During the year 1851, when the 1st Battalion was stationed at the
Western heights, their Colonel-in-Chief, the Duke of Wellington,
reviewed them for the last time. Arriving from Walmer in September,
he saw the Battalion put through a field day by Colonel Buller.
The fresh outbreak of the Kaffirs and the accounts which reached
England from the Cape having necessitated the despatch of
reinforcements to that colony, the 1st Battalion which remained at
Dover was, by letter from the Adjutant-General dated December 17,
1851, directed to be formed into Service and Depôt companies; and the
former were desired to hold themselves in readiness for immediate
service. Accordingly one Major (Horsford), 6 Captains, 6 First, and 6
Second Lieutenants, with the usual Staff, 30 sergeants, 24 corporals,
11 buglers and 614 privates were detailed for embarkation under the
command of Colonel Buller; and were on December 29 inspected by
Major-General Brown, Adjutant-General of the Forces, on the Western
heights, who expressed his satisfaction at their appearance.
The 2nd Battalion remained during the whole of this year stationed at
Kingston, Upper Canada.
On the morning of January 2, 1852, the Service companies of the 1st
Battalion were conveyed, in three small steamers, on board H.M.S.
‘Megæra;’ which in the evening proceeded to, and anchored in the
Downs.
Nothing could exceed the discomfort of this wretched ship. The men
were crowded; but Buller had wished his whole Battalion to go out
together; and, no doubt, eventually this saved many lives. For
the fate of the ‘Birkenhead,’ which took out detachments of other
regiments, and would probably have taken Riflemen had not all been
pushed into the ‘Megæra,’ is well known.
The ‘Megæra’ steamed from the Downs on the morning of the 3rd and off
Beachy Head and the back of the Isle of Wight encountered a heavy
gale, which much damaged her. She caught fire twice, but it was each
time happily extinguished, and on the 5th she put into Plymouth
harbour utterly disabled.
Here intelligence reached the Riflemen of the disastrous fight of
November 6, 1851, when Colonel Fordyce of the 74th was killed and
his regiment severely handled by the Kaffirs. And the ‘Megæra,’
hardly refitted, was desired to put to sea immediately. Stores were
incomplete; but the only reply to all such representations was the
repetition, by telegraph, of the order ‘Put to sea.’
So on January 7, at ten at night, the ‘Megæra’ again started; and
arrived at Madeira on the 24th. After coaling, and taking in supplies
here, she left on the 27th and arrived at Sierra Leone on February 6.
She steamed from this at midnight on the 7th and after some severe
gales, and being on fire again more than once, this unhappy ship at
last reached Simon’s bay on the night of March 24 having taken nearly
two months to make the passage.
After coaling here, and landing women and children and six sick men,
who were sent to Cape Town in charge of a sergeant, the ‘Megæra’
again put to sea on the 27th and anchored in Algoa bay on the 30th.
The Riflemen were immediately landed, by means of surf boats and the
help of Fingoes, as they had been at the same place six years before.
As soon as they were ashore they marched by companies to the hill
above Port Elizabeth where they were encamped; each company pitching
tents for that following it, so that the men were at once under
canvass as soon as they reached the ground. At the back of the camp
was a sort of ravine, through which flowed a stream, in which the men
washed everything, great-coats, clothing kits, in order to cleanse
them from the smoke and dirt of the ‘Megæra.’ On April 2 about two in
the afternoon, camp was struck, and the Battalion commenced its march
for the frontier; halting that night at the Swart Kop river.
The next morning they resumed their march, the last three hours
being under heavy rain, and encamped. On the Coega river on the 4th
they started at half-past four in the morning, and after marching
about ten miles, halted for breakfast, and then continued their
march, the intention being to cross Sunday river; but it was so
swollen with the rains as to be impassable. On its bank they remained
encamped therefore until the 8th. On that day about noon the river
was reported to be fordable, and the Battalion having passed it,
and marched about two miles and a half encamped for the night at
Commando’s kraal.
On the 9th, starting very early, they halted for breakfast at Addo
bush. On this day’s march they passed a well where the Battalion had
halted during a similar march in November 1846, and where the date,
then carved by them on a post, was still to be seen; and at night
encamped at Quagga Flats.
On the next day again marching very early, they advanced a good way
over the flats, and then again continued to ascend; for the road
for the whole march had been almost a constant rise, and after the
usual halt for breakfast, and a further march, arrived at Sidbury and
encamped on a hill-side.
On the 11th marching, as usual, about half-past four, they went
forward about eleven miles through the Assegai bush, and halted for
breakfast near a river of the same name; and marching on about seven
miles further encamped near the Karraga river, which however was hid
from the camp by a wooded declivity.
On the next day after the usual early march of about six miles, in
which they crossed the river, after a fatiguing descent to it, and
an equally fatiguing ascent on the opposite side of a ravine, they
halted for breakfast in a spot covered with mimosa bushes, with fine
grass between them, which had rather the appearance of an artificial
lawn than of unreclaimed wilderness. Soon after starting again, they
met such crowds of people coming out from Graham’s-town to meet them,
that they fancied themselves close to it; but after a toilsome march
of six miles further, over a very rough road, they encamped in the
Drostdy barracks.
During the two following days they halted; but on the 15th starting
from Graham’s-town about eleven, accompanied by numbers of the
inhabitants, they marched to Botha’s Hill, where they encamped for
the night.
On the 16th marching about five, over the Ekka heights, they entered
the Fish river bush, by a newly-cut path called the ‘Queen’s road.’
Proceeding about five miles, on emerging from the bush, and passing
over some flat country to Fort Brown, they crossed the Fish river
by a wooden bridge, and proceeding about three miles further, they
encamped about three o’clock near the Koonap, a tributary of the Fish
river.
On the next day they marched about six miles to their breakfast halt,
on some very high ground; and after crossing the Koonap at a shallow
ford, ascended the Koonap heights; and, after a short march, reached
their camping ground at Liew fontein early and untired.
On the 18th starting at five, they had a long march to Mildenhall,
where they breakfasted, and where three houses had recently been
destroyed by the Kaffirs. After this halt crossing the Chumie
river, and afterwards the Kat river by a shallow ford, they marched
through the town of Fort Beaufort amidst the hearty welcomes of its
inhabitants, and encamped on a plain on the other side of it.
Here they halted for three days in very inclement weather; the
heavy rain on the 19th obliging the men to turn out at night to dig
trenches round the tents, and to bale out the water which had flooded
them.
On arrival at Fort Beaufort the Battalion was placed in the 1st
brigade of the division under Major-General Somerset. The brigade,
which was commanded by Colonel Buller, was composed of detachments of
the 74th, Cape Corps, and Artillery, with two six-pounders and rocket
apparatus, and some Fingoe levies.
The Battalion, having been inspected by General Somerset on April
21, marched about half-past six on the morning of the 22nd for the
Waterkloof, accompanied by eight of the Cape Corps, and a detachment
of Artillery with a six-pounder, drawn by twelve oxen.
