FOOTNOTES:
[193] i.e. A wooded ravine or valley.
[194] Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Hardinge, retired.
[195] i.e. A ford.
[196] Colonel Charles Vernon Oxenden died April 26, 1868.
[197] Major-General Alexander Macdonell, C.B.
[198] ‘It was,’ says an historian of the war, ‘the useful green jackets, the untiring Rifle Brigade, who worried Sandilli out of his hiding-place among the mountains.’ (‘Five Years in Kaffirland,’ ii. 240, 2nd edition.)
[199] ‘Five Years in Kaffirland,’ by Mrs. Ward, ii. 329-30.
[200] Hoek, i.e. an inlet from a plain to high land, and from which there is no outlet.
[201] i.e. An enclosure, generally for cattle.
[202] Major-General Glyn, C.B.
[203] ‘Annual Register,’ xc. 248.
[204] Colonel the Hon. H. H. Clifford, C.B., V.C.
[205] Colonel Evelyn (formerly of the Rifle Brigade) in the ‘Journal of the Royal United Service Institution,’ vol. xiv. p. 103.
[206] Not the steam Troop-ship of that name; but a sailing Barque.
[CHAPTER IX.]
During the year 1851, when the 1st Battalion was stationed at the Western heights, their Colonel-in-Chief, the Duke of Wellington, reviewed them for the last time. Arriving from Walmer in September, he saw the Battalion put through a field day by Colonel Buller.
The fresh outbreak of the Kaffirs and the accounts which reached England from the Cape having necessitated the despatch of reinforcements to that colony, the 1st Battalion which remained at Dover was, by letter from the Adjutant-General dated December 17, 1851, directed to be formed into Service and Depôt companies; and the former were desired to hold themselves in readiness for immediate service. Accordingly one Major (Horsford), 6 Captains, 6 First, and 6 Second Lieutenants, with the usual Staff, 30 sergeants, 24 corporals, 11 buglers and 614 privates were detailed for embarkation under the command of Colonel Buller; and were on December 29 inspected by Major-General Brown, Adjutant-General of the Forces, on the Western heights, who expressed his satisfaction at their appearance.
The 2nd Battalion remained during the whole of this year stationed at Kingston, Upper Canada.
On the morning of January 2, 1852, the Service companies of the 1st Battalion were conveyed, in three small steamers, on board H.M.S. ‘Megæra;’ which in the evening proceeded to, and anchored in the Downs.
Nothing could exceed the discomfort of this wretched ship. The men were crowded; but Buller had wished his whole Battalion to go out together; and, no doubt, eventually this saved many lives. For the fate of the ‘Birkenhead,’ which took out detachments of other regiments, and would probably have taken Riflemen had not all been pushed into the ‘Megæra,’ is well known.
The ‘Megæra’ steamed from the Downs on the morning of the 3rd and off Beachy Head and the back of the Isle of Wight encountered a heavy gale, which much damaged her. She caught fire twice, but it was each time happily extinguished, and on the 5th she put into Plymouth harbour utterly disabled.
Here intelligence reached the Riflemen of the disastrous fight of November 6, 1851, when Colonel Fordyce of the 74th was killed and his regiment severely handled by the Kaffirs. And the ‘Megæra,’ hardly refitted, was desired to put to sea immediately. Stores were incomplete; but the only reply to all such representations was the repetition, by telegraph, of the order ‘Put to sea.’
So on January 7, at ten at night, the ‘Megæra’ again started; and arrived at Madeira on the 24th. After coaling, and taking in supplies here, she left on the 27th and arrived at Sierra Leone on February 6. She steamed from this at midnight on the 7th and after some severe gales, and being on fire again more than once, this unhappy ship at last reached Simon’s bay on the night of March 24 having taken nearly two months to make the passage.
After coaling here, and landing women and children and six sick men, who were sent to Cape Town in charge of a sergeant, the ‘Megæra’ again put to sea on the 27th and anchored in Algoa bay on the 30th.
The Riflemen were immediately landed, by means of surf boats and the help of Fingoes, as they had been at the same place six years before. As soon as they were ashore they marched by companies to the hill above Port Elizabeth where they were encamped; each company pitching tents for that following it, so that the men were at once under canvass as soon as they reached the ground. At the back of the camp was a sort of ravine, through which flowed a stream, in which the men washed everything, great-coats, clothing kits, in order to cleanse them from the smoke and dirt of the ‘Megæra.’ On April 2 about two in the afternoon, camp was struck, and the Battalion commenced its march for the frontier; halting that night at the Swart Kop river.
The next morning they resumed their march, the last three hours being under heavy rain, and encamped. On the Coega river on the 4th they started at half-past four in the morning, and after marching about ten miles, halted for breakfast, and then continued their march, the intention being to cross Sunday river; but it was so swollen with the rains as to be impassable. On its bank they remained encamped therefore until the 8th. On that day about noon the river was reported to be fordable, and the Battalion having passed it, and marched about two miles and a half encamped for the night at Commando’s kraal.
On the 9th, starting very early, they halted for breakfast at Addo bush. On this day’s march they passed a well where the Battalion had halted during a similar march in November 1846, and where the date, then carved by them on a post, was still to be seen; and at night encamped at Quagga Flats.
On the next day again marching very early, they advanced a good way over the flats, and then again continued to ascend; for the road for the whole march had been almost a constant rise, and after the usual halt for breakfast, and a further march, arrived at Sidbury and encamped on a hill-side.
On the 11th marching, as usual, about half-past four, they went forward about eleven miles through the Assegai bush, and halted for breakfast near a river of the same name; and marching on about seven miles further encamped near the Karraga river, which however was hid from the camp by a wooded declivity.
On the next day after the usual early march of about six miles, in which they crossed the river, after a fatiguing descent to it, and an equally fatiguing ascent on the opposite side of a ravine, they halted for breakfast in a spot covered with mimosa bushes, with fine grass between them, which had rather the appearance of an artificial lawn than of unreclaimed wilderness. Soon after starting again, they met such crowds of people coming out from Graham’s-town to meet them, that they fancied themselves close to it; but after a toilsome march of six miles further, over a very rough road, they encamped in the Drostdy barracks.
During the two following days they halted; but on the 15th starting from Graham’s-town about eleven, accompanied by numbers of the inhabitants, they marched to Botha’s Hill, where they encamped for the night.
On the 16th marching about five, over the Ekka heights, they entered the Fish river bush, by a newly-cut path called the ‘Queen’s road.’ Proceeding about five miles, on emerging from the bush, and passing over some flat country to Fort Brown, they crossed the Fish river by a wooden bridge, and proceeding about three miles further, they encamped about three o’clock near the Koonap, a tributary of the Fish river.
