| Camp, Elliott's Division, Tshatstiowya, near Fort
Bowker. |
|
| |
January 1, 1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that I marched
with this division at 8 P.M. on the 29th ultimo for
the purpose of co-operating with Captain
Upcher, and intercepting Galekas, should any
be found in the Bamca bush, as already reported.
I proceeded about eight miles down the ridge,
and halted for the night; marched at daylight the following morning, and took up a position on
the east side of the Shixiwi, and watched the
operations of Captain Upcher's division until I
felt satisfied there were no enemies in the
vicinity; and then started on a flying patrol;
followed the direction of the river for about
four miles; then turned towards the Bashee,
crossed the Ngabara river, and ascended the
Mbongo mountains from the south (the most
assailable point); scoured that mountain,
including the west bank of Bashee, and both
banks of the Ngabara river, as far as the
strength of the division would permit. The
country is unusually heavy and close; we met no
enemy in Galekaland ; with the exception of a few
scouts (who were shot), but saw considerable numbers of them sitting on the spurs running
up from the river in Bomvanoland. They succeeded in driving most of their cattle into
the kloofs in that country, but we cut off 507 cattle and half a dozen horses, and about 100 goats.
The Bashee now is no barrier, being so low as to be crossable in many places with dry feet.
If rain does not soon fall, this river will cease to
run, as is the case with all smaller ones.
I got back to camp at 4 P.M. this day ; all the division
being tired out; during our last two patrols
the marches have been very severe, many
of the native horses knocking up, and having to be
left behind, of course not to be again seen by
their owners.
The only possible chance of coming into contact with the enemy
is by rapid movement,
and even then they will accept or reject battle at
their own option. If pressed, they disperse and
cross the country like baboons, to reassemble if
needed at any point in a wonderfully short time;
but I think they are now getting tired of being
hunted and losing stock. A considerable portion
of the country through which the division passed,
had not been previously patrolled, and we
destroyed a large number of huts.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) H. G. ELLIOTT,
Commanding -
To Colonel Glyn, or Officer Commanding
Forces, Ibeka.
| Camp, Elliott's Division, near Fort Bowker, on
road leading to Bashee Mouth. |
|
| |
December 28, 1877. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that this
division marched from Bashee mouth at 5 A.M.. yesterday, and
arrived here at 12.30 this morning
I did not leave a detachment to guard sea drift
of Bashee; the utmost force I could have detached for that
purpose would have been so
insignificant as only to have courted attack;
besides which I was not in a position to provision
it. I explained this to Commodore Sullivan,
who kindly offered to protect the drift for three
or four days (until I could communicate with
you). The "Active" commands the drift far
more effectually than any land force would do.
I think it would be well if you were to
communicate with the Commodore as early as
possible, through the agent with Moni.
Skirmishing commenced at 6 A.M. yesterday
between my advance and flank guard and the
enemy, and was kept up without intermission,
till dark. The enemy were no sooner driven,
from one position than they took up another,
wearying and worrying men and horses.
They suffered pretty heavy loss, 32 dead were
counted (a son of Ngubo being amongst the
number), and no doubt there were others.
I regret having to report casualties in this
force; private Edward Travers, No. 6 Troop,
Frontier Armed Mounted Police, received a
dangerous gunshot wound in the throat, and is
now in a very precarious state; one native killed,
and one wounded (two horses wounded).
There being no surgeon with the division, I
pushed into camp last night for the purpose of
having Travers attended to.
Men and horses require rest before again taking the field.
The enemy appear to have changed their
tactics; although we saw them in large numbers
in no one place were they in strength; they occupy
kloofs, bushes, long grass, and any cover
they can find, always being ready to bolt when
attacked. When pressed on the Bashee, they
crossed into Bomvanoland, and looked at us,
recrossing as soon as we retired. I was unable
to get any stock, that is kept on the river, and driven over as
soon as threatened, natives
coming over from Bomvanoland to assist in
hastening it through.
I think all standing camps should have a gun.
If the natives pursue their present mode of warfare, guns
will be of little use in the field. What is required are long
Sniders, long-range
guns.
I think the enemy may be hemmed into the Blongo range, but to
attack that position with my present force would, in my opinion,
be to fritter away life without any adequate gain.
shall be ready to co-operate when directed.
I have, &c;,
(Signed). E.G. ELLIOTT,
Commanding.
To Colonel Glyn, Commanding Transkeian Forces, Ibeka.
| From Colonel Glyn, Commanding Transkei Force, to His
Excellency The General Commanding. Camp, Ibeka, |
|
| |
January 12, 1878. |
YOUR .EXCELLENCY,
I HAVE the honour to report that on the 6th
instant, I started from my camping ground near the Shixiwi
river, with the combined centre and
left columns, and marched to Malam's Station,
and camped for the night.
Captain Nixon, R.E., with his party had
preceded me, and had selected a position and
prepared plans for an entrenched post at that
station.
I sent out a strong patrol of Fingoes under
Captain Tainton; towards the Imbongo mountain.
I was here joined by Mr. Fuller of the Fingo Levies, who reported to me that Captain Wright,
R.N., and Commandant Maclean, had failed to
get on board the " Active," and that the boat
which had come ashore with Lieutenant Davies,
R.N., and some Port Elizabeth boatmen, had been capsized and one man drowned, and that
these officers and men had been bivouacing on
the beach.
I immediately sent off some mounted Fingoes
to inform Maclean I was coming to his assistance;
these men however returned next
morning, with reports of the presence of the
enemy in too strong force for them to attack.
Mr. Fuller also reported that his Fingoes, who
were escorting 500 cattle lately captured, were
constantly molested by small parties of the
enemy. I ordered him to halt with his company
and bivouac round his cattle about 3 miles
from the camp.
