The Sun.
London, England, 1852-05-12 00:00:00

Vral 'a.
'-:=4 •
7

MAY 12, 1852.

THE KAFIR WAR.
RECAL OF SIR 11. SMITH.
(From the Lwittoit Gazette of TnesdaY, May ii.)
Downing street; May 8, 1852, .
' The Right Hon. Sir John S. Pakington has this day re-
ceived a dispatch n d itsinclosures, 'of which the following
,are copies, addressed to the Right Hon. Earl .Grey, by Lisa-
tenant-General Sir Henry G. W. Smith, K.G.C.B.
No. 47.—Military.

- Camp, Blinkwater, March 17, 1852.
My Lerd,—l had the honour to receive on the let inst.,
at King William's Town, your Lordship's dispatch, No. 732,
of the 14th Jatinary last, intimating to me that her Majesty's
Government had deemed it an unavoidable duty to relieve
me frornmy present position; that my Sovereign had ap.
proVed of the Measiire," and that my successor was, imme-
diately to leave England. At that period, hovrevet, such
ware the prospects of this 'war, and sie rapid the progression
towards that state of things which can alone perpetuate peace
(best shown by the proclamation issued by me on the Gth of
February, and again enclosed), that a sense •of the- deity
which
-has guided me in the service, of my. Sovereign and
country for so many years induced me to persevere in the
preparatory steps I had taken for the exptileion from certain
strongholds within the colooy of the rebel Gaikas and Hot-
tentots under the wily Chief Macomo, a renegade from the
authbrity of his paramount Chief Sandilli; as-also for ex-
pelling the Greika tribes 'from British Kafraria, and driving
them over the Great Kei. My intention was communicated
to your Lordship in my dispatch of the 16th ult. .
2. I have the honour, therefore, to report that, on the sth
inst., I moved the 12th Lancers and a large detachment of
the Cape Mounted Rifles under Lieutenant-Colonel Pole;
two guns Royal Artillery, the Gth, 60th, and four companies
of the 45th Regiment, with detachments of Hottentot: and
FingOe levies, under Lieutenant-Colonel Michel ; two guns
Royal Artillery, the 43d 'Light Infantry and 73d Regiment,
arid detachments of Hottentot and Fitrgoe levies, under
Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre, all well supplied v.ith provisions,
to the general rendezvous at Fort Beaufort, where I es-
tablished my headsquartera. •
3. On the 4th inst. Major-General Somerset had a „smart
affair with the enemy in the Waterkloof, in which the 91st
Regiment' greatly distinguished itself; Lieutenant-Colonel
Yarborough, of that Regiment, and Captain Bramire •
Cape Mounted Rifles, having, however, been severely, and
Ensign Hibbert, of the 91st, slightly wounded. The chief
Macomo fought with great determination; but 100 head
of cattle and 4l horses were captured— the best criterion
of success. Subiequently to this , affair such part of
gajor-General Somerset's division as was available for the
field, consisting of the 91st Regiment, four companies Of the
74th Highlanders, the Cape Mounted Rifles, and strong de-
tachments of Hottentot and Fingoe levies, was assembled at
Haddon's Old Post, on the western end of the low mountain
range forming the Waterkloof, Blinkwater, and Fuller's Hoek;
the best position it could occupy with reference to my in-
tended operations.
4. Meanwhile Lieutenant-Colonel Perceval, with a de-
tachment of Royal Artillery and a gun, with rockets, the
12th Regiment, detachnients of the 91st Regiment, Cape
Mounted Rifles, and. Armstrong's Horse, and Hottentot
and Fingoe levies, and Burghers, bad been ordered to act on
the enemy's position in the Fish River Bush. The various
posts of defence in the neighbourhood of my proposed scene
of action, viz., Whittlesea, Eland's post, Ban
fowr kater? and
Post Retief, were at the same time strengthened ter?
a
of patrolling.
5. On the 9th inst. the troops marched to establish them-
selves, on their respective bases of opemtion, as set forth in
the instructions annexed; and I establiihed my head-quar-
ter; at the Blinkwater Post, a commanding' and central
position.
G. Oa the 10th inst. the several officers in cemmancte-
-viz., Lieutenant-Colonels Michel, Eyre, and Napier, having
well reconnoitred the strong positions held by the rebels,
moved forward to the attack. The enemy was everywhere,
well ptepared, and received them, especially Lieutenant-
Colonel Eyre, whose colunin I had reinforted with two adeli.
tional guns and two companies of the 71th from, the Blink-
water Post, with his usual evarcry, and even more than com-
