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War Office, February 22, 1878.
DESPATCHES and their enclosures, of which the following are
copies, have been received by the Secretary of State for War,
from General Sir A. Cunynghame, K.C.B., Commanding
the troops in South Africa :—
| From General Sir A. Cunyngkame, K.C.B., to the Right
Honourable the Secretary of State for War. |
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Ibeka Transkei, January 7, 1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to enclose to you, a despatch from
Lieutenant-Colonel Lambert, 88th Regiment, now commanding at the
Komgha, informing me that on the 29th and 30th ultimo, small
bodies of troops that he had sent to clear the road for the
postal service, had been attacked by the enemy, whom they had
signally defeated.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lambert encloses reports from
Brevet-Major Moore, 88th Regiment, who is now employed as second
in command of the Colonial Frontier Armed and Mounted Police,
and who on both occasions took command conjointly of that
portion of his force which was employed, and also of the
detachment 88th Regiment who were in the field. The young
soldiers of the 88th appear to have behaved excellently, and
their officers to have shown steadiness and judgment. I cannot
speak too highly of the conduct of Brevet-Major Moore, who by
all present is reported to have shown the most conspicuous
gallantry, and which would have been more fully brought to
light, had he not been himself the reporting officer upon his
own deeds. I have every belief that the success of this really
hazardous encounter, is in a very great degree due to his energy
and talents as an officer.
I have caused further enquiry to be made, from those who
evidenced the transactions, upon this subject, and I will not
fail to bring the particulars of his conduct to your notice, for
from what I hear, I believe, you will deem him worthy of your
especial consideration.
- I have &c.,
A. T. CUNYNGHAME,
General.
| From Lieutenant-Colonel Lambert, 88th
Connaught Rangers, Commanding at Komgha, to
Deputy-Adjutant-General, King Williamstown. |
| |
Komgha, January 2,1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to forward, for the information
of His Excellency the Commander of the Forces, the enclosed
reports from Major Moore, 88th Connaught Rangers, of skirmishes
which took place between the troops, under my command and the
Kaffirs on the 29th and 30th ultimo.
1. At 2.15 P.M. on the 30th, the report of firing arms being
heard in camp, I sent a reinforcement of 50 men, 88th Connaught
Rangers, under Lieutenant Mann.
2. I started at once in the direction of Draaibosch, and was
joined on the road by Sub-Inspector Waring, .Frontier Armed and
Mounted Police, who had most promptly got together the available
men left in barracks.
3. On arriving at Savage's Shop, I found Captain Acklom's
men had retired there, but hearing of the approach of
-more troops, had returned to their old position on the hill,
where I ordered them to remain.
4. When Lieutenant Mann's party arrived, I pushed it forward to
the hill overlooking Draaibosch, then I despatched the Mail Bags
with the escort of 10 men that had joined me with Sub-Inspector
Waring.
5. The escort got safely to Gray's Farm, rejoined before we
reached Komgha.
6. I retired by the high ground the north of the road, the
direction from which the attack was made; large bodies of
Kaffirs were visible on the crests of the distant hills, mounted
as well as footmen.
7. Major Moore states in para. 12, "that the firing was
wild"; I would explain that some of the men engaged had never
fired, and that others had only been put through a recruit's
course, which was carried on at Athlone during winter months
under great disadvantages.
8. I consider that Major Moore has underestimated the loss on
the enemy's side on the 30th, as I heard to-day from reliable
authority, that over 50 men are missing in the kraals from which
this attack was made, in addition to many wounded.
9. Private McGreavy, one of the men said to be missing, reported
himself at Kei Road with two men of Frontier Armed Mounted
Police, on 1st instant.
10. Private McGranegan, the other missing man, reported that he
felt weak; was allowed by Dr. McCartney to ride in the Scotch
cart which accompanied the party; then the men formed for
attack, he was ordered to fall in; no one can give any account
of him after that.
