The troops returned the same afternoon to Thring's Post, without having been able to ascertain the Chief's whereabouts.[286]
With the object of dispersing a body of rebels, said to be between Spitzkop and Riet valley, Barker was instructed to move his column towards the upper portion of Umhlali river. A company N.R., was, at the same time, detached from Royston's column (which had just reached Dundee), and ordered to proceed by rail to join Barker.
FOOTNOTES:
[269] Sometimes called Hlonono, after the name of a Native who, until recently, lived some two miles from the scene.
[270] This distinguished officer, who had assumed office on the 2nd June, arrived at Krantzkop on the 29th. His services were, briefly, as follows: Indian Mutiny, 1857-8; Bhootan Expedition, 1865; Zulu War, 1879; Boer War, 1881; and Boer War, 1899-1902, being frequently mentioned in despatches and awarded the King's and Queen's medals with clasps. He was knighted (K.C.B.) and granted the honorary rank of Major-General in the Army on the conclusion of the last Boer War.
[271] When directed to arrest Bejana near Empangeni, Barker moved towards Eshowe with three squadrons, T.M.R. On getting to Entumeni, however, his orders were cancelled, when he proceeded to Middle Drift, reaching there on the 23rd June. By this time, he had become practically detached from Mansel's column, then making towards Ngudwini.
[272] i.e. Ngudwini, near Isiwasamanqe, Eshowe district.
[273] The sun set at 5.10 p.m.
[274] There was no undergrowth of any kind.