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Cobus, many thanks for putting an approximate date onto the photograph. Below another candid shot of Kruger addressing his flock, this time in Newcastle.

OVS President Marthinus Theunis Steyn, seated on the right, during his visit to the Natal front in January 1900. Also seated at the table are his son, Colin, and OVS Vice President Abraham Fischer. Steyn stayed in the field with his men throughout the war. Photographed by Lund Bros. (Courtesy of the War Museum of the Boer Republics, Bloemfontein).

Below a photograph taken of the funeral procession in Pretoria for Generaal J.H.M. Kock, who, at the age of 64, was killed on the Natal battlefields on October 30,1899 (Photograph early November 1899 by Stoel & Groote, Pretoria)

Hi EFV,

I enjoy looking at "then and now" pictures; do you think the photo of the funeral procession was taken outside the Church Street Cemetery in Pretoria?

The tombstones in the bottom right looked like they have have been staged there before being erected inside the cemetery itself.

Regards,
Shaun

Shaun, it certainly looks like that is the geographic location. How it looks now, I do not know although I am prepared to take a fairly large bet that the demographics in a present day photograph will be considerably different. Probably taken in the same street (Cobus, perhaps you can correct me) are two rather nice Plumbe & Bradshaw photographs depicting the procession at Kruger's swearing in as State President (possibly on 12 May 1898 for his 4th term)

Thank you all. Everhard, correct on all counts. I've been unable to identify the landmarks, but the photo was probably taken either in Church Street or Market Street (later renamed to Paul Kruger Street).

Below another photo of the ceremony, showing Kruger's new coach to the left of which is Lieutenant Colonel Trichardt (Commander of the State Artillery), more than likely riding Dr. Jim's rebranded charger (refer also Neville's post at www.angloboerwar.com/forum/21-uniforms-b...gnia?start=30#100019 ) the symbolism of which would not have been lost on onlookers.



The following translation is an account of the event from the Dutch magazine Eigen Haard of 2 July 1898:

How much has changed in the South African Republic in those fifteen years! Pretoria is now a large city with a thoroughly European metropolitan appearance. The very successful photographic record of the entry into Pretoria on the day of the swearing-in ceremony gives a good impression of one of the main streets of the capital of the Republic, and sharply highlights the dynamism with which the entry into the Residence took place this time.
This entry, too, reveals a striking difference from the first entry for the oath-taking ceremony, fifteen years ago. It was a simple cavalcade, Kruger on horseback, surrounded by the now-famous military commanders Joubert, Nikolaas Smit, and Pretorius, followed by a detachment of Boers in their traditional rustic garb, their large felt hats, bandoliers slung over their shoulders, and their always present rifles on their backs, all mounted on their small, long-haired, yet robust horses.
Now an impressive procession, of which the President's new state carriage, commissioned specifically for this occasion, forms the centerpiece. The carriage, seen in the large panel, was presented to the President as a gift by an ardent admirer; however, Kruger refused to accept such a valuable gift, so the State purchased it from its owner.
It is lined with light blue silk on the inside and richly decorated on the outside with heavy silver Transvaal coats of arms, on which the ancient motto "Unity Makes Strength" is clearly visible. The lanterns are also made of embossed silver, bearing the Transvaal coat of arms and surmounted by embossed silver eagles.
On the hood stand four silver eagles on pedestals, which give the entire carriage a magnificent appearance. An eyewitness writes:
“There can be no disagreement that this carriage is unique in South Africa, and the harmony as well as the design and execution prove that nothing has been spared to come close to the ideal.
“The accompanying harnesses for four horses are also admirable, they are emblazoned with heavy silver coats of arms, and are well worth considering.
“The whole bears the hallmarks of great splendor and opulent workmanship, and is, in short, a masterpiece.”
A description of the procession, taken from the same source, gives an idea of the impressive demonstration that Pretoria witnessed on May 12 of this year.
“Two artillery officers lead the way as outriders, followed by civilians on foot, followed by the police band, which blasts “so loud it makes a racket.”
Immediately after this comes the standard guard of the State Artillery, then a group of mounted citizens and the carriage of Landdrost Schutte and Commandant Erasmus. Following this is the state carriage, in which are seated President Kruger and his private secretary, Mr. Erasmus. Beside the carriage, which makes a dignified and solemn impression, ride Lieutenant Colonel Trichardt and Mr. Schutte, Commissioner of Police. Officers of the artillery and volunteer corps also accompany the carriage.
A series of carriages carrying committee members and the State Artillery concludes the procession, which reaches Kerkplein without a hitch. Amid thunderous cheers, the procession passes along the north side of the church, following the path cleared by the police, to the entrance of the Government Building.
Once again, incessant cheers resound, the music of the State Artillery strikes up the national anthem, and the enthusiasm grows ever greater. After a few minutes, at a quarter past ten, the President appears on the balcony, prompting further ovations. Mr. F. Wolmarans, chairman of the First People's Council, requests silence. The crowd, which has meanwhile gathered on Church Square, presents a spectacle full of color and peculiar characters. Everyone presses as close as possible to the balcony to catch a glimpse of the speeches. The balcony itself is a stately, black mass from which, from time to time, a hand beckons for silence. From all the elevated points, the glazed eyes of cameras and Kodaks, dozens at a time, are focused on the focal point of the ceremony. So there will be no shortage of photos.