They halted for breakfast at Gilbert’s farm ‘Klu-klu,’ which had
been burnt by the Kaffirs. Resuming their march to Yellow-wood they
encamped for the night on the Kroome river, where plenty of long
grass afforded them excellent beds. The day’s march had been very
fatiguing; for though part of it was through a fine grassy country,
and on a hard road, yet this had in places been broken up by
mountain storms into gullies, sometimes resembling steep steps of
stairs, and sometimes the loose _débris_ of a stone quarry.
On the 23rd they started soon after 5, and after passing some ruined
houses halted for breakfast at McMaster’s canteen, which, like the
buildings they had passed, bore evident marks of Kaffir depredation
and destruction. After a rest of about two hours, they resumed their
march towards the banks of the Koonap, and pitched their tents at a
place called Haddon’s post; but which the men called Stony camp, from
the difficulty they experienced in driving in the tent pegs; near a
thickly wooded ravine called Bushneck.
Hardly had the camp been pitched when a storm of wind, rain and hail,
accompanied with thunder and lightning, came on, which threw tents
to the ground, and obliged men and officers to turn out with shovels
and mallets to dig trenches, and drive tent-pegs. And even after the
violence of the storm abated, rain continued at intervals during the
night. Kaffirs were seen at a distance on the hills near the camp.
On the 24th when they were preparing to advance, the conductor
declared that the oxen could not go forward; consequently the
Battalion halted for the day; Captain Glyn’s company going out on
patrol, and bringing in a horse, which was claimed by the Fingoes.
On the 25th they started in a fog so thick that they lost their way
in the first half-hour; and had to halt. Then resuming their march,
they literally felt their way to the banks of the Koonap, which they
crossed five times in the course of this day’s march. They halted
for breakfast at Nell’s Farm, where one end of the house only was
standing. On resuming their march, after twice crossing the Koonap,
they ascended a hill of exceeding steepness, by a road formed by the
dry and rocky course of a mountain torrent. The advanced guard shot
one Kaffir and made two women, mother and daughter, prisoners. They
burnt some Kaffir huts also, but they were empty. On getting to the
top the Riflemen were halted to get their breath. This hill forms one
of the Winterberg Mountains, the Chumie range forming the opposite
side of the Waterkloof. After a short halt they resumed their
advance; and, after marching some distance, were halted in a pretty
but irregular valley, where it was intended to camp. But it was found
that the oxen with the tents and baggage had been unable to ascend
the hill as fast as was expected; and consequently the Battalion was
ordered to countermarch (an unwelcome order, after so fatiguing a
march) and after descending again about a mile and a-half, encamped
on some stony and uneven ground. A strong guard was formed round the
camp, and the picquet were sent down the hill with the dinners of the
men at the bottom, and to form a guard while they ate it. For one
company was sent down the hill to bring up the waggons, and all were
not up till 2 o’clock in the morning. On the next day the Battalion
marched forward to a place called Bear’s farm, about 5 miles from
the Waterkloof valley. To reach this it was necessary to go down a
road almost as steep as that ascending the opposite side of the ridge
from the Bushneck valley, and equal difficulties were experienced in
getting the baggage forward.
On April 29 Captains Somerset’s,[207] Lord Alexander Russell’s[208]
and Woodford’s companies (with some Fingoes, and Cape Corps) fell
in at 4 in the morning, and were ordered to move forward in perfect
silence. Somerset with a 6-pounder went round by a road; while the
remaining two companies advanced over most rough and broken ground
to the edge of the Waterkloof, which, in consequence of its being
perfectly dark, rendered the march extremely difficult. Daylight was
just appearing when they caught sight of some Kaffir fires. Colonel
Buller passed the word to extend, and the two companies advanced. The
Kaffir ‘Whoop’ was soon heard, and firing commenced when they were
about 200 yards from the first kraal. From this the Kaffirs fled to
the bush and the rocks, taking cover behind the rocks as the Riflemen
came on. They set fire to the huts, and still advancing and searching
every bush and hiding place, emerged on the plain beyond. Somerset’s
company with the gun now joined them on the left. They soon came in
sight of another kraal, and the gun was unlimbered and a shell thrown
into it. The Riflemen still advanced; and the Kaffirs kept up a
brisk fire from the bush, and from a hill just beyond. Here the three
companies made a halt; and eventually returned to camp, as the force
was not strong enough to attempt the hill, where the Kaffirs greatly
outnumbered them.
In this patrol, Lieutenant Godfrey and 3 men were wounded. The place
was called Mundell’s Krantz, and was in fact the place where Colonel
Fordyce had been killed.
The three companies reached the camp about 2 o’clock after a march of
18 miles. Kaffirs hovered on their rear during their march back; but
did not venture within range.
On May 3 another patrol, consisting of four companies started at
half-past two A.M., as some Kaffirs were said to be in Engelbrecht’s
kloof. Of these one company joined a party of the 74th Regiment
at Post Retief; and starting thence at 3 in the afternoon marched
about 12 miles along the Koonap, which they forded seven times;
and occupied for the night a ruined farm-house which they reached
at dark. On the next morning they marched about 5, again crossing
several streams, some of them very dangerous from the slippery state
of the rocks, in falling from which one Rifleman dislocated his
knee. At 9 o’clock they fell in with the remaining companies, which
were posted on a hill in front of them; but the scouts came in with
intelligence that the Kaffirs had all left the kloof, and the patrol
returned to the camp at Bear’s farm.
On the 5th one company proceeded with a party of the 74th as a
covering party to protect those engaged in road-making in the
Blinkwater. The scouts reported traces of cattle near Bushneck; and
on the 6th Captains Rooper’s and Woodford’s companies, accompanied by
a party of the Cape Corps and some Fingoes, started at 4 A.M. under
command of Major Horsford, and after marching round by the hills and
destroying many huts so hurriedly left by the Kaffirs that they found
them full of necklaces, and various utensils, and even one young
child left behind, they returned to camp about 2 o’clock.
On the 8th a patrol under command of Colonel Buller, accompanied
by two guns, proceeded early to the hills at the mouth of the
Waterkloof. However the Kaffirs, though occupying it in great
strength, would not show themselves. And after firing about twenty
rounds from the guns into the kloof, the patrol returned to camp.
It seemed that the Kaffirs by watching were aware of every movement
made by the Riflemen, and so avoided an attack. But it was thought
that these frequent patrols harassed them as much as if they had been
brought to an actual engagement.
On the 17th four companies, Lord Alexander Russell’s, Woodford’s,
Hardinge’s and Glyn’s, moved before daylight for the Waterkloof; and
arriving near the scene of the skirmish on April 29, burned several
huts and captured three horses, several shots being fired from the
kloof. No enemy then appeared. But as the patrol began to retire
they showed themselves in all directions. Several men had been left
in ambush near the burning huts; and they were soon busily engaged.
