Piet Retief: The Durbious Hero

Cape Town and Pretoria: Human & Rousseau, 1976 ''I was at that time stationed with the Rev. G. Champion on the bank of the Umyenduzi," records Joseph Kirkman, interpreter to the American missionary George Champion. "Retief called on his return from Dingaan, stating how kindly he had been received, and that the "King had conceded all his demands, and that he intended to make a second visit to the Zulu king, accompanied by sixty dr more men, with arms. Mr. Champion did and said all he could to dissuade him on so dangerous an undertaking, and Mr Retief told Mr. Champion to be under no fear on his account, for it took a - Dutchman and not an Englishman to understand a Kaffir. Mr. Champion re minded Mr. Retief that he was an American. Mr. Retief replied that the différence was so small that it was not worth alluding to. Mr. Champion told Mr. Retief that he now had two years practical knowledge of the Zulu king, and warned Mr. Retief that as sure as he paid a second visit to Dingaan, as sure would the king have them all put to death. He assured Mr. Retief that the step he contemplated was fraught with tbe gravest consequences to him and all his people and that God would hold him responsible. All was to no purpose, neither Mr. Champion nor I could dissuade him from his mad enterprise. Mr. Retief then went on his way. What took place on his return to the Zulu king is a matter of history." Yes, indeed, it is a matter of history. For thus was set in train a series of shattering and bloody events. And thus Piet Betief, a man who up to that stage of his life had failed dismally at almost all he undertook, entered history as a martyr of his people. Who was this man Retief? The author approaches this question with an open mind and with compelling konesty and integrity. The result is fascináting reading. 174 pages ------------------ Orders over $100.00 are shipped using tracked courier delivery services. Size: Roughly 5½ " Wide and 8½ " Tall