Dashing Dragoon, Anguished Emissary: The story of William Samuel Hogge in southern Africa (1843-1852)

This is the story of a former cavalry officer thrust into the turbulent politics of mid-19th century southern Africa. During service with the 7th Dragoon Guards in Cape Colony he establishes a reputation as a leader of native irregular troops and receives accolades from his superiors. Following a brief period as a country gentleman in his native Bedfordshire, he is called out of retirement by Earl Grey, Colonial Secretary of HM government, and is sent to Cape Colony, accompanied by his young wife and infant daughter, to assist the colonial authorities to bring about peace between settlers and displaced tribespeople on the eastern frontier of the colony. With little support from the irascible governor Sir Harry Smith, he struggles to negotiate peace agreements between warring tribes and recalcitrant Boer farmers. Travelling for days on horseback under a blazing African sun he manages to secure a landmark deal with obdurate Boer leader, Andries Pretorius, and initiates agreements with Moshoeshoe, chief of the Basuto people, but his success is marred by tragedy. The story is told mainly through official despatches and letters, some written by Hogge himself to his adored wife, and provides new insights into the character of some of the personalities with whom he was involved.