The only other incident to be recorded is the action
of De Wet in regard to three agents of the Peace Committee who were seized by his men and taken prisoners to his laager at Lindley. By De Wet's orders one, a British subject, was flogged and then shot ; the two others, who were burghers, were flogged. It is impossible to speak conclusively as to this incident without knowing more of the facts. If the members of the Committee were regular peace envoys, the act was contrary to all the usages of war, and De Wet must be held responsible to the fullest extent. If, however, they can be shown to have been, not peace envoys, but men attempting to seduce De Wet's followers from their allegiance, then of course the act can be justified. But even in that case the flogging of the man shot —if it really took place—was cruel and barbarous, and un- worthy of a civilised commander. More than this, however, cannot be said till the facts are more accurately determined.
