The Portland daily press., 1879-07-24
THE ZULU WAR.
Cetewayo's Forces Routed by the
British.
The War Believed to be Virtually

The War Believed to be Virtually Ended
LONDON, July 23.-In the House of Com
mons telegram dated Capetown, July Sth,
was read today, confirming the news of q
decisive victory by Chelmsford over the
zulus, virtually ending the war. Chelmsford
remained in camp till the afternoon of July Sd
awaiting the surrender of cannon and 1000
rifles captured by the Zulus at Islandula.
These not arriving he advanced and was at
tackled in the open country by $1,000 Zulus
who fled under the heavy fire of the British.
Chelmsford then advanced and destroyed
Ulundi. The Zulus loss was 5000. The
British loss was 10 killed and 90 wounded The
battle was fought on July 4th. The Zulus are
variously estimated from ten to twenty
thousand in number. They surrounded the
British troops who formed hollow square.
The Zulus charged the square on all four sides.
After the Zulus were broken by the British
fire they were pursued by the British cavalry,
and utterly routed Chelmsford burned and
destroyed all the military Kraals and returned
to his camp the same evening.
A detailed official telegram from Lord
Chelmsford says: Cetywayo not only failed to
comply with my demands for the return of
cannons, etc., but fired heavily on our water
ing parties. l consequently returned the cattle
he sent in and ordered q reconnaissance by
Col. Buffers Horse. This caused the Zulu
army to advance and show itself. On the
morning of July 4th my force, consisting of
Newdigate's divisions and Woods column ag-
gregating 1000 European and 1000 natives, with
II cannon and two Gatlings, crossed the UNI
volosi river at 6.15 a. m.
Lord Chelmsford continues The force reach
ed an excellent position between Enadwengo
and Ulundi about $50 a. m. The Zulu army
had been observed leaving its bivouacs about
S.30 The engagement shortly after commenc-
ed by the mounted men. BY 8 o'clock the
Zulu attack was fully developed. By $50 the
enemy wavered, and the lancers, followed by
the remainder of the cavalry, attacked them
and general route ensued. The prisoners
state that King Cetewayo was personally COM
manding and witnessed the fight from a neigh
boring kraal
Zulu prisoners state that - regiments, ag-
gregating 10000 men, participated in the at
tack. Lord Chelmsford estimates the Zulu
loss not less than 1000. Ulundi was burning
at noon. The steadiness of the troops who at
one time during the engagement were under
complete belt of fire, was remarkable The
dash and enterprise of the cavalry was all that
could be wished. Our fortified camp had been
left in charge of 900 Europeans and 250 ma
tives. portion Of the Zulu forces at one
time threatened to attack it.
Lord Chelmsfords dispatch concludes:
AS | have fully accomplished the object for
which [ advanced l consider will be best
carrying our Garnet Wolseley's instructions by
moving Immediately toward Kambawasa. L
shall send back portion of my force for sup
plies now ready at Fort Marshal Kambawasa
appears to be about three miles from Ulundi.
Gen. Wolseley telegraphs from Dunbar,
July Sth:
1 have halted all re-enforcements here as 1
believe the war over. Do not send any more
men or supplies till you hear from me- ex-
pect TO meet the great Zulu chief about the
10th and discuss terms of peace.
CAPETowN, July SIT is reported that Cete-
wayo fled northward the day before the battle
of Ulundi
Gen. Wolseley finding the arrangements of
Chelmsford for the march to Ulundi so excel
lent has left him to redeem his name. One
of Cetewayos messengers has brought in the
sword Of the late Prince Imperial.
ULUNDI, Jnly At is stated that Cetewayo,
five days ago, sent 400 cattle with peace mes
sengers to the British. They were stopped by
one Of the Zulu regiments who declared that
no peace would be made until they are beaten.
The prisoners say Cetewayo is opposed to the
war. They admit that the entire Zulu force
was present at the b. tile of Ulundi The
Zulu loss is estimated at 1900. Two guns TAX
en- at Isandula were found.