On the next day they marched about six miles to their breakfast halt, on some very high ground; and after crossing the Koonap at a shallow ford, ascended the Koonap heights; and, after a short march, reached their camping ground at Liew fontein early and untired.
On the 18th starting at five, they had a long march to Mildenhall, where they breakfasted, and where three houses had recently been destroyed by the Kaffirs. After this halt crossing the Chumie river, and afterwards the Kat river by a shallow ford, they marched through the town of Fort Beaufort amidst the hearty welcomes of its inhabitants, and encamped on a plain on the other side of it.
Here they halted for three days in very inclement weather; the heavy rain on the 19th obliging the men to turn out at night to dig trenches round the tents, and to bale out the water which had flooded them.
On arrival at Fort Beaufort the Battalion was placed in the 1st brigade of the division under Major-General Somerset. The brigade, which was commanded by Colonel Buller, was composed of detachments of the 74th, Cape Corps, and Artillery, with two six-pounders and rocket apparatus, and some Fingoe levies.
The Battalion, having been inspected by General Somerset on April 21, marched about half-past six on the morning of the 22nd for the Waterkloof, accompanied by eight of the Cape Corps, and a detachment of Artillery with a six-pounder, drawn by twelve oxen.
They halted for breakfast at Gilbert’s farm ‘Klu-klu,’ which had been burnt by the Kaffirs. Resuming their march to Yellow-wood they encamped for the night on the Kroome river, where plenty of long grass afforded them excellent beds. The day’s march had been very fatiguing; for though part of it was through a fine grassy country, and on a hard road, yet this had in places been broken up by mountain storms into gullies, sometimes resembling steep steps of stairs, and sometimes the loose débris of a stone quarry.
On the 23rd they started soon after 5, and after passing some ruined houses halted for breakfast at McMaster’s canteen, which, like the buildings they had passed, bore evident marks of Kaffir depredation and destruction. After a rest of about two hours, they resumed their march towards the banks of the Koonap, and pitched their tents at a place called Haddon’s post; but which the men called Stony camp, from the difficulty they experienced in driving in the tent pegs; near a thickly wooded ravine called Bushneck.
Hardly had the camp been pitched when a storm of wind, rain and hail, accompanied with thunder and lightning, came on, which threw tents to the ground, and obliged men and officers to turn out with shovels and mallets to dig trenches, and drive tent-pegs. And even after the violence of the storm abated, rain continued at intervals during the night. Kaffirs were seen at a distance on the hills near the camp.
On the 24th when they were preparing to advance, the conductor declared that the oxen could not go forward; consequently the Battalion halted for the day; Captain Glyn’s company going out on patrol, and bringing in a horse, which was claimed by the Fingoes.
On the 25th they started in a fog so thick that they lost their way in the first half-hour; and had to halt. Then resuming their march, they literally felt their way to the banks of the Koonap, which they crossed five times in the course of this day’s march. They halted for breakfast at Nell’s Farm, where one end of the house only was standing. On resuming their march, after twice crossing the Koonap, they ascended a hill of exceeding steepness, by a road formed by the dry and rocky course of a mountain torrent. The advanced guard shot one Kaffir and made two women, mother and daughter, prisoners. They burnt some Kaffir huts also, but they were empty. On getting to the top the Riflemen were halted to get their breath. This hill forms one of the Winterberg Mountains, the Chumie range forming the opposite side of the Waterkloof. After a short halt they resumed their advance; and, after marching some distance, were halted in a pretty but irregular valley, where it was intended to camp. But it was found that the oxen with the tents and baggage had been unable to ascend the hill as fast as was expected; and consequently the Battalion was ordered to countermarch (an unwelcome order, after so fatiguing a march) and after descending again about a mile and a-half, encamped on some stony and uneven ground. A strong guard was formed round the camp, and the picquet were sent down the hill with the dinners of the men at the bottom, and to form a guard while they ate it. For one company was sent down the hill to bring up the waggons, and all were not up till 2 o’clock in the morning. On the next day the Battalion marched forward to a place called Bear’s farm, about 5 miles from the Waterkloof valley. To reach this it was necessary to go down a road almost as steep as that ascending the opposite side of the ridge from the Bushneck valley, and equal difficulties were experienced in getting the baggage forward.
On April 29 Captains Somerset’s,[207] Lord Alexander Russell’s[208] and Woodford’s companies (with some Fingoes, and Cape Corps) fell in at 4 in the morning, and were ordered to move forward in perfect silence. Somerset with a 6-pounder went round by a road; while the remaining two companies advanced over most rough and broken ground to the edge of the Waterkloof, which, in consequence of its being perfectly dark, rendered the march extremely difficult. Daylight was just appearing when they caught sight of some Kaffir fires. Colonel Buller passed the word to extend, and the two companies advanced. The Kaffir ‘Whoop’ was soon heard, and firing commenced when they were about 200 yards from the first kraal. From this the Kaffirs fled to the bush and the rocks, taking cover behind the rocks as the Riflemen came on. They set fire to the huts, and still advancing and searching every bush and hiding place, emerged on the plain beyond. Somerset’s company with the gun now joined them on the left. They soon came in sight of another kraal, and the gun was unlimbered and a shell thrown into it. The Riflemen still advanced; and the Kaffirs kept up a brisk fire from the bush, and from a hill just beyond. Here the three companies made a halt; and eventually returned to camp, as the force was not strong enough to attempt the hill, where the Kaffirs greatly outnumbered them.
In this patrol, Lieutenant Godfrey and 3 men were wounded. The place was called Mundell’s Krantz, and was in fact the place where Colonel Fordyce had been killed.
The three companies reached the camp about 2 o’clock after a march of 18 miles. Kaffirs hovered on their rear during their march back; but did not venture within range.
On May 3 another patrol, consisting of four companies started at half-past two A.M., as some Kaffirs were said to be in Engelbrecht’s kloof. Of these one company joined a party of the 74th Regiment at Post Retief; and starting thence at 3 in the afternoon marched about 12 miles along the Koonap, which they forded seven times; and occupied for the night a ruined farm-house which they reached at dark. On the next morning they marched about 5, again crossing several streams, some of them very dangerous from the slippery state of the rocks, in falling from which one Rifleman dislocated his knee. At 9 o’clock they fell in with the remaining companies, which were posted on a hill in front of them; but the scouts came in with intelligence that the Kaffirs had all left the kloof, and the patrol returned to the camp at Bear’s farm.