The patrol was extended, and retired by companies, each company
facing the enemy in turn, while the rest moved to the rear. As soon
as they left a position, or passed over rising ground, it was taken
possession of by the enemy who kept up a smart fire from their large
elephant pieces. Happily their aim was generally too high; but three
of the Riflemen were wounded. They were about four hours engaged;
and retired fighting over about 5 miles. Twice they halted and
endeavoured to bring the Kaffirs to close quarters; but they declined
meeting them on the plain.
The Battalion remained at Bear’s farm without any important
occurrence until the 27th, when three companies, Rooper’s, Somerset’s
and Glyn’s, proceeded on patrol at 5 A.M. under the command of Major
Horsford, for Ingilby’s farm; and discovered numerous traces of
cattle but did not come upon any Kaffirs.
On the 29th a patrol of 70 men with Lieutenants Elliot[209] and
Coote Buller, proceeded to Ingilby’s farm, in order to ascertain
whether the spoor[210] observed on the 27th was caused by the Kaffirs
grazing their cattle by night. They had nearly reached the place
where they were to make this examination, when a sharp fire opened
from an unseen enemy, by which four men were wounded. The fire was
immediately returned into the bush, but its effect could not be
ascertained; and the patrol returned to camp.
On the evening of the 30th the Battalion paraded for patrol at
tattoo, it being important to ascertain whether the Kaffirs did, as
reported by the scouts, bring out their cattle to feed at night.
Strict orders were given for perfect silence, no lights were to be
struck or pipes lighted. They marched about 8 miles; and then were
ordered to be ready to fall in at three minutes’ notice. About 5 A.M.
they stood to their arms, extended, and advanced to the edge of the
bush; where they again halted and lay down till daylight. As soon as
it appeared they dashed rapidly into the bush downhill to a valley.
Two Kaffirs were seen, and both brought down by the Riflemen. They
came on smouldering fires, and many traces of Kaffirs, but saw no
more. The valley was well cultivated as a garden; and full of fruit,
with which the men filled their haversacks. Having halted there
for breakfast, they marched back to camp; where they arrived about
10 o’clock on the 31st, and were mustered as they stood, in their
accoutrements.
On June 3, four companies, Lord Alexander Russell’s, Woodford’s,
Hardinge’s and Glyn’s, paraded at 6 in the morning and marched
towards the Waterkloof, in order to meet General Cathcart, and
to accompany him on a reconnaissance to the Waterkloof and the
Blinkwater. Having reached the place fronting the Kloof called the
Horse-shoe, they piled arms and awaited the General. The Kaffirs were
soon seen in motion in every direction, wondering probably what was
intended by this demonstration by daylight; and they lit two large
fires on the opposite side of the Kloof apparently as signals. On the
General’s arrival, accompanied by his Staff, some of the Cape Corps,
and a troop of the 12th Lancers, they proceeded with him to examine
the different parts of the Kloof to which the Riflemen had patrolled
on former occasions. As they moved along the Kaffirs accompanied
them, keeping within the edge of the Kloof. They proceeded towards
the Blinkwater, from whence the General went on to Post Retief, while
the Riflemen returned to their camp, after a most fatiguing day’s
march, in consequence of the slipperiness of the grass, and the
necessity of their keeping up with the mounted force. On the 4th it
was seen that the Kaffirs had set fire to the grass round the camp;
and watch had to be kept all night to see that it did not approach
too close. On the morning of the 5th three parties were despatched to
beat out the fire with bushes; which they did effectually owing to
the shortness of the grass.
On the 8th two companies proceeded on a reconnaissance towards the
Waterkloof, and returned without doing anything; but one man was
killed.
On the 11th Lord Alexander Russell’s, Woodford’s and Hardinge’s
companies started at 4 in the morning in the direction of Bushneck;
not proceeding by the usual road, but directly across country, up
and down hills, some of them extremely steep, with large projecting
rocks, which the men had to climb, and to slide down on the other
side. Part of the march also was over the burnt grass, the dust from
which was extremely annoying, and at times almost prevented their
seeing anything. They marched fully 18 miles, not even halting for
breakfast. They came on traces of Kaffirs, who as usual disappeared,
unless surrounded before daylight.
On July 3 a patrol of Captain Somerset’s company started at 5 A.M.
and examined the valleys in the neighbourhood of the Waterkloof in
search of cattle; but the sun rose before they had found them, and
rendered their efforts unsuccessful.
An escort marched towards the Blinkwater on July 5 to deliver the
guns to a party of the 91st and some of Lakeman’s volunteers. As they
were returning they saw some Kaffirs driving off a cow. The officer
in charge would not allow the company to go, but gave permission for
ten volunteers to attack them; who immediately doubled to cover. The
Kaffirs observing the company did not see the detached party, who
cut them off from the bush. There were three men and two women; who
seemed so destitute and starved that it was not worth while to make
them prisoners.
At midnight on the 6th a patrol left the camp, and after marching a
considerable distance, were halted, divided into watches, and ordered
to conceal themselves. The object was to intercept cattle, supposed
to be on the move. But after lying down in concealment during a
very cold morning, at sunrise they returned to camp without having
effected their object.
On the 7th the camp at Bear’s farm was struck, and the tents
and baggage placed in the farm-yard under the charge of Captain
Woodford’s company. The remainder paraded a little before midnight,
with coats and blankets and three days’ rations, which the men were
recommended to cook before starting. Soon after they moved off; and
marching, in a cold sleet, by the southern heights of the Waterkloof,
were joined by another division under General Cathcart.[211] They
then proceeded to the ridge separating the Waterkloof valley from
Fuller’s Hoek, and after firing shell, shot, and rockets into the
bush, bivouacked on the night of the 8th at the head of the pass,
after having been fourteen successive hours on the move. They had
seen many Kaffirs, who kept close in cover, occasionally firing on
our skirmishers. In this affair one Rifleman was killed, shot through
the brain while taking aim over a rock. The weather during the time
the Battalion was engaged on this reconnaissance was extremely
inclement, rain, sleet and snow falling almost incessantly.
During the absence of the Battalion the Kaffirs rushed out of the
Kloof, and drove off seven oxen feeding near Bear’s farm. The company
there immediately stood to their arms; but could not leave their
position, as the Kaffirs appeared in number on the neighbouring
hills. The waggoners were despatched to secure the oxen; and the
Kaffirs at first retired. But seeing that they were only waggoners
not soldiers, they returned and made off with their prize.
The Battalion returned about noon on the 9th and found the tents
pitched and everything made ready for them by their comrades in
charge. They were accompanied by two 12-pounders, with the men and
horses.
On the morning of the 14th the Battalion finally left its
camping-ground at Bear’s farm, and proceeded to Mount-Misery,
marching by the edge of the Waterkloof into which shells were
occasionally dropped. The Riflemen had scarcely reached their
position, when a waggoner came running in and informed them that his
span[212] of oxen had been seized by the Kaffirs. The cattle-guard
which was in the act of mounting, set off at the double; the best
runners taking the lead, and soon came up with the cattle, which they
recovered, shooting one Kaffir.
