Alfred Milner

“ In the rapid series of stirring events of these four years, the raid, the abortive rebellion in Johannesburg, the struggle between Rhodes and the Bond at the Cape, and between Kruger and the Uitlanders in the Transvaal, the Bloemfontein conference, and the growing tension between Great Britain and the South African republic, Garrett played a leading part. His position in South African politics became one of such importance that he was practically compelled to add to his arduous duties as editor of the 'Cape Times' those of a member of parliament. ”

“ The remedy was for the moment apparently successful, and in any case this visit to South Africa in the winter of 1889–90 led to other consequences most important to his career. South Africa was at that time entering the critical period of her history which terminated in the war of 1899–1902. Garrett, an ardent young man of exceptionally keen intelligence, not lacking in audacity, and of most winning manners and appearance, was quick to seize the salient points in an interesting situation and to make the acquaintance of the leading actors in the drama. ”

“ Some of his translations from the classical poets, as well as his original pieces, contained in a small volume of undergraduate verse, 'Rhymes and Renderings,' published at Cambridge in 1887, are remarkable not only for their grace and ease of expression but for a real poetic feeling. ”