On the 5th one company proceeded with a party of the 74th as a covering party to protect those engaged in road-making in the Blinkwater. The scouts reported traces of cattle near Bushneck; and on the 6th Captains Rooper’s and Woodford’s companies, accompanied by a party of the Cape Corps and some Fingoes, started at 4 A.M. under command of Major Horsford, and after marching round by the hills and destroying many huts so hurriedly left by the Kaffirs that they found them full of necklaces, and various utensils, and even one young child left behind, they returned to camp about 2 o’clock.
On the 8th a patrol under command of Colonel Buller, accompanied by two guns, proceeded early to the hills at the mouth of the Waterkloof. However the Kaffirs, though occupying it in great strength, would not show themselves. And after firing about twenty rounds from the guns into the kloof, the patrol returned to camp. It seemed that the Kaffirs by watching were aware of every movement made by the Riflemen, and so avoided an attack. But it was thought that these frequent patrols harassed them as much as if they had been brought to an actual engagement.
On the 17th four companies, Lord Alexander Russell’s, Woodford’s, Hardinge’s and Glyn’s, moved before daylight for the Waterkloof; and arriving near the scene of the skirmish on April 29, burned several huts and captured three horses, several shots being fired from the kloof. No enemy then appeared. But as the patrol began to retire they showed themselves in all directions. Several men had been left in ambush near the burning huts; and they were soon busily engaged. The patrol was extended, and retired by companies, each company facing the enemy in turn, while the rest moved to the rear. As soon as they left a position, or passed over rising ground, it was taken possession of by the enemy who kept up a smart fire from their large elephant pieces. Happily their aim was generally too high; but three of the Riflemen were wounded. They were about four hours engaged; and retired fighting over about 5 miles. Twice they halted and endeavoured to bring the Kaffirs to close quarters; but they declined meeting them on the plain.
The Battalion remained at Bear’s farm without any important occurrence until the 27th, when three companies, Rooper’s, Somerset’s and Glyn’s, proceeded on patrol at 5 A.M. under the command of Major Horsford, for Ingilby’s farm; and discovered numerous traces of cattle but did not come upon any Kaffirs.
On the 29th a patrol of 70 men with Lieutenants Elliot[209] and Coote Buller, proceeded to Ingilby’s farm, in order to ascertain whether the spoor[210] observed on the 27th was caused by the Kaffirs grazing their cattle by night. They had nearly reached the place where they were to make this examination, when a sharp fire opened from an unseen enemy, by which four men were wounded. The fire was immediately returned into the bush, but its effect could not be ascertained; and the patrol returned to camp.
On the evening of the 30th the Battalion paraded for patrol at tattoo, it being important to ascertain whether the Kaffirs did, as reported by the scouts, bring out their cattle to feed at night. Strict orders were given for perfect silence, no lights were to be struck or pipes lighted. They marched about 8 miles; and then were ordered to be ready to fall in at three minutes’ notice. About 5 A.M. they stood to their arms, extended, and advanced to the edge of the bush; where they again halted and lay down till daylight. As soon as it appeared they dashed rapidly into the bush downhill to a valley. Two Kaffirs were seen, and both brought down by the Riflemen. They came on smouldering fires, and many traces of Kaffirs, but saw no more. The valley was well cultivated as a garden; and full of fruit, with which the men filled their haversacks. Having halted there for breakfast, they marched back to camp; where they arrived about 10 o’clock on the 31st, and were mustered as they stood, in their accoutrements.
On June 3, four companies, Lord Alexander Russell’s, Woodford’s, Hardinge’s and Glyn’s, paraded at 6 in the morning and marched towards the Waterkloof, in order to meet General Cathcart, and to accompany him on a reconnaissance to the Waterkloof and the Blinkwater. Having reached the place fronting the Kloof called the Horse-shoe, they piled arms and awaited the General. The Kaffirs were soon seen in motion in every direction, wondering probably what was intended by this demonstration by daylight; and they lit two large fires on the opposite side of the Kloof apparently as signals. On the General’s arrival, accompanied by his Staff, some of the Cape Corps, and a troop of the 12th Lancers, they proceeded with him to examine the different parts of the Kloof to which the Riflemen had patrolled on former occasions. As they moved along the Kaffirs accompanied them, keeping within the edge of the Kloof. They proceeded towards the Blinkwater, from whence the General went on to Post Retief, while the Riflemen returned to their camp, after a most fatiguing day’s march, in consequence of the slipperiness of the grass, and the necessity of their keeping up with the mounted force. On the 4th it was seen that the Kaffirs had set fire to the grass round the camp; and watch had to be kept all night to see that it did not approach too close. On the morning of the 5th three parties were despatched to beat out the fire with bushes; which they did effectually owing to the shortness of the grass.
On the 8th two companies proceeded on a reconnaissance towards the Waterkloof, and returned without doing anything; but one man was killed.
On the 11th Lord Alexander Russell’s, Woodford’s and Hardinge’s companies started at 4 in the morning in the direction of Bushneck; not proceeding by the usual road, but directly across country, up and down hills, some of them extremely steep, with large projecting rocks, which the men had to climb, and to slide down on the other side. Part of the march also was over the burnt grass, the dust from which was extremely annoying, and at times almost prevented their seeing anything. They marched fully 18 miles, not even halting for breakfast. They came on traces of Kaffirs, who as usual disappeared, unless surrounded before daylight.
On July 3 a patrol of Captain Somerset’s company started at 5 A.M. and examined the valleys in the neighbourhood of the Waterkloof in search of cattle; but the sun rose before they had found them, and rendered their efforts unsuccessful.
An escort marched towards the Blinkwater on July 5 to deliver the guns to a party of the 91st and some of Lakeman’s volunteers. As they were returning they saw some Kaffirs driving off a cow. The officer in charge would not allow the company to go, but gave permission for ten volunteers to attack them; who immediately doubled to cover. The Kaffirs observing the company did not see the detached party, who cut them off from the bush. There were three men and two women; who seemed so destitute and starved that it was not worth while to make them prisoners.
At midnight on the 6th a patrol left the camp, and after marching a considerable distance, were halted, divided into watches, and ordered to conceal themselves. The object was to intercept cattle, supposed to be on the move. But after lying down in concealment during a very cold morning, at sunrise they returned to camp without having effected their object.
On the 7th the camp at Bear’s farm was struck, and the tents and baggage placed in the farm-yard under the charge of Captain Woodford’s company. The remainder paraded a little before midnight, with coats and blankets and three days’ rations, which the men were recommended to cook before starting. Soon after they moved off; and marching, in a cold sleet, by the southern heights of the Waterkloof, were joined by another division under General Cathcart.[211] They then proceeded to the ridge separating the Waterkloof valley from Fuller’s Hoek, and after firing shell, shot, and rockets into the bush, bivouacked on the night of the 8th at the head of the pass, after having been fourteen successive hours on the move. They had seen many Kaffirs, who kept close in cover, occasionally firing on our skirmishers. In this affair one Rifleman was killed, shot through the brain while taking aim over a rock. The weather during the time the Battalion was engaged on this reconnaissance was extremely inclement, rain, sleet and snow falling almost incessantly.
