It was already late in the afternoon when the forces withdrew, after a heavy day's work, to the base at Thring's Post.
L. and Y. (Peakman), who, as part of Leuchars' column, took part in the drives, were of much assistance. The L. and Y. infantry deserve a special word of praise. Not only did they march out a distance of ten miles, but besides driving the valleys through the greater part of the day, walked all the way back to camp the same evening without a single man falling out.
IZINSIMBA AND MACRAE'S STORE
Dispositions in each case are at the beginning of the action
With the decisive blows at Mome, Umvoti valley, Insuze and Izinsimba, the one following the other in quick succession, and each involving the rebels in severe losses, cessation of hostilities and restoration of peace became possible far sooner, and with much less bloodshed, than would otherwise have been the case. But, before this desirable consummation could be reached, a little more work remained to be done.
Ndhlovu's district had not been invaded. This was the tribe that had murdered Sangreid and Powell, had attempted to murder Robbins and Knox, and, apart from looting the stores at Thring's Post and Otimati, as well as a herd of cattle from the former place, had fought the N.M.R. at Otimati. After allowing the troops to rest on the 9th, McKenzie accordingly arranged a combined move on this ward for the morning of the 10th, intelligence going to show that Ndhlovu's impi lay concealed in the Mati valley.
In pursuance of the plan, Leuchars, whose column now consisted of U.M.R., N.M.R. and L. and Y., left at dusk on the 9th for Allan's store viâ the magistracy at Mapumulo. Woolls-Sampson, whose column now included B.M.R. (Arnott), in lieu of N.M.R., made for Hlungwini Drift (Tugela). Both columns were to be at the mouth of the Mati by the following dawn. Mansel got orders to move up the Tugela and assist on the Zululand side. Again, accompanying Mackay's column, McKenzie, leaving shortly before 3 a.m., entered the rebels' district by a more direct route than did the other columns. The N.R. accompanied Mackay, though, being infantry, started half an hour earlier.
Woolls-Sampson's column traversed extremely difficult and thorny country. It proceeded to where the Mati joins the Tugela and close to Isiwasezimbuzi mountain. Although a thick mist added to the difficulties of the march, the force was in position at the appointed time.[292]
Leuchars, after bivouacking at Mapumulo, left that place at 3 a.m. As with the other columns, strict silence was observed during the march and no lights struck. By daylight, the force had occupied positions round Allan's store. Subsequently, Capt. W.J. Gallwey was sent down Masiwele valley with a squadron, whilst another squadron, under Capt. E. Simkins, crossed the Masiwele stream and moved along a high ridge on the north. Leuchars, in the meantime, took the main body down Mati valley, where it had been arranged Gallwey and Simkins should meet him. When about three miles from the Tugela, touch was got with the columns of Woolls-Sampson, Mackay and Mansel. None of the enemy, however, were met with, though a spoor leading in a northerly direction into the next ward was found.