And as some eight miles to the east of Lindley there was telegraphic communication with Bethlehem, I was able to hold a conversation with the President over the wires.

I accordingly again asked him to permit an election.

But it was all in vain; the President declined to allow an election to take place.
I now took matters into my own hands.

I collected the officers together with the object of holding a secret election.

Thus I should discover what their opinion of me might be as chief of the Free State forces.