I was firmly resolved that should the majority of the officers be against me, and the President should still refuse his consent to an election, that I would send in my resignation, and no longer continue to hold the post of Commander-in-Chief.
Commander-in-Chief Hattingh, Vechtgeneraal Roux, and all the oldest commandants of the Free State, were present at this meeting.

The voting was by ballot; and the result was that there were two votes for General Marthinus Prinsloo, one for General Piet de Wet, and twenty-seven for myself.
I at once wired to the President, and told him what had occurred.

He was ready to abide by the decision, and I was satisfied now that I knew exactly where I stood.

Mr.Marthinus Prinsloo was also contented with the turn events had taken.

And I must say this of him, that it was not he who had insisted on an election.
It soon became apparent that the enemy's object was the capture of Bethlehem.