The following morning, the 7th instant, I
continued my march, having left Captain Nixon, R.E., and his party, and 100 men under Captain
Rainforth, at Malam's Mission, also the two guns,
Frontier Armed Mounted Police—towards the
Bashee, having sent Captain Upcher with 100
men forward so as to arrive near Mr. Fuller's
camp before day-break, in hopes that the enemy
might make an attempt to re-capture the cattle
about dawn; this however they did not do. I
followed with the remainder about daylight.
The enemy could be seen in small parties all
round the hills. The Fingoes pursued them all
that day towards Bashee, and it is reported killed
one man.
During our mid-day halt, Captain Wright, R.N., Lieutenant Davies,
R.N., and the 7 men
from the " Active," joined us, marching for Ibeka,
accompanied by Commandant Maclean and
Fingoes.
Captain Wright proceeded on horseback to
Ibeka; the others were carried on with us on the
wagons, and forwarded in my mule cart to Ibeka
next day.
After a hot and wearying march of 20 miles
we arrived at a spot called Thompson's Shop -
here the wagon road ends, and I bivouaced for the night.
The following morning, the 8th, I pitched camp, and sent to
Major Elliott and informed him of my arrival, and sent out
a patrol towards
the Udwessa and burnt some kraals, but saw no enemy.
The following day, the 9th, I sent out patrols (Fingoes), to the
east and west of our position
they returned in the evening; and reported that
numbers of Galekas with cattle were to be seen
in the kloofs on the Bomvana side of the Bashees
river.
I received a letter from Major Elliott in the
afternoon, informing me that Moni had promised to render every
assistance to the troops,
should they cross the Bashee.
It was my intention as soon as Major Elliott
had re-organized his column at Umtento, to direct
him to work down the Bashee from the
north, while I proceeded with my force from the
Bashee mouth up the river, clearing the kloofs
of enemy and cattle.
This I think would finally have crushed the
remainder of the Galeka tribe.
That evening I received Your Excellency's
despatch, directing the return of my column to
Ibeka.
At daybreak on the 10th I struck my camp
and marched towards Ibeka Station, which
march I accomplished in two days.
I sent 100 men 24th Regiment from Malam's
Station to the Idutywa.
Major Owen, 88th Regiment, left my column
on the morning of the 10th, to take command of
the right column.
This officer has afforded me every assistance
since my arrival in the Transkei, and I take
this opportunity of expressing to Your Excellency
my approbation, of his services as Assistant
Adjutant-General.
I enclose reports from Commandant Maclean,
Captains Pattle and Tainton, of the Fingo
Levies.
I have &c.
R. T. GLYN, Colonel Commanding:
Transkei Field Force.
| |
Camp, Ibeka, |
| |
January 12, 1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report for your information, that in
compliance with instructions, I
joined Captain MacGregor's patrol of about 250
Fingoes, at the Chachaba Drift on the Kei, on
the 25th ultimo, for the purpose of patrolling the
Kei and Coganaba rivers.
On 25th, the same day, I patrolled up a ridge
and struck the road leading from Quintane to Kei mouth, and
encamped for the night; having
found no men, but having seen many vacated
kraals, which we burnt.
26th. Patrolled to the Ebb and Flow Drift on
the Kei (leaving Mapassals people on our right having been
ordered not to interfere with them),
and then advanced in skirmishing order through
the kloofs to the Kei mouth, where we remained for the night,
having burnt down many kraals.
Saw no enemy.
27th. The patrol extended in skirmishing
order over a. distance of about eight miles, and
advanced to the Coganaba, where we encamped
for the night, having seen no enemy and burned
several vacant kraals.
28th. Patrolled up the Coganaba to a place
called Siboone, and met Feldtman's patrol. Leaving patrol there,
I proceeded and joined your column. Returned to my patrol about
noon, having received your order to join main column at Lusize,
which I did, having seen no enemy. I burned several kraals.
29th. Marched to Manubie forest. Advance
company of my men under Captain MacGregor;
saw cattle on the Cora. I sent three companies
in pursuit, and they returned in the evening,
having captured over 900 head of cattle, killed
five of the enemy, and followed up the retreating
foe to the Injura river.
30th. Met Major Hopton's column at Lusize.
Left there about noon, and crossed the Cora
and Talani rivers, marching to the heads of the
Injura rivers, where we found three head of
cattle hamstrung; and encamped for the
night. During the night sent on patrols in
direction of Shixiwi, who returned before daybreak,
reporting that they had seen nothing.
31st. Patrolled down the Cora, Talani, and
Injura to the sea—capturing 300 head of cattle—and exchanging a few shots with stray
Galekas in the bush.
1st January, 1878. Patrolled from Cora mouth
to Shixiwi, having reported myself to you at
Injura, where you instructed me how to proceed.
Encamped for the night at Shixiwi, where I
was joined by Pattle's division of Fingoes.
2nd. Prtrolled through the country to the
Nabara. Found nothing. Burned many kraals
and some new huts.
3rd. Companies, under Captains Woods,
Fuller, Davies, Tainton, and MacGregor,
marched before daylight to operate against
O'Dwessa Forest. Returned in the evening to
my camp, reporting that they had been through
different parts of the forest, and on the mouth of the Bashu and the Ebb and Flow Drift, and
found no enemy; but Captain Davies' company
found about 50 head of cattle concealed in the
forest. A few Fingoes followed the spoor of the
cattle from the Bashee Ebb and Flow Drift a
short distance into Bomvana country; where
they overtook cattle and several Galekas. They
were, however, met by Langa, son of the chief
Mooni, who informed them that those cattle had
already been taken over by the resident (Flynn)
on account of the Government, the previous day;
and were not to be molested. The Fingoes left
them in consequence.
4th. Sent out patrols up ridge in direction of
Bongo, overlooking Bashee. Patrol returned in the afternoon, reporting that they had seen
many new huts on the opposite side of the
Bashee, and large herds of cattle which doubtless
belonged to Galekas, who had passed over. No enemy on this side. Burned some kraals.
