History of South Africa
Since September 1795.
Chapter I.
Admiral Sir George Keith Elphinstone and Generals Alured Clarke and James Henry Craig, conjointly, commanders of the British forces, 16th September to 15th November 1795.
Major-General James Henry Craig, commandant of the town and settlement of the Cape of Good Hope, 15th November 1795 to 5th May 1797.
On the 16th of September 1795 the English troops took possession of Capetown, and as far as the Dutch East India Company was concerned the colony was surrendered; but the people of the country districts were not disposed to acknowledge the new authorities. The greater number of the burghers retired to their homes, declaring that they did not consider themselves bound by the capitulation of Commissioner Sluysken and the council of policy, and about a hundred of the Dutch artillery corps deserted and followed them inland.
Under these circumstances every possible effort to soothe the colonists was made by the English commanders. The people of Capetown were treated in such a manner as to dispel their anxiety, and they were assured that they would presently be in the enjoyment of such liberty and good fortune as they had never known before. The government was carried on by Admiral Elphinstone and Generals Clarke and Craig, acting conjointly. On the 1st