11. I went out this morning with 80 men in direction of
Draaibosch, in the hopes of recovering his body. I searched the
kloof which sides for some distance round where the fight took
place, but could find no trace of it,
12. I then proceeded to the scene of the skirmish of the
previous day, and found the body of Policeman Giesse ; it was
interred on the spot, the service being read by Major Moore; the
sons of the deceased, who had come up from East London, were
present.
13. I consider Major Moore's skirmish oh 'the afternoon of the
29th was of the greatest service, as it was undoubtedly the
means of drawing off a large body of Kaffirs, who had posted
themselves on the hill on this side of Draaibosch, with the
intention of tracking a convoy of wagons outspanned there that
morning from Kei Road. A commissariat horse belonging to Deputy
Commissary General Strickland's train was captured, and they
showed such evident signs of attacking, that Lieutenant Wood,
commanding the escort 88th, posted a chain of sentries. When the
report of firing was heard, the Kaffirs withdrew, and I
have little doubt that the last force met by Major Moore as he
was advancing towards Draaibosch were the same men, and that
this incident saved the convoy.
14. I cannot close my report without directing special attention
to the bravery and gallant conduct of Major Moore, both on the
29th and 30th.
On the 29th he rallied a few Frontier Mounted
Police, and made a desperate, though unsuccessful attempt to
save the life of Policeman Giesse; he was wounded severely in
the arm with an assegai, and his horse also incurred a severe
wound. Had he been properly supported by his men, his gallant
effort would have probably had a different result. On the 30th
the conduct of this officer was beyond all praise, and the theme
of high commendation with everyone. The mere handful of young
soldiers could only have been made to stand as firmly as they
did, by such conspicuous courage and cool daring as Major Moore
showed during the whole of this action: the least wavering
would have been fatal.
Major Moore's horse on this occasion received three gunshot
wounds, and had in consequence to be destroyed.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) W. LAMBERT, Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding 88th Regiment, and Troops, Komgha.
| From Brevet-Major Moore, 88th Regiment
Frontier Armed Mounted Police, to Lieutenant-Colonel W.
Lambert, Commanding Troops. |
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Camp, Komgha, December 31, 1877 |
SIR,
1. I HAVE the honour to report, that in compliance with your
orders I started from this on the 29th instant, at 1 P.M., with
a patrol of 32 non-cominissioned officers and men, Frontier
Armed Mounted Police, and Sub-Inspector Mitchell, in the
direction of Draaibosch, near which place the postriders
carrying the mail to Kei Road, same forenoon, had been fired on
and forced to return to Komgha.
2. About 4 miles from Komgha I turned off the road to the right,
and passing by the ruins of De Cock's house, which had been
burned by Kaffirs a few hours before, advanced cautiously with
patrols thrown out, to the top of a neighbouring hill, on the
further slope of which, among large boulders, were posted a
number of Kaffirs, with guns and assegais.
3. I was with the advanced, party, and called upon the Kaffirs
nearest to me to lay down their arms: in reply a shot was fired
at us by a man 30 or 40 yards off, and others quickly followed.
4. The troop having come up presently, I ordered the men to
dismount, and half to skirmish. The Kaffirs, about 100 in
number, then began to run down the slope towards the Kabousie,
followed for a short direction by our skirmishers.
5. We then mounted, and took up a commanding position about a
mile nearer the Draaibosch, from which we could see another
party of Kaffirs coming from the direction of the Kabousie, with
the intention, apparently, of getting round our left.
6. Having again dismounted and commenced skirmishing, the enemy
retired in haste towards the river.
7. We then turned away sharp to the left, towards Draaibosch, in
order to gain, according to your order, a detachment of 40 men,
88th. Regiment, under Lieutenant Wood, who were escorting
ammunition wagons to Komgha.
8. About, two miles from the ruins of Macdonald's Canteen, our
right patrol came upon a body of about 300 Kaffirs, who were
advancing in our direction; the troop was ordered to dismount to
receive them, but after firing a few shots, retired. The Kaffirs
followed up, and having overtaken one man, Private Giesse, who
was dismounted, and dragging his horse after him, killed him
with assegais, despite the efforts of a few to rescue him. I
grieve to say we were unable to recover the body, greatly
outnumbered as we were.
