|
from the
Lieutenant-General Commanding In South Africa to the Right
Honourable the Secretary of State.
| |
Durban, Natal, 8th February,
1879. |
SIR,
IT is with much satisfaction that I have the honor to forward
the report of the successful defence of Rorke's Drift Post on
January 22nd and 23rd.
The defeat of the Zulus at this post, and
the
very heavy loss suffered by them, has to a great
extent neutralized the effects of the disaster at Isandlwana, and it no doubt saved Natal from, a
serious invasion.
The cool determined courage displayed by
the gallant garrison is beyond all praise, and
will, I feel sure, receive ample recognition.
As at the present moment the lesson taught
by this defence is most valuable, I have
thought it advisable to publish, for general
information, the report in question, which I
trust will meet with your approval.
I have,
(Signed) CHELMSPORD,
Lieutenant-General.
From reports received since the date of Lieut.
Chard's letter, it appears that the Zulu loss was
greater than he knew of at that time.
| |
Rorke's Drift |
| |
25th January, 1879. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that on the 22nd
instant I was left in command at Rorke's Drift
by Major Spalding, who went to Helpmakaar to
hurry in the company 24th regiment ordered to
protect the ponts.
About 3.15 p.m. on that day, I was at the
ponts when two men came riding from Zululand
at a gallop, and shouted to be taken across the
river.
I was informed by one of them, Lieutenant
Adenhdorff of Lonsdale's regiment (who remained
to assist in the defence) of the disaster
at Isandlwana camp, and that the Zulus were
advancing on Rorke's Drift. The other, a carabineer,
rode off to take the news to Helpmakaar.
Almost immediately I received a message from
Lieutenant Bromhead, commanding the company
24th Regiment at the camp near the commissariat
stores, asking me to come up at once.
I gave the order to inspan, strike tents, put
all stores, &c., into the wagon, and at once rode
up to the commissariat store and found that a
note had been received from the 3rd column
to state that the enemy were advancing in force
against our post, which we were to strengthen
and hold at all costs.
Lieutenant Bromhead was most actively engaged
in loopholing and barricading the store
building and hospital, and connecting the defence
of the two buildings by walls of mealie bags and
two wagons that were on the ground.
I held a hurried consultation with him and with
Mr. Dalton, of the Commissariat (who was actively
superintending the work of defence, and whom I
cannot sufficiently thank for his most valuable
services) entirely approving of the arrangements
made. I went round the position, and then went
down to the ponts and brought up the guard of
1 sergeant and 6 men, wagon, &c. I desire here
to mention the offer of the punt-man Daniels and
Sergeant Milne, 3rd Buffs, to move the punts in
the middle of the stream, and defend them from
their decks with a few men. We arrived at the
post about 3.30 p.m. Shortly after an officer of
Durnford's Horse arrived and asked for orders. I requested him to
send a detachment to observe
the drifts and punts and throw out outposts in
the direction of the enemy and check his advance
as much as possible, falling back upon the post
when forced to retire and assist in its defence.
I requested Lieutenant Bromhead to post his
men; and having seen his and every man at his
post, the work once more went on.
About 4.20 p.m. the sound of firing was heardbehind the hill to our south. The officer of
Durnford's returned, reporting the enemy close
upon us, and that his men would not obey his
orders, but were going off to Helpmakaar, and I
saw them, apparently about 100 in number, going
off in that direction.
About the same time Captain Stephenson's
detachment of Natal Native Contingent left us,
as did that officer himself.
I saw that our line of defence was too extended
for the small number of men now left us, and at
once commenced a retrenchment of biscuit
boxes.
We had not completed a wall 2 boxes high
when, about 4.30 p.m., 500 or 600 of the enemy
came in sight around the hill to our south, and
advanced at a run against the south wall. They were met by a
well-sustained fire but, notwithstanding
their heavy loss, continued the advance
to within 50 yards of the wall, when they were
met with such a heavy fire from the wall and
cross fire from the store that they were checked,
but taking advantage of the cover afforded by
the cookhouse, ovens, &c., kept up a heavy fire.
The greater number, however, without stopping,
moved to the left, around the hospital, and made
a rush at our N.W. wall of mealie bags, but after
a short but desperate struggle were driven back with heavy loss
into the bush around the work.
