It Was Found, As Has Often Been
Shown In History, That It Is Easier To Defeat A Republican Army
Than To Conquer It.
From Klerksdorp, from Ventersdorp, from
Rustenburg, came news of risings against the newly imposed British
authority.
The concealed Mauser and the bandolier were dug up once
more from the trampled corner of the cattle kraal, and the farmer
was a warrior once again. Vague news of the exploits of De Wet
stimulated the fighting burghers and shamed those who had
submitted. A letter was intercepted from the guerilla chief to
Cronje's son, who had surrendered near Rustenburg. De Wet stated
that he had gained two great victories and had fifteen hundred
captured rifles with which to replace those which the burghers had
given up. Not only were the outlying districts in a state of
revolt, but even round Pretoria the Boers were inclined to take the
offensive, while both that town and Johannesburg were filled with
malcontents who were ready to fly to their arms once more.
Already at the end of June there were signs that the Boers realised
how helpless Lord Roberts was until his remounts should arrive. The
mosquitoes buzzed round the crippled lion. On June 29th there was
an attack upon Springs near Johannesburg, which was easily beaten
off by the Canadians. Early in July some of the cavalry and mounted
infantry patrols were snapped up in the neighbourhood of the
capital. Lord Roberts gave orders accordingly that Hutton and Mahon
should sweep the Boers back upon his right, and push them as far as
Bronkhorst Spruit.
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