5th. Small parties of Fingoes sent out in
different directions to scour the country. Captain
Tainton and myself joining you at the Ebb
and Flow on the Ncabara; then proceeded to
the Bashee mouth with Captain Wright, R.N.,
and Captain Fuller, with an escort of six Fingoes,
for the purpose of communicating with
H.M.S. "Active." Remained there three days,
through boat's crew under Lieutenant Davies
being unable to return to ship owing to roughness
of weather. One of the crew drowned in
landing through boat upsetting.
7th. Captain Davies, with 140 Fingoes, joined
me as escort.
8th. Started with Captain Wright, Lieutenant
Davies, and boat's crew and escort, to join your
column, which I expected at Fort Bowka. After a hard
march—Lieutenant Davies and the others
on foot—joined you at Badi, between Ncabara and Ncaba-naxa. Found that during my
absence the remainder of my men, according
to orders, had joined your column.
During the day we saw several Galekas in the distance and
exchanged a few shots with
those on our right.
I have, &c.,
A. C. MACLEAN,
Commandant Fingoe Levies.
To Colonel Glyn, Commanding
Transkei Forces.
| |
Head Quarter Camp, Ibeka, |
| |
January 12, 1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report for the information
of the officer commanding the forces,
that according to your orders of the 6th instant,
I proceeded with my company to the Bashee
river drifts, opposite the Bongo mountains, for
the purpose of stopping all traffic from and to
Bomvanaland, and that on the afternoon of the
same day, a number of Galikas, in all about 20
men, were sighted by us on approaching the
Ngabara river, east side. The majority of
these were mounted, and were busily engaged in
carrying away grain; upon overtaking them and
preventing their escape, I made enquiries and
found that there were several of Sigidi's men
amongst them: they all stated that they were
Sigidi's people, and had crossed their boundary
to attack Galekas about the Bongo and retake
lost stock and revenge the death of their wives,
&c., &c. Upon further enquiry I ascertained
from these men, some of which are known to be
Galekas, that Sigidi's people and Galekas have
been and are still in constant correspondence. I told them to leave for their own country at
once, as I had orders to shoot all Kaffirs who
were not loyal, and were not willing to give
themselves up to Government. Proceeding, from
this I encamped near the Bongo mountain, on
the road leading to Sigidi's country from
Galikaland.
On Monday the 7th, scouts were sent out early
for the purpose of reconnoitring, and returned
about mid-day, reporting that Galikas were in large numbers,
together with their families
secreted in bush about the Bongo hills. I immediately sent word to them, and offered
Government
terms, which were to be accepted, if at all,
that day and the following. So that on Tuesday,
the 8th, six Galekas with their families
came into camp and surrendered themselves to
Government, and gave up one gun. I forthwith
gave them a pass to proceed to Ibeka, and instructed
them to report themselves to the
authorities at Malam's Camp.
Wednesday 9th, scouts along Bashee river
met and conversed with Galikas across river in
Bomvanaland, who said that they were on their
way to Mr. Cummings for the purpose of giving
themselves up to Government, but were not
allowed to cross the river, as my men had
orders to fire upon all Kaffirs who attempted to do so. Large quantities of stock were seen in possession
of these Galekas, and new huts were distributed
on the hills on the east side of the
Bashee overlooking the river.
Thursday 10th, fresh spoors (foot prints) of stock
that was driven through a drift on the Bashee
leading from Bomvanaland to Sigidi's country,
above the position of my camp, were struck by
a patrol of a few men, who followed the same up
to Sigidi's boundary; upon reaching this, these
men saw three horses and foal which they
captured and brought into camp, reporting the
case to me. On the following day, Friday the11th, receiving your
orders to proceed to Ibeka, I made an early move about 3 A.M.
While halted at Shexini river, one man with a few companions of
Sigidi's tribe came up, and produced a memorandum signed by Mr.
Cumming, in charge, giving the number and description of horses
taken by my men on the 10th instant; these being the same
horses, I had them at once handed over to Klass, whose name was
mentioned in the memorandum, and were taken away before my
company left.
I have, &c.,
L. G. H. TAINTON,
Captain No. 4 Company, 1st Division, Fingo Levies.
To Commandant Pattle, Fingo Levies.
| |
Camp at Ibeka |
| |
January 12, 1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that I joined the head-quarter
column in the' camp near the Manubie Bush on the 29th ultimo,
and at once took charge of the 2nd Division of the Fingo levy.
On the morning of the 30th, Captain Fuller's Company scoured the
Manubie Bush without meeting with the enemy or seeing any
cattle, and encamped for the night near the mouth of the Quora
river, the remainder of the division passing through the bush
close to the Quora river, and capturing on the opposite
bank forty seven (47) head of cattle.
At 4 A.M. on the 31st, I crossed the Quora river and scoured the
country in the direction of the Jujugha and Shixini rivers,
encamping for the night on the east bank of the Quora river. On
the 1st January, further patrols were made, and the country
carefully examined as far as the Nquabara river, where a halt
was made for the night.
During these two days, small parties of Galekas were occasionally
seen, but they invariably attempted to escape; five were killed,
and about twenty (20) horses, one gun and four hundred and
sixty-five (465) head of cattle were captured, without any
casualty on our side.
During the 2nd and 3rd of January; the Dwessa Bush was examined,
and fifty head of cattle taken.
Captains Davies' and Fuller's Companies remained in the
neighbourhood of the Bashee mouth till the 6th January, when the
latter rejoined head-quarters at Malam's Mission Station, the
former waiting close to the Bashee on the Nquebara ridge till
the column halted there on the 7th instant. Small parties of the
enemy were seen, and large numbers of cattle on the Bomvana side
of the Bashee ; but although a few shots were exchanged between
Fingoes and Galekas, no serious collision took place.
