The general upheld the field-cornet's action, and told the men that if all the officers had instituted similar methods more success might have attended the army's operations.
With the exception of the instances cited, every man was a disciplinary law unto himself, and when he transgressed that law no one would punish him but his conscience.

There were laws on the subject of obedience in the army, and each had penalties attached to it, but it was extremely rare that a burgher was punished.

When he endured discipline he did it because he cared to do so, and not because he feared those who had authority over him.

He was deeply religious, and he felt that in being obedient he was finding favour in the eyes of the Providence that favoured his cause.

It was as much his religion as his ability to aim unerringly that made the Boer a good soldier.