Here a standing camp was formed, and two redoubts were built, as a
base from whence General Cathcart operated in the final attacks on
the Kaffirs. On the morning of the 15th the outlying picket at the
head of Fuller’s Hoek had just lit their cooking fire at daybreak,
when the fuel was knocked about by a ball from the bush. Several more
shots were fired; but no mischief done. And some men of the picquet,
crawling into the bush, shot one Kaffir and took three horses.
The Riflemen were engaged till the 23rd in assisting in building the
redoubts, and strengthening the camp; which was placed on the ridge
commanding and cutting the communication between Fuller’s Hoek and
the head of the Waterkloof.
On the 24th the Battalion started at half-past four in the morning
accompanied by all the available force at Colonel Buller’s command,
leaving a party in charge of the forts. They marched in the direction
of Mundell’s Krantz, near which they burned a number of Kaffir huts,
and captured several horses. Several shells were fired into the Kloof
into which the Kaffirs had fled, and from which they kept up a smart
fire by which two men of the Battalion were wounded; one dangerously;
the other, the Colonel’s orderly, shot in the face and neck. Sergeant
Green had a very curious escape; the bullet passing behind his
ball-bag, and bending the brasses of his waist-belt.
The General Order of which the following is an extract, was issued by
General Cathcart on the next day:
‘General Order No. 59.
‘Head-quarters, Fort Beaufort, July 25, 1852.
‘3. The Commander of the Forces has received with much
satisfaction Colonel Buller’s report of his attack on the 24th
inst. at daylight on the Kaffir kraals of the Waterkloof near
Mundell’s Krantz, which were destroyed, as well those above as
those below the krantz.[213]
‘In this attack, which Colonel Buller conducted with much
ability, a considerable loss of life was inflicted on the enemy,
many of their arms and some ammunition destroyed in burning the
huts, and twelve head of cattle and eight horses taken.
‘Colonel Buller speaks in terms of marked praise of the manner
in which Major Bedford, commanding the 60th rifles, and Major
Horsford, Rifle Brigade, led their battalions, &c....
(Signed) ‘A. J. CLOETE,
‘Q. M. Gen.’
On their return to camp the Riflemen were warned, that, as they were
to start on an expedition across the Kei river against Kreili, they
were to take out of their knapsacks any article wanted for the road;
and the knapsacks were to be conveyed in waggons to Fort Beaufort, to
be kept in store till their return.
At daybreak on the 25th four companies under the command of Major
Horsford started for Fort Beaufort, leaving two companies with
Head-quarters to occupy and complete the fort.
Horsford’s column, after bivouacking one night near the Blinkwater,
reached Fort Beaufort, by a mountain road, on the 16th. The band,
which had been stationary at Beaufort, met the Battalion about a mile
from the fort; and the familiar strains of ‘Ninety-five’ greeted
and enlivened the men after their fatiguing march. They encamped on
the same spot occupied by the Battalion in the war of 1847-9. And
remained there till the 29th, when they marched, returning to and
camping near the Blinkwater, where they were joined by the remainder
of the forces for the Kei expedition.
On the 30th they marched at half-past six, and followed the windings
of the Kei river for about twelve miles; and, after fording it,
halted for breakfast about two o’clock. Resuming their march, they
halted at Fort Armstrong where they encamped.
On the next day having but a short march of seven miles to
accomplish, they did not start till after breakfast--and encamped
for the night in an acacia grove about a mile from Eland’s post. On
August 1, the Riflemen having to escort the waggons, did not start
till about eight; and after a march of four miles, halted at the
foot of the Winterberg mountain. The ascent of this occupied the
remainder of the day; and the road after reaching the summit being
very circuitous, it was late before they reached their camping-ground.
Marching the next day about eight o’clock, they passed over an
undulating plain, covered with burnt grass, and after a very
fatiguing march, though not more than eight miles, encamped after
dark at the Katsberg mountain. The place was so utterly devoid of
wood, that the men were obliged to collect dry dung for the fires.
On the 3rd they marched about ten o’clock, and after a most fatiguing
march, climbing and sliding down steep hills, reached their
camping-ground about six. During this march twenty of the draught
oxen were lost from fatigue and starvation.
The day following, marching early they crossed a sandy plain, and
in the course of the march passed near some settlers’ houses and
encamped on a fine stream near Shiloh.
On the 5th starting about ten, and marching eight miles over a fine
grassy plain bounded on each side by ridges of mountains, they
encamped near the Klaas Smidts river, which they crossed. And on the
next day, accomplishing a march of about twenty miles, encamped at
Umvani. On the 7th after an easy day’s march of about eight miles
which they got over at a rapid pace they encamped for the night at
Balotta. During this day the Riflemen could see from the high ground
parties of burghers, levies, and waggons making by different roads
for the general _rendezvous_ of the expedition.
On the 8th at an early hour the ‘alarm’ and ‘assembly’ were sounded;
and in less than five minutes the Riflemen were all under arms,
standing in front of the tents, and expecting the appearance of an
enemy. It proved however only to be a trial by General Cathcart of in
how short a time he could have his force under arms. Horsford’s party
afterwards formed line, and after being inspected by the General,
were dismissed and halted that day and the next.
On the next morning a march of about ten miles brought them to the
Kei river, which they crossed at a very shallow place, the stony bed
being in some parts exposed. They encamped at Sabella half a mile
from the White Kei. The General here manifested his extreme regard
for the Regiment, which continued till his death. Their tents were
next to those of the Staff, and the Riflemen were specially attached
to his person. The General divided his forces into two columns, one
under Colonel Michel, of the 6th Regiment; the other under Colonel
Napier. Each consisted of one regiment of infantry, mounted burghers,
and levies, Africandos, Dutch and English, native levies, Cape Corps
and Lancers. These two columns were to patrol in Kreili’s country.
The four companies of the Regiment were to hold the camp; to act as
the General’s body-guard; and to form escorts for the cavalry-patrols
and cattle.
On the 14th an alarm was given from the outlying picquet that the
Kaffirs were taking the cattle. The Riflemen were cleaning their
belts; but before the bugler could sound the ‘assembly’ they had
slipped on their belts, seized their rifles, and were off over the
hill. It was a false alarm; a party of mounted Fingoes coming in
from Balotta had fired off their pieces near where the cattle were
grazing. On seeing the Riflemen, they turned tail and fled, and were
hotly pursued by them. It was a fine chase, till Major Horsford,
galloping forward, ascertained the real state of the case, and
brought the Riflemen back to camp.
They continued in this camp without any material occurrence until the
20th; on which day two companies, Somerset’s and Woodford’s, started
at four o’clock in the morning, carrying two days’ rations, to cover
a patrol of cavalry. They arrived about ten at Crouch’s post, and
halted in a large wood. As the cattle captured from the Kaffirs
were brought in by the mounted parties, the Riflemen in parties of
twelve or twenty taking them over, drove them to the camp, where they
arrived about sundown. About 12,000 head of cattle were said to have
been taken on this day.
