Organization of column for relief of Ekowe--The march--Heliographic
signals--Camp at Ginghilovo--Disposition of the troops--Zulu
advance--The battle--English victory--Death of Colonel
Northey--English losses--Zulu force and loss--Relief of
Ekowe--Meeting of Pearson and Chelmsford--State of Ekowe
garrison--Barrow's cavalry raid on Dabulamanzi's kraal--British
sentry firing on British troops.
We must now turn attention to Lord Chelmsford and his plan for the
relief of Ekowe. Tenedos was the base from which he purposed starting;
the distance between this and Ekowe, even by the short route discovered
and improved by Pearson, is a good thirty-three miles. To accomplish
this distance in wet weather and with almost insuperable difficulties in
the way of transport was no light task. However, by the 27th of March
all was ready for a start, and the relieving column set out in the
following order. The vanguard was composed of the Naval Brigade, formed
of the seamen and marines of her Majesty's ships "Shah" and
"Tenedos"--640 men and two Gatlings; the 91st Regiment (ten companies),
900 men; 99th Regiment (five companies), 400 men; 3rd Buffs (two
companies), 180 men; Mounted Infantry, 150 men; Mounted Native
Contingent, 200 men; Native Infantry Contingent, 1600 men--making a
total of 3720 infantry and 350 cavalry. This leading division was
commanded by Colonel Law, R.A. The second or rearward division, under
the command of Colonel Pemberton, was composed of the bluejackets and
sailors of the "Boadicea," 200 men and one Gatling; 37th Regiment, 900
men; 3rd battalion 60th Rifles, 900 men; and two troops of mounted
natives--thus giving a total of 2060 infantry and 190 cavalry--the two
divisions making a grand aggregate of 6320 men, with 9-pounders and
rocket-tubes. The convoy was made as small and compact as was compatible
with the necessary carriage of supplies for the Ekowe garrison, and no
tents were taken, each man being allowed only a blanket and a waterproof
sheet. Still the waggons numbered 113, and there were also fifty Scotch
carts on two wheels, and fifty-six pack-mules. Each waggon was strongly
spanned, having twenty oxen instead of the usual eighteen. Two hundred
rounds of ball cartridge per man were issued, each soldier carrying
seventy rounds in his pouches, and the remaining 130 being carried in
reserve by the pack-mules. These waggons and pack-animals marched in the
closest possible order, and were capitally flanked and guarded by
Nettleton's Native Contingent on the right, and that commanded by Barton
on the left. In spite of the comparative smallness of the convoy, Lord
Chelmsford managed to bring with him not only full supplies for the
fort, but twelve days' complete rations for his own column. Most of the
baggage was brought across the Tugela on the 28th, and, in spite of the
flooded state of the river; no casualty occurred. The rain did not cease
till daybreak on the 29th, when the passage was completed. It must be
borne in mind that the Tugela at Fort Pearson, where the column
crossed, is more than 600 yards wide, and it is then possible to
estimate the difficulties encountered at the outset and before the
journey could be fairly said to commence. But there were willing hands
and zealous hearts to carry out Lord Chelmsford's minute and ever
thoughtful instructions. No detail, even of the smallest, was omitted or
forgotten by him, and with such men as Commissary-General Strickland,
Surgeon-Major Tarrant, and his dozen assistant-surgeons, as well as
Commissary Walton and Transport Officers Lawrence and Findlay, things
were bound to go well.
The first plan was to force a passage through to Ekowe with all possible
despatch consistent with the safety of the column and its convoy, and
then, having exchanged the garrison and having provisioned the brave
little fortress for a month, to form another and corresponding post on
the Inyezani hills, leaving the latter munitioned for a similar period.
But this plan was afterwards considerably modified. On the first day's
march no difficulties as to enemy or transport were experienced, the
weather had cleared, and the road from the Tugela to Amatikula was far
better than expected. Giving up all idea of the road by which Pearson
had originally advanced when he first marched inland, Lord Chelmsford,
following Colonel Pearson's advice, determined to move by the coast
road, which crossed much more open country, was far more adapted for
wheeled transport, and, indeed, for the march of all three arms, while
it afforded fewer opportunities for the Zulus to attempt surprise. So
satisfactory was the road on the first day's march that the only wonder
was that it had not been previously destroyed by the Zulus. In fact, the
column had made good more than half the distance before any serious
difficulties began. It will be seen in the map that at the villages of
Inyoni and Amatikula their respective rivers cross the old road. Now,
these rivers cross the coast road as well as the main road, flowing from
west to east, and several halts at these two places are mentioned; it is
not intended to refer to these villages, but simply to the encampments
on the banks of the rivers of the same name.