During the absence of the Battalion the Kaffirs rushed out of the Kloof, and drove off seven oxen feeding near Bear’s farm. The company there immediately stood to their arms; but could not leave their position, as the Kaffirs appeared in number on the neighbouring hills. The waggoners were despatched to secure the oxen; and the Kaffirs at first retired. But seeing that they were only waggoners not soldiers, they returned and made off with their prize.
The Battalion returned about noon on the 9th and found the tents pitched and everything made ready for them by their comrades in charge. They were accompanied by two 12-pounders, with the men and horses.
On the morning of the 14th the Battalion finally left its camping-ground at Bear’s farm, and proceeded to Mount-Misery, marching by the edge of the Waterkloof into which shells were occasionally dropped. The Riflemen had scarcely reached their position, when a waggoner came running in and informed them that his span[212] of oxen had been seized by the Kaffirs. The cattle-guard which was in the act of mounting, set off at the double; the best runners taking the lead, and soon came up with the cattle, which they recovered, shooting one Kaffir.
Here a standing camp was formed, and two redoubts were built, as a base from whence General Cathcart operated in the final attacks on the Kaffirs. On the morning of the 15th the outlying picket at the head of Fuller’s Hoek had just lit their cooking fire at daybreak, when the fuel was knocked about by a ball from the bush. Several more shots were fired; but no mischief done. And some men of the picquet, crawling into the bush, shot one Kaffir and took three horses.
The Riflemen were engaged till the 23rd in assisting in building the redoubts, and strengthening the camp; which was placed on the ridge commanding and cutting the communication between Fuller’s Hoek and the head of the Waterkloof.
On the 24th the Battalion started at half-past four in the morning accompanied by all the available force at Colonel Buller’s command, leaving a party in charge of the forts. They marched in the direction of Mundell’s Krantz, near which they burned a number of Kaffir huts, and captured several horses. Several shells were fired into the Kloof into which the Kaffirs had fled, and from which they kept up a smart fire by which two men of the Battalion were wounded; one dangerously; the other, the Colonel’s orderly, shot in the face and neck. Sergeant Green had a very curious escape; the bullet passing behind his ball-bag, and bending the brasses of his waist-belt.
The General Order of which the following is an extract, was issued by General Cathcart on the next day:
‘General Order No. 59.
‘Head-quarters, Fort Beaufort, July 25, 1852.
‘3. The Commander of the Forces has received with much satisfaction Colonel Buller’s report of his attack on the 24th inst. at daylight on the Kaffir kraals of the Waterkloof near Mundell’s Krantz, which were destroyed, as well those above as those below the krantz.[213]
‘In this attack, which Colonel Buller conducted with much ability, a considerable loss of life was inflicted on the enemy, many of their arms and some ammunition destroyed in burning the huts, and twelve head of cattle and eight horses taken.
‘Colonel Buller speaks in terms of marked praise of the manner in which Major Bedford, commanding the 60th rifles, and Major Horsford, Rifle Brigade, led their battalions, &c....
(Signed) ‘A. J. Cloete,
‘Q. M. Gen.’
On their return to camp the Riflemen were warned, that, as they were to start on an expedition across the Kei river against Kreili, they were to take out of their knapsacks any article wanted for the road; and the knapsacks were to be conveyed in waggons to Fort Beaufort, to be kept in store till their return.
At daybreak on the 25th four companies under the command of Major Horsford started for Fort Beaufort, leaving two companies with Head-quarters to occupy and complete the fort.
Horsford’s column, after bivouacking one night near the Blinkwater, reached Fort Beaufort, by a mountain road, on the 16th. The band, which had been stationary at Beaufort, met the Battalion about a mile from the fort; and the familiar strains of ‘Ninety-five’ greeted and enlivened the men after their fatiguing march. They encamped on the same spot occupied by the Battalion in the war of 1847–9. And remained there till the 29th, when they marched, returning to and camping near the Blinkwater, where they were joined by the remainder of the forces for the Kei expedition.
On the 30th they marched at half-past six, and followed the windings of the Kei river for about twelve miles; and, after fording it, halted for breakfast about two o’clock. Resuming their march, they halted at Fort Armstrong where they encamped.
On the next day having but a short march of seven miles to accomplish, they did not start till after breakfast—and encamped for the night in an acacia grove about a mile from Eland’s post. On August 1, the Riflemen having to escort the waggons, did not start till about eight; and after a march of four miles, halted at the foot of the Winterberg mountain. The ascent of this occupied the remainder of the day; and the road after reaching the summit being very circuitous, it was late before they reached their camping-ground.
Marching the next day about eight o’clock, they passed over an undulating plain, covered with burnt grass, and after a very fatiguing march, though not more than eight miles, encamped after dark at the Katsberg mountain. The place was so utterly devoid of wood, that the men were obliged to collect dry dung for the fires.
On the 3rd they marched about ten o’clock, and after a most fatiguing march, climbing and sliding down steep hills, reached their camping-ground about six. During this march twenty of the draught oxen were lost from fatigue and starvation.
The day following, marching early they crossed a sandy plain, and in the course of the march passed near some settlers’ houses and encamped on a fine stream near Shiloh.
On the 5th starting about ten, and marching eight miles over a fine grassy plain bounded on each side by ridges of mountains, they encamped near the Klaas Smidts river, which they crossed. And on the next day, accomplishing a march of about twenty miles, encamped at Umvani. On the 7th after an easy day’s march of about eight miles which they got over at a rapid pace they encamped for the night at Balotta. During this day the Riflemen could see from the high ground parties of burghers, levies, and waggons making by different roads for the general rendezvous of the expedition.
On the 8th at an early hour the ‘alarm’ and ‘assembly’ were sounded; and in less than five minutes the Riflemen were all under arms, standing in front of the tents, and expecting the appearance of an enemy. It proved however only to be a trial by General Cathcart of in how short a time he could have his force under arms. Horsford’s party afterwards formed line, and after being inspected by the General, were dismissed and halted that day and the next.
