With the Boer Forces (1901), Tommy Cornstalk (1902), A Subaltern's Letters to His Wife (1901)

1.) With the Boer Forces by Howard C. Hillegas.

Third edition published by Methuen in 1901.

A contemporary edition with clean contents & tight binding. With twenty-three illustrations and a plan. 318pp + 37pp (adverts). 

'The author states in the Preface that he has written truthful and without bias; but it would seem that he was seriously misinformed as to the strength of the Republics, which he puts down at from 25,000 to 30,000 men, a number at variance, apparently, with established facts, seeing that, reckoning prisoners of war, surrendered Boers in prison camps, surrenders after the declaration of peace, and a moderate estimate of deaths during hostilities, there could not have been far short of between three of four times that number in the field. He appears to have been somewhat influenced by the irreconcilables of the Republican and Afrikander parties, and is perhaps the only writer who takes note of "the courteous Boer official" at the border at Koomatiport, and "the hearty welcome afforded to the volunteers from foreign countries, who proffered their assistance to the Republics." Villebois, Sternberg, Alice Bron and others do not seem so positive on this point. Much stress is laid on the lack of discipline among the Boers: and it is stated that, owing to the fact that "family influences, party affiliations, and religion had a strong bearing on the election of the commandants, the best men were not always chosen as leaders." Many examples are given of occasions when the Krijgsraad overruled the advice of the Generals, whilst at other times the commandants refused to obey the instructions of the Krijgsraad, often to the great detriment of military operations. Reference is made to the systematic manner in which the Republicans were prepared for the struggle, and it is said that they possessed plans on which "was a representation of every foot of ground in the Transvaal, Free State, Natal, and Cape Colony," but the author asserts that although Steyn, Reitz, and the Dutch of the Cape Colony may have had visions of Dutch supremacy in South Africa, Kruger did not make war to gain it.' - Mendelssohn Vol.1.

2.) Tommy Cornstalk by J. H. M. Abbott

Second impression published by Longmans, Green, & Co. in 1902.

"Being some Account of the less notable Features of the South African War from the Point of View of the Australian Ranks."

A very clean and square contemporary edition. Publisher's red cloth binding with gilt titles on spine. 264pp + 40pp adverts at rear. Very good condition.

'An account of life at the front and in hospital, by an Australian trooper. Mention is made of the enormous weight of the equipment of the mounted men of the army in comparison with that carried by the Boers, and the opinion is expressed that though most of the things were absolutely necessary, pack horses should have been used to accompany the troops. It is stated that the Canadians were past masters in the art of "looting" and that in skilful military "verneuking," they almost excelled the Boers; the palm for skill in the field, however, is given to the New Zealanders, who are highly commended.' - Mendelssohn Vol. I., page 2.

3.) A Subaltern's Letters to his Wife by Sir Reginald Rankin

Fifth impression published by Longman's in 1901.

A contemporary edition with tight binding and some foxing on the prelims. 228pp + 40pp adverts at rear. 

'The author describes the battles of Paardeberg and many other engagements, and much stress is laid on the intense sufferings of the horses, which, it is maintained, was mainly occasioned by the red tape prevalent at home and on the field. The officers are severely criticised, but the fighting of the irregular forces is warmly commended. The work advocates a kind of qualified conscription for the protection of the Empire, and considers that, "given a rigorous treason law," the Boers will be loyal to the crown.' - Mendelssohn Vol.II, page 199.