On the arrival of the column at the Inyoni and Amatikula rivers the
waggons were carefully packed in laager, and a well-made ditch and
parapet formed around the camp. Sentries were posted at the various
angles, and outlying piquets thrown well forward. No noise, or even loud
talking was allowed, and the bivouac, for it could scarcely be called a
camp, was each night as silent as a grave-yard. Two miles beyond the
Zulu bank of the Tugela good camping-ground was passed, but the troops
pushed on without any difficulty to the Inyoni river, finding the road
very good, although a little heavy for the waggons, from the rains. They
were so lightly laden, however, that the drivers managed to get the oxen
along at a fair pace, the waggons marching four, and sometimes six
abreast. Scarcely any water was met with, but numerous Zulu kraals were
passed, so streams or wells must have been in the neighbourhood. The
country through which the column passed was very open, affording no
cover, except between three miles south of Inyoni and the banks of the
river, where there is a gully with thick bush, which scouts carefully
explored before the main body came up. The water of the Inyoni was found
so brackish that the horses would scarcely drink of it. The Umsundusi
and Amatikula rivers are very sweet, the latter particularly so.
Leaving the Inyoni, the next river passed is the Umsundusi, which runs
into the Amatikula, north-west of which lies the thorn country. The road
thence to Ingesani is good, but there is a mud gully to the south of
that place almost impassable after heavy rain. The column now marched
more to their right, where the country was still open, although there
was considerable cover in places, and kraals were seen around. Near the
Umkukusi is a hill, which was occupied for a time, but from which
nothing could be seen in the shape of an enemy. Keeping in a
north-easterly direction they now reached a lower portion of the
Inyesani, and then bore westerly for Ginghilovo, where on the afternoon
of the 1st they encamped. Here a parley was held with the besieged, from
Pearson's lofty signal-tower at Ekowe, and signals were made warning
Lord Chelmsford of the impending Zulu attack.
A few words of digression may here be allowed to the system of signals
which proved of such use to both Pearson and Chelmsford at this
juncture. When Lord Chelmsford came first to Tenedos and Fort Pearson,
it became evident to him that Pearson was so completely blockaded that
runners could rarely get through. It was at the same time most essential
to his plans that the General should know exactly how the colonel's
resources were lasting, and the exact time to which his garrison could
hold out. In this emergency Haynes, of the Engineers, was sent for, and
asked if he could not do something with the heliograph, and bring the
rays of the sun into requisition for the transmission of messages. The
General was at once seen, and although by no means sanguine, he gave
every facility for the attempt. The difficulties were by no means light.
In the first place there were no proper mirrors, and a most diminutive
chamber looking-glass had to be employed. Then again there were no
skilled or mechanically-trained workers for the improvised apparatus,
and all appliances were of the most primitive nature. Another and, as
was feared, the most fatal difficulty was that there was no way of
attracting the notice of the Ekowe garrison, which from the nearest
vantage-point, was fully thirty miles as the crow flies. Nothing
daunted, however, by these obstacles Haynes persevered, and knowing that
the lives of many gallant soldiers were dependent on success or failure,
redoubled his exertions, which after long anxiety and delay were crowned
with success. The most sanguine hopes lay in the fact that the Naval
Brigade were with Pearson, and that some of them would undoubtedly be
trained to mirror signalling. After much delay in getting everything
ready, Haynes chose a bright sunshiny morning and went to the top of a
hill about five miles from the fort and commenced his flashing, but
without the smallest success. The church tower at Ekowe could be plainly
seen, but there was no response, and it was evident that the attempts at
communication were not noticed, or, if noticed, not understood. Nothing
discouraged, although a little chaffed by his comrades, the young
Engineer continued day by day, whenever there was a gleam of sunshine,
to attend the hill and work his mirror. At length, after a whole week
had passed before any indication from the garrison at Ekowe had been
made, another thought struck Haynes, and this was to flash occasional
whiffs of gunpowder to attract notice. To his intense delight, after a
few attempts, this plan succeeded, and when a gleam was once flashed
from the beleaguered fort in return the rest was all plain sailing.
Another week, however, elapsed before a perfectly intelligible answer
was received, and then it was found that Haynes's messages had been read
from the beginning, but that they could not get the Ekowe answers at
first to work. It is hardly necessary to mention how pleased Lord
Chelmsford was, and that Haynes was sent for and thanked in the most
flattering manner for his ingenuity and perseverance.
As has been said, Pearson informed Lord Chelmsford of the imminent Zulu
attack; he also added that his last raid had been successful and that
some cattle had been captured; and that the road he had cut under fire
through the bush southwards would shorten the advance or his sortie by
at least five miles, and that his people were under no apprehensions of
famine or assault for some days. He had improved his defences, his
parapet having a command of six feet, flanked by a couple of well-made
_caponnières_ on the northern and southern faces, with a loopholed
building on the north-west and a sunken stockade in the south-west
angle. His four guns--two Gatlings and two rocket-tubes, in addition to
his Martini-Henrys--he considered sufficient to render his fort
impregnable to everything except hunger, and should the latter come on
through Lord Chelmsford's inability or delay in coming, he purposed
making a final and desperate sortie for life and liberty. This message
was committed to writing, and read out to the men, who answered it with
cheers of delight and enthusiasm.
