We knew also, that the Afrikanders, although devoid of all military discipline, had the idea of independence deeply rooted in their hearts, and that they were worthy to exist as a Free Nation under a Republican form of Government.
I shall not enter upon all that happened at that meeting.

I shall merely note here that besides deciding to continue the war more energetically than ever, we agreed unanimously that the great waggon-camps should be done away with, and that henceforth only horse-commandos should be employed.

The sad experience we had gained from six months' warfare, and more especially the great misfortune that had overtaken the big waggon-camp of General Cronje, were our reasons for this new regulation.[30] I left the meeting firmly determined that, come what might, I should never allow another waggon-camp.

But, as the reader will see before he has concluded the perusal of these pages, it was not until many months had elapsed that the waggons were finally suppressed.

All the mischief that they were destined to bring upon the African Nation was not yet completed.
One of the effects of this council was to produce an unusually good spirit among the officers and burghers.