On the 7th instant, Captain Tainton's Company which had
joined the column on the 1st, proceeded to the Mbongo mountain.
I enclose a report from Captain Tainton giving details of
his operations on that ridge. The division after remaining for
two days in camp on the Nquabara ridge, marched for Malam's
Mission Station on the 10th instant, and from thence proceeded
to Ibeka on the 11th instant, when the Fingoes were allowed to
proceed to their homes, with orders to turn out at once if
required.
Captain Feldtman's Company, which was temporarily attached to the
1st Division, left for Ibeka on the 5th instant. Patrols were,
made along the banks of the Bashee on the 8th and 9th. but no
cattle were captured, all having apparently been driven into
Bomvanaland; a few Galekas were seen and three were killed,
while two prisoners were made.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) F. PATLE,
Commanding 2nd Division ,Fingo Levy.
To Colonel Glyn.
| From Major Owen, 88th, Acting Assistant
Adjutant-General, to His Excellency Sir Arthur
Cunnyghame, K.C.B. |
|
| |
Camp, Nalaca Ridge,
Wednesday, January 8, 1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to send extracts from my diary from
the last date forwarded, viz., Friday, the 4th January.
January 5. His Excellency the General and Staff arrived
from the Ibeka, also Upcher's Column with the detached Infantry
from the Head-quarter Column. Upcher halted on the banks of the
river Shiclanie ; capital water there.
The General with Colonel Glyn and Staff, rode over to Malan's
Mission Station, and selected the ground for the entrenched camp
there. Mr. Finn arrived from Bomvanoland with, two of Moni's
sons, to have an interview with the General.
January 6. The General and Staff, including Grenfel, left for
the Idutcheya this morning; we, I mean the combined columns
(head-quarter and left), marched to Malan's Mission Station this
day. We found Captain Nixon, R.E., busily engaged with the
necessary preparations for the intrenchments there. Mr. Fuller,
one of the Officers of the Fingo Levies, arrived with the in
intelligence that Captain Wright, R. N., and Commandant Maclean
had failed in getting on board the "Active," and that the former
had reported all the circumstances of the case in a letter to
Colonel Glyn, which he (Mr. Fuller) had sent on to Ibeka,
thinking the Colonel had gone there. On this information,
Colonel Glyn at once despatched a party of Mounted Fingoes to
inform Maclean that he was marching to his relief. This party
however returned early the next morning, being scared with
reports of the presence of the enemy, which they were not strong
enough to tackle alone. Mr. Fuller also reported that his
company of Fingoes had been harassed on their way down country
by small bodies of the enemy; they (the Fingoes) were escorting
500 head of cattle taken by the Headquarter Column in the
operations at the Udwessa Forest when Commandant Maclean
with his division of Fingoes made the reconnaissance from the
south or coast side. Mr. Fuller had ridden on in advance of his
party with this intelligence. Colonel Glyn at once ordered him
to return to his company (they were about 170 strong), with
instructions to halt about three miles from our camp, and
bivouac round the cattle; calculating that the enemy would
probably collect and attack this party at daybreak the following
day, to try and recover their cattle. Colonel Glyn ordered
Captain Upcher with a force of 100 men 24th Regiment, to start
from our camp at 2 o'clock in the morning, so as to arrive at
the Fingo camp just before daybreak. Colonel Glyn and Staff,
with 120 mounted men, following an hour afterwards in advance of
main body, and in time to be there just at the dawn. This idea
was carried out, but without the satisfaction of coming to
close quarters with the enemy. Captain Upcher could distinctly
see at daybreak small bodies of the enemy sitting on the hills
all around: they immediately fled every direction on seeing the red-coats, and were pursued by the Fingoes for the remainder of the day, occasionally exchanging long shots with them; only one Galeka found killed; no casualty on our side. After a long, hot, and tedious march of some 20 miles, during which the
24th Regiment marched splendidly (not a man falling out), we arrived at a point the farthest southward in the Bashee direction on which
wagons can travel; here we bivouacked for the
night, pitching our camp the next day. Water here is a long way off, and scarce, on account of the recent drought, but at ordinary times it would be good and abundant. I must mention that about seven miles from this we met Captain
Wright, R.N., and Commandant Maclean with
350 Fingoes, who had been bivouacking on the beach at the Bashee mouth for four days. Lieutenant Davies, of H.M.S. "Active," and a boat's crew, consisting of one signal
boy of H.M.S. "Active," and 6 Port Elizabeth
boatmen, had been upset in endeavouring to effect a landing at the Bashee mouth;
the boat was completely turned over—the signal boy, I much regret to say, was drowned, and his body never seen afterwards; the boat was recovered, but it was impossible to get back again to the ship. Lieutenant Davies and crew had therefore to remain on the beach for four days and nights, with Captain Wright and Commandant
Maclean;. fortunately the latter had his Fingoes with him to guard the party in case of attack. This party were dependent entirely on
H.M.S. "Active " for provisions, and by the great exertions of Commodore Sullivan, these were successfully conveyed to them in barrels, &c.
After four days, seeing it impossible to get back to the ship, Captain Wright decided on marching the whole party back to Ibeka, and fortunately fell in with Colonel Glyn's column at the place we had halted for the men's dinner. Captain
Wright being on horseback, went on at once towards Ibeka, but Lieutenant Davies and
party being much fatigued with their march of 20 miles, gladly accepted Colonel Glyn's offer of riding in our wagons to the camp, and being
forwarded on in Colonel Glyn's mule wagon the next day.
January 8. Lieutenant Davies and party left at daybreak this morning
en route to Ibeka. Colonel Glyn sent a despatch to Major Elliott
informing him of his arrival here with his column, and his readiness to cross the Bashee with it should it be necessary. Colonel Glyn sent out a patrol in the south-westerly direction; came across none of the enemy, but burnt several
kraals.