At four a.m. on the 31st ult., in the early dawn the troops paraded
outside the laager on the Inyoni. For the first day the march had been
without impediment or opposition; progress here and there, it is true,
was slightly impeded by portions of swampy ground; but so eager were the
men to get forward that the waggons were pushed vigorously through the
mud by willing hands. The 57th Regiment, which had only lately arrived
from Ceylon, were a little out of condition, and the fatigue and wet had
told upon them in a greater degree than the regiments arrived from
England. After a pleasant march, the Amatikula river was reached, where
the camp was formed with the waggons as usual in laager, and
shelter-trenches formed at fifteen paces beyond. The night passed
without any alarm, and at six the column marched for Ginghilovo.
The drift on the Amatikula was so swollen that a long time was occupied
in getting the waggons across it, and the result was that on Monday very
few miles were made. Soon after the troops had crossed, outlying bands
of Zulus were seen by the scouts hovering on the flanks, but no attack
was attempted. The largest body of these Zulus kept moving in a line
parallel with the English march. Towards the afternoon of this day
Barrow's Horse was directed by Lord Chelmsford to make a reconnaissance
in the direction of the kraal of Makuendo, another of Cetywayo's
innumerable brothers, and they returned with the news that they had
surprised and fired it. On the previous day Barrow had made a
reconnaissance away to the north-east, at least seven or eight miles
off, without falling in with any Zulus, whose power of concealment is
certainly marvellous. At three o'clock on the 1st of April it became
dark overhead, and a severe thunderstorm broke over the laager, wetting
nearly every one to the skin. The night of the 1st of April will long be
remembered by those who were with Lord Chelmsford on that occasion. Not
a sound was heard in the camp, but outside the howls of the wandering
jackal and the pariah dog were occasionally echoed by the hoarse scream
of the foul birds which hover near a probable battle. At intervals were
to be heard the patrols going their rounds in the fitful gleams of the
moonlight, which were succeeded by black and rolling masses of cloud
chasing each other in the sky, still thunder-laden and lurid. The
whispered "Who goes there?" and the almost inaudible countersign, told,
however, that the utmost vigilance was awake, and that all felt that
England's honour was at stake. At two a.m. Lord Chelmsford, with two of
his personal staff, went quietly round. This tour of inspection lasted
till three o'clock, as here and there trifling details had to be changed
and plans to be explained to the various officers who held the most
important points of defence and danger. In front of the camp, but
sheltered behind trenches and abattis, were that glorious and
time-honoured corps, the 60th, who have no colours on which to record
their proud deeds, but whose escutcheon is emblazoned with some of
England's hardest-won fields. The General warmly eulogized the neat and
workmanlike trenches made by his favourite greenjackets, and passed on
next to Brackenbury, of the "Shah," who, with his "little bulldogs," as
the bluejackets term the Gatlings, held the right angle of the
entrenchment.
Next to Brackenbury and his stout fellows came Clarke with his
detachment of the 57th, and at the second corner were two 9-pounders
excellently placed and guarded by their watchful gunners, eager as
greyhounds held back in the leash. Round to the rear, but by no means a
post of less honour, came the gallant old 91st, whose former Cape
services have long been their pride and distinction. Four companies of
this fine corps were here, and although the ranks were made up by drafts
from many other corps, the men had wonderfully soon assumed the
peculiarly smart bearing of their new corps. At the next angle were two
more Gatlings, and prolonging the faces were posted two companies of the
91st, then three companies of the Buffs, and the 99th. As nearly as
possible in the left rear face Lieutenant Cane, of the "Shah," had
charge of the ship's rocket-battery.
Lord Chelmsford expressed himself extremely satisfied at the manner in
which all his arrangements had been worked out, and the low murmur of
gratification, which even discipline could not repress, showed how much
his men were devoted to their chief.
It was as nearly as possible a quarter past four when the welcome news
was passed from man to man that the Zulus were seen in skirmishing
order, supported by dense masses, away some miles off on the right
front. It was nearly six o'clock, however, when the enemy's plan of
attack appeared to be decided, and this delay, it has since been
ascertained, arose from the fact that they had heard that the troops
were about to inspan and march in the early morning, and the Zulu
general anticipated catching them in all the confusion of starting. At
six a.m., then, somewhat favoured by the long grass and weeds which want
of time had not permitted the soldiers to cut down, the Zulu array was
hurled upon the laager. The regiments which came on in front were the
Unembomanaba and Unemsilya. These were in extended order, but much
closer than skirmishing order; in fact, somewhat akin to the Prussian
infantry first attack. These corps were flanked by the usual horns or
wings, composed of the Nokene and Nodwen regiments, formed in respective
columns right and left. In the rear, as the body or heart of the
formation, were the Monamonosi and a favourite corps of the king's
called Zwawani. Somapo was in chief command, while his lieutenant was
Dabulamanzi.