9. The enemy afterwards came to a halt, and about a mile from
Savage's Shop, were met by Deputy Commissary-General Strickland,
Assistant Commissary Richardson, and Lieutenant Wood, who had
heard the firing from Draaibosch, where they had outspanned.
10. We then accompanied the ammunition wagons and detachment
88th Regiment, to Komgha, without molestation. Commandant Cowie,
who accompanied me throughout, and Sub-Inspector Mitchell, did
good service; Dr. Clinton, in medical charge; Colour- Sergeant
Harbor and Corporal Court, frontier Armed Mounted Police,
behaved gallantly in attempting to rescue Private Giesse when
surrounded by Kaffirs. Sergeant Harbor further distinguished
himself by halting when the enemy were within a few yards, and
taking up behind him Private Martindale, "whose horse had broken
loose, thus saving him from sharing the fate of Private Giesse.
Five of the enemy were seen to drop, including three who were
pistoled in the melee round Private Giesse. There may have been
over and
above this number accounted for.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) H. J. MOOEE, Brevet-Major,
88th Connaught Rangers, 2nd in Command Frontier Armed Mounted
Police.
| NOMINAL ROLL of Killed and Wounded at Camp Komyha,
December 29, 1877. |
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Camp Komyha, December 29, 1877. |
Frontier Armed Mounted Police.
Private Geisse, killed.
88th Connaught Rangers.
Brevet-Major J. D. G. Moore, severely wounded.
Civil Surgeon Clinton, slightly wounded.
(Signed) J CLINTON, Surgeon in Charge.
RETURN of Horses, Killed and Wounded on 29th December, 1877.
Brevet-Major Moore's wounded slightly.
Commandant Cowie's, bullet wound.
Colour-Serjeant Harbor's, wounded twice.
(Signed) H. J. MOORE, Brevet-Major Frontier Armed & Mounted
Police.
| From Major Moore; 88th Connaught Rangers, Frontier
Armed Mounted Police, to Lieut-Colonel Lambert,
Commanding Troops; Komgha. |
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Komgha., December 31,1877. |
SIR,
1. I HAVE the honour to report that in obedience to your
orders, I left Komgha yesterday at 11 A. M., with 40 men 88th
Regiment, under Captain Acklom, and 21 Frontier Armed Mountedd
Police, under Sub-Inspector White, for the purpose of escorting
the Mail from the Transkei past Draaibosch, the post drivers on
the previous day having made three unsuccessful attempts to
carry it through to Gray's Farm.
2. As we proceeded, the enemy's scouts were liable at many
points on the ridge tops on both sides of the road, but chiefly
on those of the north
3. We advanced with great caution, the mounted patrols being
thrown out to front, rear, and flanks.
4. When we approached Savage's Shop, six miles from Komgha,
large bodies of Kaffirs were seen mustered about a mile to our
right, i.e., north.
5. I was at that time just about to halt the Infantry and ride
on to Gray's Farm with the bags and mounted escort. Fearing an
attack I selected a good defensive position on the crown of a
hill about half-a-mile beyond Savage's Shop, and close to the
road.
6. I then extended the Infantry behind some broken ground, with
half the police dismounted prolonging to the right; the
remainder of the police holding the horses, and the ammunition,
carts were posted in the rear.
7. We were not kept long in suspense, as to the enemy's
intention, for by the time our arrangements were completed,
about 600 footmen and 50 mounted men (the latter took no part in
the action) were seen advancing rapidly and in perfect order.
8. At about 500 yards we opened fire, and the bullocks ran off
with bur ammunition cart to our rear. The enemy continued to
advance, and detached large bodies to both flanks, chiefly to
our right, some men also getting to our rear, into whose hands
the ammunition cart fell.
9. The fight lasted from 2.15 to 3.45 P.M., bodies of the enemy
being within assegai-range, but of these very few were thrown,
nearly all the Kaffirs opposed to us being armed with guns and
rifles.