January 9. We have not received, any reply
as yet from Major Elliott: expect to do so some time this afternoon. Two patrols at work to-day
at the east and west of our position.
I have &c.
(Signed) ARTHUR ALLEN OWEN,
Major 88th, and Acting Assistant Adjutaut-General Transkei Field-Force.
| From General Sir A. T. Cunynghame, K..C.B., to the Right Honourable the Secretary of
State
for War. |
|
| |
Ibeka, Transkei, January 20, 1878. |
SIR,
1. I HAVE the honour now to place before you a full-report of the last operations performed by the combined forces under my command,
now in Galekaland. '
2. On the 5th .instant I visited the columns
I had detached to the neighbourhood of the Bashee, and on the following day I returned
to Ibeka, I then learnt that large bodies of the
enemy, consisting, as it was supposed, of rebellious
Gaikas from the Colony, had taken up their
position in the large wooded kloofs on the Kei
river, and in the Chechaba valley. I had
previously ordered a small column under Major
Hopton, to take position near the Qnintana mountain, to watch the Kei river, and I now
at once directed the return of Colonel Glyn and
his column to Ibeka from the Bashee, leaving a
detachment towards the east of Galekaland in the Idytwa.
3. The troops under Colonel Glyn had cheerfully
undergone excessive fatigues in the ravines
of the Bashee, but with alacrity he rejoined my
camp, on the evening of the 11th. Early on the
morning of the 13th the troops marched to unite
with the Quintana column, which was now under
command of Major Owen—Major Hopton having
been selected for special service on the other
side of the Kei.
4. Scarcely had Colonel Glyn reached his
camp, than my aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Coghill,
reached him from me with certain intelligence
of an intended attack by the enemy (vide
enclosures A from Captain Robinson, and B from
Major Owen). Recommencing his march with
speed, he joined the column in advance, and
united himself with Major Owen's column, and
thus, it is most satisfactory to me to record,
I was enabled to unite, precisely at the moment
it was required, forces which, two days before,
were so widely apart.
5. Major Owen reported that the enemy, from
the forenoon had been gathering on the heights
on his front, and requested permission to advance,
which was granted, and the advance of the
entire force proceeded.
6. The enemy perceiving this, were not slow
to take the initiative, but came forward in large
masses, in a determined way at a run. I now
refer you to enclosure C 'of Colonel Glyn's
report as to the action, and which is perfectly
explanatory of the whole of the proceedings.
Perfect success was secured, to Her Majesty's arms,
and which, but for the advancing darkness, would
have proved even more disastrous to the enemy.
7. It is my duty to record for your especial
consideration, and that of His Royal Highness
the Field Marshal Commanding-in- Chief, the
conduct on this, and all other occasions in which
he has been employed, of Colonel Glyn—his
energy, his forethought, his care of his troops,
and readiness on all occasions to assist me in
carrying out this, and every operation which has
been placed in his hands.
8. To Major Owen my thanks are particularly
due; he has assisted me in the staff duties of the
army, both in the cis-Kei and trans-Kei, in a
very satisfactory manner, constantly accompanying
the column an their harassing evolutions ;
and Colonel Glyn represents to me that nothing could have
exceeded the steadiness with which he
conducted the advance of the young soldiers at
the battle of Newmaka. Captain Upcher, commanding
the left column, on this and previous
occasions, has well performed his duty.
9. Most valuable assistance was rendered by
the.Naval Brigade under Lieutenant Cochran,
and the Royal Marines under Lieutenant Dowding.
10. I beg to record my gratitude to Commodore Sullivan, C.B., for having placed them at
my disposal: the rocket practice especially was
most effective.
11. To the officers of my- personal staff I am grateful,
especially for their ready performance of the extraneous duties
which I have been obliged to place under their charge;—taking
charge of the Ordnance Department, Supply and
Quartermaster-General's Department, which were severally
performed by my Senior aide-de--camp Captain Grenfell, and
Lieutenant Coghill; and I am happy to observe the terms in which
Colonel Glyn records his thanks to Lieutenant Loring, my Naval
aide-de-camp, for his services in the action.
12. Great credit is due to the Native Levies under Commandant
Allan Maclean and Captain Feldtman (a native chief), for the
admirable way in which they assisted on this occasion.
13. Finally, my thanks are due to the troops for the way in
which they performed their duty when under fire, when employed
against Her Majesty's enemies.
14. I enclose a list of the wounded, who are doing well.
15. Private John Kelly, 88th Regiment, has had his leg amputated
at the hip, but there are hopes of his recovery.
16. I have received intelligence of further operations having
taken place in the Chechaba valley, a column under command of
Colonel Lambert, 88th Connaught Rangers, being there; and when I
receive a detailed report, I will
forward it for your information.
17. I cannot close this report without alluding to Lieutenant
Kell, 88th Regiment, who,—an infantry officer,—has got a field
division of guns in excellent form for the field, superintending
their horses and equipment, and who did good service on this
occasion.
I have, &c.,
A. T. CUNYNGHAME,
General Commanding.
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Camp, Nymnkca, January 15, 1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that at 11.30 A.M. on the 12th
instant, I was informed by Mapassa, that the enemy had crossed
the Kei near Tychaba, for the purpose of attacking Major Owen's
camp. I at once sent an express to warn him.
I insisted upon Mapassa taking precautions to have the drifts
watched, which he did ; and one of the drifts being attacked, he
drove the enemy back, killing two men.
On arrival of Mr. Lundall, at 9 A.M. on the 13th instant, I
returned to Major Owen's camp, and awaited your arrival there.
Being placed in command of the camp when you went out to
attack the enemy, I took every precaution for its safety, but
the rapid and complete success of your force was such that the
camp was never menaced.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) J. C. ROBINSON,
Captain R.A., Commanding Artillery, Frontier Armed Mounted.
Police.
To Colonel Glyn, Commanding Troops, Transkei.
