2oz. Coffee, 2oz. N Salt, ^oz. • Occasional tin of condensed milk.36 * Unfortunately the weight often falls short, and at times the supply does not go round. The meat is sometimes maggoty, and the coffee much adulterated. With this diet, added to the fact of the in- tense heat of the "tents, and the use, which then prevailed, of unboiled Modder River water, it can scarcely be wondered that Miss Hob- house found the children drooping and lying languid and sick in every tent. Nor is it astonishing that many of these children have since died. NOTE. Though few names are printed in these pages, the individual name is in each case known to the Committee. Miss Hobhouse cannot, of course, hold herself absolutely responsible for the truth of any- given statement, but believes all here .written to be the simple facts of a very terrible time, told simply and without exaggeration by each in turn. It appeared to the Committee that such records, slender though they be, would prove of interest to the subscribers and to a large number of the public.37 APPENDIX C. PERSONAL NARRATIVES AS WRITTEN BY WOMEN IN THE CAMPS. In this Appendix it may be useful to set forth certain narratives which Miss Hobhouse re- ceived in the course of her stay in South Africa. It will be best to publish them precisely as they were received, without any attempt to make any alterations in the style. There is no need to apologise for the roughness of the composition. NARRATIVE I. "We were awakened on the 7th of February by the roar of the cannon. We got up and' hastily dressed ourselves. We were very frightened. The firing sounded so very near. We could not imagine what it meant, as there was 110 Boer commando close by. We sat down to our early breakfast, but the food remained almost untouched. I could not do anything, but wandered aimlessly about, thinking of the dear ones of whom we know absolutely nothing. On going out I saw black objects on the hills. .Running back hastily, I fetched the telescope, and to my horror saw that they were horsemen coming nearer every minute. Ah! how my heart throbbed with pain as I went in to break the news to my poor delicate mother. Many of our neighbours' houses were burned down months ago, while some of the women and chil- dren were left upon the open veldt, and others were taken prisoners. We were until then left undisturbed, but I instinctively felt, when I saw horsemen coming nearer, that our turn had come at last. About half an hour latej* a number of horsemen, accompanied by a small waggon drawn by mules, came up to the house. Their corporal came to the front door, while the troopers stormed in at ©very door. I went to the corporal. But, oh! how cruelly his words pierced my heart! His greeting was: "I've come for you. Be ready to start in about 15 minutes." I pleaded and begged to be left at honie. I told him to take everything and burn the house, but leave us there; but all in vain. His answer was, " If you don't come, I'll let the men put you in the waggon." Then all was con- fusion. I was so excited that X did not know what to do. Mamma stood with her baby, who is two months old. The troopers took three or four boxes, placed it in the waggon; then they took two beds and pillows, and two blan- kets, which were also taken to the waggon. Then came the cruel order to get on the waggon. I could have fainted as I looked at my poor mother stag- gering towards the waggon, weeping loudly and saying that she cannot go with her enemy, leaving her husband and children behind, for papa and four brothers, 21, 18, 16, and 14 years old, are all on commando; while two little boys, 10 and 12 years old, ran away when the troopers were in the house. Oh! what a sight met us as we came out of the house. The poultry were killed, flowers and plants pulled out of the pots ; while the whole place was white with feathers, the beds and pillows being cut open. Then we began to move away, leaving