In order to gain more information I gave General Broadwood my assurance that I would allow Mr. Prinsloo's secretary to return unhurt.
When I had done this the President and some members of the Government rode out with me to meet the bearer of this report. We did not wish to give him any opportunities to spy out our positions. Half way between the English lines and our own we met him. He presented us with this letter:—
Hunter's Camp, 30th July, 1900.
To the Commander-in-Chief, C.R. de Wet.
Sir,—
I have been obliged, owing to the overwhelming forces of the enemy, to surrender unconditionally with all the Orange Free State laagers here.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
M. Prinsloo,
Commander-in-Chief.
I sent my reply in an unclosed envelope. It ran as follows:—
In the Veldt, 3rd August, 1900.