The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1879-03-08 00:00:00

are. We have -.t 10,000 English and
6,000 black soldiers here on one side (but
the latter we cannot trust much), so we are
pretty strong. The Zulus are as numerous
as the grass in the field; all their property
is in:bullocks and cows. We have already
captured 20,000 of them; they are to be
sold, and the money shared amongst us all
when the war is over, so those who are lucky
may get something for themselves. We havee
to repair some military bridges to-morrow
that are broken. We have over 2,000
bullocks and wagons to carry stores, ctc.,
for us. Money is no use here; if we had
£lO,OOO we could not spend it. Govern-
ment gives us tobacco and food, but no drink
only lime juice and coffee. We buried our
dead last night, tied up in a blanket. We
don't bury the enemy's dead, but vultures
will soon eat them up ; thousands of them
are ready to pounce on you in a moment."

The following despatch from Colonel
Wood, reporting the litovements of No. 4
column, was one of the enclosures in Lord
Chelmsford's despatch :
Fort Tinta, Jan. 25, 1879 (9 a.m.)

Dear General, I fear you will not be'
able to gather where No. 4 column has been
from any of the maps, as all are inaccurate.
After clearing the Tunquin Range on the
22nd—the Zulus retiring hastily, leaving
cattle and sheep, as already reported the
column halted on the 23rd, the Artillery
having had with the F. L. Horse hard work,
while the 90th Light Infantry were nineteen
hours under arms in twenty-four. The F.
L. Horse had scarcely been off saddle for
forty-eight hours. Yesterday, the 24th, the
columns moved in the direction of the road
indicated in Durnford's map as passing be-
tween the Tunquins Neck and Ityenteka
Range. It is, perhaps, needless to state
that the track has been termed a road because
a few wagons have at some time passed over
it. About 7.30 a.m. when the column had
marched eight miles, some Zulus ran forward
towards a strong hill in our front, but were
anticipated by Colonel Buller, with a troop
Frontier Light Horse. The morning was
misty, and our advance was apparently un-
perceived, as the Zulus were only forming
up when two guns :opened on them, and
caused them to scatter in all directions.
Finding we could not advance where our
guide the track existed, I ordered the column
to turn to the left and pass round a high
hill on our left, and. there outspan. Before
I reached this position, however, the 90th
Light Infantry, with two guns, moved down
into a valley and up the opposite hill, on
which the Zulus fled hastily, the F. L.
Horse and Mr. Puy's men pursuing them.
It was at this time I received the first inti-
mation of the Zulu attack on No. 3 column
camp, and I therefore halted for 21 hours,
and then retraced our steps towards the
Almvolosi, where the column arrived at 7
a.m this morning. Appended is a return of
the casualties; and I believe about 50
Zulus were killed from the different bodies,
counting 10 in one group, 15 in another, 6
in another, while 5 men were killed by one
shell, besides single men. As I learn from
Colonel Crealock's letter, No. 3 column will
go to Helpinakaar. I shall have to move
to-morrow towards the Ugaba Kanawane,
in the kloofs of which I hope to get word,
and where I shall be in a position to cover
Ectretch, and yet be able to move towards
the Bagalususi. You may probably know,
but I think it well to inform you that the
force attacking No. 3 column camp was
composed of the Umorambi, Umutya, Undi,
Nodwengu, and Takobamakosi regiments,
commanded by as No. 1, the Umdabula-
manzi, Cetewayo's brother senior Umbu-
mengwana, third senior Fatyingwayo. Un-
sebe commanded the 3,000 to 4,000 men
who yesterday fled before No. 4 column,
which they had undertaken to attack. If
No. 3 column is to be stationary some time,
I should be glad of the loan of all its horse-
men, as if I can burn the Bagalususi Kraal,
the effect in North Zululand will be good.
(Signed) EVELYN WOOD, Colonel.

Bumming up a long leading article on the re
sponsibilities for the affair at Isandula, the Cape
Argus of March 11th declares :—"We are informed
that it has been already elicited at the Court of
Inquiry that Lord Chelmsford left written instruc-
tions with the officers commanding the camp that
the troops remaining there were to act on the de-
fensive, and that these orders were not obeyed..
Colonel Durnford, it is alleged, against the remon-
strances of Colonel Pulleine, i nduced the latter
officer to leave the camp, with what result is now
known. We are bound to accept these statements,
and if they are supportedby evidence Lord Chelms-
ford will be relieved greatly from the responsibility
of the disaster at Isandula. He may have erred in
sanctioning the selection of the site for the camp.
He may have erred in not seeing that his staff
and spies serve him better, but if, as alleged, he
gave orders for:the defence of the camp which were
disobeyed, he will be relieved from much responsi-
bility. The departure from the camp was the•
great error in this sad affair, and so far as we can
gather the blame rests not with the General.