[139] Three mounted Zulu scouts were seen on the hills on the right from the rear guard, by an officer, who pointed them out to one of the staff.
[140] Some remarks made by Lieutenant Milne, R.N. (aide-de-camp), are worthy of notice: “January 21st.—We then rode up to the high land to the left of our camp, the ascent very steep, but possible for horses. On reaching the summit of the highest hill, I counted fourteen Zulu horsemen watching us at the distance of about four miles; they ultimately disappeared over a slight rise. Two vedettes were stationed at the spot from where I saw these horsemen; they said they had seen these men several times during the day, and had reported the fact.... We then returned to camp, the General having determined to send out a patrol in this direction the next day.”—(P. P. [C. 2454] p. 183).
January 22nd.—Lieutenant Milne was sent to the top of a hill to see what was doing in camp, and says: “On reaching the summit I could see the camp; all the cattle had been driven in close around the tents. I could see nothing of the enemy on the left” (ibid. p. 184).
“We are not quite certain about the time. But it is just possible that what I took to be the cattle having been driven into camp may possibly have been the Zulu ‘impi’” (ibid. p. 187).
[141] One message only is mentioned by the General or his military secretary as having been received from the camp. But an officer (of rank) who had seen them, says that five or six messages were received from the camp during the day by the General or his staff; and he says distinctly that the messages were in the possession of Lieut.-Colonel Crealock.
[142] About this hour the tents in camp suddenly disappeared.
[143] No spare ammunition was taken by the force with the General.
[144] The reserve ammunition is said to have been packed in waggons, which were then filled up with stores.
[145] The first official mention of this appears in a Blue-book of August, 1879, where Lieutenant Milne, R.N. (aide-de-camp), says: “In the meantime, news came that Colonel Harness had heard the firing, and was proceeding with his guns and companies of infantry escorting them to camp. Orders were immediately sent to him to return and rejoin Colonel Glyn.”—(P. P. [C. 2454] p. 184).
[146] By the General’s directions this statement was to be “of the facts which came under his cognizance on the day in question.”—(P. P. [C. 2260] p. 80).