10. Our ammunition, of which the troops carried 40 rounds,
beginning to fall short, matters were becoming critical, and we
were obliged to have recourse to frequent bayonet charges,
before which the enemy always gave way, we were careful to keep
fast hold of the hill-top, and the Kaffirs at length began to
retire from all sides, leisurely making their way in the
direction from which they came.
11. We then commenced our march back, but on reaching Savage's
Shop, hearing reinforcements were at hand, we halted: you (?)
with 50 men 88th Regiment, and about 15 mounted volunteers from
Komgha, arrived about half an hour afterwards, i.e., 4.45. P.M.
12. The Connaught Rangers, boys though they are — not one
of them had ever seen an enemy before — and some of the Frontier
Armed Mounted Police, behaved admirably well, they repelled
attack after attack from large bodies advancing in every
direction, charging with a cheer when called on, and held final
possession of the well-contested hill-top.
13. Their fire, however, was very mild, to which may be
attributed the small number of the enemy accounted for. Of these
9 bodies were counted, but many more, and all the wounded, had
been carried away during the several times the Kaffirs had
over-run.
14. I have to deplore the large number of casualties among men
and horses on our side, but I believe nothing could be done on
our part by which they might have been lessened.
15. Captain Acklom was always on the fore front whenever an
attack had to be repelled, or a body of the enemy dislodged, and
he displayed sound judgment throughout.
16. 2nd Lieutenant Acton who had joined the service only a few
days ago, showed great coolness, as did also Sub-Inspector
White. Surgeon MacCartney, in medical charge, zealously
performed his duties with the wounded under a heavy fire.
17. I have also to thank Deputy Commissary Warneford, Mr. White,
Magistrates Clerk, whose coolness and courage were conspicuous,
and Mr. Barnet, of Pagots Hotel, who fought throughout as
volunteers.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) H. J. MOORE, Brevet-Major
88th Connaught Rangers, and 2nd in Command Frontier Armed
Mounted Police.
| NOMINAL RETURN of Killed and Wounded on 30th
December, 1877. |
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Camp, Komgha, 31st December, 1877 |
88th Connaught Rangers.
748 M. Keane, killed.
1110 J. Ford, severely wounded
1116. T. Brown, dangerously wounded.
383 J. Nugerhoffer; missing.
891 T. McGrery, missing.
Frontier Armed Mounted Police.
J. Meyhopter, killed.
(Signed) H. J. MOORE, Brevet-Major 88th Regiment.
(Signed) J. CLINTON", Surgeon in charge.
RETURN of Horses Killed, Wounded, and Missing on 30th December,
1857.
88th Connaught Rangers.
Brevet-Major Moore's, wounded.
Frontier Armed Mounted Police.
Inspector White's ; Turner's ; Headly's, wounded.
Stokes's; Meyhopter's; Corporal Christmas's, missing.
Army Medical Department.
Surgeon McCartney's, Missing.
Commissary Warneford's, Killed.
Burghers.
Mr. White's, killed.
Mr. Barnett's, missing.
(Signed) H.J.MOORE,
Brevet-Major, 88th Regt. and Frontier Armed Mounted Police.
| From General Sir Arthur Cunynghame, K.C.B., to the
Right Honourable the Secretary of State for War. |
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The Camp, Ibeka, Trans Kei, January 15, 1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to inform you that I
arrived here, at Ibeka, in Galekaland, on the 25th December,
1877, and that on the evening of the 26th, the last of the
troops which I had collected for services here, reached this
camp.
Early on the morning of the 27th, my forces, divided into
three columns, advanced.
I enclose a full account of the operations which were performed
by Colonel Glyn, in two separate letters, dated respectively, A,
January 5, B, January 12.
The strength of these various forces I have previously
enclosed. You will see by these reports that Galekaland has been
entirely freed of the enemy as a body.