The main body of the enemy were close
behind, and had lined the ledge of rock and caves
overlooking us about 400 yards to our south,
from where they kept up a constant fire, and
advancing somewhat more to their left than the
first attack, occupied the garden, hollow road and
bush in great force.
Taking advantage of the bush, which we had
not time to cut down, the enemy were able to advance under cover close to our wall, and in
this part soon held one side of the wall, while we held the other. A series of desperate assaults
were made, extending from the hospital, along
the wall, as far as the bush reached; but each
was most splendidly met and repulsed by our
men with the bayonet, Corporal Schiess, N.N.C.,
greatly distinguishing himself by his conspicuous
gallantry.
The fire from the rocks behind us, though
badly directed, took us completely in reverse,
and was so heavy that we suffered very severely,
and about 6 p.m. were forced to retire behind
the retrenchment of biscuit boxes.
All this time the enemy had been attempting
to force the hospital, and shortly after set fire to
its roof.
The garrison of the hospital defended it room
by room, bringing out all the sick who could be moved before
they retired. Privates Williams,
Hook, R. Jones and W. Jones, 24th Regiment,
being the last men to leave, holding the doorway
with the bayonet, their own ammunition being
expended. From the want of interior communication
and the burning of the house it was impossible
to save all. With most heartfelt sorrow
I regret we could not save these poor fellows
from their terrible fate.
Seeing the hospital burning and the desperate
attempts of the enemy to fire the roof of the
stores, we converted two mealie bag heaps in to a
sort of redoubt, which gave a second line of fire all round;
Assistant Commissary Dunne
working hard at this, though much exposed, and
rendering valuable assistance.
As darkness came on we were completely surrounded,
and after several attempts had been
gallantly repulsed, were eventually forced to
retire to the middle, and then inner wall of the
Kraal on our East. The position we then had
we retained throughout.
A desultory fire was kept up all night, and
several assaults were attempted and repulsed;
the vigour of the attack continuing until after
midnight, and men firing with the greatest coolness
did not waste a single shot; the light
afforded by the burning hospital being of great
help to us.
About 4 a.m. 23rd instant, the firing ceased,
and at daybreak the enemy were out of sight
over the hill to the south-west.
We patrolled the grounds, collecting the arms
of the dead Zulus, and strengthened our defences
as much as possible.
We were removing the thatch from the roof of
the stores, when about 7 a.m. a large body of the enemy appeared on the hills to the south-west.
I sent a friendly Kafir, who had come in shortly
before, with a note to the Officer Commanding at
Helpmakaar asking for help.
About 8 a.m. the third column appeared in sight, the enemy who
had been gradually advancing, falling back as they approached.
I consider the enemy who attacked us to have
numbered about 3,000 (three thousand).
We killed about 350 (three hundred and fifty).
Of the steadiness and gallant behaviour of the whole garrison I cannot speak too highly.
I wish especially to bring to your notice the
conduct of:—
Lieutenant Bromhead, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment,
and the splendid behaviour of his Company
B, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment.
Surgeon Reynolds, A. M. D., in his constant
attention to the wounded, under fire where they fell.
Acting Commissariat Officer Dalton, to whose
energy much of our defences were due, and who
was severely wounded while gallantly assisting
in the defence.
Assistant Commissary Dunne.
Acting Store Keeper Byrne (killed)
Colour-Sergeant Bourne, 2nd Battalion 24th
Regiment.
Sergeant Williams, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment
(wounded dangerously).
Sergeant Windridge, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment.
Corporal Schiess, 2nd Battalion 3rd Natal
Native Contingent (wounded).
1395 Private Williams, 2nd Battalion 24th
Regiment.
593 Private Jones, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment.
Private McMahon, Army Hospital Corps.
716 Private R. Jones, 2nd Battalion 24th
Regiment.
Private H. Hook.
Private Roy, 1st Battalion 24th Regiment.
The following return shows the number present
at Rorke's Drift, January 22nd, 1879 :—
Staff, 1 Non-Commissioned Officer and Men,
total 1.
Royal Artillery, 1 Non-Commissioned Officer
and Men, 3 sick Non-Commissioned and Men,
total 4.
Royal Engineers, 1 Officer, 1 Non-Commissioned
Officer and Men, total 2.
3rd Buffs, 1 Non-Commissioned, Officer and
Men, total 1.
1st Battalion 24th Regiment, 6 Non-Commissioned
Officers and Men, 5 sick Non-Commissioned
Officers and Men, total 11.
