Some of the Boer leaders, though inexperienced and untrained, proved themselves quite a match for their opponents.  They have astonished military circles by their valorous actions and daring enterprises, and have merited imperishable honour and glory.  Well may we be proud of leaders such as Louis Botha, Christian De Wet, and Jacobus De la Rey, men whose names deserve a place in the rolls of history.  We were fortunate in securing the services of such men at a time when they were most needed.  No doubt it was to the advantage and not, as some maintain, to the disadvantage of the Free State burghers when C.R.  De Wet was elected Hoofd Commandant at Brandfort in March, 1900.  He, too, was but a farmer; culture he lacked, military training he had none, but the spark of martial genius had fallen and kindled in his breast.  In figure, manner, and dress he was hardly distinguishable from hundreds of his countrymen, who were not sharers of his military abilities.  Does not his broad forehead indicate thoughtfulness?  While his keen and penetrating eyes and firmly set lips are marks of determination and singleness of purpose.  And his broad chin, does it not reveal the man of tenacity and endurance?  As an individual he was sympathetic, generous, and magnanimous; he was endowed with discretion and tact, simplicity and honesty.  As a soldier, vigilant, persevering, never indiscreet in anger or disappointment, but always courageous and resourceful.  Recognizing the advantages of a surprise, he never lost an opportunity of harassing the enemy.  Through his rare topographical knowledge of his country he baffled the foe by his movements time and again.  Followed up by overwhelming numbers, he was compelled more often to evade fighting than offer battle.  Never unduly elated, he was bravest and supreme when all others lost heart.  He had to contend against treachery, desertion and want, but rose above all these obstacles, and proved himself the most powerful obstructor that the British columns had to encounter in South Africa.  Such a man was a boon to his country, and to him the burghers confidently entrusted themselves and their interests.  He has proved himself worthy of that trust.  But all were not De Wets.  There were, alas!  Prinsloos, Vilonels, etc., too.

So much for the Boer officers.  As regards our rank and file, they were as inexperienced in military matters as most of their leaders.  The Boer is no soldier in the technical sense of the term.  He was never subjected to military discipline, and unaccustomed to any restrictions.  It took him months to realise the absolute necessity for and inestimable value of good discipline.  The burghers looked upon themselves as volunteers, and such they really were.  Now, when the enemy had to be attacked in their forts or strongholds, the Boer officers had to call out volunteers, as it was hazardous to lay too much pressure on the burghers to charge any position without their consent.  To exercise too great power or authority over burghers was, at all times, especially at the beginning of the war, a risky thing.  The officers knew well that the Boer is more easily led than driven.