In consequence of information that I received that Gaikas in some
strength had taken up a position on the Kei River, I directed
Colonel Glyn and the larger portion of his troops to move upon
Ibeka, having previously ordered a column, commanded by Major
Hopton, of the 88th Regiment, to move from a position which they
held near the Manubie Forest, to the Quintana Mountain.
The services of Major Hopton having been earnestly requested
in the Cathcart District, I directed him to proceed there, and
Major Owen, 88th Regiment, to relieve him. This was particularly
unfortunate for so good an officer as Major Hopton, for the
column which he commanded came into action on the following day.
Towards the termination of Colonel Glyn's operations in the
eastern portion of Galekaland, he twice went up and down the
Bashea River, keeping on its western bank, as I had given
him orders not to cross, unless an imperative military necessity
should arise to cause him to do so, and I desired to keep his
column in hand, so that I might have the power of using its
services on the western portion of Galekaland.
The sequel proved that I judged correctly.
According to my orders, he reached Ibeka on
his return on the evening of the 18th.
Early on the morning of the 13th, he started
with his column for Quintana, arriving at that
mountain at about 2 o'clock.
Hardly had he halted, when he received
information that a very large force of the enemy
was collecting on the mountain sides, between
Major Owen's column and the river Kei.
Without refreshment, he instantly fell in his
troops and proceeded to the front, in support of
Major Owen's column, and taking command of
the whole.
I desire to say but a few words upon this action
at present, because Colonel Glyn's official report
concerning it has not reached me: but I enclose
to you a copy of telegrams which I sent to His
Excellency the Governor concerning it, given to
me by two of my staff officers who were present.
Colonel Glyn's official report you will receive
by the next mail.
The conduct of Colonel Glyn, Major Owen,
the officers and men of this force, both that of Her
Majesty's Army and Navy and the Colonial
troops, would appear to have been excellent.
I have made further dispositions for attacking
the enemy with a force commanded by Colonel
Lambert, 88th Regiment, now stationed between,
the Komgha and the Chechaba Valley.
I have made arrangements for doing so this
day, but as the post leaves Ibeka within one
hour, I am unable to give you the result of any
movement which may be taking place upon the
other side of the Kei river, acting in combination
with the forces on this side.
I have the honour to enclose a list of the names of those
wounded in the action of the 13th
of January.
I have, &c.,
A. J. CUNYNGHAME, General.
From General Cunynghame, Ibeka, to His Excellency the Governor,
King William's Town,
January 14,1878.
Two columns of the Transkei Force came into action yesterday
afternoon, Major Owen Commanding that in advance, Colonel Glyn at first in
support, commanding the whole. They advanced
towards the enemy about four miles south
west of the Quintana mountain; the enemy met
them in a determined way, and an action ensued,
which lasted from about 4.30 till 6 o'clock;
the number of enemy estimated at from 1,000
to 1,200; eventually the enemy was completely
routed, and driven back towards the Kei, losing
50 men, our casualties being five wounded, two
severely; guns and rockets well served and
effective. Further reports will be sent.
January 14, 1878.
The four wounded men of the action of
yesterday of the 88th Regiment are close to
camp, 1 slightly, 3 severely, but great hopes are
entertained of the recovery of even the worst
case, a bad wound in the thigh. Lieutenant Loring,
Naval aide-de-camp, and Lieutenant Coghill, aide-de-
camp,
were present at the action; the 7-pounder gun practice and the
9-pounder rocket practice was excellent, the 24-pounder rockets
did great execution; 50 dead bodies of the enemy were counted
after the action; there must be many more killed in the kloofs
by the bursting of shells and rockets. The conduct
of the commanders, the officers, non-commissioned officers and
men of all services was steady and soldier-like. The enemy held
their ground for three quarters of an hour; then retreating,
were pursued, till darkness obliged the troops to return; the
action was about an hour and a-half duration.
Return of Kliled and wounded near Chichaba, on January 13, 1878.
88th Regiment.
1634 Private Jeremiah Murphy, severely wounded.
1422 Private Robert Seavers, dangerously wounded.
1305 Private John Kelly, dangerously wounded.
1630 Private James McMahon, slightly wounded.
Native Levies.