2nd Battalion 24th Regiment, B Company,
17 casuals sick, 1 Officer, 81 Non-Commissioned
Officers and Men, 17 sick Non-Commissioned
Officers and Men, total 99.
90th Light Infantry,? Non-Commissioned Officer
and man sick.
Commissariat and Transport Department, 3
Officers. 1 Non-Commissioned Officer and men, total 4.
Army Medical Department, 1 Officer, 3 Non-Commissioned Officers and Men, total 4.
Chaplains, 1 Officer, total 1.
Natal Mounted Police, 3 sick Non-Commissioned
Officers and Men, total 3.
Natal Native Contingent, Officer, 6 sick Non-Commissioned Officers and Men, total 7.
Ferryman, 1 Non-Commissioned Officer and
Men, total 1.
Total.—8 officers, 96 Non-Commisioned Officers
and Men, 35 Non-Commissioned Officers and Men
sick, total 139.
The following is a list of the killed:—
Sergeant Maxfield, 2nd Battalion 24th Regiment.
Private Scanlan.
Private Hayden.
Private Adams.
Private Cole.
Private Fagan.
Private Chick.
1398 Private Williams, 2nd Battalion, 24th
Regiment.
Private Nicolls, 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment.
Private Horrigan, 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment.
Jenkins, 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment.
M. Byrne, Commissariat Department.
Trooper Hunter, Natal Mounted Police.
Trooper Anderson, N.N.C.
1 Private (Native) N.N.C.
Total 15.
12 wounded of whom two have since died,
viz.:—
Sergeant Williams, 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment.
Private Beckett, 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment.
making a total killed of 17.
Herewith is appended a plan of the buildings,
showing our lines of defence. The points of the
compass referred to in this report are, as shewn
in sketch, approximately magnetic.
| |
I have, &c.,
(Signed) JOHN R, M. CHARD,
Lieutenant R. E |
To Colonel Glyn, C.B.,
Commanding 3rd Column. |
|
Copy of Major Spalding D.A.A.G's Report.
1. At 2 p.m. on the 22nd inst. I left Rorke's
Drift for Helpmakaar, leaving a second horse at
Varmaaks. My intention was to bring up Captain
Rainforth's Company 1st Battalion 24th
Regiment to protect the ponts. Lieutenant
Chard, R.E., on returning from the camp Isandlwana,
had observed Zulus on the neighbouring
heights. I thought they might make a dash for
the ponts during the night.
2. Between Varmaaks and Helpmakaar, where
I arrived 3.45 p.m., I met two Companies 1st
Battalion 24th Regiment under Major Upcher;
on returning from Helpmakaar, I met Major
Upcher, who informed me of the disaster at Isandlwana.
3. We advanced as far as Varmaaks with the
troops. I then pushed on to the foot of the Berg, accompanied by
Mr. Dickson, of the Buffalo
Border Guard. The road was covered with fugitives,
chiefly Basutos and people in civilians'
clothes, but there were one or two mounted
Infantry. Several of these I ordered to accompany
me, but all, except two, slipped away when
my back was turned.
My-object was to ascertain whether the post
at Rorke's Drift still held out. In this case I
should have sent word to Major Upcher to advance
and endeavour to throw myself into it.
4. But every single white fugitive asserted
that the Mission-house was captured; and at
about 3 miles from the same I came across a
body of Zulus in extended order across the road.
They were 50 yards off— a deep (ravine) donga
was behind them, capable of concealing a large
force. They threw out flankers as if to surround
the party.
Mr. Dickson agreed with me that they were
Zulu, an opinion soon borne out by the " horns "
which they threw out. So we trotted back
to the troops some two miles in rear.
5. On reaching the summit of a hill from which
the Mission-house is visible, it was observed to
be in flames. This confirmed the statement. of
the fugitives that the post had been captured.
This being the case it was determined to save, if
possible, Helpmakaar and its depot of stores.
6. It was growing dusk: the oxen had already
had a long trek; the hill had to be re-ascended,
and the heights were said to be lined with Zulus.
I examined them with my glass, but could not
observe the enemy. There may have been a few
detached parties, however, as these were observed
by competent witnesses. No attack was
made by them: and the column reached Helpmakaar
by 9 p.m., when wagon laager was
formed around the Commissariat stores. Colonel
Hassard, R.E., met us half way up the Berg and
took over command from me.
