six soldiers
to the court-house. Having taken my place in the prisoner's box, I
listened to my charges, which were recited as follows: Fourteen cases of
murder; wreckage of trains; and ill-treatment of prisoners-of-war. To
the question, "Guilty or not?" I pleaded "Not guilty," whereupon I was
requested to make my defence, which I declined to do; for the public
prosecutor had promised me, and rightly so, that, if I could produce
any witnesses to disprove the [alleged] charges brought against me, I
could summon them. As none of my witnesses were present, nor an
opportunity of enlisting the services of an advocate and solicitor given
me, I refused to take upon me the burden of pleading in self-defence. I
knew that if I did acquiesce in such a trial, it might prove fatal to my
best interests. It would then be urged, too, that Kritzinger had a fair
trial, when condemned to death, something which would be altogether
untrue.

After I had thrice declined to be tried without witnesses and legal
advice, I was sent to gaol, and told to be ready for trial on the 7th of
March. I now addressed a letter to General French, in which I brought to
his notice how I was being treated. French wrote back that he had
corresponded with Lord Kitchener concerning my case, and that Lord
Kitchener's orders were that I should have a fair trial, _i.e._, legal
defence and witnesses for my case.

On the 1st of March, seven days before the appointed trial, I was again
summoned to appear in court. My charges were read out, and the same
questions were submitted to me. Again I declined to make a defence, and
remarked: "I am in your power, gentlemen--you may do as you please,
pronounce any sentence; but _I_ shall _not_ defend myself." I then
referred the court to French's letter, whereupon I was again removed to
my lodgings.

Meanwhile, I succeeded in enlisting the services of Advocate Gardiner
and Attorney Auret, Graaff Reinet, and made such arrangements that my
witnesses could be present at the trial.

Advocate Gardiner arrived on the evening of the 6th of March. The
following day the court-martial commenced. As my witnesses had not yet
arrived, it was decided that the evidence for the prosecution should
first be taken.

The counsel for the defence took exception to the charges of
train-wreckage, ill-treatment of troops, and some instances of murder;
charges which, _prima facie_, would not stand the test of examination.
These were then withdrawn b