mon demonstiations of defiance.
7. The enemy opposed to Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre' was
well and judiciously posted in that part of the range called
Fuller's Hoek, very extensive , and densely wooded, and
where Macomo's " den," as they termed it, was so strongly
'situated in a deep kloof as to be regarded almost inacces-
sible. By the activity of Captain Faddy, of the RoYal
Artillery, the four guns were, with incredible exertion,
dragged up a precipitoua ascent, judiciously posted and
well served, aided by rockets. 'flee Lieuteuant-Colonel
moved upon these savages in eight small columns of attack,
and the troops carried everything before them. Every ob-
stacle was speedily overcome, and a well-known and most
`difficult pass, field stoutly by the enemy, was gallantly
carried by Captain Campbell, of the 7:3c1 reg:ment, with a
company of his own corps and two companies of the 43d
Light •Infantry. The troops crowned the heights, where
they burnt many villages, destroyed some cultivation, drove
the enemy before them is every, direction, and bivouacked
for the night.
8 On the following day, the 11th instant, Lieutenant-
Colonel Eyre made the most able disposition of his troops,
5.3 as to descend the mountain and effectually dislodge the
enemy from those positions which the columns had -been
able only to pass through on the preVious day. His special
object also was to assail the den and stronghold of Macomo,
the destruction of which I regarded as a great step towards
the humbling of the rebels; for although Sandilli and the
Gaikas affected humility and a desire for peace, I well knew
that all eyes were intent on the result of these operations.
Colonel Eyre, aware of the importance I attached to this
se, vice, headed the column for the assault of the Den, the
descent to which was found by the assistance of a captured
woman, a flight of natural stews affording great means of de-
fence. This column was most successful, though stoutly
resisted; the Den was carried, the four guns firing into it
with sanguinary effect, and 130 women, now prisoners, were
found ttowed away in the clefts cf rock. Among them is
Macomo's young and favourite wife, as also his great wife, a
Tambookie, much regarded among the tribe, and mother of
his great son Namba. Large quantities of European wearing
apparel, provisions of different kinds, some little gunpowder,
a bullet mould and supply of lead in bars, were found in the
Den, which was completely destroyed and the huts coo-
!turned. The number slain by our guns was very great,
'eleven having been fouud in one spot, and seven in another,
and many fell in the assault. Meanwhile Captain Campbell
made his way down the difficult pass by which he had as-
cended the day before, and was again stoutly resisted by
the enemy in front and flepk. Here three gallant soldiers of
the'73d Regiment fell, another being at the same time
wounded, and further on Lieutenant the Hon. Henry Wrot:-
tesly, of the 43d, received a mortal wound. ,
9. The carrying by our troops of this " Den," heretofore
regarded as inaccessible, has had throughout the effect of
magic, and no positive resistance has since been offered.'
Colonel Eyre continued his operations through the whole of
the extensive fastnesses of the Fuller's Hoek and adjoining,
kloofs, but the enemy appeared no more. On the 15th inst.
he again ascended the passes, and revisited Macomo's Den, to
show the enemy our determination to expel him. Not a sine..
egle Kafir was to' be seen, and Colonel Eyre and the rest of
the officers, who had then leisure for observation, describe
'the loss suffered by the enemy as evidently very considerable,.
and ranch greater than they had believed. Ir, indeed, could
not well be otherwise, ex posed as he was to the fire of four
well-directed guns lied rockets, and so hemmed in that he
necessarily suffered severely from musketry and even from
the bayonet.
10. On the same day, the 10th instant, Lieutenant-Colonel
Michel's column moved from Blekeway'e Farm. ascended
.the heights, the guns being with great exertion brought up.
'an almost impracticable acclevity, and occupied the dense
bush connecting Fuller's Hoek with the Waterkloof, .for-
merly the scene of considerable conflict. Every part of this
bush was well traversed, and many kraels destroyed. Few.
-of the rebel Hottentots or Klass showed themselves, until'
Lieutenaut-Colonel Napier's column, ascending the valley of
the Waterkloef, entered the narrow and bushy defile which