7. The following morning a dense fog prevailed.
About 9 a.m. a note arrived from Lieutenant
Chard, R.E., stating that Rorke's Drift
still held out and begging for assistance. It was
considered imprudent to risk the safety of Helpmakaar
by denuding it of its garrison, and probable
that Rorke's Drift had already been relieved
by the column under the General. It was determined
to push down to the Drift some mounted
men to gather intelligence. I was in command.
A short distance from Helpmakaar Mr. Fynn was met, who communicated the fact that the
General's column had relieved Rorke's Drift. At
the top of the Berg I met Lieut.-Colonel Russell,
who confirmed the news. At about noon I
reached Rorke's Drift and reported myself to the
General.
| |
(Signed) E. S. SPALDING,
Major, D.A.A.G. |
From the Lieutenant-General Commanding in
South Africa to the Right Honourable the
Secretary of State for War.
| |
|
| |
Durban, Natal,
February 8, 1879. |
SIR,
SINCE the date of my last Despatch the situation
of military affairs has not changed.
Colonel Pearson, commanding No. 1 Column,
writes in good spirits from Ekowe, which is now
a strongly entrenched position, with supplies until
the end of the month. Zulus hover round him, but
up to the date of last communication from him
(the 4th) no attack has been made on him.
The arrival of the three companies 88th Regiment,
about 350 men, will enable me to move to the
Lower Tugela (Forts Pearson and Tenedos), the
two companies at present between Durban and
that point; two companies of the Buffs and five of
the 99th will be then assembled there, and will
be held in readiness to move in any direction at
the shortest notice as soon as the necessary class
of transport can be collected.
2. Durban, Stanger, Pietermaritzburg, and Greytown are now being placed (or are already so) in a position for defence, with garrisons which should prevent panic among those living around.
3. At Rorke's Drift and Helpmakaar the position is quite unchanged, and the frontier has been quite quiet and the road running from Greytown has been quite open. Colonel
Glyn, C.B., reports that the bodies of Lieutenants Melville and Coghill, 24th Regiment, had been found five miles down the river,
300 yards
from the banks, they lay close to each other, and a number of dead Zulus around them showed how they
stood their ground.
4. Uneasiness has been felt in the Colony at the prospect of a raid, but the latest information tends to an impression that our forces at Ekowe and Rorke's Drift are to be attacked first.
5. Colonel Evelyn Wood, commanding. No. 4 Column, has forwarded me two reports, copies of which I have the honour to forward. He also expects, to be attacked. I beg to call your attention to the manner in which Lieutenant-Colonel Redvers Buller carried out Colonel Wood's instructions regarding the destruction of the Bagalusini Kraal. The energy and intrepidity shown by this officer and those under his command, deserves, in my opinion, warm commendation, and I have so expressed myself to
Colonel Wood.
6. I regret to say that nearly half the volunteers serving under Lieutenant-Colonel Buller are now leaving him. They have done good service, but the loss of the services of mounted men, such as these, is much to be deplored at this moment. Mounted men are found to be an absolute necessity in this country, and I trust the efforts of His Excellency the High Commissioner to obtain them from the Free State and Cape Colony may be successful.
7. The Medical Department has lost the services of two valuable officers, Surgeon-Major Alcock, who has been invalided, and Surgeon-Major Shepherd, whose name, I regret to say, is among the list of killed on the 22nd January.
8. I have already brought to your notice the wants of the Royal Artillery: the casualty list shows the severe loss this arm has experienced.
9. I should be very glad if a Field Telegraph could be sent out. In a country of vast distances, with so few facilities for transmission of news, it would be of great value, and in the future will supplement the main lines of telegraph according to the importance of the post. An application of the electric light would be of the greatest use to fortified posts and night encampments..
10. Lastly, I have the satisfaction of saying the health of the troops is generally good, and reports of the wounded are favourable.
11. I continue to receive the greatest possible assistance from Rear-Admiral Sullivan, C.B., C.M.G., and all those under his command.
I have,
&c.,
(Signed) CHELMSFORD, Lieut-Gen.
