A MESSAGE FEOM CETEWAYO.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 136, 9 June 1879, Page 4

A MESSAGE FEOM CETEWAYO.

The following despatch, containing "a message from Cetewayo," appears in the moat recently published Parliamentary papers relating to the Zulu war:— March 1, 8 p.m., 1879. $h$ Natives who have been expedted

from Entumeni for some days arrived about two hours ago, and I and Bisbop Scbroeder have bad an interview with them. They brine a message from Cetewayo, which they have delivered informally, two Zulus who accompanied them being still on the other side of the Tugela. I have sent to have thorn brought up to the Bishop's house, and to-morrow morning we will receive the message in regular form in their presence. I now proceed to give the substance of the message : — Cete wayo bega that the Bishop will explain to tbe Government that he never desired this war ; he has never refused the terms proposed at the Lower Tugela ; he has already collected 1000 head of cattle to pay the demand made upon him. Sirayo's sons had escaped, and he was looking for them when he heard the English armies had crossed the Tugela; they attacked and killed many ot Sirayo's people, but even then he did not despiir of peace, for he then succeeded in arresting Sirayo'a sons. He sent them bound with his army under Unvumengwana's charge to be delivered up to the General at Rorke's Drift; three men wera aent on to try and obtain a hearing, but they ware fired at and returned. The fighting at Sandhlwana was brought about accidenttlly; the English horse attacked outlying parties of Zulus, who returned tbeir fire ; more came up and joined in the fray, until the battle became general. Tbe king protests that he never ordered his army to attack the English column, and bis Indecoa Unvumeogwana is in disgrace for having permitted it. As regards Invezasi, Cetewayo contends that Colonel Pearson provoked the attack made on him by burning kraals and committing other acts of hostility along the line of march. He now asks that both sides should put aside their arms, and resume tbe negotiations with a view to a permanent settlement of all questions between himself and the Government. The King also aiatea he would have aeni ia a message some lime since, bat be was afraid ; because the last time when he seat eight messengers to Lower Tugela they were detained, and he now begs that tbey may be sent back. I asked the Entumeni men one question, viz., whether the Zulu army was assembled. They said it was not; the men were at tbeir kraals. As soon as I get the formal message to-morrow morning I will write more fully; in the meantime, I send this on by special messenger. (Signed.) Jno. Eustace Fannik, Special Border Agent.