His view was that he must stand or fall with it, nor did he consider the certain consequences of his capture.

He never realized that it would be the cause of the death of many burghers, and of indescribable panic throughout not only all the laagers on the veldt, but even those of Colesberg, Stormberg and Ladysmith.

If the famous Cronje were captured, how could any ordinary burgher be expected to continue his resistance?
It may be that it was the will of God, who rules the destinies of all nations, to fill thus to the brim the cup which we had to empty, but this consideration does not excuse General Cronje's conduct.

Had he but taken my advice, and attempted a night attack, he might have avoided capture altogether.
I have heard men say that as the General's horses had all been killed, the attempt which I urged him to make must have failed--that at all events he would have been pursued and overtaken by Lord Roberts' forces.
The answer to this is not far to seek.

The English at that time did not employ as scouts Kaffirs and Hottentots, who could lead them by night as well as by day.