On the 21st the tents were struck and these companies commenced their
return march, in order to cross the Kei before the rains set in. The
Riflemen on reaching the river were ordered to conceal themselves in
ambush. About two o’clock they made a rapid dash back to the site of
the camp. in the expectation that they might come upon some Kaffirs.
Some men were seen in the distance, who were immediately pursued
by some of the Cape Corps who accompanied the Riflemen, while they
took prisoners a few women who were foraging about the place where
the tents had stood. However these were afterwards released; and the
Riflemen, moving off, reached Balotta about dark. The next day the
column halted, as a division of the captured cattle was made among
the burghers and others. On the 23rd resuming their march about
nine o’clock, after ascending the high ground from which they had
observed the assembling forces on the 7th, leaving their old track
to the right, they struck into a valley; and after passing over an
undulating country encamped on the bank of the Swart Kei, having made
a march of about twenty miles. The Riflemen on this march presented
a curious appearance; many of them leading colts, calves or kids.
The following day they did not march till two o’clock in the
afternoon, being detained by the difficulty of getting the waggons
across the river. After fording it, they ascended the steep range of
the Windvogelberg. The Kaffirs still hung on their rear, occupying
their camping grounds as soon as the Riflemen were out of range. They
marched about eight miles; the latter part of it in torrents of rain;
and encamped near the Windvogel river. On the 25th they marched at
eight o’clock; and still ascending, moved forward about seven miles
after reaching the top of the range of mountains, and encamped on the
Thorn river. During these marches great difficulty was experienced
in getting the waggons up the hills. On this night some of them did
not reach the camping-ground till eleven o’clock, and as some of the
Riflemen had to escort, and some to help forward, the oxen, these
marches were most toilsome. After a halt on the 26th devoted to
cleaning arms and accoutrements and mending clothing, they resumed
their march on the 27th, and did not reach their camping-ground on
the Klip-plaatz river till after dark. This day’s march was partly
over snow-covered ground; and the Kaffirs knowing where they would
have to halt for water, had burned the herbage, so that fodder and
wood were scarce. In consequence of these wants, they started at
half-past five on the morning of the 28th and refording the Klip,
passed through a mountain ravine, the Klipclowberg; and afterwards
marched about four miles through a bog; and after fording the Mud
river, halted for breakfast under Gaika’s kop, in order to allow the
oxen, who had had no food for two days, to graze. Resuming their
march they passed over the range; and descending a most precipitous
mountain-side about six miles in length, where the Riflemen had to
hang on to the rear of the waggons to prevent their overturning, they
encamped that night within about a mile and a half of Eland’s post.
From hence, proceeding by the route by which they had advanced, and
encamping at the same points, they reached Fort Beaufort on the 31st.
In the meanwhile the two companies and Head-quarters had left their
standing camp at the Waterkloof on August 29, and had arrived at
Fort Beaufort on the day following, where they occupied quarters.
The four companies which formed part of the Kei expedition were
encamped near the fort. These men had not shaved since they started;
and their appearance and their patched and many-coloured garments
contrasted strangely with the neat aspect and new clothing of the two
Head-quarter companies. On the 26th Colonel Buller had been appointed
to succeed Major-General Somerset in command of the 1st Division of
the army; so that the command of the Battalion devolved on Major
Horsford.
General Cathcart, commanding the forces, having decided on a
general operation in order to clear the Waterkloof, four columns
were appointed to move simultaneously from various points, and to
converge to a common centre. In accordance with this arrangement the
Battalion, having been re-equipped, was ready to take the field again
on September 6; but the rains having rendered the rivers unfordable,
they did not move until the 10th. On which day, starting early, they
breakfasted at Klu-klu, and halted for the night at Yellow Wood. On
the 11th they marched at five; and after halting for breakfast at
McMaster’s canteen, reached Haddon’s post in the evening. At all
these stations the houses were in ruins; the gardens devastated; and
marks of the incursions of the Kaffirs everywhere visible.
On the morning of the 12th a strong patrol advanced into the Bushneck
to select a spot for a camp; and returned to Haddon’s post in about
an hour, having shot the only Kaffir who was seen. On the 13th
the Battalion marched at daylight to Nell’s farm in the Bushneck,
opposite the principal entrance to the Waterkloof. General Cathcart
came to look at them on the march, and highly approved the appearance
of the Battalion. One Kaffir and three women were made prisoners, and
handed over to the Fingoe levies.
On the 14th an order was given that one company should always sleep
fully accoutred, and ready to stand to their arms at a moment’s
notice. The remainder of the Battalion were engaged in building a
fort. On the 15th the Battalion paraded two hours before daylight,
with three days’ rations, and moving up the Waterkloof reached
Mundell’s Krantz, a distance of about four miles, by daybreak. As
soon as it was light, they entered the Kloof and commenced burning
the huts and shooting the occupants. Some of the other troops were
above, pouring rockets and shell into the Kloof; and the Riflemen
picked off the Kaffirs, whom these missiles dislodged from their
cover. About sixty Kaffir women, besides children, and some rebel
Hottentots, were taken prisoners. These last were immediately hung.
The Riflemen, pushing forward through the Kloof, met the 73rd, who
had penetrated from the head. These, their companions in the former
war, on first catching sight of the Riflemen from the top of a
rock, set up a ringing cheer, which was heartily returned by the
greenjackets. The troops on the Chumie and the adjoining heights
took it up, and the whole Kloof re-echoed it. The columns had met in
the centre, having penetrated from all points. But the Kloof was not
taken yet; the various krantzes and gorges were to be searched.
Later in the day, two companies, Somerset’s and Woodford’s,
accompanied by the Grenadier company of the 73rd, proceeded to clear
a krantz. The troops on the opposite side of the Kloof could see the
Kaffirs gathering on the top, and shouted in warning to our men.
Colonel Eyre, in command of the party, desired the men to go slowly
up, and to keep their wind till they were fired on; then to give a
cheer and rush to the top. On a ledge about half-way up screened
from below by trees, they found a village, which they immediately
burned; and the ascending flames and smoke from these burning huts
seriously incommoded them as they clambered up the remainder of the
cliff. When they got near the top firing commenced; and they dashed
to the top amidst the cheers of the troops on the opposite heights.
The Kaffirs flew before them into the adjoining bush. Lieutenant
Lindsay and four Riflemen pursued them, and had penetrated some
distance into the bush, before they realised the weakness of their
party, and the fact that they had lost their way. After wandering
about for some time, they caught the sound of the bugle, and
following its direction, they eventually rejoined the Battalion,
which bivouacked that night in a small clump of trees on the Iron
Rock.