forms its head. Here he was fiercely attacked, the onset of
the enemy being, according, to his usual custom, especially
directed to the rear of the advancing column. ,This
however, judiciously anticipated by Colonel Napier, who
advantageously posted the 91st Regiment, under Major
Forbee, so as to resist the attack. The rebels were daring
on this occasion, and Well sustained the fight until they saw
Colonel Michel advaricine when they gave way in every
direetiotrand fled into the dense bush to escape pursuit.
11. Oa the following day these two columns acted simul-
taneously, driving the enemy before them, and destroying his
villages in the Waterkloof. On the third day it was neces-
sary for both to procure provisions at their respective bases of
operation. Col. Michel very judiciously took the opportunity to
report himself to are; and lat the sauna time ascertained
that 200 Boars of the district of Somerset and the Kouap had
arrived at Haddorr's Old Post. Upon this, I imtuediately
dispatched Major-General to whom I had retained
-with nee at head-quarters,-ters, to take the command of these
-bnrrhers, and of Colonel Napier's column. On doing BO the
Major-General at once ascended the heights evCrhanging
• the Watefkloof, bringing up his two guts by a very difficult
ascent, and then proceeded to penetrate the bush with his
infantry, while his mounted -force -watched the open, thus
acting simultaneously with Colonel Michel In these opera-
- * a
g-thenemY-showed little resistance. On ehe afternoon
of the 15th inst., observing a .numbersf the en
Someemy int ciis:
session of cattle in a deep valley, General
patched his mounted force of Cape Corps
atid
grid
under Lieutenant-Colonel Napier, in.pursuit. Brsureg
head,licia,
many horses were captured, several of the rebels slain, and.
some fifty women and children made prison el
12. On the 15th inst. Lieutenant-Coloneelbearadseiceheleeheapveirna.g-
replenished his provisions, moved from t:r
e_tatitzf, hi
or " Iron
tions to then eighbourhood of the Eisl
Mountain, in the Waterkloof, where he halted
His intention •eves to assail this mountain
st - inductedc
bt. amnadl c°art ie
according to the mode in whichilliethadprKevatioreu.
his operations; but observin ands 3numero'usly
were evidently prepared
"occupied the rocky heights,
for a determined resistance, he coleletcedtedtehtiusrtnrotohpes,
ad-
vancedin 'regular order, and endeavo
11 maintained by the
Lion. A rocky ravine, however,
enemy, posted behind bushy rocks,wperohibited any successful
attempt upon his flank. A direct advance to the front be.
came therefore necessary,
d was immediately ordered by
Colonel Michel; momentery check ; when
so welt However, was it met by the
enemy that the troops reee f the 60th Rifles,
fixed swords,
aul3r:arkran' tzcs .and rocks with great
tain supported by the column.
C4chaPrt:tend,FlanPdec'sarrim carried eie
The enemy were driven or
slaughter; many cattle and horses were captured, in theg de-
fence of which so stouteeamresistance had been made ; and Ma
pauieseif the 60th Rifl es, pursued
jor Bedford, with two
the fugitives over declivities nearly itllf aisablei many more
MiChel
to tie, tailing into his hands. The whole capture amount d
to 560 head and 75 horses ; some of the latter being'very vea
Inable. In this gallasit and rapid affair, Colonel
re
ports that he reraark,ed the especial ga lantry displayed b y
Lieutenanta C alie'
°f
t h(Whitmore,6ofh
Capfaio Hope and.
Brigade-Major,
Mlles ; by his , Brig
end eby Mr.i De Robeche of Armstrong's
the Cape Corps;
nacineda before
Horse. Colonel Michel subsequently continued his opera-
activity, and all the couthnetrymoplr
of the
t ions with every
washim wi
well cleared of ehe
15th inst. Captain Taylor, with his company of Hottentot
levies, had a sharp affsir with a party of the rebels, and cap.
tared it horses. This was the last occasion on which the
enemy appeared. Colonel Michel describes Captain Taylor's
company of levies as deserving the name of soldiers.
13. On the 10th inst. Lieutenant-Colonel Percevai, with
his column strengthened by the force anembled from
Graham's Town and its neighbourhood, and aided by Tni
a
bUrghers of that town; attacked the strong poiition"of thew
Chief Stock, in the Fish River Bush, in two divisions, under
himself and Major Armstronge These, simultaneous and
well-conducted movetnentsyin a mory:diffienit country, were
completely aucceeafui and after a sharp cogiict, in which

