I had sent a large number of burghers with the four generals so that our force might be sufficiently strong to turn General Broadwood, in case he should hear that there was fighting at Sanna's Post and come up to reinforce the garrison.
Here again I had trouble with Commandant Vilonel.

I had little time to argue--the sun was already setting, and we had to be off at once.

I had declined to allow a single waggon to go with me, but the Commandant declared that he would not abide by the decision of the council of war.
He also refused to allow his burghers to go into positions which he himself had not reconnoitred.

He asked that the attack should be postponed until he had examined Sanna's Post through his telescope.
My patience was now at an end.

I told Commandant Vilonel that he must obey my orders, and that if he did not do so I should dismiss him, unless he himself resigned.