P.S.—I have endeavoured in my communication not to lessen the gravity of the situation in Natal and the Transvaal and their frontiers, but at a time when it is my sad duty to forward details of our losses, I would venture to add that I have received from many native and other sources information that the Zulus have been
much disheartened by the severe losses they have
experienced. Mr. Lloyd, Political Assistant to
Colonel Wood, writes on February 1, "They are
said to be much disheartened with their losses
in their attack on the Rorke's Drift Column
(No. 8); the Undi Regiment, more especially the
Tulwana division of it, suffered very heavily."
| |
|
| No. 4 Column. |
Enclosures from Colonel Wood.
Camp, Zungeni Nek,
23rd Jan., 1879. |
D. A. GENERAL,
LIEUT.-COL. BULLER with Mr. Pict Uys reconnoitred the Tumguin Range on the 20th,
but were unable to reach the eastern end, being
opposed by about 1,000 Zulus.
That day No. 4 Column reached the Unwolosi;
and Tinta, uncle of Seketwayo, came to me out
of a cave to which I had gone, about six miles
east of Unwolosi River.
In the evening I sent back Tinta's people with
a convoy of wagons, about 70, escorted by one
Company, 90th Light Infantry.
Later, hearing some Zulus had crossed the
Unwolosi, I reinforced the escort.
On the 21st we built a stone laager fort, left
all superfluous stores, over one week's supply, and crossing the river, pitched on the left bank,
and at midnight 21st-22nd, leaving one Company,
13th Light Infantry, and the Company, 90th,
which had just arrived from Blood River, marching
34 miles in 25 hours; at fort Tinta we started
on patrol.
Colonel Buller, with the Dutchmen and two
guns, marched up the right bank of the Unwolosi,
while the 90th and 1st Battalion, Wood's Irregulars,
marched direct for the range of the
Zungeni, so as to strike it about, three miles
from the Unwolosi. Though until 3 a.m. it was
very dark, and we passed over a difficult country,
guided by some Dutchmen, the 90th arrived on
the summit about 6 a.m., just as Colonel Buller
ascended by the Yag Pad line.
After resting for two hours we moved on
towards a few hundred Zulus who were on the
south-eastern summit of the range. These retired
hastily, leaving about 250 head of cattle and 400
sheep and goats, which were brought into camp,
which had been formed by Colonel Gilbert, who
marched at 3 a.m. on the 22nd from the Unwolosi
River.
From the eastern extremity of the range we
saw under the luhlobana Mountains, near Mabambas'
Kraal, about 4,000 Zulus. They formed
a circle, a triangle, and a square with a partition thus;
They were moving later, so far as
could be seen in the dusk, up the Iuhlobana
Mountains.
The patrol reached camp at 7 p.m., having
been under arms, the Infantry' carrying 100 rounds,
nineteen hours. One gun limber was broken in
being let down by ropes, over a very steep hill,
but we hope to repair it to-day.
(Signed) EVELYN WOOD,
Colonel.
P.S.—Our movements would not be possible
without the aid of Mr. Pict Uys and his men,
whose local knowledge is invaluable.
I propose to move on to-morrow, weather
permitting, towards the Bagalusina Kraal, 18
miles about distant.
NOTE.—The Iuhlobana Mountain is part of the
Ityenteka Range.
D. A. GENERAL,
HAVING yesterday seen the ground over
which the reconnoitering party, under Colonel
Buller, C.B., skirmished on the 20th, against a
large body of Zulus, I deem it my duty to bring
to the notice of His Excellency the Lieut.-General
Commanding, that in my opinion, the presence of
mind, tactical skill and determination which led
Colonel Buller to advance at full speed, seize and
hold a stony hill, accounts for the successful
withdrawal of the party, with the insignificant
damage it sustained.
(Signed) EVELYN WOQD,
Colonel.
D. A. GENERAL,
REPORT of a reconnoissance under Lieut.-
Colonel R. Buller, C.B., Commanding Frontier
Light Horse, is forwarded herewith for the information
of his Excellency the Lieut.-General Commanding.
(Signed) EVELYN WOOD,
Colonel Commanding No. 4 Column.
January 22, 1879.
Camp. Fort.
| |
Camp White, Umfelosi River,
2lst January, 1879. |
SIR,
I HAVE the honour to report that at 4 a.m.
yesterday, Mr. Pict Uys kindly sent eight of his
Dutch Burghers to reconnoitre the top of Zingan
Mountain.
