South Africa
and the
Transvaal War
TRANSCRIBERS’ NOTE:
The following publishers’ note was bound into the middle of the book.To simplify reading of that section and allow interested readers toview it easily, it has been moved here.
Corrections are individually listed at the end of the text.
PUBLISHERS’ NOTE.
The prolongation of the War far beyond the calculation of those best able to form anopinion on the subject has necessarily affected the plan of Creswicke’s “South Africaand Transvaal War,” and in consequence the completion of the work in a mannersatisfactory to subscribers, and worthy of a book now widely recognised as a greatHistory of the Campaign, has been most carefully considered by both Author andPublishers. They have decided to adhere closely to the plan of the work sketchedin the original prospectus; that is to say, Volume VI. will bring to a close the Historyof the War so far as the annexation of the Transvaal is concerned. All the importantand daring movements that culminated in the occupation of Lydenburg and the flightof Kruger are treated in graphic detail. A condensed account is also given of thesubsequent Guerilla Warfare down to March 1901.
At the end of the Volume will be found the valuable Appendix matter announcedin Prospectus:—
(1.) Gazetteer. This gives in alphabetical order all the information that is required as toplaces in South Africa. Military terms are also fully explained.
(2.) Biographical Record. No attempt has been made elsewhere to deal biographicallyin one list with the prominent actors connected with the South African Campaign. This list,which would form in itself a good sized volume crowded with facts, will be of permanent value.
(3.) Recipients of the Victoria Cross: giving details regarding those who haveearned this honour during the War up to the date of publication.
It is evident, however, that the Guerilla operations, spread over so large an areaas they are, would themselves furnish material for an extensive book. In view,therefore, of the importance of this unique development of the campaign, the militaryinterest of the story, and the many heroic deeds which deserve the fullest recognitionpossible, the Publishers have decided to issue an additional and strictly supplementaryVolume dealing with Lord Kitchener’s regime as Commander-in-Chief and theGuerilla War. This additional volume will be uniform as regards general style, numberof illustrations, price, &c., and it is hoped that it will be found possible to include in itsome account of the ultimate settlement and the resources of the new Colonies. ThePublishers are confident that subscribers will find this a valuable addition to the work.
Readers interested in this work are requested to assist the writer of the narrativeby forwarding authentic letters or accounts throwing light on the military operationssubsequent to Lord Roberts’s departure from South Africa. The names of correspondentswill not be made public, and their communications will be returned if desired.All letters should be addressed, Louis Creswicke, Esq., c/o Messrs T. C. & E. C. Jack,Causewayside, Edinburgh.
Photo by Alf. F. Hoskin