15. This day, the 17th inst., the columns of Lieutenant-
Colonels Michel and Eyre, under my immediate command,
move, with five days' provisions, on the Chumie range of the
Atmßoles, for the purpose of dislodging the tribe of Tyalie
and the rebel Hottentots, and then penetrating into the
heart of the mountains, while I leave Major-General Somer-
set with his division to pursue the retreating enemy, 200
Cradock burghers, under the Civil Commissioner; Mr. Gil-
fillan, operating at- the same time from Whittlesea against
the Tambookies. Every part of the rebel enemy's country
will thus he assailed.

16. I deeply regret, for the credit of the frontier inhabit-
ants, to report that only 200 burghers from the distriet of
Somerset, 200 from Cradock, and 33 from, Graham's Town,
have responded to my command. They first objected to
On volunteer system which I offered to their loyalty.
-They tEZni requested te--be-e-erommaadtede„tek.,lnakeout.
Their shuffling conduct is melancholy. There are
many loyal and energetic men who do not fall under this
censure, especially the burghers of Albert, under Mr. Cole,
who, although they have not turned out on :this last occa-
sion, having been only just dismissed after a long an haras-
sing though successful inroad over the Upeer Kei, have done
right good service during the wee.
• 17. I am fully aware that I have been accused, during the
progress of the campaign; of using the language of hyperbole
in describing this numerous recoutres which have occurred,
and in giving praise to the gallant officers and troops as well
as burghers. Possessing, however, some experience in war, I
must maintain that such is not the me. Troops acting in
the
aedn,
com-
mand, neypr
the open field expect not the stimulous of prime; the sol-
rbchusohfangrdeartavilenngest,hathleads
dier sees his foe, and his British courage iises at each step ;
perhaps,eneatrnaitgehdtenmsae
iysepivnw:ugint
the
hthihne aededis_aocni
appreciatesdni
teghr and
sr eifnotirrneet,tphr
intrepid
pi
heart
ea aripraise
enemy,sofrt
hi
relinquishingbi as see
oor, resolute as
athletic, ready to murder any one who may fall into
his hands, and whose warfare is of the most stealthy and
tbper
oenra
renders
enterprising
pebr
ascendw io ,0 after,
un t au or p
because when his acts are conspicuously daring he is con-
scious he deserves it. Hedoes his duty ; but human nature
mand. I will not shrink from the performance of mfmthymti
probation of his superior, which he is proud to know may
reach the eye of his parents and friends.
and I here record the value I attach to the indefatigable
services of Major-General Somerset, whose experience cf
thirty years in Kafir warfare, its difficulties and its labours,
render him a most valuable, as he is a le,ghlydeservhig officer.
Lieutenant-Colonel Michel, of the 6th Royal Regiment, has
frequently distinguished himself. in cenernanel, and on _no (ie.
cation more so than ia the recent affeir of the 15th instanty
on the" Iron Mountain.;" his energy in the field is equal to
his zeal and attention. to regimental duty.: Lieutenant-Col.
Nesbitt, of the 60th Rifles, merits much praise, and I re-
gret that I have only b3en able on one occasion to
give him , a separate command. Lieutenant-Colonel
Eyre, perpetually in the field since the commencement of
hostilities, has been to fie quently praised by me for his
invariable success in every operation intrusted to his conduct,
that what I now add enhances, end does not merely
