CETEWAYO’S DEFEAT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1149, 15 September 1883, Page 1

CETEWAYO’S DEFEAT.

The Cape Times of 31st July gives a brief account of the battle of Ulundi, in . which Cetewayo was at lirst supposed to have been killed The' restoration of peace in the Transvaal is quickly followed by another outburst of ferocity in Zululand. On the morning of Saturday, 21st July, Ulundi was suddenly attacked by Usibepu, and with such impetuosity that Cetewayo’s force fled almost without resistance, It is said that Usibepu had only 600 men under hia command, while Cetewayo had collected several thousand about the royal kraal. Cetewayo was wounded in hia flight, and his body is said to have been identified afterward in the thorn country, surrounded by the bodies of several of his indunas. Six of the King’s wives were killed, and the of the fugitives was merciless add terrible. Thousands of men, women and children have fled into the Reserve. Usibequ, having reported what had taken place to the British Resident, went on to attack Mnyamana, and to relieve Oham,, who had been shut up in a cave stronghold. Usibequ’s sudden attack was really made in self-defence. He had heard that Cetewayo was endeavoring to obtain the help of a Swazi contingent for a combined movement against him (Usibequ) and Oham. His only chances of success lay in a bold, rapid stroke. Ulundi and Notwenga were burnt down by the vie- • torious array, and all the king’s presents brought from England shared the general destruction. John Dunn is reported to nave represented the necessity of annexation now, lest Usibepu should become dangerous to the peace of Natal. So far no harm has befallen any white man during the fight ; and as the Zulus are unsparing when the assegai is master, this moderation speaks well for Usibepu’s intention.