British Rule in South Africa; Illustrated in the Story of Kama and His Tribe, and of the War in Zululand (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879 edition. Excerpt: ...of the two native battalions, and the march forward was resumed without delay. When, we were about three miles from the camp, the general ordered the troops to halt in a water-course, on.the farther side of which was the last ridge which concealed their advance from those holding the camp. This measure was absolutely necessary, as without doubt the force that had been able to carry the camp would make but small ado with the Native Contingent, 1,000 strong, and the few mounted men. We were forced to wait for our supports A weary time it was waiting--waiting--every man looking at his neighbour, and wondering what the end might be. Meantime the mounted men had been ordered to send pickets forward to ascertain what was going on, and the contradictory reports they brought in added to the general uncertainty. An hour and a half must at least have passed in this way, when the general ordered Colonel Russell to go forward with the mounted infantry and ascertain the real facts beyond a doubt. He did so, and in a short half-hour returned. Matters were as bad to the full as represented. The entire camp was swarmiug with Zulus, like a disturbed ant-heap with ants. Many of the tents were burning, and the numbers estimated as holding the road--our only outlet to Natal--were put down as at least 7,000 men. Under such circumstances there was only one thing to be done, viz., to wait for our supports, and then cut our way through the enemy, and Lord Chelmsford and his advisers decided at once on this course. Tardily, as it then seemed to us, Colonel Glyn, the l-24th, the guns, .the police, and the 2-3rd N.N.C. made their appearance, and then, without doubt or hesitation, Lord Chelmsford placed his men in battle order, and commenced his march on the camp...