At 9 a.m., in accordance with instructions, I
started on patrol, with the force detailed in the
margin.* Crossing the Umfelosi River by an
indifferent drift, about two miles above Mount
Inseki, I moved towards Mabomba's Kraal, round
the south-east spur of Zingan. About seven miles
from the river Mr. Uys' men, who were reconnoitering
the left, found about 50 armed Zulus in
a kraal of Seketwayo, under the side of Zingan,
leaving the kraal the Kafirs at once took to the
rocks.
An engagement ensued, during which I reinforced
the Burghers with 20 dismounted men
under Captain Brunker.
Twelve Kafirs were I know killed, and I think
a few more. One man, F. L. H., was wounded
with an assegai thrown by a wounded Kafir, and
another had a narrow escape. We found four
guns and a good many assegais, all of which I
had broken, but I did not search the ground
thoroughly as I did not think the risk of getting
men stabbed by wounded Kafirs worth the result.
About this time two of Mr. Uys' men came to
us and reported a commando of Kafirs on the top
of Zingan. Ascending the mountain by a difficult
stony cattle track, we found the report was quite
true, as the rocky ridges were lined with Kafirs.
I endeavoured to cross the upper plateau in
order to get a view of Mabomba's Kraal from
above, but the hill was too strongly held for us
to force it. With the view of ascertaining the
full strength of the enemy who were coming
down to attack us in three columns, I seized a
small stony koppie and commenced an engagement
with the centre column. Our fire soon
drove them to cover with a loss of about eight
dead (seen a good many more reported), but
meanwhile we were completely outflanked on our
right by some 300 Kafirs who crept round among
the stones and kraantzes of the ridge, and our
left by some 400 men, boldly moved in tolerable
order across the open ground about a mile off. I accordingly
decided to withdraw. .In doing
so one man F. L. H. was wounded and two men
bit by spent balls, and the horse of Mr. Raymond,
a bugler, was hit. The Kafirs pursued us to the
Umfelosi River in force, and about 100 crossed
the drifts; but having then secured my retreat I
turned on the flats and drove them back. As far
as I could see they all returned to the top of
Zingan.
We reached camp about 9.30 p.m.
Throughout the day I received the greatest
possible assistance from Mr. Uys, whose experience
and courage are alike remarkable, and from
his men, who shoot well and are excellent scouts.
I consider that we were engaged with about
1,000 Kafirs, the larger proportion of whom had
guns, many very good ones; they appeared under
regular command and in fixed bodies. The most
noticeable part of their tactics is that every man
after firing a shot or after being fired at drops as
if dead, and remains motionless for nearly a
minute. In case of a night attack an interval
of time should be allowed before a return shot is
fired at a flash.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) REDVERS BULLER,
Lieut.-Col. F. L. Horse.
Return of Wounded in the Action of the 20th
January, 1879.
Frontier Light Horse, trooper J. Berrg, severely
wounded, gunshot flesh wound of thigh; trooper
J. Randell, slightly wounded, incised (assegai)
wound of wall of chest. Both the wounded
men are progressing favourably.
(Signed) T. O'REILLY, M.B.,
Surg. A.M.D. in Med. Charge.
| |
|
| |
The Officer Commanding Troops.
Camp W., 4 Column, Zululand,
January 26, 1879. |
A. M. GENERAL,
FORWARDED for your information. The
story given by the Zulu woman evidently has
reference to a skirmish which Colonel Buller had
on the Zungeni Nek, which I reported through D. A. G.
(Signed) EVELYN WOOD,
Colonel.
From Commandant Schumbrucher to Colonel
Wood, V.C., C.B., Commanding No 4 .Column, Zululand. Luneburg,23rd January., 1879.
1. At midnight last night I received news that
Umbelini said to have a following of about 3,000
fighting men, was expected to move from Intombe
mountains during that night to gain the place
called Umbelini's Caves, of which I gave, you a
description in my letter of 28th December last.
There he would collect such additional forces
as he could. draw from this District, cross over
in full force to the Pongolo Bush above Engelbrechts,
and. from; there direct his attacks upon
Luneburg and surrounding places. The information
came through one of Umbelini's men, who
had left the main force on Tuesday before daylight in order to warn a certain native family
living on the Pombetrion, his particular friends,
and it bore all the evidence of truth.