On the next morning a march of about ten miles brought them to the Kei river, which they crossed at a very shallow place, the stony bed being in some parts exposed. They encamped at Sabella half a mile from the White Kei. The General here manifested his extreme regard for the Regiment, which continued till his death. Their tents were next to those of the Staff, and the Riflemen were specially attached to his person. The General divided his forces into two columns, one under Colonel Michel, of the 6th Regiment; the other under Colonel Napier. Each consisted of one regiment of infantry, mounted burghers, and levies, Africandos, Dutch and English, native levies, Cape Corps and Lancers. These two columns were to patrol in Kreili’s country. The four companies of the Regiment were to hold the camp; to act as the General’s body-guard; and to form escorts for the cavalry-patrols and cattle.
On the 14th an alarm was given from the outlying picquet that the Kaffirs were taking the cattle. The Riflemen were cleaning their belts; but before the bugler could sound the ‘assembly’ they had slipped on their belts, seized their rifles, and were off over the hill. It was a false alarm; a party of mounted Fingoes coming in from Balotta had fired off their pieces near where the cattle were grazing. On seeing the Riflemen, they turned tail and fled, and were hotly pursued by them. It was a fine chase, till Major Horsford, galloping forward, ascertained the real state of the case, and brought the Riflemen back to camp.
They continued in this camp without any material occurrence until the 20th; on which day two companies, Somerset’s and Woodford’s, started at four o’clock in the morning, carrying two days’ rations, to cover a patrol of cavalry. They arrived about ten at Crouch’s post, and halted in a large wood. As the cattle captured from the Kaffirs were brought in by the mounted parties, the Riflemen in parties of twelve or twenty taking them over, drove them to the camp, where they arrived about sundown. About 12,000 head of cattle were said to have been taken on this day.
On the 21st the tents were struck and these companies commenced their return march, in order to cross the Kei before the rains set in. The Riflemen on reaching the river were ordered to conceal themselves in ambush. About two o’clock they made a rapid dash back to the site of the camp. in the expectation that they might come upon some Kaffirs. Some men were seen in the distance, who were immediately pursued by some of the Cape Corps who accompanied the Riflemen, while they took prisoners a few women who were foraging about the place where the tents had stood. However these were afterwards released; and the Riflemen, moving off, reached Balotta about dark. The next day the column halted, as a division of the captured cattle was made among the burghers and others. On the 23rd resuming their march about nine o’clock, after ascending the high ground from which they had observed the assembling forces on the 7th, leaving their old track to the right, they struck into a valley; and after passing over an undulating country encamped on the bank of the Swart Kei, having made a march of about twenty miles. The Riflemen on this march presented a curious appearance; many of them leading colts, calves or kids.
The following day they did not march till two o’clock in the afternoon, being detained by the difficulty of getting the waggons across the river. After fording it, they ascended the steep range of the Windvogelberg. The Kaffirs still hung on their rear, occupying their camping grounds as soon as the Riflemen were out of range. They marched about eight miles; the latter part of it in torrents of rain; and encamped near the Windvogel river. On the 25th they marched at eight o’clock; and still ascending, moved forward about seven miles after reaching the top of the range of mountains, and encamped on the Thorn river. During these marches great difficulty was experienced in getting the waggons up the hills. On this night some of them did not reach the camping-ground till eleven o’clock, and as some of the Riflemen had to escort, and some to help forward, the oxen, these marches were most toilsome. After a halt on the 26th devoted to cleaning arms and accoutrements and mending clothing, they resumed their march on the 27th, and did not reach their camping-ground on the Klip-plaatz river till after dark. This day’s march was partly over snow-covered ground; and the Kaffirs knowing where they would have to halt for water, had burned the herbage, so that fodder and wood were scarce. In consequence of these wants, they started at half-past five on the morning of the 28th and refording the Klip, passed through a mountain ravine, the Klipclowberg; and afterwards marched about four miles through a bog; and after fording the Mud river, halted for breakfast under Gaika’s kop, in order to allow the oxen, who had had no food for two days, to graze. Resuming their march they passed over the range; and descending a most precipitous mountain-side about six miles in length, where the Riflemen had to hang on to the rear of the waggons to prevent their overturning, they encamped that night within about a mile and a half of Eland’s post. From hence, proceeding by the route by which they had advanced, and encamping at the same points, they reached Fort Beaufort on the 31st.
In the meanwhile the two companies and Head-quarters had left their standing camp at the Waterkloof on August 29, and had arrived at Fort Beaufort on the day following, where they occupied quarters. The four companies which formed part of the Kei expedition were encamped near the fort. These men had not shaved since they started; and their appearance and their patched and many-coloured garments contrasted strangely with the neat aspect and new clothing of the two Head-quarter companies. On the 26th Colonel Buller had been appointed to succeed Major-General Somerset in command of the 1st Division of the army; so that the command of the Battalion devolved on Major Horsford.
General Cathcart, commanding the forces, having decided on a general operation in order to clear the Waterkloof, four columns were appointed to move simultaneously from various points, and to converge to a common centre. In accordance with this arrangement the Battalion, having been re-equipped, was ready to take the field again on September 6; but the rains having rendered the rivers unfordable, they did not move until the 10th. On which day, starting early, they breakfasted at Klu-klu, and halted for the night at Yellow Wood. On the 11th they marched at five; and after halting for breakfast at McMaster’s canteen, reached Haddon’s post in the evening. At all these stations the houses were in ruins; the gardens devastated; and marks of the incursions of the Kaffirs everywhere visible.
On the morning of the 12th a strong patrol advanced into the Bushneck to select a spot for a camp; and returned to Haddon’s post in about an hour, having shot the only Kaffir who was seen. On the 13th the Battalion marched at daylight to Nell’s farm in the Bushneck, opposite the principal entrance to the Waterkloof. General Cathcart came to look at them on the march, and highly approved the appearance of the Battalion. One Kaffir and three women were made prisoners, and handed over to the Fingoe levies.
On the 14th an order was given that one company should always sleep fully accoutred, and ready to stand to their arms at a moment’s notice. The remainder of the Battalion were engaged in building a fort. On the 15th the Battalion paraded two hours before daylight, with three days’ rations, and moving up the Waterkloof reached Mundell’s Krantz, a distance of about four miles, by daybreak. As soon as it was light, they entered the Kloof and commenced burning the huts and shooting the occupants. Some of the other troops were above, pouring rockets and shell into the Kloof; and the Riflemen picked off the Kaffirs, whom these missiles dislodged from their cover. About sixty Kaffir women, besides children, and some rebel Hottentots, were taken prisoners. These last were immediately hung. The Riflemen, pushing forward through the Kloof, met the 73rd, who had penetrated from the head. These, their companions in the former war, on first catching sight of the Riflemen from the top of a rock, set up a ringing cheer, which was heartily returned by the greenjackets. The troops on the Chumie and the adjoining heights took it up, and the whole Kloof re-echoed it. The columns had met in the centre, having penetrated from all points. But the Kloof was not taken yet; the various krantzes and gorges were to be searched.