our dear old large comfortable house behind, where we had everything we needed—good bread and meat, vegetables of any kind, fruit in abundance, daily two large buckets of milk, and at least four or five pounds of good butter. We came on the camping-place about 10 o'clock in the morning, and left at three in the afternoon. We could see our house from the camp. It was, indeed, painful to see smoke of the burning larm and furniture, which were carried out of the house. Kopje's Siding is only 3^ hours from our place, and we only came there after having spent five days in the ox-waggons. In our waggon w«r$ four families, with their luggage; while many other waggons contained more people, the families being larger. We could hardly sit during the day, so it can well be imagined how the nights were spent. One night it rained very much. About ten o'clock in the night we were all wet through and through. The last I had was a dry skirt, which I placed round mama to> protect the baby. Oh! can we ever forget that night? We were all tired to death when we came to Kopje's. There we stopped a few days, and then came the worst part of all. On a Wednesday afternoon we were packed in open coal trucks. In our truck were 70 people ; half the number had to stand. The first evening at Kroonstadt, about half the number were removed. Still there was no chance of sleeping, as our luggage was on the same truck. We remained in the trucks from Wednesday till Friday afternoon. We were nearly burned to death when we arrived at Springfontein. It was most painful to see all the skins come off the arms of the girls and women, who had on thin blouses. I really do. not want the English to think well of us or treat us kindly, but I was astonished to see that the civilized English people could allow the Kaffirs, to treat us as they did. At eyery station or siding the Kaffirs came streaming towards thetrain, streaming loudly. and. greeting Hs with M Good-bye^ darling,' and other shameful words; whih? the trooper* joined h«*;irhly intho laughter* Oli? i ^omeHme>< Mi really iuelined to take my own life, The only though! that- kept Tiu'i huH* was that Vhn-A, our King, the Holy &ou of Uod, snlFered more, and why cannot a great > timer * offer a hide* niaLlPI-NK. KABHATIVE IL Madam,—I beswdb beg to ex imply whk your mpu^t in giving yon a ^hort detail uf my t*xp*'-1 rieuco and treatment by the eM my duriu^ tin- war, I can only give you the- principal tacts* On the 3rd October, isfe), my husband, " Field- Cornet/* left we for the irout with ill, the only cash wo hod then. The- KHh Kehruary* 1WJU, tho enemy entered JaeobsdaL the village where I am redding, and took position of Use same> A few days afterwards every Hung I hud was taken from me, *neh as oxen, t>uwN calves, nheep* goats, and horses 1 was Wit destitute. On tho 2oth October, ItMt an engagement took plaeo bet ween our people and tho em my * wldeh tot««d to lour o'clock hi the aMernowu. The Boors then retreating, the enemy then burnt tny Ihhho down, with, nil my inrnmire, and everything belonging to me in the Iioum\ Tht*y ivoufd not allow me to take euf. anything. i begged of the. t.m>my to spare mo sueln but of no avaiL Tho house contained seven rooms, ami every smo fiimished* On the 10th Novem- ber I with my ilvu children wore then arredod ami placed m prison, whm-v 1 bad to prrivide for «»*> itnd Huldron, On the 28?:h of xhv- «imo uioiatb wu w«;re tboB rt4otised. In February, lOUl, the OirtHHumdani tbun ollVml nuv bis asffUtanro tu IVtcii my husband from tho commando^ ami to p^rsurtdv him to lay clown lm arms, with ih*> prouiUo to rebuild my iion^^ and furnish tbc stwno, «»d give n* morn7, oti\, «te.? which I rofuHinij wboronpou i wa> throat fniocl to b^ sent away, whk;h rdtennaiv^ I ac- cepted, 1 with isiv live cluhiren w^re tlu.'0 svRi* to Kimbcniev Vmuu ou tbo Llih Fohruary, IDOL J. II, E« Ne^vlon Camp, Kimb*>rb?y, March 19U.L HABRATIVB lit