2. I immediately sent three men on horseback
to the Pongolo Drift where Umbelini would most
likely cross, near the confluence of the Tombe of
Pongolo there to lay in wait; and hurry back
should they observe any large party approaching. I likewise
despatched the natives attached to my
command to watch the Tombe Drift, half-way
between this and Umbelini's Caves, with similar
instructions ; and at daybreak I ordered a strong
mounted patrol of German Burghers to patrol
beyond the Pongolo towards Zungin's Neck.
3. All the patrols and' scouts have returned
now (5 p.m.) reporting everything apparently
quiet, and no Zulu force to be seen nor any spoor to be found of
a large number of men or cattle,
but a Zulu woman was met by Nkosana (a fat
native constable). She says that she came from
Umbelini's Impi; that an engagement had taken
place on Tuesday which prevented Umbelini from
carrying out his march upon Luneburg; that Umbelini's and Magolosini's forces had been
joined at Zungin's neck, and were attacked by
a small white force; the white men fired and
retired, stood again and fired and retired, and
repeated this several times; that each time they killed many Zulus, whereas the Zulu bullets fell
all-short. She could not say how many, but
she knew that very many Zulus were shot, and
amongst the wounded she had seen with her own
eyes a great Captain, Makukunesani, who
belonged to Diligaan's people, and was the Captain
of the whole Pongolo District; he was shot
through the breast,-and was still living on Tuesday
night. His being mortally wounded had
caused great consternation amongst the Zulus..
The woman further states that she left
Umbelini's force on Tuesday night, and that she
heard all yesterday (Wednesday) heavy firing towards Zungin's Neck. The woman's statement
seems to me very probably true, but under any
circumstances I thought it well to give you a
minute account. If true, it will give me all the
more confidence in the sagacity and faithfulness of my own
men in carrying out their reconnoitering patrol.
4. I have led the water close to the entrance
of Fort Clery, and managed a sort of drawbridge,
excavating the hitherto solid entrance to the depth
of the ditch. All this, including wood for
bridge and chains to draw up, involved an expenditure
of five pounds, signature for which I
request your authority of payment.
5. The laager here is now fully occupied, all the
farmers having come in. I count amongst them 28 fighting men,
armed with nine Winchesters,four breech-loaders of other pattern, and the rest
muzzle-loaders, double barrels, all with adequate
ammunition. They are very willing in doing patrol duty, and give
me great assistance.
6. Seventy-eight (78) natives -of the tame description have
enrolled themselves to join here
I have placed them under command of Nkosana,
and appointed their kraal to be above Mr. Filter's house, under
the hill. They do also, cheerfully,
duty as scouts and sentries all round, and cost
nothing whatever neither pay nor rations. In
case of attack, they will form a welcome addition,
to my rather small force.
A supply of about 50 stand of arms with ammunition
to be .kept exclusively in the fort for
use to repel an attack would be extremely useful
in order to arm such defenders as I may be able
to draw to the fort in cases of emergency.
8. Colonel Rowland, V.C.,C.B., accompanied by
Captains Harvey and Sherrard, and Commissary--General Phillips, paid a visit to Luneberg on the
20th, and returned to Derby on the 21st. I
understood that Colonel. Rowland, having received
despatches from Head-quarters whilst
here, authorising the formation of a column,
No. 5 will move as soon as possible to occupy
Meyer's Station, and then move on to Makatee's
Kop. I expect his advanced guard in a few days
9. Yesterday's partial eclipse of the- sun (between
3 and 4 p.m.) is looked upon by the natives as a sign of Umbelini's power, who is reported to have particular powers over that
luminary. If he should have happened to get a
thorough good thrashing on that day (which he most certainly did get, if it be true that he was engaged by you), it will have a most demoralizing effect upon all Zulu warriors, who looked to
Umbelini's victory as certain whenever he should meet our forces.
The garrison here is well and in full fighting spirit. I have only had occasion to punish one
man (Geo. Gibbs) for insubordination and inciting others to mutiny. I nipped the thing in the bud, by ignominiously dismissing Geo. Gibbs on the spot, and drumming him out of camp. Drink was, as usual, the cause. I have, however, succeeded in getting rid of the pest of liquor, by promising 50 lashes to any man, black or white,
who would bring drink into the fort or laager.
Wishing glorious success to your arms,
I. am,
Yours obediently,
SCHUMBRUCHBR,
Commander.
* Frontier. Light Horse; 7 Officers, 75 N.C.O.
and men.
Dutch Burghers: 22, under Mr. Pict Uys.
|
