Chapter 394: Hardness
The Boer militia captain tried to negotiate with Nardovich, suggesting that the Republic of Grigualand was already part of the British Cape Colony. Surrendering would allow them to pretend nothing happened. Nardovich's face soured at the implication that they were threatening the East African Kingdom.
The Boer militia captain clarified that they weren't threatening East Africa, just stating the facts. In essence, Grigualand was under British control, and if East Africa wanted to annex it, it was the British who should be concerned.
Nardovich found himself in an uncomfortable position. However, before he could react further, reinforcements arrived.
Griffin, the Second Brigade Commander, took charge of the situation. He confronted the Grigualand militiamen and demanded their surrender. Griffin didn't care about Grigualand or Cape Town; the worst-case scenario would be war, and he believed in the strength of the German Army.
The Boer militia captain, realizing the East African Kingdom's military superiority, chose to surrender. Griffin's demeanor reinforced this decision.
The Grigualand militiamen handed over their weapons, and Griffin allowed them to go freely. He wasn't concerned about their fate.
Griffin instructed Nardovich to continue advancing toward the Orange River and made it clear that they should use force if they encountered any obstacles from Grigualand or the Cape Colony.
As the East African Army moved on, leaving behind the disarmed Boer militiamen, the latter discussed their situation. They concluded that it wasn't their responsibility but rather a matter for higher authorities to address. Grigualand, a small Boer country, had limited significance in the grand scheme of things.
The Republic of Grigualand had joined the Cape Colony, but its actual value to Cape Town was minimal. Grigualand's land and water resources weren't suitable for agriculture, making them more of a burden due to financial difficulties.
In the end, the Republic of Grigualand's fate hung in the balance, and its continuation was uncertain.
(End of this chapter)