Later in the day, two companies, Somerset’s and Woodford’s, accompanied by the Grenadier company of the 73rd, proceeded to clear a krantz. The troops on the opposite side of the Kloof could see the Kaffirs gathering on the top, and shouted in warning to our men. Colonel Eyre, in command of the party, desired the men to go slowly up, and to keep their wind till they were fired on; then to give a cheer and rush to the top. On a ledge about half-way up screened from below by trees, they found a village, which they immediately burned; and the ascending flames and smoke from these burning huts seriously incommoded them as they clambered up the remainder of the cliff. When they got near the top firing commenced; and they dashed to the top amidst the cheers of the troops on the opposite heights. The Kaffirs flew before them into the adjoining bush. Lieutenant Lindsay and four Riflemen pursued them, and had penetrated some distance into the bush, before they realised the weakness of their party, and the fact that they had lost their way. After wandering about for some time, they caught the sound of the bugle, and following its direction, they eventually rejoined the Battalion, which bivouacked that night in a small clump of trees on the Iron Rock.
The 16th was occupied in searching for Kaffirs, most of the huts having been already burnt. The Riflemen, guided by Fingoes, searched the bush and the caves up the Kloof and back again to their bivouack of the night before, which they did not reach till a late hour, and in heavy rain.
The Battalion was off before daylight on the 17th, the men shivering with cold and wet. As they were passing along the edge of the Kloof they were informed that Macomo was in Fuller’s Hoek; and they immediately started to the bush over Blakeway’s farm. Troops surrounded every part of Fuller’s Hoek which men could reach; and the Riflemen patrolled the ridges and Kaffir tracks in every direction; sometimes passing over ground so steep that it was difficult for them to keep their feet. Some huts were found securely concealed, which were immediately burnt. Though numerous traces of Macomo and his attendants were found, he himself was not unearthed. For it was impossible to search every foot of a kloof miles in extent, covered with dense bush, and which abounded with places of concealment. The Riflemen, much fatigued with this harassing work, bivouacked early in Harris’ Kloof, and some cattle captured during the day were killed and served out to the Riflemen by Major Horsford’s order.
On the 18th they started early, again taking the road to the Hoek; but heavy rain coming on, Colonel Eyre’s intention of again searching it was defeated, the ground being soon so slippery that neither men nor horses could stand. He therefore dismissed the column; and the Riflemen turned homeward, passing over the Iron Rock and the lower part of the Waterkloof. It was a long way, and it took them six hours’ quick marching to get over it. There was a short halt; but the men’s rations being exhausted, there was nothing to cook. The officers emptied their saddle-bags among the men; but this was insufficient. However Horsford sent on a Cape Corps man with an order to get the tents up, and as the Riflemen came in sight of their old camping-ground at Nell’s farm they found their houses all standing.
The Battalion remained in their camp on the 19th, but on the 20th four companies proceeded to the Waterkloof in which they encamped at Brown’s farm at the foot of Mundell’s Krantz; one company (Somerset’s) proceeding to the top of the krantz; and Rooper’s company remaining at Nell’s farm, in occupation of the fort built there.
On the 22nd every available man started at two o’clock A.M. on a patrol to Stuart’s Kloof, a Hottentot prisoner captured the day before being led in front by a halter as a guide. Reaching the kloof about sunrise, and perceiving smoke issuing from it, the Riflemen surrounded it and skirmished through it; but finding nothing but Hottentot women and children, returned to their camp at Brown’s farm about two.
Heavy and almost continuous rain prevented active operations for some days; and the Riflemen were engaged in building a fort near their camp, and in a very central position in the Waterkloof.
But on the 30th, spies having reported that Macomo was in the Kroome hills, a patrol started soon after midnight; and after fording a river and ascending the hills, scoured the kloofs, but did not find any Kaffirs, and returned by the Bushneck to camp about noon.
On October 4 a patrol proceeded to the Iron Rock; two companies going to the top of it, while the others extended at its foot. Two Kaffirs were shot; one an amazingly powerful man, quite six feet three in height.
On the 10th and following days the Battalion was employed, a company at a time, making roads through the Waterkloof, and opening up communications between the forts lately erected. The men for this duty starting at daybreak and working till sunset.
On the 14th the company left at Nell’s farm captured several head of cattle, which were almost driven into their hands by the Kaffirs, who appeared to be ignorant that a party were there stationed.
On the 20th all the available men started at three A.M. over Mundell’s Krantz, but were soon enveloped in a mist so thick that they could not see many yards on any side. They were compelled to halt till it cleared off; when they perceived a party of the 91st and some of Lakeman’s volunteers in a similar difficulty. They proceeded together to Post Retief, which they reached about two; and were ordered to draw four days’ rations, and to be ready to start again at ten o’clock at night. Marching all night they reached, towards sunrise on the 21st, the very steep range of the Zoorberg mountains. The road was most difficult, and the ascent so sharp that many men fell out. On reaching the summit the Riflemen were ordered to fall in by comrades and to lie down to rest. Afterwards the companies were despatched in different directions; some to skirmish through the bush; others to extend along its edge, keeping a good look-out for any Kaffirs who might bolt out of it. This sort of patrolling continued during the whole of the day and until late on the 22nd; the men having lain down in their ranks and snatched a very few hours’ sleep. Towards that evening the companies assembled on one of the mountain ridges; and halted for a time to refresh the men, wearied and thirsty from having been the greater part of three days on the move. The Battalion then marched on, and bivouacked in the night in a position where they found plenty of wood and water.
On the 23rd, starting about four A.M., they proceeded, at a rapid pace and by the most direct route, to Mundell’s Krantz, descended by the road made obliquely down the face of the krantz by Captain Somerset’s company, and reached their home at Brown’s farm in the afternoon.
The Battalion continued engaged in road-making and the usual duties of the camp till November 3; on which day Captain Somerset’s company proceeded from Mundell’s Krantz to Fort Beaufort, where it arrived on the following day; and on the 11th marched to Eland’s post, and was there stationed.
On the 5th Captain Woodford’s company marched for the Blinkwater, where it arrived on the following day; and having built huts, and entrenched the position, was there stationed.
On the 12th the Battalion, with the exception of these companies, marched to Fort Beaufort and occupied quarters.
On November 19 two companies, Lord Alexander Russell’s and Captain Hardinge’s, marched to the Chumie-neck and occupied that post.
