in court. The dark brown horse ridden by
Kritzinger to the kopje is probably the black referred to, and his
evidence is corroborated by Jan Jonkers, who, however, failed to
recognize Kritzinger in court, more through fright than anything
else, I think. Both these witnesses state that there was a body of
men at Biscuitfontein when they arrived. This is denied by
witnesses for the defence. The bodies found by Jan Hans must have
been those of Koos and Willem, as the spot is identified as that
described by de Klerk.

"It must be remembered that the witnesses Hugo, Matthijsen, Van
Wijk and de Klerk are all accomplices, and therefore their evidence
must be received with caution, especially after the curiously
minute details they give on some points. It is also worthy of note
that Matthijsen was not examined on the fourth charge, though he
was present with Kritzinger at the time.

"The shooting of these prisoners was absolutely unjustifiable and
illegal, and all concerned must be held equally responsible.

"Wessels took over the command of Kritzinger's commando when the
latter was wounded.

"As regards the proclamation, the only name mentioned in it is that
of Kritzinger, and the proclamation is signed by him. The names of
any of the other commandants are not mentioned in it at all.

"As regards the witnesses for the prosecution, there are three who
have been deported, and therefore could not be obtained."

_Address by the Counsel for the Defence._

(Advocate H.G. Gardiner.)

"Mr. President and Members of the Military Court:--

"We are now reaching the end of a great trial, the great trial of a
great man. Of all the trials that have been held before Military
Courts in this country, this, I may fairly say, is most important.

"No officer of higher or even equal rank to him, who was once Chief
Commandant in this Colony, has yet been tried, and on this trial
much will depend. It is a case the result of which may have great
and far-reaching influence. It may influence greatly the Boer
commandoes in the field. On the verdict now given in his case the
attitude of other leaders will greatly depend. I do not urge this
upon you that you should acquit the prisoner. I do not ask you to
consider the consequences of the verdict you may bring in. I