THE ZULU WAR.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 139, 23 April 1879, Page 3

THE ZULU WAR.

(frosi a HoarE conitEsrc^oEXT.) Since the arrival of Lorn Cnc-insford s letter which con I aim'd the news of the :* terrible reverse which the English troops sustained in the wrr with (he Zulus jpWesh official information has as yet cached us, hut various letters and telegrams which, although they do not give ene details still wanted, yet throw new light on the subject. The forces entered the enemy’s country in four columns—the first at the mouth of the Tugela River ; the second at some further distance from the sea ; the third at Rorke’s Drift ; and the fourth in the Transvaal. Lord Chelmsford, in command of the third column, was also in communication with the second and fourth ; and on the morning of January 22nd had, with a large part of the force, set out on a reconoitering expedition. The troops left in camp about 10 miles from Rork’s Drift, were five companies of the first battalion of the 24th, and one of the second battalion, under Colonels Pulleine and Durnford, also commanding a Native contingent. For some reason yet unexplained, the troops left the camp for the open, and were at Isandusana when, being warned that the enemy were approaching, a retreat was made for the camp, 1\ miles off, but it was too late. The Zulus, numbering about 15,000,surrounded them,marching in regular battalions, and firing steadily until they came to close quarters, when they fought with their assegais. Our troops retreated to a small hill, firing until all their ammunition was gone. They then charged with the bayonet, but it is said the enemy seized the dead bodies of their fallen companions and threw them upon the bayonets, thus making a way for the others to rush in, until our men were simply overwhelmed by numbers. At first it was feared not a single man of the 24th had survived, but later accounts tell ns of a few having escaped, the number killed being between 250 and 300. The colours of the 24th were taken, and a quantity of ammunition, waggons, oxen, and stores. The Zulus’ loss was 5000. The same evening a most brilliant defence was made by 80 men of the 24tb, under Lieutenants Chard and Brombead, who were in charge at Rorke’s Drift. On the first warning of danger a barricade was made of meal bags and biscuit tins, and soon after dark they were surrounded by 3000 Zulus, whom they kept at bay during the whole night. Six times the

’■'-rricades were forced, and as often the were driven out at the point of the'" bayonet. As the day dawned another force was seen advancing, which proved to be Lord Chelmsford’s column, the enemy meanwhile retreating. Bj r this gallant defence, it is yrohable that Greytown and Welpmabraar were saved. No less than 1000 Zulus were killed. Theresa statement that the Native contingents have been disbanded if so, some doubt of their loyalty must have been felt, as this reduces Lord Chelmsford’s column to one-half its original number. Great apprehensions have been felt in Natal, as it was not only possible that the Zulus, elated by their victory, might threaten the towns, but that other tribes would join them ; but, up ■to February 4th, no fresh success has been achieved by them, and it is probable that their victory has been gained with the loss of such numbers of their best men that they have become discouraged. Meanwhile the 4th foot, from Capo Town, have reached Ribermaritzburg, and the SSth are probably now at the border. Colonel Wood has been successful against 4000 Zulus who attacked his column, but were completely routed. Colonel Pearsen holds a bold position at Ekowe, 30 miles within Zulu territory, where he remains entrenrhed. Ho commands 1200 men, including a company of Royal Engineers and a detachment of the Naval Brigade He is reported to be surrounded by the larger part of the Zulu army ; but, as he has two months’ provisions, it is to be hoped he will be able to hold out until the arrival of reinforcements. The preparations for sending troops to Natal have preceded with a vigour and despatch which says much for our oftenabused military system. By the evening ef the day on which Lord Chelmsford’s dispatch arrived eight regiments had received their orders. The following day the steamers to convey the. troops to their destination had been chavatered, and the large number of officers, as usual at this time, on leave had returned to their regiments. Volunteers were required to make up the strength of the regiments for foreign service, and the number of men offering has been immensely in excess or those required, while the spirit and cheerfulness shown by officers and men is exemplary, although only what we are accustomed to meet with from British soldiers, always ready at the call of duty, no matter how difficult or dangerous. The troopships being under repair, or on foreign, service, necessitated the employment steamships for transport, and these have been overhauled and fitted up for their new duties with wonderful celerity. As it has been thought necessary to take out horses for the cavalry and artillery, the main or uppor~3ccks were fitted with stalls, 2ft. each in width. Hammocks of strong canvas and rope, fastened to the ceiling, are provided to pass under the animals to lift them off their feet in case of a gale, or for rest. Some mules which were brought from Spain and South America, are to be taken for transport service. Many of these animals are 17£ hands high, and it is thought their powers of endurance will make them valuable during the hardships of &

campaign. Everything has been clone for the eomtort of the men that was possible : they have the usual troopship tables and forms ; the hammocks rolled up during the day will hang over the tables at night ; each man is provided with a sea-suit ; and there is a comfortably fitted-up hospital in case of illness. The decks are ventilated by Mr Edmunds’ plan, by which means the lower decks are kept as fresh as the upper. Each ship is provisioned for 45 days, being double the time the voyage will take. The men will be liberally fed, and only the grumblers put on rations. Large stores of preserved meats and vegetables, tea, sugar, &c., are provided for the camp, and for the field hospitals there are hundreds of tins of oxtail sou}), cases of wine and brandy. The work in Woolwich Dockyard has been going on unceasingly during the day, and part of the night, and even on Sunday the necessities of the case urged the workers to continued exertions. The ammunition for the infantry is chiefly small-arm-cartridges , for the Martini-Henry rifles; each man has 300 rounds, and the cavalry will have nearly the same. The 6th Brigade are taking guns mounted on the Kaffiarin carriage recently invented, the wheels of which are sft high, making it easier to go through long grass. Rockets are to be inc’uded in the ammunitation, as the natives are known to dread them in proportion to their irregularity of flight. The troops, horse and foot, are provided with cork helmets, and during the week no less than 20,000 garments have been made for their use at Pimlico. Within a week of their being chartered,, the Pretoria left Southampton with 91st (Princess Louise Argyl shire) Highlanders on board, and the Dublin Castle, from the Thames, with the 3rd battalion of the 60th (King’s Royal Rifles), The former regiment has for the last five years borne among its badges the cypher and coronet, of the Princess Louise ; it has also the Campbell, crest, the boar’s head. The men do not wear the kilt, with the exception of the pipers. This regiment distinguished itself in eight of the principal battles during the Peninsular War. They served at Bayonne in 1814, and were at the Cape from 1846 to 1853. Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar superintended the embarkation, while Lords Archibald and Walter Campbell were their to bid farewell to the regiment, in which they naturally take especial interest. The commanding officer is Major Bruce. The 60th Rifles, whose colonel-in-chief is the Duke of Cambridge, has served in many victorious engagements in the Peninsula, India, and China, and was also at the Cape from 1850 to 1853. Before the close of the following week most of the ships were under weigh, the Duke of Cam-

bridge being present much of the time during the embarkation of the troops. Great interest has been felt In Prince Louis Napoleon’s determination to go to the war. A commission having of necessity been refused him, he determined to go as a volunteer, and embarked on board the Danube for the Cape. A determination has been arrived at by the Government to establish telegraphic comminucation with the Cape, the want of which has been much felt at. this critical time. The wires are to be laid from Aden to Natal.