He told them that he should not be _governed_ by their advice, but, after hearing all that they had to say, he should act according to his own judgment.
"Then what's the use of asking us at all ?" said Marco.
"Why, what you will say may modify my judgment.

I did not say that I shall decide according to my judgment as it is now, but as it will be after I have heard what you will have to say.

I shall be influenced perhaps by your reasons, but I shall decide myself.

That is the theory of a council of war.

The commander may be influenced by the arguments of his subalterns, but he is not governed by their votes." Forester then called upon each of the boys, in succession, to give his opinion on the point.