The British front enticed the Zulu force, as easy of attack, as the
green-coated rifles were lying down in their shallow trenches, and their
strength could not well be seen by the enemy. Nothing could have fallen
out more fortunately, as the fire from those deadly tubes was doubly
fatal in consequence of each man being enabled to have a firm rest for
his weapon. There could not be a grander sight to a soldier's eye than
to watch these magnificent specimens of savage pride coming on in their
mighty strength to sweep the sturdy little riflemen from off the earth.
Their white and coloured shields, the crests of leopard skin and
feathers, and the wild oxtails dangling from their necks, gave them a
terribly unearthly appearance. Every ten or fifteen yards their first
line would halt, and a shot would be fired, and then, with an unearthly
yell, they would again rush on with a sort of measured dance, while a
humming and buzzing sound in time to their movement was kept up. When
the first line of skirmishers came to within 300 yards, a terrible and
deadly sheet of flame flashed from the shelter-pits, and a great number
of the Zulu warriors reeled howling to the earth. This only seemed to
incite the main body to renewed exertion, for they came up hurling
themselves through the skirmishers, and not even allowing them to get
out of their path, but dashing them to the ground in their rage to close
with the main array. A perfect _feu d'enfer_ was now rained upon the
denser masses of the Zulu main body, and this was maintained for at
least twenty minutes, the savages coming on, still fed by columns from
their rear, which deployed in excellent order as they reinforced the
first line, and alternately halted, fired, and advanced, beaten back
some scores of times, and returning as desperately as ever to the front.
About half-past six this front attack and onward rush was checked by the
gallant 60th. Lord Chelmsford on several occasions rode along their
line, giving an occasional kind and complimentary word when a
particularly good shot was made or an especial coolness was observed. A
sudden and wonderfully well-executed change of front was now made,
without the smallest confusion or delay, and the masses of Zulus in
front faced to their right and ran round in column to the face held by
the 57th and 91st. Here their courage was, if possible, more pronounced,
and their welcome was as hot. The 91st had not so many good marksmen in
their regiment as the colonel could have wished, as many of his best
shots were taken to supply Indian reliefs; but even the youngest
soldiers seemed to gain skill and inspiration from what they had seen
performed by the 60th. The 57th ably fulfilled their share of the duty,
and the torrent of lead poured upon the enemy from the murderous tubes
of these seemed to literally plough through the hostile ranks.
Notwithstanding this deadly hail, the Zulus came on with what was now
the mute valour of despair. They had ceased to shout and only seemed
anxious to dash upon the British bayonets. Twice, three times, a fourth,
they literally swarmed up to the entrenchments, and if one break in the
ranks had taken place the English loss must have been terrible. At one
moment, about a quarter before seven, it seemed as though they would
have forced their way in, and upon several occasions wounded Zulus were
noticed taking aim from behind the cover of the bodies of their dead
comrades as they lay in pools of blood in the open. Now that they were
within easy range from the tops of the waggons, an effective and galling
fire was opened upon the Zulus by the native contingents, who were not
allowed in the first line. This double tier of fire was of great help,
and so far thinned the assailant ranks that the second attack was after
a time renounced as hopeless. Once more, however, a shorter, more
desperate, but, as it proved, final rush was made by Cetywayo's doomed
and devoted troops. This time it was upon the left of the laager that
they delivered their last and supreme effort. They came up on this
occasion to within ten or fifteen feet of the muzzles of the men's
rifles, and, indeed, one or two of their chiefs seized the hot barrels
with one hand, while they stabbed at the men with their shortened or
broken assegais. It was curious to remark the three separate lines of
Zulu corpses which marked the respective ranges at which the
death-dealing Martini-Henrys had swept their ranks. At 300 yards a thin
boundary of black bodies and white shields might be traced; at 200 and
100 yards from our lines their walls of dead were more thick, and even
up to the trenches wounded men had staggered to receive their _coup de
grâce_. In spite of all their efforts, the Zulus, however, never
succeeded in bringing matters to a hand-to-hand struggle, though, if
they had done so, Lord Chelmsford's admirable formation would have
doubtless saved the camp, although no doubt with more than treble loss.