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Camp, Cologha, January 14,1878. |
SIR,
1. I HAVE the honour to report for your information that on
Sunday morning, at 2.30A.M., I received a despatch from Captain
Robinson, R. A., who was temporarily Acting Resident at
Mapassa's location, that the column under my command was to be
attacked; that the enemy in strength -were crossing the Kei and
that I might expect them at any moment. I at once sent on an
express to His Excellency the General, reporting this, and sent
my staff officer,.Lieutenant Thirkill, 88th Regiment, to quietly
warn the men to be prepared to turn out at a moment's notice.
2. At daybreak I could distinctly, see them mustering on a hill,
some two miles from my encampment.
3. Knowing that Colonel Glyn, with a column, was on the march
from Ibeka, and that His Excellency the General would be certain
to communicate the purport of my report to him, I waited Colonel
Glyn's arrival, to obtain permission to attack the enemy at
once. He arrived at the camp at 3.45 P.M. Having explained to
Colonel Glyn my situation, and the position of the enemy, he at
once ordered me to move forward to attack : my columns had been
waiting under arms for this purpose from the time my scouts had
reported the advanced guard of Colonel Glyn's column were in
sight.
4. Briefly, the dispositions of my attacking column were as
follows : —
On the right, infantry, 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment, under
Lieutenant Cavaye, and blue jackets with rockets, under
Sub-Lieutenant Cochrane, R.N, ; on the left, infantry, 88th
Connaught Rangers, under Lieutenant Thirkill ; and rocket party,
under Lieutenant Main, R.E. The two 7-pounder guns, R.A., under
Lieutenant Kell, 88th Connaught Rangers, were at first
distributed, one on the right, and one on the left ; but
eventually both guns were brought to the left. The troop (No. 9)
of Frontier Armed Mounted Police, under Inspector Bourne, on the
extreme left, with Captain Feldtman's company of Fingoes on the
extreme right, to protect flanks.
5. It is unnecessary for me to describe the subsequent movements
of the force which took place under your command, and which
resulted in the complete defeat of the enemy, after some two
hours' hard fighting.
6. I would particularly wish to mention the good service
performed by Lieutenant Main, R.E., in charge of the rocket
trough, and of Sub- Lieutenant Cochran, R.N., in charge of the
24- pounder rocket tube ; their shooting was excellent, and its
effect equally good on the enemy : also Lieutenant Kell, 88th
Connaught Rangers, in command of two 7-pounder guns of the R.A.,
attached to my force. The shell firing was most effective, and
conduced greatly to the success of the action. No. 9 Troop of
Frontier Armed Mounted Police were first on the scene of action,
and under the command of Inspector Bourne, did excellent
service. Lieutenants Cavaye and Thirkill, commanding
respectively the infantry of the 1st Battalion, 24th, and 88th,
displayed perfect coolness and good judgment in the handling of
their force, exposed to a severe fire of musketry. "Captain
Feldtman with his sons are staunch allies, and with their
Fingoes attached to my column did good service.
7. I enclose a rough pencil sketch, kindly executed by
Lieutenant Main, R.E,, which will describe the general features
of the position occupied respectively by ourselves and the
enemy.
I have &c.,
(Signed) ARTHUR. ALLEN OWEN, Major
88th Connaught Rangers, Right Column,, Transkei.
To Colonel Glyn 24th Regiment, Commanding Transkei Field
Force
| From Colonel Glyn, Commanding Transkei Field Force,
to Deputy- Adjutant General, King William's Town. |
|
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Camp, January 17, 1878. |
SIR,
1. I HAVE the honour to state for the information of His
Excellency the General Commanding, that on Sunday last, January
13, when in camp near Quintana mountains, I received a report
from Lieutenant Coghill, that information had been received from
Major Owen, commanding right column, that Kaffirs were in force
at Cologha, and that he expected an attack on the camp.
2. I immediately struck tents, and proceeded to Major Owen's
assistance.
3. On arriving at his camp, I found his column already prepared
to move, and he informed me that Kaffirs were assembling in
force on a hill about two miles from the camp, on the Kei river
side.
4. I immediately ordered an attack, and leaving Captain
Robinson, R.A., two guns, with 100 about Frontier Armed Mounted
Police to defend the camp, Major Owen's strength as per margin
N, advanced towards the enemy.
5. The ground was an undulating plain with deep kloofs on both
sides, a small valley separating my position from that of the
enemy ; on the left front a rocky ravine, covered with long
grass, stones, and tangled underwood, afforded excellent cover
for the enemy ; the right, was more open, and ended in a deep
wooded kloof.
6. Major Owen, having my order to advance, arranged his column
and attacked in the following order : —
On the right, one company, 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment, under
Lieutenant Cavaye, 1st Battalion 24th Regiment; next to them,
the Naval Brigade with 1 rocket tube, under Lieutenant Cochran ;
in the centre, the guns with Royal Artillery, under Lieutenant
Kell, Connaught Rangers ; next, rocket tube and party, 1st
Battalion 24th Regiment, under Lieutenant Main, R.E., and one
company, Connaught Rangers, under Lieutenant Thirkill, on the
left. In the centre were about 30 of Commandant Maclean's
Fingoes, who assisted in drawing the guns, &c.
7. On the way down I met Captain Feldtman, who told me he
arranged to make his Fingoes retire to draw the enemy on ; this
he did, his Fingoes retiring in a wooded kloof on the right,
where, in company with Commandant Maclean's men, they did good
service.
8. On the force advancing, I placed Inspector Chalmer's troop at
the head of the kloof on the right to guard my right rear, in a
position to prevent the enemy from threatening my rear, or
making an attack upon the camp.
Inspector Bourne was placed in a similar position on the left
in direct eschellon, on the left of the advancing line, Captain
Upcher with two Companies 24th Regiment, and Royal Marines under
Lieutenant Dowding, R.M.L.I., I placed in support, under cover
of some rising ground in rear of the line.
