Extracts from these statements run as follows:
“I am informed by the Governor (Sir B. Frere) that there is every chance of hostility in the debateable land between the Transvaal, Zululand, and Natal.”—December 16th, 1877 (2000, p. 45).
“His Excellency (Sir B. Frere) pointed out to me that, as it appeared almost certain that serious complications must shortly arise with the Zulu tribe of Kafirs on the borders of Natal and the Transvaal, which will necessitate active operations, he considered it better that the Active should remain here, in order to render such assistance by sea and land as may be practicable.”—April 12th, 1878 (2144, p. 32).
“The object of my visit here was ... to make myself acquainted with such points on the (Zulu) coast as might be available for co-operating with Her Majesty’s land forces by landing troops or stores.[116]
“It had been my intention (abandoned by Sir H. Bulwer’s desire) to have examined the north of the Tugela River both by land and sea, also a reported landing-place situated almost thirty miles eastward of the Tugela by sea.”
The High Commissioner was plainly determined not to allow the Zulus the slightest law, which, indeed, was wise in the interests of war, as there was considerable fear that, in spite of all grievances and vexations, Cetshwayo, knowing full well, as he certainly did, that collision with the English must eventually result in his destruction, might prefer half a loaf to no bread, and submit to our exactions with what grace he could. And so probably he would; for, from all accounts, every effort was made by the king to collect the fines of cattle, to propitiate the Government.
Sir Bartle Frere, accordingly, was very particular in requesting Sir Henry Bulwer to give Cetshwayo notice (C. 2222, p. 222) that “rigid punctuality with regard to time will be insisted on, and, unless observed, such steps as may appear necessary will be immediately taken to ensure compliance,” which Sir H. Bulwer notifies to the Zulu king upon the same day, December 16th (C. 2308, p. 31).
Two days later Mr. John Dunn wrote to say that he had received a message from the king (2222, p. 227), requesting him “to write and say that he agrees to the demands of giving up Sihayo’s sons and brother, and the fines of cattle; but begs that, should the number of days (twenty) have expired before the arrival of the cattle, His Excellency will take no immediate action, as, owing to the many heavy rains[117] we have had since the meeting of His Excellency’s Commissioners and his indunas, they have not been able to reach him yet; and Sihayo’s sons being at their kraals, which are some way from him, it will take some days to send for them.”
“On the other demands he will give his answer on consulting his indunas.”