A Fingoe, severely wounded.
J. S. WOOLFRYES, M.D.,
Deputy Surgeon-General, P.M.O.
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Camp near Malam's Station. January 5,
1878. |
SIR
1. I HAVE the honour to report that on the 27th December, 1877,
the various columns composing the Transkei Field Force under my
command, marched from Ibeka and the Springs.
27th December, 1877. The Head Quarter Column encamped the first
day about four miles beyond the Umzinzana, at the head of the
Nxaxa
2. At this station I found Captain Robinson's (of the Royal
Artillery) Detachment who had cleared the Quora up to that point
(vide previous despatch). Commandant Allan Maclean
arrived that night, having made a successful patrol down the
banks of the Kei along the sea coast, and up the banks of the
Kobonaba, not having seen anything of the enemy.
3. 28th December, 1877. I next day marched to the Luzezi, where
I received despatches from Majors Hopton and Elliott, commanding
respectively the right and Bashee Columns.
4. The former reported having patrolled the Unyanime Valley, the
latter, although opposed by the enemy in force, had pushed his
way down the west bank of the Bashee to the Bongo mountain; the
enemy's loss being considerable, but only a few casualties on
his side.
5. I here ordered the Fingo Levy, under Captain Fuller, to work
round to the mouth of the Nxaxa, to clear that part of the
country, and be ready to cooperate with me in an attack which I
intended making on the Manubie forest on Sunday.
6. Receiving information from scouts that the enemy was in force
at the junction of Xabacase and Quota rivers, I 'started at
daybreak next morning (29th December, 1877), and took up
position on the high ground above the Quora river, sending out
the Fingo Levies under Commandant Maclean and Captain Feldtman
as advance guard; these soon came in contact with the enemy, and
attacking them with spirit, after a sharp skirmish completely
routed them, capturing 910 head of cattle and some horses; over
100 women and children were in the bush, and forwarded under
Fingo escort to Ibeka. The captured cattle were distributed next
morning amongst the native levies.
7. 30th December, 1877. The next day I advanced through the west
side of the Manubie forest, saw but a few stragglers, and
captured 58 heads of cattle, and towards the mouth of the Quora
I met Captain Fuller, who had advanced with his Fingoes from the
south side of the Manubie; he reported having exchanged sundry
shots with the enemy, who were but few in number.
8. I had arranged that Major Hopton's column should work round
one day's march behind me, so as to prevent the retreat of
stragglers towards the Colony.
9. At this camp (Kabacase) on the edge of the Manubie forest,
Captain Grenfell joined my force, and took charge of the
Ordnance Department, and made himself most useful to me in many
ways. I regret that he has been obliged to leave this day, the
6th January, in consequence of his services being required
elsewhere.
10. It was reported to me by Major Hopton, whose column was
following us up, that the spoor of the enemy with cattle was
observed, having crossed in our rear towards Mapassa's people, I
immediately sent off Captain A. Davies with 250 Fingoes to
follow it up and report to me if they had joined Mapassa, or
gone into the Colony. He had not returned when I crossed the
Quora, and I presume he has rejoined Major Hopton's column, as I
have heard nothing of him since.
11. 31st December, 1877. The next day Captain Nixon, R.E.,
having constructed a barrel raft, the whole of my column was
enabled to cross the Quora river at its mouth without difficulty
early the next morning; (1st January, 1878), and took up a
position a few miles from it, overlooking the river Injura.
12. I there met Captain Upcher's column, who had worked down the
Ncauja Ridge, not meeting with much opposition, but thoroughly
scouring the country, and had captured about 500 head of cattle.
H.M.S. "Active" was seen steaming off the Injura river mouth. My
signals were observed, and I effected communication with
Commodore Sullivan, who returned at my request to the mouth of
the Bashee.
13. Having heard of the Gaika disturbance, I ordered Major
Hopton to remain on the south side of the Quora, to patrol and
keep the country clear between that river and the Kei, and be in
readiness to render assistance to the Colony if required.