The last attack, and perhaps the boldest--for it was evidently the most
desperate--was led most heroically by Dabulamanzi in person, who, with
voice and gesture, came on a dozen yards in front of the leading files,
as Ney led on his Guard at Waterloo. As on that occasion the French
horsemen, so now these stalwart warriors could not stand against the
calm, steady, and unflurried _mitraille_ of English infantry fire, and
at seven o'clock the flower of Cetywayo's warriors were scattered and
broken on the plain they had so magnificently fought and drenched with
their blood. Lord Chelmsford saw the moment had come; Barrow, who had
already mounted his men in anticipation, scarcely waited for the orderly
to repeat the permission to dash forth. Away charged the little band of
sabres, and the mounted infantry came at the flying groups like a
whirlwind, their sabres flashing bright in the morning sun, but soon
dyed crimson with the best of the Zulu blood.
During the attack 1200 rounds were fired from the splendidly served
Gatlings, and about 40 rounds of case and shrapnel from the 9-pounders,
which subsequently shelled the bush as the Zulus fled for cover. Colonel
Crealock, military secretary, and Captain Molyneux, of Lord Chelmsford's
staff, had their chargers shot under them. Poor young Johnstone, of the
99th, was killed at nearly the commencement of the fight; and Colonel
Northey was badly hit early in the action. He at first could not be
induced to leave his men, but at last was reluctantly compelled to do
so, as he fainted from loss of blood. At the close of the action,
however, and when he was aroused from his state of insensibility by the
ringing echoes of the British cheers which proclaimed the flight of the
enemy, he suddenly raised himself on one hand from under the waggon
where he was lying, and joined in the shouts of the men, thus bursting
the bandaged wound and causing violent hemorrhage to recommence. This
gallant and valued officer subsequently died, on the afternoon of the
6th, having lingered in considerable pain for four days. The entire
English loss was wonderfully small, being but 2 officers and 4 privates
killed, and 3 officers and 34 privates wounded! The Zulu loss, on the
contrary, cannot altogether be set down at less than 1000; for the
English troops buried between 700 and 800 Zulu corpses; and about 300
rifles, which they discarded in their flight, were subsequently picked
up. Zulu prisoners stated that there were 180 companies present with
Somapo and Dabulamanzi on the 2nd, and allowing each company to be
composed of 60 warriors, the actual fighting array must have been about
11,000. Information was also shortly afterwards received that another
impi of about the same strength was despatched the day after Dabulamanzi
marched from the king's kraal at Ulundi, and this latter force, misled
by erroneous information, was unable to effect the intended junction
with the force defeated. These prisoners also maintain that neither
Somapo nor Dabulamanzi was aware of Lord Chelmsford's march for Ekowe
till the day before he was assailed. Barrow's admirably planned and
executed reconnaissances and raids on the 30th, 31st, and 1st
undoubtedly had much to do with hoodwinking the Zulus, and it is
tolerably certain that the military promenade made by him on the 31st
towards the Ingoya led them to believe that the whole force was likely
to operate in that direction.
On the following day, the 57th, 60th, and 91st were formed into a flying
column, taking with them nothing but some light Scotch carts and three
days' rations, together with the mounted men and some of the Naval
Brigade, and started _en route_ by way of the coast road for Ekowe. The
portions of the Buffs, 99th, and a detachment of the "Shah's" men were
left behind to garrison Ginghilovo, under the command of Major Walker.
The heliograph was set to work, and Pearson replied that he should
certainly come out to meet Lord Chelmsford and his party. At daybreak,
therefore, Barrow went on with his horsemen to reconnoitre, and to see
if any remnant or fresh portion of the Zulu army lay between Ekowe and
its relievers. The line of country to be traversed was known to be more
difficult than that passed, and it was thought that the Zulus might have
had sufficient tenacity of purpose to make one more effort to stay the
general's purpose. The first part of the journey was anything but
pleasant; swamps, morasses, bogs, watercourses, nullahs, spruits,
boulders, and all the disagreeable features of South Africa were in
abundance; progress, consequently, was very much impeded, and at one
time it was thought the troops would have to encamp on the way, and make
a two days' march of the journey. Several small but awkward streams had
to be crossed, and the General very wisely served out an extra ration of
grog after the passage of these places.
After travelling about five miles, a halt for breakfast was called, and
here Barrow rode back to report that all was clear in front, and that
not a single Zulu could be seen, although the plains and bush had been
most diligently scoured. Barrow reported that in the direction he had
been, assegais, shields, feathers, ear and head ornaments, skins, furs,
blankets, and even guns were lying about in profusion, evidently cast
away in the hurried and headlong flight of the Zulus to their kraals,
but that no bodies, however, had as yet been seen by the scouts.
