Meanwhile
Treason Courts Were Sitting, And Sentences, Increasing Rapidly From
The Most Trivial To The Most Tragic, Were Teaching The Rebel That
His Danger Did Not End Upon The Field Of Battle.
The execution of
Lotter and his lieutenants was a sign that the patience of a
long-suffering Empire had at last reached an end.
The young Boer leader, Scheepers, had long been a thorn in the side
of the British. He had infested the southern districts for some
months, and he had distinguished himself both by the activity of
his movements and by the ruthless vigour of some of his actions.
Early in October a serious illness and consequent confinement to
his bed brought him at last within the range of British mobility.
On his recovery he was tried for repeated breaches of the laws of
war, including the murder of several natives. He was condemned to
death, and was executed in December. Much sympathy was excited by
his gallantry and his youth - he was only twenty-three. On the other
hand, our word was pledged to protect the natives, and if he whose
hand had been so heavy upon them escaped, all confidence would have
been lost in our promises and our justice. That British vengeance
was not indiscriminate was shown soon afterwards in the case of a
more important commander, Kritzinger, who was the chief leader of
the Boers within Cape Colony. Kritzinger was wounded and captured
while endeavouring to cross the line near Hanover Road upon
December 15th.
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