Then again we were called "Sniping Bands" and "Brigands." But the list of epithets was not exhausted yet, for it appeared that we were "Guerillas," and our leaders "Guerilla Chiefs!" I was always at a loss to understand by what right the English designated us "Guerillas." They had, however, to withdraw the _soubriquet_ at the Peace Negotiations, when they acknowledged that our leaders formed a legal government.
Let me say a few words more about this term "Guerillas." We will suppose that England has captured New York, St.Petersburg, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, or any other capital of a free and independent State, Kingdom or Empire, and that the Government of such State, Kingdom or Empire still continues to defend itself.

Would England then be entitled to call their antagonists "Guerillas"?
Or, we will suppose that England's capital has been taken by another nation, but the English Government still remains in existence.

Could England then be considered to be annexed by the other nation, and could the enemy term the English "Guerillas"?
Surely it would be impossible! The only case in which one can use this word, is when one civilized nation has so completely vanquished another, that not only is the capital taken, but also the country from border to border is so completely conquered that any resistance is out of the question.
But that nothing like this had happened in South Africa is clear to every one who recalls the names of Lindley,[94] Roodewal, Dewetsdorp, Vlakfontein, Tafelkop[95] and Tweefontein, not to speak of many other glorious battle-fields on which we fought _after_ the so-called annexation.
Nor must we forget to mention the defeat that Lord Methuen received at the hands of General De la Rey immediately before the conclusion of peace; a defeat which put the crown on all our victories.
But, as I have already said, it very soon appeared that when England stamped us as "Guerillas," they really did not mean to use the word at all.
[Footnote 91: Veldtcornet Franz Jacobsz was afterwards appointed in the place of this Commandant, who resigned.] [Footnote 92: When this Commandant resigned, Veldtcornet J.J.

Van Niekerk was appointed in his place.] [Footnote 93: When, at a later period, Commandant Theunissen was put in command of the burghers of Fauresmith, Commandant Mijburg was appointed in his place.

This latter Commandant was afterwards killed.] [Footnote 94: Where the yeomanry were captured.] [Footnote 95: (District Vrede)--encounter with Brabant's Horse.].