The shrill notes of the bugles sounded the halt, and soon after the
"Prepare to dismount," and "Off-saddle." Although no precaution was
neglected to guard against surprise, a certain amount of latitude was
now allowed, which on the previous three days' marches had not been
sanctioned. Piquets, as usual, were thrown out on the neighbouring
heights, and a chain of vedettes posted, which commanded ten miles of
country in every direction. This being effected, the infantry formed up
and piled arms, the cavalry off-saddled, and the horses, having first
been allowed their usual roll in the dusty veldt, were turned out, under
the protection of a guard, to enjoy a short graze, having, of course,
been previously knee-haltered. This knee-haltering process is universal
throughout all the Cape Colonies, and is effected in the following
manner: by simply taking a couple of half-hitches round the horse's
fore-leg with a strong rein or reim attached to the neck-strap, which
brings the animal's head towards the ground, and effectually prevents
his running away. This is the simple precaution adopted by all
travellers in South Africa. The men now were told off in sections to
draw water and collect wood to make fires for their morning or midday
coffee. The officers collected in groups, and compared notes and
exchanged anecdote and repartee.
After an hour's rest, which men and horses required after their severe
four days' work, the bugles again summoned all to the ranks, and they
started anew to complete the journey.
From this halting-place the road had a rather dangerous appearance, and
every precaution was taken, lest Dabulamanzi should have received any
reinforcements, which would enable him to attack the somewhat weak
column at a disadvantage. The road over which they were passing was in
itself open and fairly easy of transit, but not far to the left, and
running parallel to the waggon-track, there were patches of bush so
dense that horsemen could not enter, and they had to be examined with
the aid of an infantry contingent, a few of whom had fortunately been
brought in case of an emergency of this sort. Not far from the foot of
one of the ascents to Ekowe on the left of the column lay the spot where
Pearson was attacked on the 22nd January, and which, although called the
battle of Inyazani, is some distance from the banks of that river. Some
cavalry were taken over by Barrow to explore, but nothing marked the
locality of the action except a large mound and a roughly carved cross
where the dead were laid. On this cross were roughly cut the names of
those who lay at rest below. Leaving at length the bushy country, the
column now came to some steep and broken ground, and here were seen the
remains of some of the waggons which had to be abandoned from Ely's
convoy. Strange to say, some of the contents, tins of provisions and
other stores, were still intact; but no arms nor ammunition had been
left behind. Seven miles from Ekowe the troops came to a plain from
which they were divided by a broad and well-worn watercourse. Here they
faced the steep and scarped sides of a mountain, and in the distance
could see a long unbroken range over which the sun was beginning to set.
At this spot the Zulus had evidently attempted to impede the advance, as
part of the road had been cut away. Engineers, however, soon remedied
the damage, and they were enabled to push on; although it was fortunate
that they had no waggons, as it was not without considerable effort they
managed to get the two-wheeled carts across. As soon as this spot had
been passed, the whole character of the landscape changed as if by
magic; and as the wind freshened and carried away some misty clouds, the
remnants of the late rains, a splendid prospect was seen, as the column
wound its slow trail along a steep and rugged kloof leading into a fair
and fertile valley beyond. Here, however, was a position that might have
been held for some considerable time had the enemy chosen this spot to
oppose the march. A sheer precipitous rock frowned on the right, and the
only possible track lay exactly under its base, where with a few
resolute savages above, huge boulders and masses of rock could have been
hurled upon the column as it passed. On the left was a spongy swamp
perfectly impassable to wheels, and not particularly easy to troops or
human feet. Here a short way up the mountain farther on were seen the
remains of a ruined kraal, and of some huts apparently not long vacated.
These dwellings were formed, as usual, of rudely twined canes wattled
and filled in with clay, and they had somewhat the appearance of a
cluster of huge beehives.
As the leading files quitted the low ground, signals were made by the
advanced patrols that cavalry were in sight, and the General and several
of his staff at once galloped past the column to the front. All
anxieties were briefly at an end, for, mounted upon an exceedingly
handsome charger, and attended by a numerous cavalcade, coming towards
the column at a smart canter was the gallant soldier who had held his
inhospitable guard at Ekowe for more than seventy days.
Lord Chelmsford at once spurred forward, and warmly grasped Colonel
Pearson by the hand, whilst discipline for once gave way, and the
respectful silence of the General's escort was broken by a cheer such as
only English throats can give, waking up every echo of the Zulu caves
and valleys.
Colonel Pearson brought with him, according to his promise, about 500
men, and his staff, consisting of Colonel Walker and Captains M'Gregor
and Knight. A long conversation at once took place, and the General
informed Colonel Pearson that, anticipating the evacuation of the fort,
he had left part of his force to entrench Ginghilovo, and make it a
permanent station. The reasons for this were manifold. In the first
place the approaches to Ekowe were easy to the Zulus, unencumbered with
baggage or other _impedimenta_, but most difficult and trying to a
European force. Ginghilovo or its neighbourhood answered every purpose
as a link in the line of communications, while a site could be chosen
equally as formidable in a defensive point of view. The column did not
reach Ekowe fort till nearly eleven p.m. Here the welcome of comrades,
fellow-messmates, and men of the same ships and corps, was a happy and
fitting sequel to the _rencontre_ of the reliever and the relieved.
