He went to Bezuidenhoutsdrift, and I, by way of Frankfort, to the Heilbron commando.

I remained at Frankfort for one night, with Commandant Ross and his men, and had a very enjoyable time.
With the Heilbron people I stayed a few days only, because I had important work to accomplish in the Winburg district; to this district therefore I went.
As the commandos were now so scattered there was enough work for each of us in his own district, and I had much more riding to do than formerly.
I found Commandant Hasebroek and his men at Doornberg a few days later.
Whilst there I received from President Steyn a report of his narrow escape at Reitz, on the 11th of July, 1901, when he and some of his bodyguard escaped, whilst, unfortunately, Commandant Davel and all the members of the Government, except Mr.W.C.J.

Brebner, who was absent, were taken prisoners.
From Winburg I paid a visit to Vice-Commandant-in-Chief J.Hattingh, of the Kroonstad commando, and then went to President Steyn.

My joy in finding that the President was safe, was only equalled by my grief at the loss of such old friends as General Cronje, Member of the Executive Council; General J.B.

Wessels; T.Brain, Secretary to the Government; Commandant Davel; Rocco De Villiers, Secretary to the Executive Council; Gordon Fraser, Private Secretary to the President; MacHardy, Assistant Secretary; Pieter Steyn, brother of the President and Veldtcornet of the staff; and my other friends in the bodyguard.