establish, his reputation. I must here record my opinion
of the soldierlike and judicious manner in which he carried
and cleared the stronghold of the enemy in Fuller's Hoek,-
a position occupied with defiance by blecomon; and express
my conviction that the wa: would remain unextinguished
until that determined' chief should be, as ke has been,
thoroughly dislodged and expelled. This tile been effected
in a masterly manner, by the gallantry, judgment, and
perseverance of Lieutenant-Cdonel Eyre. The 73d Regiment
first set the example,. under my' orders, of taking the
bush; they have been ever. most ••successful, aid the,'
other regiments have emulated their exertions with
equal results. Lieutenant-Colonel Pole' has commanded
his efficient, regiment, .the 12th Lancers, with zeal
and activity. Lieutenant-Colonel. Napier, of the Caps
Mounted Rifles, has frequently been entrusted with the
direction of • patroles, which he has ever well conducted.
Lieutenant-Colonel Yarborough, of the 91st, is a steady
officer, and greatly distinguished himself oil the day he was
wounded. The 2d Queen's Regiment have, upon this occa-
sion, occupied the different forts; their services during the
campaign under Lieutenant-Colonel Burns have been
valuable. Lieutenant-Colonel Skipwi'h, of the 431 Light
Infantry, is an officer of much promise. Lieutenant-
Colonel Perceval, of the 12th Regiment, has greatly at-
tracted my attention by his exertions, ability, and natural
talent for command. Major Kyle, commanding the four
companies of the 45th Regiment, is a very valuable officer,
and there is indeed no field officer, from the gallant Major
Pinckney, of the 73d, downwards—the senior of his rank
in this army—who has not well performed his many arduous
duties.
19. I fear, my Lord, that I render this a lengthy dispatch.
At the wind rip of a fifteen months' campaign, desultory, it
is true, but on that account and opposed as we have -bean to
from 20,000 to 15 000 intrepid warriors, probably of even a
more than usually arduous character, much labour will
naturally have devolved upon the officers of the staff, gene-
ral as wall as personal. I desire to draw your Lordship's at-
tention tel the services of Colonel Cloete, the chief of the
staff, whose unrerrittint zeal in the performance of the many
duties devolving upon him has been as remarkable as the in-
telligenee and perfect knowledge of his profession. which he_
has invariablyeevinced. I ain deeply indebted to him, and
the service equally so. Every-officer of e• the general staff
my private stary, and Captain
has ably and zealously done his duty. To
Lieutenant-
my military secretary, who have had the largest
share of correspondence of every varied character of any
mCoalyondwelenG, arvock,
officers in this army, lam truly grateful. Their devotion to
the public service merits every encemiam. The perseverance
of these officers has greatly contributed to insure that eco-
nomy in the public expenditure which I haveendeavoured to
enforce; and I hope with much success.' My aide-de-camps,
Major Hoklich, Captain-Smith, and Lieutenant Greville, have
filled their situations with great utility to me and labour to
themeelves.
The officers end soldiers of this army,bne and all, have un-
dergone continued labour and fatigue in the prosecution of a
most difficult warfare, extending over a territory larger than
England, with-that energy and courage conveyed by the
words " Beitish soldiers."—l have, &c.,