It was a pleasant surprise to the General on arriving at Ekowe to find
that matters had been made much worse by report than they were in
reality. No gaunt and famine-stricken faces greeted him, but, on the
contrary, there was a look of plumpness about most of the privates that
savoured more of want of exercise than want of beef. In fact, the
medical officer stated that the meat ration had never been diminished,
as it was considered just as advisable to kill and consume the trek oxen
as to see them die for want of forage. Now a trek ox in the best
condition is not particularly tender, or even when fed upon the best of
food, but when kept short of fodder, and without proper shelter from the
sun and rain, he cuts up anything but well for beef. Tobacco was the
article most wanted by both soldiers and sailors, and the most agreeable
gift that could be made by the relievers to their lately besieged
comrades was this luxury in any form or shape. The health of the
garrison at first was good, but gradually the want of vegetables and
useful medicines filled the hospitals, and made the cemetery more full.
Anxiety, doubtless, had much to do with the sick-roll, and until
communications with St. Andrew's Mission had been established a certain
amount of uneasiness was felt as to how the war was going. Thirty deaths
occurred during the seventy days the garrison were shut up, but several
of these, it must be remembered, were cases of wounded men from the
fighting at the Inyezani. At Fort Ekowe the hero of the scouting parties
was undoubtedly young Rowden, of the 99th, who was detailed by Colonel
Pearson to form a mounted infantry corps similar to Barrow's, from
volunteers from the Buffs and his own corps. It is no secret that one of
the great advantages we possess in our service is that we are never at a
loss, when we can get horses, to find riders. Most of our youngsters in
the service would rather have a stigma on their morals than on their
knowledge of horseflesh and of horsemanship, and herein lies the secret
of our bearing up against our first reverses in Zululand. Every officer,
serving in South Africa, whether cavalry, infantry, artillery,
engineers, medical staff, or commissariat, gets rations or allowances
for horse or horses, according to his rank. This is one of the secrets,
combined with the sport and shooting, why South African service is so
popular. Now both the 99th and the Buffs vied with the 13th and 90th in
their equestrian proclivities, and, in default of regular cavalry, a
large body of mounted infantry was raised, and in a great measure
mounted from the horses belonging to the officers of their respective
regiments, lent or sold to Government for the purpose. Rowden's patrols
were literally the "eyes and ears" of the garrison, and ably fulfilled
all the onerous duties of light cavalry. In short the great value of
their services may be gathered from the frequently and openly stated
opinions of Colonel Wood and of Colonel Pearson, that all infantry
regiments serving at the Cape should have at least one Gatling and one
mounted company.
The great event of the camp life in Ekowe was the discovery of certain
queer flashes of light on the white walls of the church tower. These,
after puzzling many of the officers and soldiers, were at length brought
under the notice of an officer of the naval brigade, whose education in
the use of the heliograph enabled him at once to explain the apparent
mystery. Three days of unpleasant suspense, however, elapsed before the
first message could be clearly made out, and then three more before an
apparatus could be rendered workable to reply. Fortunately an old mirror
was found, and this, with an empty wooden cartridge case, sufficed.
Within the week, therefore, conversation was opened, and its effect on
the imprisoned garrison was seen by all to be more beneficial than all
the tonics the hospital could afford. The next great event was,
perhaps, the construction of the road from the fort to the lower coast
trek, and the consequent excitement of having to work with the chance of
feeling an assegai or Zulu bullet whizzing into the party. But the long
days and longer nights were not at all devoid of recreation. Lawn
tennis, bowls, ninepins, and quoits were devised. Concerts were
organized, and dramatic recitals on a modest scale were improvised.
A cavalry raid had been, it will be remembered, made some time back upon
Dabulamanzi's kraal, which was shelled and burned by Pearson. Some
cattle and sheep were captured, and a desultory and running fight was
kept up between the discomfited chief and the English patrols, which
resulted in no casualty to the troops, while several Zulus were killed.
This attack did not, however, extend to Dabulamanzi's private
habitation, as its approaches were considered too far off and too
difficult of access. No sooner, however, had Lord Chelmsford arrived at
Ekowe than he determined to complete the blow already commenced. It was
decided to effect this raid with Barrow's horsemen. The whole affair was
promptly and admirably organized, and at eight o'clock on the morning
after Lord Chelmsford's arrival a group of officers might have been seen
on foot conversing, while their horses were led up and down by the
attendant orderlies. First of all there was the Commander-in-chief, and
with him his military secretary, Colonel Crealock, whose recent wound
did not even place him for one day upon the sick report. Major Barrow
was there in his workmanlike dress, a Norfolk shirt patched with
leather, high untanned boots, and a stout sabre at his side. With him
were John Dunn, Lieutenants Sugden, Rawlins, and Courtenay, Captains
Addison, M'Lean, and Ganz.
