the Boers, thought proper without authority from home to annex it to
British Dominion.[37] This annexation was ratified by Lord Grey,
and the country remained for three or four years under British rule.
Afterwards it was resolved to abandon it, during the administration
of the Duke of Newcastle, as a result of the general revision of our
affairs which took place at the conclusion of the Kaffir War. The
Orange River Territory was recognised as a separate Republic in 1854.

It is certainly true that the existence of these Free States may
complicate our relations with the Kaffirs, and possibly be a source
of danger to the security of British dominion in South Africa. But the
latter danger seems very remote. They possess _no_ portion of the
sea coast, and are altogether a pastoral people, and are engaged in a
constant struggle with the barbarous tribes in their neighbourhood.

To retain and protect these territories would have involved an immense
expenditure, and been attended with great difficulties. Besides, the
same question would have speedily recurred, as these emigrant Boers
would have soon gone further into the interior, and again have
asserted their independence. Our present relations with both these
States are very amicable. When Governor Sir George Grey went to the
Cape all these questions had been finally disposed of.[38]

There seems to be good reason to hope that the apprehensions of a
Kaffir War will not be realised. The Colony is very prosperous, and
is beginning to export wool in large quantities. The new legislature
appears to be disposed to act harmoniously with the Governor, and to
be actuated by a spirit of loyalty and attachment to this country.
What they most want is a supply of European settlers, which it is to
be hoped that the soldiers of the German and Swiss Legions will give
them.

[Footnote 37: See _ante_, vol. ii., Introductory Note to Chapter
XVII, and 25th October, 1848, note 45.]

[Footnote 38: Sir George Grey had been sent out by the Duke
of Newcastle in 1854. He had previously been Governor of South
Australia and New Zealand successively. He returned to New
Zealand as Governor in 1861, and was Premier of the Colony,
1877-1884. He died in 1898, and was buried in St Paul's
Cathedral.]

[Pageheading: FOREIGN ORDERS]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

OSBORNE, _30th July 1856_.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I am much grieved to have to retr