H. G s3llTif.
Lille document marked No. 1, and mentioned above,, ap
psared in our Fourth Edition of last night. 3

...SPORTING NOTES.
- No.-CCXXIV.
THE RACE FOR TilE ROWLEY ISIILE, PLATE AND
THE FIELD FOR THE TEN SWS. STAKES.

_au
sum
for the
‘,. TO THE EDl7:o6l7raff' 7 celebrated
'ttt, In days of care,
-cited-- con..ro ,
s became a rattling
in Sporting
RoWtey Mile Plate e"..
in grist instance ,
although scarcely
circles, us its winner, 9' '-'erable interene°
event at Epsom,
r it will Toot even
favourite for the grew__
jwns. Tai, e
derate stumpy-
ce4sfu on the 1) ,
I bet a very mo . , _
ever sec • . . ii, sac ( ,
• n outsider, • -
r.re a yesterday by -a neck
give us a
1 carried the • f riot. horse ; Liverrnere legged anima ,
Cavan,
a decidedly in e
I rather imagine, of
only from third; emblematic, r
°n home a bad ion at '..ps,,m. The per-
mitting
of his stable companion . .
the succ,As
formance of Flash of Ao.
mr. Dorrietcs other Derby nag, Chief
; hnis does. not say much for the chance' of the
pounds worse than
Bare" 4N•c,;--;,h-'):zaquenr fourth; Odd Fellow bringing up
latter, by .‘n•----.' ca-van carried off the str.ke in easy
the rear. Had
Qet.,o
by
Mr. Walker and the other
style, " W2S
P'7 stable, they had intended. to have.,
members of that
to a much more Prominent position-
* oted the Treasurer
it
prore
De-by market; at is,-- presume his quotation Will
in the
still
be about r 0 to I.
.o
e winner of the Rowley Mile Plate, aft he is the beet of
Lord h Clitdea's bad loz, and as hi my accounts from 'New-
market be was the only one stated to - be m preparation; for'
the Ihrby, or some other event near at hand, I fancy will.
help to swell the' field at Epsom' this day fortnight.
The 10 Sovs. Stakes, to be run to-morrow, contrary
to the general rule at Newmarket for some ,time past, Nyitl
attract to the post a very good field, consisting of the fol-
lowing :—Rumenr„ Placid, Gossip, the President, Amaryllis
oily, .13ounty, Arotlanse ,filly,, Epigram; Gipsy colt„, Peliou,
and perhspis one of Lord cidfdas. As nearly every one Of
these bslong to the dark division; it will naturally be an in-
terestirlg, race, especially as several of the debutantes are very
protniseg animals, particularly -Mr. Stephenson's .Per.tos.
'Rai/2par and Bounty also Will do azood thing to;me time or
othe4lf -they- do not tn=itiorrow.- - The favourite (filly, by_
Libel out of Arethusa) I have no fancy for. whatever; and Gossip, another horse that stands high in public opinion, w
very low in my 'estimation. . • -
. The betting last night and this morning has undergone,
several changes of more or . less importance, a wide field of
Stakes having been speculated upon at the following Pr'aerel:
,
—Suffolk Sakes-5 to 4 agat St. Antonio; 2
to
1 agttAcid,
10 Soya. Stakes-4 to leach ag,t Arethusa filly-and 7' to 2 agst Gossip, 4to I apt Rumour or •!7 other.
to 1,
Derby-13 to 2 eget Itiibbie Noble, take
„.,.,t Alccsrani,
15 to 2 agst Little Harry, 8 to 1 agst,
offered, 11 to 1 agst Clavertioue, 14 to 1 agst ,25t0 1
14 to 1 agst Alfred the Greet; 20 to 1 agst Eingsatonocot,
50
agst Augur,' 80 to 1 each eget 'King of Tram a Trumps to 1. Oaks.
,to 1 agst Missive,Lo to 1 agst-Treeourer, take U 0
8 to 1 agst
-7 to 1 each asst Red Hind and Gossamer, Plate.:—
Songstress, 10 to 1- agst Trosseau. Northumberland Cup-10,
7to 2 agst.StiltOn, 4.t0 I.taken freely. Liverpool
0, and Bto 1 taken about Poodle. ,
I am, Sir, yours, Sic., „„ THF, TURF.
THE SPIRIT tir

May 12, 1852.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.
NEWMARKET SECOND SPRING MEETING.

_
TUESDAY.
50/ for'? three yrs old, 6.t 21b;; boar, Bst; five, Bst 71b;
SIX, and aged, Bst 121 b. T.M.M. The_winner to be
• sold for 200/., &c:
Mr. Taberer's Liberty, 33 rs .............. (T. Smith) 1
Mr. Rogerb's Tneodine, 3 yrs ............ (S. Steggles) 2
Lord Exeter's Little Jack, 5 yrs .......... ..(Norman) 3
Mr. Bsrne's Necklace, 5 yrs ............ ~.....(Flatman) 0
Betting-7 to 4 tsgst Liberty, 2to I agst Necklace. 1
Liberty took the lead at starticg, but resigned ago.
It running about 200 yards to Tneodiee, who went on with
it to th now 'ground; here be wris joined by Liberty
who headed hign on entering the cords, and won cleverly