A squadron was sent in pursuit of those that had attacked from the donga on the west and then retreated round Mpukunyoni. Troops were, moreover, sent in pursuit to the north-east. One of these discovered the enemy's blankets, etc., at a kraal about one and a half miles off. The things has been left there just prior to attacking.
The dead were counted in th scrub and dongas immediately round the lager, fifty-seven bodies being found, exclusive of those killed by Sibindi's men. The aggregate was probably not less than a hundred. Among the slain was Babazeleni, Faku's chief induna and principal commander of the impi.
The losses sustained by the Reserves were attributed by Leuchars to their having saddled up when the alarm was given, and stood on their line with the bridles over their arms. The saddled horses naturally afforded a good target for the snipers.
The wounded were attended to by Dr. C.H. Crass, N.M.C., who, with three members of the Signalling Corps as assistants, performed his duties during the action and afterwards in an eminently satisfactory manner.
The attacking rebels proved to be only about 800 strong. They were composed of Faku's and Mtele's tribes, with some from Makafula and Mehlokazulu. A number of them were Christians. One of these, as was proved from a pocket-book found on him, was a certificated preacher of the Gordon Memorial Mission, Natal.
Owing to several of the wounded having to be carried on improvised stretchers, to there being no sign of Mackay, and to the enemy having been seen at Qudeni on the 27th, Leuchars resolved to return to Ngubevu, though by a different route, namely viâ Ngqulu, the Buffalo valley and Sibindi's location.
MPUKUNYONI
Dispositions are at moment impi appeared on the neck near A
Scale: 4 inches = 1 mile. Contours Ver. Int. = 30 ft.
REFERENCE
A = Position of the cattle
B = Where first attack began
C = Point of subsequent attack. Enemy advanced to C under cover of donga
D = Point of another attack,—from the river bed
E and F = Enemy's snipers; most destructive was at E
G = Waterfall; many escaped here
H = Where enemy stopped before attacking. Clothing left at the two trees near by
J = Leuchars' square
K = Where Nuss was when he caught sight of impi
crescent = Enemy .__.__ Lines of enemy's advance
The return journey began at 10.30 a.m., but proved most arduous on account of the wounded having to be carried by relays of U.M.R., the Reserves, and Sibindi's levy. After the column had gone three or four miles, gun fire could be heard, and shells were seen bursting on Hlazakazi Mountain, about eight or nine miles to the north in a direct line.[217]