The 16th was occupied in searching for Kaffirs, most of the huts
having been already burnt. The Riflemen, guided by Fingoes, searched
the bush and the caves up the Kloof and back again to their bivouack
of the night before, which they did not reach till a late hour, and
in heavy rain.
The Battalion was off before daylight on the 17th, the men shivering
with cold and wet. As they were passing along the edge of the
Kloof they were informed that Macomo was in Fuller’s Hoek; and
they immediately started to the bush over Blakeway’s farm. Troops
surrounded every part of Fuller’s Hoek which men could reach; and the
Riflemen patrolled the ridges and Kaffir tracks in every direction;
sometimes passing over ground so steep that it was difficult for
them to keep their feet. Some huts were found securely concealed,
which were immediately burnt. Though numerous traces of Macomo and
his attendants were found, he himself was not unearthed. For it was
impossible to search every foot of a kloof miles in extent, covered
with dense bush, and which abounded with places of concealment. The
Riflemen, much fatigued with this harassing work, bivouacked early in
Harris’ Kloof, and some cattle captured during the day were killed
and served out to the Riflemen by Major Horsford’s order.
On the 18th they started early, again taking the road to the Hoek;
but heavy rain coming on, Colonel Eyre’s intention of again searching
it was defeated, the ground being soon so slippery that neither
men nor horses could stand. He therefore dismissed the column; and
the Riflemen turned homeward, passing over the Iron Rock and the
lower part of the Waterkloof. It was a long way, and it took them
six hours’ quick marching to get over it. There was a short halt;
but the men’s rations being exhausted, there was nothing to cook.
The officers emptied their saddle-bags among the men; but this was
insufficient. However Horsford sent on a Cape Corps man with an order
to get the tents up, and as the Riflemen came in sight of their old
camping-ground at Nell’s farm they found their houses all standing.
The Battalion remained in their camp on the 19th, but on the 20th
four companies proceeded to the Waterkloof in which they encamped
at Brown’s farm at the foot of Mundell’s Krantz; one company
(Somerset’s) proceeding to the top of the krantz; and Rooper’s
company remaining at Nell’s farm, in occupation of the fort built
there.
On the 22nd every available man started at two o’clock A.M. on a
patrol to Stuart’s Kloof, a Hottentot prisoner captured the day
before being led in front by a halter as a guide. Reaching the kloof
about sunrise, and perceiving smoke issuing from it, the Riflemen
surrounded it and skirmished through it; but finding nothing but
Hottentot women and children, returned to their camp at Brown’s farm
about two.
Heavy and almost continuous rain prevented active operations for some
days; and the Riflemen were engaged in building a fort near their
camp, and in a very central position in the Waterkloof.
But on the 30th, spies having reported that Macomo was in the Kroome
hills, a patrol started soon after midnight; and after fording a
river and ascending the hills, scoured the kloofs, but did not find
any Kaffirs, and returned by the Bushneck to camp about noon.
On October 4 a patrol proceeded to the Iron Rock; two companies going
to the top of it, while the others extended at its foot. Two Kaffirs
were shot; one an amazingly powerful man, quite six feet three in
height.
On the 10th and following days the Battalion was employed, a company
at a time, making roads through the Waterkloof, and opening up
communications between the forts lately erected. The men for this
duty starting at daybreak and working till sunset.
On the 14th the company left at Nell’s farm captured several head of
cattle, which were almost driven into their hands by the Kaffirs, who
appeared to be ignorant that a party were there stationed.
On the 20th all the available men started at three A.M. over
Mundell’s Krantz, but were soon enveloped in a mist so thick that
they could not see many yards on any side. They were compelled to
halt till it cleared off; when they perceived a party of the 91st and
some of Lakeman’s volunteers in a similar difficulty. They proceeded
together to Post Retief, which they reached about two; and were
ordered to draw four days’ rations, and to be ready to start again
at ten o’clock at night. Marching all night they reached, towards
sunrise on the 21st, the very steep range of the Zoorberg mountains.
The road was most difficult, and the ascent so sharp that many men
fell out. On reaching the summit the Riflemen were ordered to fall
in by comrades and to lie down to rest. Afterwards the companies
were despatched in different directions; some to skirmish through
the bush; others to extend along its edge, keeping a good look-out
for any Kaffirs who might bolt out of it. This sort of patrolling
continued during the whole of the day and until late on the 22nd; the
men having lain down in their ranks and snatched a very few hours’
sleep. Towards that evening the companies assembled on one of the
mountain ridges; and halted for a time to refresh the men, wearied
and thirsty from having been the greater part of three days on the
move. The Battalion then marched on, and bivouacked in the night in
a position where they found plenty of wood and water.
On the 23rd, starting about four A.M., they proceeded, at a rapid
pace and by the most direct route, to Mundell’s Krantz, descended
by the road made obliquely down the face of the krantz by Captain
Somerset’s company, and reached their home at Brown’s farm in the
afternoon.
The Battalion continued engaged in road-making and the usual duties
of the camp till November 3; on which day Captain Somerset’s company
proceeded from Mundell’s Krantz to Fort Beaufort, where it arrived
on the following day; and on the 11th marched to Eland’s post, and
was there stationed.
On the 5th Captain Woodford’s company marched for the Blinkwater,
where it arrived on the following day; and having built huts, and
entrenched the position, was there stationed.
On the 12th the Battalion, with the exception of these companies,
marched to Fort Beaufort and occupied quarters.
On November 19 two companies, Lord Alexander Russell’s and Captain
Hardinge’s, marched to the Chumie-neck and occupied that post.
General Cathcart having determined to proceed with a force to
the North-Eastern Frontier, to demand satisfaction from, or to
punish, Moshesh, chief of the Basuto tribe, for his incursions and
depredations on the settlers near the Orange river, had intended
to take with him four companies of Riflemen; but the Kaffirs and
Hottentots having shown themselves in force near Fort Beaufort,
General Cathcart resolved to take one company only as a camp
body-guard. Rooper’s company was the first for duty; and as he had
lately been appointed to an official situation in the colony, the
command of it devolved on Lieutenant the Hon. Leicester Curzon.[214]
They were ordered rather unexpectedly late in the evening of November
17, to march at daylight on the following morning. The rest of the
troops had started about a week before under Colonel Eyre, and
General Cathcart was to overtake them at Burghersdorp, about 160
miles from Fort Beaufort. The Riflemen therefore made forced marches,
their orders being that they must camp at night with the General. The
men’s packs were however carried for them in mule-waggons.
Passing the Blinkwater, Fort Armstrong, Eland’s post, Whittlesea,
and Shiloh, they crossed the Brak river, and going through the rocky
defile called Klaas Smidts Poort, and over an extensive plain,
ascended the Stormberg mountains. After descending this lofty ridge
and crossing the Stormberg Spruit,[215] a tributary of the Orange
river, they arrived at Burghersdorp, where the rest of the troops
were assembled, on the 27th.