9. On mounting the crest of the hill, Major Owen ordered his men
to halt and lie down. The enemy who were advancing, paused
directly we appeared, and exactly at 4.30 P.M. the action
commenced by a rocket fired by Lieutenant Main, R.E., which was
a little high ; the second was most effective, lodging in the
centre of the advancing enemy, and causing them to divide;
they rushed rapidly down the kloofs on the right and the left,
and commenced a most determined attack on our front and flanks,
creeping up in the long grass, and mounting the crest of the
hill - Inspector Bourne's troop of Frontier Armed Mounted
Police, commanded the kloof by which they advanced, and
immediately opened fire; the whole line then advanced and
engaged the enemy.
10. Observing that the enemy were concentrating on his left,
Major Owen with the Connaught Rangers, changed his front half
left, and attacked the strong position on the left,, already
described, with a rush and a cheer. Finding his men were
suffering from the severe fire, I ordered Captain Upcher's force
up at once; they doubled up, and flanking the position occupied
by the enemy, opened a hot fire. Major Owen requiring more men,
I reinforced his Company of Connaught Rangers by the Mounted
Infantry, 24th Regiment, under Lieutenant Clements, who rushed
down a small dip on Major Owen's left, and their effective fire
combined with the Connaught Rangers', and Captain Upcher's flank
movement, caused the enemy to retreat. The Company 24th Regiment
on the right, under Lieutenant Cavaye, with rocket party of blue
jackets under Lieutenant Cochran, R.N., were also hotly engaged,
out-flanked the enemy on the right, and they retreated in
disorder, the guns and rockets playing on them as they
retreated, causing them much loss.
11. Lieutenant Kell finding the left flank most threatened,
moved his guns into a position, to command that flank, and
subsequently moved, to the various points where he found his
fire would be most effective.
12. On the extreme right-rear the enemy, who attempted to turn
our flank on that side, were driven back by Inspector Chalmer's
troop of Frontier Armed Mounted Police.
13. The Fingoes under Commandant Maclean, and Captain Feldtman
were at this time most useful in following up the retreating
enemy.
14. At 6 P.M. finding that the enemy was completely routed, and
being some distance from our camp, and the night drawing on, I
gave the order to re-assemble and return to camp, which, was
reached about 7.15 P.M.
15. From the nature of the country it was impossible to
ascertain the exact loss of the enemy; 50 dead bodies were,
however, counted, and numbers of wounded were seen being carried
off the field.
16. I regret to have to report that four of the Connaught
Rangers were wounded, two severely, and one Fingoe; return
appended.
17. I attach reports received from Major Owen and Captain
Upcher, commanding the column, engaged, also one from Captain
Robinson, R.A.
18. I fully agree in the remarks made by Major Owen and Captain
Upcher on the conduct of the officers under their command, and I
beg to bring them to the notice of His Excellency.
19. To Major Owen my thanks are due for the cool way in which he
commanded his men under close fire. I desire to bring to the
notice of His Excellency that Major Owen, assisted by Private
Prendergast, Connaught Rangers,
removed Private Travers, Connaught Rangers, who, was severely
wounded, when in front of the line, from under a very heavy
fire.
20. Captain Upcher promptly obeyed my orders, and by his flank
movement, conduced greatly to the success of the day.
21. To Captain Robinson, R.A., my thanks are due for the energy
displayed by him in obtaining information of the gathering of
the natives and of their intention to attack.
22. Captain Nixon, R.E., Lieutenant Morshead, 24th, Lieutenant
Coghill, A.D.C. 24th, and Lieutenant Hodson, A.D.C. 24th, served
on my personal staff, and my thanks are due to them for the
assistance they gave me in carrying the various orders to
different parts of the field.
23. Lieutenant Main's, R.E., rocket practice was excellent, and
under the disadvantage of a defective rocket-trough, his
effective fire was worthy of remark.
24. Lieutenant Kell, C.B., and the party of Royal Artillery
under his command, worked their guns energetically, and
inflicted serious loss on the enemy.
25. The mounted infantry 24th Regiment were well led by
Lieutenant Clements, 24th.
26. The troops were ably assisted by the Naval Brigade under
Lieutenant Cochran, R.N., and Royal Marine Light Infantry under
Lieutenant Dowding; Lieutenant Loring, Naval A.D.C. attached to
my personal staff, was also
useful.
27. Inspectors Chalmers and Bourne, and the Frontier Armed
Mounted Police under their command, did good service in the
positions in which I placed them.
28. To Commandant Maclean of the Fingoe Levy, my thanks are due,
for his assistance during the engagement.
29. Captain Feldtman and his Levy also
rendered me great assistance in following up
the retreating enemy.
30. The officers of the Medical Staff rendered
every assistance.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) B. T. Glyn, Colonel, Commanding
Transkei Field Force.
| FromOfficer Commanding Head 2nd Column,
to Officer Commanding Transkei Field Force. |
|
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Camp, Crouclia Shop, January 17,
1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that the column
N under my command, composed of detachments
from 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment, and Royal
Marines, Frontier Armed Mounted Police Troop,
and Inspector Chalmer's Troop, Frontier Armed
Mounted Police, marched from Ibeka at 5 A.M.,
13th. January. After marching about six miles,
halted two hours for breakfast, and then proceeded
past the Centain mountain, and had halted
and commenced pitching camp and cooking
men's dinners, when a messenger from Major
Owen, giving information concerning the movements
of the enemy, arrived. Tents were at
once struck, and column hurried forward.
2. On arrival at camp of right column the
troops at once moved forward, with the exception
of Frontier Armed Mounted Police Artillery,
which remained to protect camp.
3. Inspector Chalmer's troop was ordered to
prevent enemy from outflanking our right, which
at first it seemed probable would be attempted.