THE BVmiSQ O ¥ A VOX AG 15 IX 0. F. Early on Ttn^day morning wo were awakwied by cannon and rilie firing. Abotit seron uVloek; thoy eea^d living* Ail ib« tiuni wor^ th^n ordered to appear at, the eonrt-iion^ Tla' General bad orders from .Lord Rub^rt» 10 hum down the vil- lage, Halt ui iho Ik^r women received orders at"l o'clock to be ready on thu irtarkot nquui'K! at 2 o'elwk, also tilling u» not to iaki? loo nai. ny t h i n^>. with u ■^. I i' w»^ did t ake 100 m lie 11; will "not he allowed to trdve anything. It was dre.ultnl tu no** how thoy d^^roy^d the house*— liveakiivj; up tloors (even thejioor ol the Dutch : Hofonnrd Churtrh wa.n broken up for brrvvoodj, breaking out dnors and windows, pulling down verandahs, ^>iog tln'y r«K|Uiro (heso things for 1'uof, Kverywhc*r« o«e could .^eo them .stealing and taking pverytiling they could lay their hands on, < uhmu'v is to ho s^co. Tt was h^art rendering [>ie] to beo how they ill-treat tiie ainiual>» driving c.ws nmi leaving i he ytntni; calves lu'bind. When we a^ked tbein? lor pdy's sake, to lake the poor eaives with them, they ^uid tin* cudve^ were only a rmi^am-o to vhem. All the provisions were taken away, and tlu>y said the women who remained behind nmkl bo .Mipplie>iead nnd mattress, they would have had to sleep on the bare ground/ Both died, after homg prisoner* ^ week in eatup. An fur «s 1 can Ibid out, they died of misery, *onrow\ mud 1114mitmem. May Ik imi On the 14 iU of Mhv I went to my neighbours with Lord Jiohortss Proclamation, ami suid to eaeh, " Head this Proclamation. If you live on your farm, no harm will he dorm to yon. >So triv&t to what I say." But what w«# tho .r^ukr1 The fh\st column 11 vat eanm, with which Cap- fain B. was* look from ail tho-an of Fre:iidi!ot. Steyn, trusting to him to eotne to my help. I got baek * eow in milk, ako n eari and pair of horses Christiana* i> my nearest village, ouo hour,, that i.s, a-hout ni& miles from where wo live. Onm 1 went there to g*w a to go to AYar- ivnion to see my sou-imlaw, who was I la-re on pa rede .Major T, made mo pay 11 ster- ling for it, because 1 had gono in to Christiana without a pass, I had no money, ami I wu>, without food, my ehihIreu aimo*t Imn\ A Mr, G* lent mo Urn £i. I paien huek-wn^oii, Mrs, Fm whosple> hut tlie .shnme is the way iWwotnen ar<> trHitiHl.^ I had no time; mv ttluhlrenS best shoes &nd the elolhe,v remained behind, also all mv Inrni- ture- (hdv a l,»e the whole iii&hh At I .HO wo had to p»t on lias open ua^-un a^aitt, Monday mornine; we reached the train and tin* (amp at Fourteen Streams. We had no food thai; dav ; tho foilowiuR morn- ing a lew bi-euiK and NVhou wo vjot to Warreu^on it wa^ hotter, I. Udiern wo were taken to Kimberh-y Camp because the butcher- bad taken my *>u-iu-lnw. X brought it before I ho ju^tiee of the Cenorat told Captain U> I whk not re^pon^ sonnndaw. . , i tuhi tho ^ehool, lb is dreadful how the armed Kaffirs tea^nl us on the farm when my lands were destroyed bv troops and Kallirs, " In September I had a letter from my &on from Berdepoort, whore they hud Kaffirs fight- ing against us, with whito oilieers. Isn't it dreadful for tho great British nation—isn't it terrible r5 ■ - and old people who were -never in a tight seized and put on a waggon—everything taken from them—put on a hare truck and taken to Kimherley, that X hurt ible for my u over and (Tho writer of tho above is a widow, aud l)orn n British snbjeet of tho (\ilony, Her hunhand was an Bnglishman horn iu Chelsea.)This book is a preservation facsimile produced for the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. It is made in compliance with copyright law and produced on acid-free archival 60# book weight paper which meets the requirements of ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (permanence of paper). Preservation facsimile printing and binding by Northern Micrographics Brookhaven Bindery La Crosse, Wisconsin 2014