THE MATABELE CAMPAIGN 1896

First edition: xv, 500 + 38 pages of the publisher's catalogue at the end, frontispiece and many illustrations including a sketch map, rebound in full tan leather with red title labels gilt on the spine - the leather on the spine has now faded, a good copy.

Mendelssohn (Sidney) South African Bibliography vol.1 page 64: The materials for this work were drawn mainly from notes and sketches made in the field, the author keeping an illustrated diary for the "particular diversion" of his mother. He sailed for South Africa, on this occasion, on May 2, 1896, and arriving at Table Bay on the 19th, proceeded at once to the front via Mafeking, where he joined Sir Frederick Carrington's Staff. There is an account of the journey to Bulawayo, and of the appearance of the newly established town, which was, at this time, almost surrounded by hostile natives.

There are descriptions of many skirmishes, an important engagement on the banks of the Umgusa, scouting expeditions in the Matoppos, together with the narrative of the attack on the Mlimo's cave and fortress, in which the rebels were severely defeated. The campaign went on until, on August 22nd, Mr. Cecil Rhodes, accompanied by Dr. Sauer and Captain Colenbrander, "went into the Matoppos to meet the rebel leaders", who finally agreed to bring in their people, and lay down their arms within a few days. The contest, however, was by no means over, as a chief named Wedza declined to submit, and gave a good deal of trouble. In the meantime the Mashonas had risen, but their chief, Makoni, had been defeated, captured, and shot, after an attempt to escape, an act which brought severe censure upon the officer responsible for the execution.

Gradually, however, both Matabeleland and Mashonaland settled down, and the rebels having dispersed, or surrendered, the author was enabled, at the beginning of December, to commence his journey homewards via Marandellas, Umtali, and Massi Kessi to Beira, and tbence to Durban and Cape Town. The volume is written in a cheery and humorous style, and affords a spirited picture of the position of affairs in the Chartered Company's territory at this period, as well as a chatty description of life in the field, brightened by lively sketches of the campaign and the country.

A South African Bibliography volume 1 page 108: Only 5 copies listed in SA Libraries.