14. I also sent Mr. J. Maclean's troops to assist the Fingoes on
the Kei border towards the Tsomo river.
15. Finding the Injura impassable for wagons, I sent the
infantry with spare ammunition, supplies, &c., under Captain
Upcher, round by the Ncauja ridge to meet me at Mallin's Mission
Station, whilst I went across the Injura with Robinson's
Artillery and 2 guns, and about 100 mounted men of the Frontier
Armed Mounted Police, and 24th Regiment, and 1,300 Fingoes,
taking three days' provisions.
16. Passing through a rough and broken country, I crossed the
Inixwene river, and surmounting the ridge above it, camped at
the lead of the Nabaxa, the Fingoes proceeding in haste to make
a reconnaissance of the Udwessa forest, which I intended to
attack if my scouts reported the presence of the enemy.
The next morning (3rd January, 1878) I sent Robinson's
artillery to Badi, and went across country towards the mouth of
the Bashee, with escort of 100 mounted men, to meet Allan
Maclean, and hear the result of his reconnaissance.
He reported the forest clear, the enemy having
hastily retreated, leaving their cattle behind them on the banks
of the Nabaxana, which fell into my hands (500 head) ; a few of
the enemy were shot.
18. Wishing to communicate with Commodore Sullivan, I directed
Commander Wright, R.N., to proceed to the mouth of the Bashee,
with Maclean's and Fuller's Fingoes, the former to communicate
with H.M.S. "Active," and the latter to guard the drifts; and
returned to a place called Badi (4th January, 1878).
19. 5th January, 1878. Here I was joined by Major Boyes and a
small force of Fingoes and Tembus; he brought me despatches from
Major Elliott, who reported that he had marched his party to the
Idutywa, and was awaiting orders.
20. On the next day I marched to a camp near the Shixleni river,
passing Mallin's Mission Station; here there is good water, and
I can strongly recommend it as a good position for an entrenched
camp.
21. I can report that so far as large bodies of the enemy are
concerned, Galeka land has been swept in every direction clear
of the enemy; at the same time, owing to the physical features
of the country, and the small force at my disposal, it is
impossible in my opinion to prevent small straggling parties
from being concealed in, or returning into the country.
22. At the same time I consider that with a line of entrenched
posts to be occupied for some time in carefully selected spots,
and patrolling constantly kept up, there need be no alarm at a
repetition of the incursions of large armed bands of Galekas
into the country.
23. The first of these posts will be formed this day, and the
entrenchments commenced under the direction of Captain Nixon,
R.E.
24. Since my assuming command, we have captured from the enemy
about 2,360 head of cattle; all the new huts which. have been
constructed by the enemy, together with a number left standing
in the last campaign, have been destroyed.
25. The loss of the enemy in the different engagements,
including Major Elliott's action on the Bashee, the repulse of
the enemy by Sub- Inspector Wylde at Mallin's Mission Station,
and Captain Robinson's successful attack on the "Kobogaba"
river, is reported to be 120 killed, the wounded it is
impossible to estimate, as they are invariably carried off by
the retreating enemy.
26. This satisfactory result has been obtained at the trifling
loss to the forces under my command, of one European killed, one
dangerously wounded, and 19 natives killed and wounded.
27. I should add that ever since the news of the outbreak in the
Colony, the Fingo levies have solicited permission to return to
defend their homes; to endeavour to check this natural wish on
their part, I sent back Inspector Maclean with his troop of
Frontier Armed Mounted Police, to proceed to the junction of the
Kei and Xomo rivers, and by his presence there at once to check
the raids from the Gaikas, and to inspire the Fingoes with
confidence that their cattle and homes would be protected during
their absence.
28. I subsequently gave permission to Captain Feldtman and his
Company of 400 Fingoes to return for the same reason, on the
distinct understanding that he would rejoin my column should,
his services be further required.
I leave for the Bashee mouth to-morrow. 7th January.
