In the Boer army it was a natural instinct, common to all the burghers, which led them to seek their own safety whenever danger seemed to be near.

Men who follow the most peaceful pursuits of life value their lives highly.

They do not assume great risks even if great ends are to be attained.

The majority of the Boers were farmers who saw no glory in attempting to gain a great success, the attainment of which made it necessary that they should risk their lives.

It seemed as if each man realised that his death meant a great loss to the Boer army, already small, and that he did not mean to diminish its size if he could possibly prevent it.