General Cathcart having determined to proceed with a force to the North-Eastern Frontier, to demand satisfaction from, or to punish, Moshesh, chief of the Basuto tribe, for his incursions and depredations on the settlers near the Orange river, had intended to take with him four companies of Riflemen; but the Kaffirs and Hottentots having shown themselves in force near Fort Beaufort, General Cathcart resolved to take one company only as a camp body-guard. Rooper’s company was the first for duty; and as he had lately been appointed to an official situation in the colony, the command of it devolved on Lieutenant the Hon. Leicester Curzon.[214] They were ordered rather unexpectedly late in the evening of November 17, to march at daylight on the following morning. The rest of the troops had started about a week before under Colonel Eyre, and General Cathcart was to overtake them at Burghersdorp, about 160 miles from Fort Beaufort. The Riflemen therefore made forced marches, their orders being that they must camp at night with the General. The men’s packs were however carried for them in mule-waggons.
Passing the Blinkwater, Fort Armstrong, Eland’s post, Whittlesea, and Shiloh, they crossed the Brak river, and going through the rocky defile called Klaas Smidts Poort, and over an extensive plain, ascended the Stormberg mountains. After descending this lofty ridge and crossing the Stormberg Spruit,[215] a tributary of the Orange river, they arrived at Burghersdorp, where the rest of the troops were assembled, on the 27th.
The whole force was inspected on the next day by the Commander-in-Chief, and divided into brigades, the Riflemen being attached to that under Major Pinckney of the 73rd, consisting of that regiment, the 43rd, and two guns. This was first in Colonel MacDuff’s division; but on his being left behind at the Caledon river, was placed under the command of Colonel Eyre. They marched at daybreak on the 30th, and after a long and fatiguing march of 20 miles, during which one of the Riflemen had a coup-de-soleil, reached their halting-place. On December 1 after another hot march they forded the Orange river without much difficulty; it being lower than it had been for many years. Yet the water reached almost to the middle, and the men were obliged to carry their pouches on their shoulders. They pitched their tents in the plain a little beyond the river. They proceeded the next day over a desert plain to a place called Ranakin, and the day following forded the Caledon river at the Commissie drift, and encamped on the other side. Here they remained until the 8th, when they marched about five A.M., and continuing their advance during the two following days, encamped on the evening of the 10th, after twenty miles fatiguing march, at Sanna Spruits. Marching on the following morning through a country not quite so desert as that passed over in the last few days, they forded the narrow but rapid Lieuw river on the afternoon of the 12th, and encamped on the opposite side. On the 13th they proceeded to the Wesleyan Missionary Station of Platberg, and encamped on a fine grassy plain near it. They were now not far from Thaba Bossiou, the stronghold of Moshesh, situated on a lofty hill, very defensible, and considered by his people to be impregnable. During the halt here, which continued until the 16th, Moshesh’s two sons, and afterwards the chief himself, visited the camp. General Cathcart named as his ultimatum that Moshesh should deliver 10,000 head of cattle within three days, reckoning from the 16th, as a compensation for the depredations he had committed. On the 16th the General reviewed the whole force at six o’clock in the morning; which, after marching past, was put through various evolutions: no doubt as a demonstration to overawe Moshesh.
By Edward Stanton Lieutt R.E. E. Weller, Litho
London, Chatto & Windus.
SKETCH
Shewing the Site of Operations
Near THABA BOSIGO
Decr 20th 1852.
On the afternoon of the 19th, the last of the three days, a herd of cattle were brought into camp by an escort of Basuto horsemen, under the command of one of Moshesh’s sons. On their being counted and found to number only 3,500, this Prince was desired by General Cathcart to inform his father that, unless the remainder were delivered the next morning, he would come and seize them. No more cattle appearing, Cathcart, to show that he was in earnest, ordered Eyre, with the cavalry, two guns and a brigade of infantry, with the Riflemen to move forward on the 19th and form a flying camp on the Caledon river. This demonstration being unheeded, Eyre received orders to advance at dawn, to find his way across the mountain of Berea, and, having swept the plateau at the top, to join Cathcart, who with some other troops proceeded round the base of the mountain by its Southern and Western sides. About three therefore, on the morning of the 20th, Eyre advanced, sending forward the light company of the 73rd and the Riflemen. When they had marched about four miles they saw a great number of Kaffirs on the mountain on their right. This hill stands up isolated in a plain, and its sides are steep and craggy. Eyre ordered the light company of the 73rd under Lieutenant Gawler to mount the hill, and halted the Riflemen. Then after a brief interval, he ordered Curzon to lead them on, to get to the top, bring his right shoulders forward, and take the cattle. Thus the Riflemen were in echelon on the left of the company of the 73rd. The ascent was desperately steep, and in parts almost impracticable; but the Riflemen pushed on. They had not advanced far when the Kaffirs gave them a volley, which the Riflemen avoided by lying down flat on the ground. Again they pushed on, seeking cover among the rocks which dotted the side of the mountain. While in this cover one of them, armed with the Lancaster rifle, brought down a Kaffir as he was taking deliberate aim at some of the Riflemen, who were blown and could not climb up the steep mountain-side as fast as their comrades. Three more Kaffirs were brought down before the top was gained, without one Rifleman being hit. On reaching the summit, a table-land of two or three square miles, they found the 73rd company on their right; and on their advancing together the Kaffirs bolted, a number of them being killed by the fire of the Riflemen, as they crossed their front at about sixty yards. But as Curzon and Gawler found themselves separated from the main body, they moved forward in search of it, keeping together for mutual support. For they were surrounded by hordes of mounted Basutos, who hovered near, appearing and disappearing, and watching for any straggling or irregularity in their formation, which might give them a chance to charge. These were well mounted, organised, and armed with assegais and elephant guns. And after attempting to terrify the little band they almost encompassed, with yells and pretended charges, they dismounted and fought on foot. They were repulsed however, and driven off the plateau, and Curzon and his Riflemen joined the main body in the afternoon, to their great relief and satisfaction: a satisfaction much enhanced when Eyre came up to them, and told them that they had done their work well. But they had scarcely joined the rest of Eyre’s division, when he was obliged to descend the further side of the mountain with his whole force (abandoning 30,000 head of cattle which he had driven into a corner whence they could not escape), in order to assist General Cathcart, who had gravely compromised himself. The junction with Cathcart’s force was effected about five in the afternoon; and the weary Riflemen thought they were now to halt for the night, for they had been fighting and without food for twelve hours. Far from it. They were charged with great fury by about 7,000 mounted Basutos; they had to fight retreating, and were in a critical position till between eight and nine at night, when a round of canister at point-blank range from two guns under Captain Stapylton Robinson, Royal Artillery, effectually checked the Basutos who were pressing on them, and who left the field. The Riflemen bivouacked on the ground where they then halted; Eyre telling them that, if attacked they must fight to the death there, as he neither could nor would retreat further. However they were left to their repose; much needed and well earned after being under arms about eighteen hours, and fighting during most of them.