I have, &c.,
R. T. GLYN
Colonel Commanding Transkei Field Force.
From Captain Upcher, 24th Regiment, Commanding Left Column, to
Colonel Glyn, Commanding Transkei Forces.
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that on Thursday, 27th December,
1877, I proceeded from Ibeka with Left Column Transkei
Field Force, strength as per margin.
N Halted at 4 p.m., and pitched camp
at Nquadu. Owing to the artillery horses being tired with their
long march from King William's Town, camp was not struck on the
28th until 1 p.m., when the column moved on to Pullen's Post;
here the force was augmented by Fingoes and Frontier Armed
Mounted Police. Spies reported Kaffirs on the Bonxa Bust on our
left, and also in the direction of the
Sugauya mountain, and towards the Cora river
on our right flank.
Hearing from Inspector Hook that Major
Elliott with strong force of Tembus and Police
was at Wild's camp, I thought it best to communicate
with him, and thinking he might be
able to co-operate with us against any of the enemy, in the
direction of Bonxa and the Xnabaga river, decided to patrol the
next day in
the direction of the Cora river.
At 4 a.m. on the 29th, started on patrol with
80 Imperial troops, Inspector Hook and
35 Frontier Armed Mounted Police, and 700
Fingoes. On reaching the Quauinga river, we
found it impossible to take over artillery, and
as Galekas in some strength were seen on the
Sugauya ridge, I sent back the artillery with
one Company of the 24th Regiment and mounted
escort, and with the remainder of the force
pressed forward as fast as possible.
The mounted Galekas were forced across the
Cora river, the remainder broke up into small
parties ; those carrying weapons who were overtaken
were disarmed, and the men, women, and
children ordered on to report themselves to
Colonel Eustace at Ibeka. We also captured
about 480 head of cattle and 10 horses.
Returned to camp at 5 p.m.
30th December. - Started at 3.30 a.m. with
Inspector Hook's Police and Captain Wood's
Fingoes. Scoured the country from our camp;
our left reaching the Shixiwi river, our right
the Quaninga ridge; patrolled as far as the
head of the Injura river. Galeka women
reported the men to have, left and crossed
Bashee two days previous.
The infantry and artillery proceeded along
the Quaninga ridge ready to support Police and
Fingoes if required; the very rough country
delayed the wagons, and the troops had to
march back about three miles to join them, and
again pitched camp about four miles west of
Injura Bush. Heavy rains in the evening and all night. I sent
out strong bodies of scouts to a considerable distance on. both
flanks to prevent any body of the enemy from heading back.
31st December. I gave the men a rest in the morning, Fingo
scouts reporting nothing in sight. At one p.m., moved on about
five miles on the ridge between Quaninga and Injura. Fingoes
wounded two Gralekas in the bush in the Injura valley.
1st January, 1878. Fingoes reporting spoor of men and cattle
pointing towards the sea, I started with 80 men of the 24th, and
marines, Inspector Hook's Police and Fingoes at 3.30 a.m., and
patrolled to the mouth oft the Shixiwi here we fell in with
parties of Feldtman's and Captain Pattle's Fingoes pressing
forward towards the Udwessa.
Halted the infantry, and ordered Captain Wood's Fingoes
forward to camp at the mouth of the Xnagaba river; the
mountainous nature of the ground prevented the artillery and
wagons from reaching the mouth of the Shixiwi river, and the
infantry of left column passed the night in the head quarter
column camp. I regret to state that one of Lieutenant Kell's
guns was damaged during this day's march.
During the march down to the sea the advanced Fingo
skirmishers came in contact with small parties of the Gralekas;
no Fingoes wounded; reported eight of the enemy killed and
wounded.
I wish to state that during the patrol I was much assisted by
Inspector Hook, whose experience and knowledge of the country
was most valuable. Lieutenant Kell managed his guns admirably,
and worked most energetically throughout, and I was most ably
assisted by the other officers attached to the column.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) R. UPCHER, Captain Commanding Left Column.
continued.....
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Margin Note.
