Reprint of the original 1871 edition published in Grahamstown.
Limited to 1000 numbered copies of which this is #980.
Copy belonged to late South African academic and author Stephen Gray with his neat signature at the top corner of the front endpaper.
'This sergeant's-eye-view of a campaign in 1851 is a welcome contrast to the memoirs of General This or Field-Marshall That. His superior officers and the privates alike are keenly observed.
The picture is clearly drawn of young men, recruited in Britain (some accompanied by their families, most of whom remained in Cape Town), sent to the Eastern Province. In those days the infantry marched - there were no troop carriers or even trains, and very few made roads. The privates were paid 1/- (10c) a day, out of which 5d (4c) was deducted for rations supplied irregularly. In spite of all difficulties there are tales of heroism, of fun and friendly rivalry.
The battles are vividly described - marching, positioning, skirmishing, hand to hand fighting with assegai-armed enemy, cavalry charges etc. There were usually two six-pound field guns for support, but these had to be taken apart and manhandled up mountains before being reassembled for use.
The impressions made by the types of people encountered in this strange land - colonists, officials, Fingo, Basuto, Kaffirs, etc., are all recoreded. There are also suggestions for the economic advancement of the colony.'
- Jacket Condition: Fine
- Binding Condition: Fine
- Overall Condition: Fine
- Sold By: Rare Paper
- Contact Person: Armandt Marais
- Country: South Africa
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 0741235861
- Preferred Payment Methods: EFT, Bank Deposit. For International Customers: Paypal with 6% surcharge, International Transfer
- Trade Associations: A. A. Approved
