After initially being convinced of the Boers' cruel treatment of the indigenous people, both Janssens and De Mist now, after their border visits, stopped taking the accusations against the Boers seriously.[258] When De Mist later visited the Mission Station of the London Missionary Society at Bethelsdorp, he found the place "disordered" and "impoverished". All the trees have been cut down for firewood, and there is no shade on the bare ground. There is no sign that anyone is working, and the people are emaciated, covered with old rags or completely naked.
