NEWS FROM THE CAPE.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1687, 17 July 1879, Page 3

NEWS FROM THE CAPE.

[Via Melbourne.]

CAPS TOWN, Tuesday, May 29.

The battle-field of Isandula haß again been visited, this time with a more tangible result. The Lancers and Dragoons, under Brigadiergeneral Marshall and Colonel Black, left their respective camps on Tuesday, tho 21st, and reached Rorke's Drift the same afternoon, whero they were joined by Colonel Harness and two guns, and the Natal Carbineers, under Captain Shep3tone. Tho following morning tho force started in two divisions, the one under Colonel Drury Howe, taking the road round Serayo's mountain, tho other the direct road. Both columns met at Isandula about noon, having destroyed all the kraalß in their way. The bodies of the fallen men were, of course, in an advanced state of decomposition, and a very few were recognisable, but an examination showed that the terrible tales of mutilation were not true. A very few had been scalped, and some stripped of their clothing, but as a rule only the tunic had been taken. Colonel Durnford's body was found, and identified by Captain Shepstone, at the rear of tho camp. He was surrounded by fourteen of the Carbineers, and their officer, Lieutenant Scott; also, a few mounted police, and about thirty soldiers. His death had evidently been caused by an assegai wound. No attempt was made at actual burial, but a large cairn was erected over the bodies of Durnford and Scott. Forty waggons were brought away from the field uninjured, but no tents were recovered, in fact, none were to be found. They appeared to have been burnt, but the pole of the 24th colours was found in a deserted kraal. Very few bodies of natives were seen on the actual battle field ; they all appeared to have been removed and thrown into a deep gully near. Mr Robinson, of the telegraph department, with some volunteer*, had visited Isandula a few days before this expedition, but had to retire before the fire of the Zulus. Major Bengough and Captain Bellington made a similar raid last Tuesday into tho enemy's country round the Stilizi Range and the Red hill. They destroyed a number of kraals and captured some women. Captain Bellington met with some opposition, having been under fire for half an hour or so, but Major Bengough does not appear to have fallen in with any of the enemy. Colonel Laryon reached Newcastle on the 19th, and went on to Utrecht to confer with the general. It was stated that operations against Secocoeni are to commence very shortly. Mr Pretorius is expected to raise 200 Boers in protecting the Transvaal boundary. Moroai still holds out in Basuto Laud, but Captain Brabant, with the colonial forces, have attacked another stronghold occupied by one of his chief councillors, and have obtained his surrender, with 200 men, women, and children, and several head of cattle. The Kangaroo, with the first portion of tho cable, has arrived at Durban. Mr Forde has already left here to arrange for the landing place. ADVANCE OF THE BRITISH TROOPS. General Newdegato's division commenced to croßs the Buffalo on the morning of the 29th, and reached Koppie Allein, about ten miles east of Landeman's Drift the same evening. A permanent camp is to be formed there. The right, consisting of the Dragoons, a battery of the Artillery, and four companies of the 24th, have beon placsd under the independent command of Major Black, and will operate in the direotion of Rorke's Drift. A junction is to be formed with General Wood's flying column, which by last advices was at Bunlascope, a few miles beyond Koppie Allein. Heavy rains have fallen on the coast, which while improving the pasture have caused a great deal of sickness, but on the whole the health of the column is reported better. Another envoy of Cetewayo'a has arrived at Fort Chelmßford, and a messenger has been Bent to meet him. A letter from Delagoa Bay states that Cetewayo has sent several messengers there for powder, which has, however, been refused, and, it is added, he is very much disappointed, and says he cannot understand tho Portuguese being friendly and at the same time refusing to satisfy his requirements. The same correspondent confirms the rumor that the new Amalonga King, Sai Seigi, has refused to join Cetewayo. Major Clifford, however, has roceived an official telegram, stating that the border tribes are assembled at Batononogo and Juzentzie, and reinforcements have left Ulundi to join them. The " Natal Witness " states that it has heard from private, but reliable sources, that Cetewayo intends fighting to the last, indeed in Natal his professed desiro for peace is entirely discredited. Surprises seem to be tho order of the day. The 3rd Yeomanry, encamped at the junction of the Gutling and Granzi rivers, was attacked by a large number of the enemy at half-past two on the morning of May 29th, and four men were assagaied in their tents. Altogether the loss was six men killed and nine dangerously wounded. The remainder of the troops pursued the enemy, inflicting on them considerable loss.