Defence.
Col. Dalgety,
Oliphant’s Kloof.
No. 3.—April 27th. Very urgent, confidential. Government trusts that when the Papkuil Rifle Club and Mount Temple Volunteers join you, you will as soon as possible disband a similar number of the Burghers wishing to go home.
Government also trusts that you will soon be able to bring matters to some conclusion as the expense in connection with the force in the field is very heavy.
Defence.
Col. Dalgety,
Langberg.
No. 2.—April 28th. Very urgent. Government wishes you to send daily information if possible.
No necessity to disclose your plans, but give general idea of what is going on.
Premier trusts that you will do your utmost to bring matters to a speedy conclusion.
Answer
Col. Dalgety,
Defence.
Oliphant’s Kloof.
May 2nd. Your No. 2 of 28th. Premier’s wishes will be carried out to the utmost of my ability : no object would be gained by disclosing plans, as every move made hitherto has been invariably anticipated by rebels.
Am waiting arrival in this camp of Highlanders from Gamasep, and water carts, which have to-day been sent back to Ryan’s to be filled, supply here being insufficient.
Am sending all horses but 50 back to Ryan’s, and make attaok dismounted.
* Am writing re situation generally.
Defence.
Col. Dalgety.
May 16th. Very urgent. Your report received (May 16th). Government wishes you (with such officers as you may wish present) to meet Bell and other civil officials at such place as you and Bell may decide upon, and talk the matter over.
Defence.
Col. Dalgety.
May 17th. Very urgent. Re my wire of yesterday subject consultation with civil authorities regarding future action at Langberg, as this may take some little time, it is essentially necessary that you should harass and threaten the natives in every possible way, attacking wherever you can. The foroe should not be kept doing nothing longer than possible.
Premier urges this, otherwise present position would be looked upon by natives as a giving in on the part of our forces, and be most prejudicial as regards the other natives in Bechuanaland, but you must clearly understand that you use your own discretion in what may be done, only keep going.
Col. Dalgety,
Defence.
Kuruman.
May 23rd. I strongly advise that both Yryburg and Geluk Corps be disbanded, they are quite unsuited to this class of warfare, very dissatisfied, most expensive, and a constant source of worry and anxiety.
As corps they are practically useless, and cost Government about £250 daily.
Answer.
Defence.
Col. Dalgety.
No. 2.—June 2nd. Rc your wire, subject Burghers. Carry out disbandment of Burghers to such an extent as you think necessary.
Have directed Commissary of Ordnance to take immediate steps for payment.
Col. Dalgety, Defence.
Ryan’s.
May 26th. In accordance with instructions received I proceeded to Kuruman to meet Robinson and Bell. Wo then left for Ryan’s, and have just returned from Gamasop.
After due consideration, have come to the conclusion that in order to enable Government to arrive at any decision as to the future operations at the Langberg it would be advisable for us to proceed to Cape Town in order to place the actual position of affairs before Government.
Answer.
Defence.
Col. Dalgety,
Kuruman.
No. 1.—May 29th. Very urgent. Your wire 26th instant. Premier sees no reason whatever for your coming to Cape Town, is surprised that you should propose leaving the force.
Directs that you will with least possible delay submit a full report on situation by telegraph.
Should your views coincide with those of Bell and Robinson, one report will be sufficient, if not, then each must report.
Premier requests you will convey to Burghers a personal request from him asking them to remain at their posts until Government receives your report and sends up a decision.
Defence. Col. Dalgety,
Kuruman.
No. 1.—June 1. Very urgent Your report received. Government wish to know immediately whether, if the reinforcements you ask for are sent up, you are prepared to attack at once and finish the war.
The 1,500 Europeans of course include all at present in the field, that is Cape Mounted Riflemen, Volunteers, Burghers, and others now with you.
The reinforcements will make a total of 1,500 Europeans and 500 natives. Make a full report touching upon every detail that wilt enable Government more fully to understand position.
The Prime Minister expects you as Commanding Officer to briug this rebellion to a satisfactory conclusion without delay by daily fighting.