4. The detachment of 24th Regiment and
Marines were ordered by Colonel Glyn to be kept in hand, and strike in when required. Soon after hearing the musketry fire, running up from right to left, Captain Nixon,
R.E., brought orders
from Colonel Glyn to move those troops towards the left flank. On coming over a sharp rise we
could see the enemy in considerable numbers in
a strong position ; they opened a heavy musketry
fire on us, and the 88th detachment on our
immediate right.
5, The detachment extended from its right,
and by a rapid advance, firing, succeeded in
driving back the enemy in confusion. Inspector
Bourne, Frontier Armed Mounted Police, on our
left, asking for re-inforcements, Lieutenant
Ansty with one company, 1st battalion, 24th, Regiment was ordered to strengthen him. Owing
to the formation of the ground, we were able to
flank the enemy immediately in front of the 88th,
and by our cross fire drive the Kaffirs from their
position.
6. The men of the 24th Regiment and Royal
Marines behaved splendidly; in spite of their
long march, they came on for the last quarter of
a mile at a steady double, and when hotly
engaged did not fire except when ordered.
The total number of rounds fired by the
detachment was 1,700. Lieutenants Dowding, Royal Marines, and Ansty, 1st battalion, 24th
Regiment, commanded their companies with the
greatest coolness and judgment, and both non-commissioned
officers and men did their duty
right well.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) RUSSELL UPCHER, Captain
1st Battalion, 24th Regiment,
Commanding 1st and 2nd
Column.
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Camp, Cologha, January 17, 1878. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that on
Tuesday, January 15th, I left Nynumaxa at 4 A.M.,
with the columns under my command, with the
intention of co-operating in the attack of the
Chachaba valley by the columns advancing.
At about 7.30 the column arrived at the point
of a ridge overlooking the Kei, and affording
a good view of Chachala valley on either side.
I halted the guns under Captain Robinson
further back on the ridge, in a position which
commanded a long reach of the Kei river.
Kaffirs, being reported in the. bush below,
ordered one of the guns down, and shelled the bush.
At about 8.30 heavy firing was heard from the
other side of the Kei. Kaffirs appeared on the other
side driving their cattle along the ridge towards
the drift, and soon tried to cross with their cattle,
but were driven back by the rocket-party Naval
Brigade.
I despatched some Fingoes under Commandant
Maclean after the cattle, supported by Inspector
Chalmer's troop, Frontier Armed Mounted
Police.
They returned in the evening, having captured
about 1,000 head of cattle, having killed seven
Kaffirs, and losing three Fingoe horses killed, two Fingoes wounded in crossing the drift.
Seeing part of the Komgha column on the
other side of the Kei, I requested Commandant
Maclean to communicate with them. He did
so, and found them to be volunteers under
Captain Brabant, from East London, of whose cooperation
in the attack I had not been informed.
Of Colonel Lambert's column I saw nothing.
Finding I could not be of any further use, I
returned to my camp.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) E. T. Glyn, Colonel,
Commanding Transkei.
To His Excellency General Sir A. T. Cunynhame
K.G.B.
| From Colonel Glyn, Commanding Transkei, to Deputy
Adjutant-General, King. William's Town. |
|
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Canp, January 17, 1878. |
SIR,
1. I HAVE the honor to report that this morning a large body of
cattle having been seen by Major Owen's patrol being driven into
a kloof on the Colonial side of the Kei, just above Ebb and Flow
drift, I ordered Commandant Maclean and the Fingoe levy to go in
search of them.
2. He crossed at the Ebb and Flow and entered the kloof on the
lower side, being supported by Major Owen's guns and
rocket-tube. On the approach of the Fingoes, the Kaffirs left
the kloof with most of their cattle; the mounted Fingoes pursued
them; as the Kaffirs left the kloof, a sharp skirmish ensued, in
which four Gaikas were killed; the Fingoes returned, having
captured 430 head of cattle and 700 sheep.
An attempt was made by the Kaffirs to re-capture their cattle,
which proved unsuccessful, they being driven back by the
Fingoes.
A large number of women were found in the bush, who stated that
they had been driven out of the Chachaba the day before.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) R. T. GLYN,
Colonel Commanding Transkei Field Force.
| From Colonel Gtyn, Commanding Transkei, to Deputy
Adjutant-General, King William's Town. |
|
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Camp, Cologka, January, 18, 1878. |
SIR,
1. I HAVE the honour to report for the information of His
Excellency the General Commanding, that on the 16th January, I
despatched Major Owen's column to a position near the Ebb and
Flow drift, distance about half a mile from the Kei river, from
which he could prevent the enemy from driving their cattle
across.
2. I sent Captain Upcher and 50 men of the 24th Regiment, at 2
A.M., for the purpose of occupying the ground before daylight,
and observing the movements of the enemy; at daylight he came
upon a few men, who on being fired at retreated into the bush.
3. On arriving on a small ridge overlooking the Kei, I observed
Kaffirs driving cattle down the drift away from Captain
Brabant's column, which we saw on the heights opposite.
4. On seeing our force the Kaffirs deserted their cattle in the
bed of the river, and a body of them crossed and secreted
themselves in the wooded kloofs on this side of the river.
5. I sent Commandant Maclean's Fingoes round from this side to
attack the Kaffirs and take their cattle, supporting them by
Captain Robinson's guns, which shelled the bush.
6. The Fingoes skirmished down until they reached the bed of the
river, killing nine Kaffirs, and eventually taking the whole of
their cattle, 700. They then crossed the river, and captured two
herds of cattle on the other side.
7. About this time we saw Captain Brabant's Fingoes engaged with
the enemy a little further down the river. I am unable to say
with what result, as they did not communicate.
8. A good many women and children were seen in the bush.
9. It being an intensely hot day, I waited till the cool of the
evening, and returned to my new camp about five miles from the
Ebb and Flow drift.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) R. T. GLYN, Colonel Commanding Transkei Field Force
