thulie, Smithfield, Rouxville, Wepener, Bloemfontein
and the southern part of Ladybrand, who had laid
down their arms and remained at home between the
beginning of March and the end of May, were left
undisturbed by Lord Roberts--so far as their private
liberty was concerned.

* * * * *

I was now camped at Frankfort, waiting for the
ammunition, which ought to have already arrived
from Greylingstad Station. It was about this time
that the Government decided, on the recommendation
of some of the officers, that the rank of Vechtgeneraal
should be abolished. In consequence of this decision
all the officers of that rank resigned. I did not ap-
prove of this course of action, and obtained from the
Government the rank of Assistant Commander-in-
Chief. I was thus able to re-appoint the old Vecht-
generaals, Piet de Wet, C. C. Froneman, Philip Botha
and Paul Roux, and I at once proceeded to do so.

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