The entire force consisted of 50 mounted infantry under Barrow, 55
volunteers under Addison, and 120 volunteers under Ganz and M'Lean. At a
quarter to nine the cavalcade had been inspected by their respective
commanders, and in sections of fours moved off, amid the smiles and
congratulations of the garrison. The road was as usual over that
sweet-smelling and springy turf which makes walking an impossibility,
and any pace but a canter impossible to man and beast. A little more
than half an hour, or about a four-mile spurt over the elastic veldt,
brought them in sight of Dabulamanzi's "great place." A rolling grassy
plain, leading to some easy and gentle slopes, was presented to view,
and evidently to the astonishment of most of the party, who had been
accustomed to the rude and rocky fastnesses in which these kraals are
usually built. Beyond these smiling and inviting hills the kraal itself
could scarcely be seen, but its locality was indicated by half a dozen
Zulus running away with some cattle at full speed. Their measures were
quickly taken, as their information forbade them to imagine that any
trap could be laid, and they knew that the chances were ten to one
against the chief having any force near enough to make a stand against
them. Lord Chelmsford paid Major Barrow the high compliment of allowing
him to take an independent command of the whole party, and remained more
as a spectator than as an active official on the scene. Barrow at once
detached mounted portions of his men right and left, while he led the
way direct at a smart canter at the kraal. The combined movement
answered admirably, and the place was surrounded as if by magic, without
any resistance or a shot being fired. Rawlins, and a few of Barrow's
men, were now ordered to dash into the kraal, and as soon as they had
assured themselves that there were no women or children or sick people
there, to fire it in various places. They had scarcely galloped off to
carry out this order when the silence was broken by the well-known
"ping" of a rifle, sounding from the near vicinity of the kraal; and on
looking in the direction from which the sound came the General and his
staff could see a small group of Zulus taking deliberate aim at them.
The distance was about 1200 yards. But the General still moved on,
although the bullet had been well aimed, for it whizzed just over the
head of one of his aides-de-camp; and John Dunn, putting up his glass,
declared that he recognized Dabulamanzi by his head-dress and peculiar
method of walking. With the utmost nonchalance John began to load his
weapon, and remarked to the General, "See what will happen!" One of the
Zulus at this moment was coolly making a rest for his rifle upon a ledge
of rock behind which his chief had retired, and Dunn, taking a long and
careful aim, fired, and evidently wounded his man, who slipped back into
the arms of a comrade. As the party sent to fire the kraal emerged from
its outer enclosure, a heavy cloud of smoke betokened that their mission
was accomplished. This white column hid the horsemen from the natives,
who finding themselves in danger of being surrounded and captured by
Sugden and his detached party, made a hasty and somewhat undignified
retreat. The General now moved round to the right, and found that the
detached party under Nettleton were coming back with a fine young Zulu,
whom they had overtaken and captured on the left of the kraal. They had
secured him with some buffalo-hide girths, and he readily--too readily
for belief--answered John Dunn's questions, informing him that the
cattle, women, and children had time to escape from the kraal, as the
horsemen were discovered cantering across the open. He added that had
they advanced a little faster they would have captured them. But this
was not their object, and they were rather glad not to have the
encumbrance of prisoners, remembering the trouble Oham's wives and
relations gave at Kambula.
The return to Ekowe was accomplished without further incident. On the
following day, having destroyed as much of the fortifications at Ekowe
as time would permit, they started upon the return journey to the camp
at Ginghilovo. They overtook Pearson in laager after having marched
about six miles; and while he and his column moved on later in the day
to his destination on the Lower Tugela, Lord Chelmsford and his division
halted and laagered camp at about two miles north of Inyezani, and about
five from Ginghilovo. Here an unfortunate disaster occurred. A young
sentry of the 91st fancied he saw Zulus in the bush. He at once, without
challenging, as he should have done, fired. The picket to which he
belonged at once retired, and as Dunn's scouts were out reconnoitring,
they ran in upon the next picket to the camp, composed also of young
soldiers of the 60th, who, mistaking them for Zulus charging upon the
laager, recklessly opened fire, by which four of their own men were
wounded and one killed, while nine of the unfortunate scouts were badly
wounded. The officer commanding the picket did all he could to steady
his men, and did not even retire with them, so he was quite blameless.
On the 24th April they reached the entrenchments at Ginghilovo, which
were about two miles from the former laager, and Lord Chelmsford, having
given the fullest instructions in regard to strengthening and guarding
the camp, started on the following day for Fort Tenedos, _en route_ for
Durban, to reorganize an immediate advance.