In this affair the Rifle company which numbered 90, lost three men; Privates Boffin and Case, who were killed, and Acting-Corporal Howard who died of his wounds on the next day. Lieutenant H. G. Lindsay behaved with great gallantry; and three Riflemen particularly distinguished themselves: Acting-Corporal Bateman and Privates Ricketts and W. Hayward.
Colonel Eyre in his despatch dated ‘Camp Platberg, December 28, 1852,’ says, writing of Lieutenant Gawler and Lieutenant the Hon. L. Curzon, ‘These two young and promising officers led their companies in the most spirited manner up ground all but inaccessible, though opposed and immediately fired upon by the enemy above. Covering themselves as they advanced, they reached the summit with little loss, and drove the enemy before them in good style.’
And he adds ‘I beg to return my thanks to’ (among others) ‘Lieutenant the Hon. L. Curzon commanding a detachment of the Rifle Brigade.’ And in the General Order issued by Sir George Cathcart on December 22, ‘The noble conduct of the company under Lieutenant the Hon. Leicester Curzon’ is specially mentioned.
‘Company No. 9 Letter I,’ writes General Smyth, ‘always looked upon Berea as the day of their life; and were not a little proud of the way Sir W. Eyre wrote of them and spoke of them. For he was a man who worked hard and exacted hard work; and soldiers had reason to exult when they received his praise.’[216]
In the course of the night a flag of truce arrived, bearing a letter of submission written by Moshesh, and suing for peace.
The object of the expedition being thus fully attained, the Riflemen after a few days’ halt, began their downward march and reached Head-quarters at Fort Beaufort on January 21, 1853.
On the embarkation of the Service companies, the Depôt companies of the 1st Battalion had been moved to Walmer, where they arrived on January 1, 1852. During the time they were there, the Colonel-in-Chief, the Duke of Wellington, when at his adjacent residence, Walmer Castle, used frequently to come into the barrack square with his grandchildren. These were his last visits; for he died there on September 14. From that day until November 10 a party consisting of 1 officer, 2 sergeants, 2 corporals, a bugler and 36 Riflemen, was daily furnished by the Depôt to guard his honoured remains at Walmer Castle. At nine o’clock on the night of November 10 their great Chief was removed to London; and on that occasion the whole Depôt escorted his body to the Railway station at Deal by torchlight.
The Depôt companies remained at Walmer during the rest of this year.
In May the 2nd Battalion left Kingston and proceeded in steam vessels to Quebec; where they embarked on June 1 on board H.M.S. ‘Simoom;’ and starting for England on the 3rd arrived at Portsmouth on the 26th. On disembarkation they moved by Railway to Canterbury and occupied barracks.
Soon after their arrival there the Battalion was inspected (on July 13) by their former Lieutenant-Colonel, Sir George Brown, then Adjutant-General of the Forces.
On November 17 they proceeded to London in order to be present at the funeral of the Colonel-in-Chief, the Duke of Wellington, and were billeted at Chelsea. On the 18th they headed the funeral procession from the Horse Guards to St. Paul’s.[217] And the following day they returned to their quarters at Canterbury.
Field Marshal His Royal Highness, Albert, Prince Consort, succeeded the Duke of Wellington as Colonel-in-Chief on September 23.
No change took place in the stations of the 1st Battalion until June 13, 1853, when Captain Glyn’s company, under the command of Lieutenant the Hon. H. Clifford, marched from Fort Beaufort to the Blinkwater post; relieving Captain Woodford’s company which joined the Head-quarters on the same day.
On June 29, Captain Rooper’s company marched from Fort Beaufort to the Chumie-neck; relieving Captain Hardinge’s company, which left the Chumie on the next day and joined Head-quarters.
On October 8 the Battalion having received orders to be concentrated previous to returning to England, Captains Rooper’s, Somerset’s, Lord Alexander Russell’s, and Glyn’s companies came in from their several detachments on the 10th, 11th and 12th, and joined Head-quarters at Fort Beaufort.
Previous to the Battalion quitting this Station the following General Order was issued.
‘General Order, No. 238.
‘Head Quarters, Graham’s-town.
‘October 10, 1853.
‘1. The Rifle Brigade, having been ordered to return to England, will march to Port Elizabeth for embarkation on board H.M. Steam Troop-ship ‘Simoom,’ under such arrangement as will be made by the Deputy Quarter-Master General.
‘2. The departure of this distinguished Corps from the command after their valuable services which contributed so materially to the successful termination of the recent war, calls forth the Commander of the forces’ warmest acknowledgments. The uniform excellent conduct and high discipline of the Corps in quarters have been only equalled by their gallantry in the field.
‘3. To Colonel Buller, C.B., who relinquishes the command of the 1st Division, and his appointment of Colonel on the Staff, in order to proceed with his Corps, His Excellency is much indebted for the able, zealous, and soldier-like manner in which he has conducted the command held by him.
‘(Signed) A. J. Cloete.
‘Colonel, Deputy Quarter-Master General.’
Accompanied by a large assemblage of the inhabitants of Fort Beaufort, and amidst the expression of their best wishes, the Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Horsford, started on the 20th and encamped the same day at the Koonap river. On the 21st they forded the Koonap, and proceeded to Fingoe Pole. The next day they encamped on Graham’s-town Flats within about three miles of that place. On the 22nd they halted, it being Sunday. The day following, passing through Graham’s-town they encamped on the Karrega river. On the 24th, passing Sidbury they reached Quagga Flats. The next day, as it had been raining all night, they pushed on to cross the Sunday river. It was much swollen, the water being up to the men’s waists, and rising fast. On the 26th, still pushing on they encamped near the Swart Kop river. Having halted during the 27th, they reached Salt Lake on the day following. The 29th being Sunday they again halted, and on the 30th reached Port Elizabeth; and, the ‘Simoom’ not having arrived, remained encamped on the heights. Colonel Buller having resumed command, the Battalion embarked on the 10th, and sailed from Algoa bay on November 12, arriving at Table bay on the 15th, and finally starting for England on the 16th.
The Depôt companies continued at Walmer till August 20, 1853, when they removed to Dover.
The 2nd Battalion proceeded by railroad to Guildford on June 13, and marched from thence to Chobham, where they encamped and formed part of the brigade under the command of Major-General Sir De Lacy Evans. They continued to take part in the evolutions of this camp of instruction till July 14. On which day they marched from Chobham to Woking; and proceeded thence by rail to Portsmouth, where they occupied quarters in Clarence barracks.