It was divided into seven administrative districts: Berea, Leribe, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mafeteng, Qacha's Nek and Quthing.

[2] On 29 August 1865, he wrote to Sir Philip Wodehouse, the Governor of Cape Colony:[2] I am giving myself and my country up to Her Majesty's Government under certain conditions which we may agree on between your Excellency and me.In July 1866, after referring to the former letter, the Chief said:[2] All those things I have given up into your hands the last year..., they are still yours.

[2] The rule of the Cape Colony then proved unpopular with the people, leading to the Basuto Gun War of 1880–1881.

By an Order in Council dated 2 February 1884, which came into force on 18 March 1884,[4] royal assent was given to a Cape bill repealing the Act of 1871.

Basutoland was thus brought under the direct authority of the Queen, with legislative and executive powers again vested in the High Commissioner.

The period of warfare over, the Basotho turned their attention more and more to agricultural pursuits and Christian missionaries entered the territory.

Trade increased, and in 1891 Basutoland was admitted to the customs union, which already existed between Orange Free State, Cape Colony and British Bechuanaland.

[5] In pursuance of the policy of encouraging the self-governing powers of the Basotho, a national council was instituted and held its first sitting in July 1903.

In early life he had distinguished himself in the wars with the Boers, and in 1880 he took an active part in the revolt against the Cape government.

On the 19th of September following Lerotholi's death, the national council, with the concurrence of the imperial government, elected his son Letsie II as paramount chief.

The Commissioner had authority to make laws by Proclamation on certain subjects, such as external affairs, defence and the public service.

Land in Basutoland was vested by the Constitution in the Paramount Chief in trust for the Basotho Nation, subject to lawfully acquired rights.