CHAPTER IV.
I am Appointed Vechtgeneraal Up to the 9th of December I had only been a Vice-Commandant, but on the morning of that day I received a telegram from States-President Steyn, asking me to go to the Western frontier as Vechtgeneraal.
This came as a great surprise to me, and I telegraphed back to the President asking for time to think the matter over.

To tell the truth, I should have much preferred to go through the campaign as a private burgher.
Almost immediately after this there came another telegram--this time from Mr.A.Fisscher, a member of the Executive Council, and a man whom I respected greatly on account of his official position.

He urged me not to decline the appointment, but to proceed at once to the Western borders.

I did not know what to do.

However, after deliberating for a short time, and with great difficulty overcoming my disinclination to leave my present associates, I decided to accept the post offered to me.
Commandant Steenekamp was kind enough to allow me to take with me fourteen men, with whom I had been on especially friendly terms; and, after a few parting words to the Heilbron burghers, in which I thanked them for all the pleasant times I had passed in their company, I left the laager.
It was heart-breaking to tear myself away from my commando: that 9th of December was a day which I shall never forget.
The following morning I arrived, with my staff, at Elandslaagte Station, on our way to Bloemfontein.