The whole force was inspected on the next day by the
Commander-in-Chief, and divided into brigades, the Riflemen being
attached to that under Major Pinckney of the 73rd, consisting of that
regiment, the 43rd, and two guns. This was first in Colonel MacDuff’s
division; but on his being left behind at the Caledon river, was
placed under the command of Colonel Eyre. They marched at daybreak on
the 30th, and after a long and fatiguing march of 20 miles, during
which one of the Riflemen had a _coup-de-soleil_, reached their
halting-place. On December 1 after another hot march they forded the
Orange river without much difficulty; it being lower than it had
been for many years. Yet the water reached almost to the middle, and
the men were obliged to carry their pouches on their shoulders. They
pitched their tents in the plain a little beyond the river. They
proceeded the next day over a desert plain to a place called Ranakin,
and the day following forded the Caledon river at the Commissie
drift, and encamped on the other side. Here they remained until the
8th, when they marched about five A.M., and continuing their advance
during the two following days, encamped on the evening of the 10th,
after twenty miles fatiguing march, at Sanna Spruits. Marching on
the following morning through a country not quite so desert as
that passed over in the last few days, they forded the narrow but
rapid Lieuw river on the afternoon of the 12th, and encamped on the
opposite side. On the 13th they proceeded to the Wesleyan Missionary
Station of Platberg, and encamped on a fine grassy plain near it.
They were now not far from Thaba Bossiou, the stronghold of Moshesh,
situated on a lofty hill, very defensible, and considered by his
people to be impregnable. During the halt here, which continued until
the 16th, Moshesh’s two sons, and afterwards the chief himself,
visited the camp. General Cathcart named as his _ultimatum_ that
Moshesh should deliver 10,000 head of cattle within three days,
reckoning from the 16th, as a compensation for the depredations he
had committed. On the 16th the General reviewed the whole force at
six o’clock in the morning; which, after marching past, was put
through various evolutions: no doubt as a demonstration to overawe
Moshesh.
[Illustration:
SKETCH Shewing the Site of Operations NEAR THABA BOSIGO
Dec^r 20^{th} 1852.
_By Edward Stanton Lieut^t R.E._
_E. Weller, Litho_
_London, Chatto & Windus._
]
On the afternoon of the 19th, the last of the three days, a herd
of cattle were brought into camp by an escort of Basuto horsemen,
under the command of one of Moshesh’s sons. On their being counted
and found to number only 3,500, this Prince was desired by General
Cathcart to inform his father that, unless the remainder were
delivered the next morning, he would come and seize them. No more
cattle appearing, Cathcart, to show that he was in earnest, ordered
Eyre, with the cavalry, two guns and a brigade of infantry, with
the Riflemen to move forward on the 19th and form a flying camp on
the Caledon river. This demonstration being unheeded, Eyre received
orders to advance at dawn, to find his way across the mountain of
Berea, and, having swept the plateau at the top, to join Cathcart,
who with some other troops proceeded round the base of the mountain
by its Southern and Western sides. About three therefore, on the
morning of the 20th, Eyre advanced, sending forward the light company
of the 73rd and the Riflemen. When they had marched about four miles
they saw a great number of Kaffirs on the mountain on their right.
This hill stands up isolated in a plain, and its sides are steep and
craggy. Eyre ordered the light company of the 73rd under Lieutenant
Gawler to mount the hill, and halted the Riflemen. Then after a brief
interval, he ordered Curzon to lead them on, to get to the top, bring
his right shoulders forward, and take the cattle. Thus the Riflemen
were in echelon on the left of the company of the 73rd. The ascent
was desperately steep, and in parts almost impracticable; but the
Riflemen pushed on. They had not advanced far when the Kaffirs gave
them a volley, which the Riflemen avoided by lying down flat on the
ground. Again they pushed on, seeking cover among the rocks which
dotted the side of the mountain. While in this cover one of them,
armed with the Lancaster rifle, brought down a Kaffir as he was
taking deliberate aim at some of the Riflemen, who were blown and
could not climb up the steep mountain-side as fast as their comrades.
Three more Kaffirs were brought down before the top was gained,
without one Rifleman being hit. On reaching the summit, a table-land
of two or three square miles, they found the 73rd company on
their right; and on their advancing together the Kaffirs bolted, a
number of them being killed by the fire of the Riflemen, as they
crossed their front at about sixty yards. But as Curzon and Gawler
found themselves separated from the main body, they moved forward
in search of it, keeping together for mutual support. For they were
surrounded by hordes of mounted Basutos, who hovered near, appearing
and disappearing, and watching for any straggling or irregularity
in their formation, which might give them a chance to charge. These
were well mounted, organised, and armed with assegais and elephant
guns. And after attempting to terrify the little band they almost
encompassed, with yells and pretended charges, they dismounted and
fought on foot. They were repulsed however, and driven off the
plateau, and Curzon and his Riflemen joined the main body in the
afternoon, to their great relief and satisfaction: a satisfaction
much enhanced when Eyre came up to them, and told them that they had
done their work well. But they had scarcely joined the rest of Eyre’s
division, when he was obliged to descend the further side of the
mountain with his whole force (abandoning 30,000 head of cattle which
he had driven into a corner whence they could not escape), in order
to assist General Cathcart, who had gravely compromised himself.
The junction with Cathcart’s force was effected about five in the
afternoon; and the weary Riflemen thought they were now to halt for
the night, for they had been fighting and without food for twelve
hours. Far from it. They were charged with great fury by about 7,000
mounted Basutos; they had to fight retreating, and were in a critical
position till between eight and nine at night, when a round of
canister at point-blank range from two guns under Captain Stapylton
Robinson, Royal Artillery, effectually checked the Basutos who were
pressing on them, and who left the field. The Riflemen bivouacked
on the ground where they then halted; Eyre telling them that, if
attacked they must fight to the death there, as he neither could nor
would retreat further. However they were left to their repose; much
needed and well earned after being under arms about eighteen hours,
and fighting during most of them.
In this affair the Rifle company which numbered 90, lost three
men; Privates Boffin and Case, who were killed, and Acting-Corporal
Howard who died of his wounds on the next day. Lieutenant H. G.
Lindsay behaved with great gallantry; and three Riflemen particularly
distinguished themselves: Acting-Corporal Bateman and Privates
Ricketts and W. Hayward.
Colonel Eyre in his despatch dated ‘Camp Platberg, December 28,
1852,’ says, writing of Lieutenant Gawler and Lieutenant the Hon. L.
Curzon, ‘These two young and promising officers led their companies
in the most spirited manner up ground all but inaccessible, though
opposed and immediately fired upon by the enemy above. Covering
themselves as they advanced, they reached the summit with little
loss, and drove the enemy before them in good style.’
And he adds ‘I beg to return my thanks to’ (among others) ‘Lieutenant
the Hon. L. Curzon commanding a detachment of the Rifle Brigade.’ And
in the General Order issued by Sir George Cathcart on December 22,
‘The noble conduct of the company under Lieutenant the Hon. Leicester
Curzon’ is specially mentioned.
