What I Saw in Kaffir-Land

"What I Saw in Kaffir-Land" by Sir Stephen Lakeman is a firsthand recollection of the author's time as a soldier in the Cape Colony during skirmishes against the local Kaffir tribes in the late 1800s. Told as a personal memoir, Lakeman's narrative recounts his interactions with high-ranking military officials and the realities of combat, combined with his thoughts on the countryside and the people caught up in these turbulent times. The story starts with his time in Algeria, championing the advantages of the Minie rifle. Lakeman overcomes red tape as he works to gather soldiers for the war effort at the Cape and his strong belief in the effectiveness of his weapon pushes him to secure rifles and men, which ultimately leads to his voyage on the Harbinger. Lakeman makes acquaintances with important military personalities and recounts his early experiences, including tense moments at sea and his eventual landing in Africa, painting a detailed picture of the historical backdrop and the purpose of his mission.