It is not our fault that they don't know what discipline means.

Whatever I had said or done, the burghers would have gone home; but I'll give you my word that those who come back will fight with renewed courage." I knew very well that there were some who would not return, but I preferred to command ten men who were willing to fight, rather than a hundred who shirked their duties.
Meanwhile President Steyn had proclaimed Kroonstad as the seat of the Government, so that in future all matters were to be settled there.
On March 20th, 1900, a war council was held, which was attended by from fifty to sixty officers.

President Steyn presided; and there sat beside him that simple statesman, grown grey in his country's service--President Kruger.
The chief officers at this council were Commandant General Joubert, Generals De la Rey, Philip Botha, Froneman, C.P.Cronje, J.B.

Wessels, and myself.

A number of the members of both Governments also put in an appearance at this meeting.
Do not let it be imagined that the object we had in view was to come to an agreement on any peace proposal made by the English.