‘Company No. 9 Letter I,’ writes General Smyth, ‘always looked upon
Berea as _the_ day of their life; and were not a little proud of the
way Sir W. Eyre wrote of them and spoke of them. For he was a man who
worked hard and exacted hard work; and soldiers had reason to exult
when they received his praise.’[216]
In the course of the night a flag of truce arrived, bearing a letter
of submission written by Moshesh, and suing for peace.
The object of the expedition being thus fully attained, the Riflemen
after a few days’ halt, began their downward march and reached
Head-quarters at Fort Beaufort on January 21, 1853.
On the embarkation of the Service companies, the Depôt companies
of the 1st Battalion had been moved to Walmer, where they
arrived on January 1, 1852. During the time they were there, the
Colonel-in-Chief, the Duke of Wellington, when at his adjacent
residence, Walmer Castle, used frequently to come into the barrack
square with his grandchildren. These were his last visits; for he
died there on September 14. From that day until November 10 a party
consisting of 1 officer, 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, a bugler and 36
Riflemen, was daily furnished by the Depôt to guard his honoured
remains at Walmer Castle. At nine o’clock on the night of November
10 their great Chief was removed to London; and on that occasion
the whole Depôt escorted his body to the Railway station at Deal by
torchlight.
The Depôt companies remained at Walmer during the rest of this year.
In May the 2nd Battalion left Kingston and proceeded in steam vessels
to Quebec; where they embarked on June 1 on board H.M.S. ‘Simoom;’
and starting for England on the 3rd arrived at Portsmouth on the
26th. On disembarkation they moved by Railway to Canterbury and
occupied barracks.
Soon after their arrival there the Battalion was inspected (on July
13) by their former Lieutenant-Colonel, Sir George Brown, then
Adjutant-General of the Forces.
On November 17 they proceeded to London in order to be present at the
funeral of the Colonel-in-Chief, the Duke of Wellington, and were
billeted at Chelsea. On the 18th they headed the funeral procession
from the Horse Guards to St. Paul’s.[217] And the following day they
returned to their quarters at Canterbury.
Field Marshal His Royal Highness, Albert, Prince Consort, succeeded
the Duke of Wellington as Colonel-in-Chief on September 23.
No change took place in the stations of the 1st Battalion until
June 13, 1853, when Captain Glyn’s company, under the command of
Lieutenant the Hon. H. Clifford, marched from Fort Beaufort to the
Blinkwater post; relieving Captain Woodford’s company which joined
the Head-quarters on the same day.
On June 29, Captain Rooper’s company marched from Fort Beaufort to
the Chumie-neck; relieving Captain Hardinge’s company, which left the
Chumie on the next day and joined Head-quarters.
On October 8 the Battalion having received orders to be concentrated
previous to returning to England, Captains Rooper’s, Somerset’s, Lord
Alexander Russell’s, and Glyn’s companies came in from their several
detachments on the 10th, 11th and 12th, and joined Head-quarters at
Fort Beaufort.
Previous to the Battalion quitting this Station the following General
Order was issued.
‘General Order, No. 238.
‘Head Quarters, Graham’s-town.
‘October 10, 1853.
‘1. The Rifle Brigade, having been ordered to return to England,
will march to Port Elizabeth for embarkation on board H.M. Steam
Troop-ship ‘Simoom,’ under such arrangement as will be made by
the Deputy Quarter-Master General.
‘2. The departure of this distinguished Corps from the command
after their valuable services which contributed so materially to
the successful termination of the recent war, calls forth the
Commander of the forces’ warmest acknowledgments. The uniform
excellent conduct and high discipline of the Corps in quarters
have been only equalled by their gallantry in the field.
‘3. To Colonel Buller, C.B., who relinquishes the command of the
1st Division, and his appointment of Colonel on the Staff, in
order to proceed with his Corps, His Excellency is much indebted
for the able, zealous, and soldier-like manner in which he has
conducted the command held by him.
‘(Signed) A. J. CLOETE.
‘Colonel, Deputy Quarter-Master General.’
Accompanied by a large assemblage of the inhabitants of Fort
Beaufort, and amidst the expression of their best wishes, the
Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Horsford, started
on the 20th and encamped the same day at the Koonap river. On the
21st they forded the Koonap, and proceeded to Fingoe Pole. The next
day they encamped on Graham’s-town Flats within about three miles
of that place. On the 22nd they halted, it being Sunday. The day
following, passing through Graham’s-town they encamped on the Karrega
river. On the 24th, passing Sidbury they reached Quagga Flats. The
next day, as it had been raining all night, they pushed on to cross
the Sunday river. It was much swollen, the water being up to the
men’s waists, and rising fast. On the 26th, still pushing on they
encamped near the Swart Kop river. Having halted during the 27th,
they reached Salt Lake on the day following. The 29th being Sunday
they again halted, and on the 30th reached Port Elizabeth; and,
the ‘Simoom’ not having arrived, remained encamped on the heights.
Colonel Buller having resumed command, the Battalion embarked on the
10th, and sailed from Algoa bay on November 12, arriving at Table bay
on the 15th, and finally starting for England on the 16th.
The Depôt companies continued at Walmer till August 20, 1853, when
they removed to Dover.
The 2nd Battalion proceeded by railroad to Guildford on June 13,
and marched from thence to Chobham, where they encamped and formed
part of the brigade under the command of Major-General Sir De Lacy
Evans. They continued to take part in the evolutions of this camp
of instruction till July 14. On which day they marched from Chobham
to Woking; and proceeded thence by rail to Portsmouth, where they
occupied quarters in Clarence barracks.
FOOTNOTES:
[207] Major-General Edward Arthur Somerset, C.B.
[208] Major General Lord Alexander Gordon Russell.
[209] Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. Gilbert Elliot, died May 25, 1865.
[210] _i.e._ track.
[211] Lieutenant-General the Hon. G. Cathcart had succeeded Sir Harry
Smith as Governor of the Cape.
[212] _i.e._ team.
[213] _i.e._ the upper rocky margin of a ravine.
[214] Now Major-General the Hon. Leicester Smyth, C.B.
[215] _i.e._ a rill, a rivulet.
[216] Letter of January 17, 1875. For the account of the affair at
Berea, I am indebted to Major-General the Hon. Leicester Smyth, with
some information gathered from Captain W. R. King’s ‘Campaigning in
Kaffir-Land,’ and from the ‘Correspondence of Lieutenant-General
the Hon. Sir George Cathcart, K.C.B.,’ published (after his death)
in 1856. And a remarkable letter of Sir William Eyre which appeared
in the ‘Morning Herald’ of October 23, 1856 (to which my attention
was kindly drawn by General Smyth), commenting on some statements in
the ‘Cathcart Correspondence’ as to the action at Berea, has also
afforded me important information.
[217] A full-page engraving of the Battalion marching along
Piccadilly is in the ‘Illustrated London News,’ vol. xxi. p. 477.