Cape Boys.—Coloured people, the offspring of intermarriage between mixed races and negroes.
Cape Colony.—Bounded by the Orange River and Orange Colony on the north, by Natal on the north-east; and by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on the west, south, and south-east. Area about 277,150 miles. Population in 1896 (exclusive of Pondoland and British Bechuanaland) about 1,822,000—one-fifth of whom are whites. The climate is highly esteemed and is said by some to have upon the constitution the effect of champagne. It is highly recommended for those suffering from pulmonary complaints, and as the seasons are exactly the reverse of those in England, health travellers to South Africa can escape the rigours of the British winter entirely. The defence of the Cape Colony has hitherto been maintained by a small British fleet, and by a small British garrison supplemented by the admirable corps of volunteers whose services in the present need have been so zealously placed at the service of the Empire. For details see vol. iii. p. 161. The imports in 1898 stood thus: Cape Town, £5,128,292; Port Elizabeth, £6,246,429; East London, £3,519,697. The exports were: Cape Town, £15,881,952; Port Elizabeth, £2,103,351; East London, £954,654.
Cape Town.—Population over 50,000 before the war. Distance from Southampton 5978 miles. A flourishing, well built and ordered town, boasting eighteen miles of tramway lines. The water supply is good, but owing to bad drainage the death rate in hot weather is about 27 per 1000.
Captain.—In the army an officer who commands a troop of horse or a company of infantry. The badges of rank are two stars on each shoulder-strap. In the navy a captain commands a cruiser or a battleship. He ranks with a lieutenant-colonel in the army, and after three years’ service with a full colonel.
Carbine.—A small-arm rifle used by the cavalry, shorter and lighter than that of the infantry.
Cavalry.—Mounted branch of the army—divided into heavy and light. The duties of cavalry are extensive, and comprise the care of reconnoitring parties, outpost duties, feelers in advance of an army. Cavalry is classed as heavy, medium, and light. The Household Cavalry and two regiments of Dragoons are heavy, all other dragoons and dragoon guards are medium, and Hussar regiments light. The whole carry carbines and swords, or carbines and swords and lances. Every regiment is divided into three or four squadrons, which are each divided into two troops. General de Brack, in remarking on the qualifications of the cavalry officer, said, “To be a good officer of advance guard, it is not enough to be brave and to command well under fire; it is necessary to have brought there the greatest possible number of men, and in the best condition to act with effect.... The habit of judging of the health of men and horses; a knowledge of prompt remedies applicable in particular cases, the daily and minute inspection of appointments; understanding the necessary and judicious modes of repairing the same; the providing of all that can be useful to the soldier and his horse without overloading the latter; the equipment well arranged; regularity of pace in the line of march; good situation for the bivouacs; with constant attention to everything which can contribute to a horse’s ability even to dispense for a time with the farrier; a notion of the method of using the utensils contained in a soldier’s case; understanding the occasions favourable to refreshment and repose; the moral acquaintance with men under his command; discipline preserved when the dragoons have no longer before their eyes the dread of the guard-room or jail; that foresight which ever watches to prevent useless distress to the horses; personal example offered upon every occasion, and afforded the more readily in proportion as those occasions may be trying or difficult; confidence; unbounded devotion; the power of exciting enthusiasm among his followers: these are capabilities the theories of peace cannot teach, these are what, in addition to courage, military coup d’œil, and a ready judgment on the field of battle, form the officer of real distinction.” This quotation serves to enhance our appreciation of the “real distinction” of the British cavalry leaders who relieved Kimberley and Mafeking.
Charlestown.—Situated north of Natal, a few miles from Majuba Hill.
Colenso.—Small village in Natal near the Tugela River.
Colesberg.—Small town 37 miles beyond Naauwpoort. Population, 1830.
Colonel.—Highest rank in the army below that of general. Their rank is denoted by two stars and a crown on each shoulder-strap. A lieutenant-colonel wears a crown and one star.