It was my intention to break through somewhere between Vrede and Bothaspas.
But my scouts brought me word in the evening that there was a very poor chance of success in that neighbourhood, for the columns had concentrated there.

Other scouts, however, reported that there was a small opening at Kalkkrans, on the Holspruit; and so I decided to march to Kalkkrans.
When the sun had set I left Brakfontein and started on my road to Kalkkrans, with the firm determination to force my way through there, cost what it might.

If I failed in the attempt I knew that it would mean an irretrievable loss, for not only should I myself be captured, but also President Steyn and the whole Government.
I had with me a portion of the Harrismith burghers, the commandos from Vrede and Frankfort, and sections of the commandos from Standerton and Wakkerstroom, these latter under Commandant Alberts.

This Commandant had come to these districts to obtain horses for his burghers; he was obliged to be content with the wild horses of the veldt, for there were no others to be had.
Beside the above burghers, I had with me old men and children, and others who were non-combatants.

These had joined the commando to escape falling into the enemy's hands.
Altogether I had well-nigh two thousand persons with me.