Horsford’s column, after bivouacking one night near the Blinkwater, reached Fort Beaufort, by a mountain road, on the 16th. The band, which had been stationary at Beaufort, met the Battalion about a mile from the fort; and the familiar strains of ‘Ninety-five’ greeted and enlivened the men after their fatiguing march. They encamped on the same spot occupied by the Battalion in the war of 1847–9. And remained there till the 29th, when they marched, returning to and camping near the Blinkwater, where they were joined by the remainder of the forces for the Kei expedition.
On the 30th they marched at half-past six, and followed the windings of the Kei river for about twelve miles; and, after fording it, halted for breakfast about two o’clock. Resuming their march, they halted at Fort Armstrong where they encamped.
On the next day having but a short march of seven miles to accomplish, they did not start till after breakfast—and encamped for the night in an acacia grove about a mile from Eland’s post. On August 1, the Riflemen having to escort the waggons, did not start till about eight; and after a march of four miles, halted at the foot of the Winterberg mountain. The ascent of this occupied the remainder of the day; and the road after reaching the summit being very circuitous, it was late before they reached their camping-ground.
Marching the next day about eight o’clock, they passed over an undulating plain, covered with burnt grass, and after a very fatiguing march, though not more than eight miles, encamped after dark at the Katsberg mountain. The place was so utterly devoid of wood, that the men were obliged to collect dry dung for the fires.
On the 3rd they marched about ten o’clock, and after a most fatiguing march, climbing and sliding down steep hills, reached their camping-ground about six. During this march twenty of the draught oxen were lost from fatigue and starvation.
The day following, marching early they crossed a sandy plain, and in the course of the march passed near some settlers’ houses and encamped on a fine stream near Shiloh.
On the 5th starting about ten, and marching eight miles over a fine grassy plain bounded on each side by ridges of mountains, they encamped near the Klaas Smidts river, which they crossed. And on the next day, accomplishing a march of about twenty miles, encamped at Umvani. On the 7th after an easy day’s march of about eight miles which they got over at a rapid pace they encamped for the night at Balotta. During this day the Riflemen could see from the high ground parties of burghers, levies, and waggons making by different roads for the general rendezvous of the expedition.
On the 8th at an early hour the ‘alarm’ and ‘assembly’ were sounded; and in less than five minutes the Riflemen were all under arms, standing in front of the tents, and expecting the appearance of an enemy. It proved however only to be a trial by General Cathcart of in how short a time he could have his force under arms. Horsford’s party afterwards formed line, and after being inspected by the General, were dismissed and halted that day and the next.
On the next morning a march of about ten miles brought them to the Kei river, which they crossed at a very shallow place, the stony bed being in some parts exposed. They encamped at Sabella half a mile from the White Kei. The General here manifested his extreme regard for the Regiment, which continued till his death. Their tents were next to those of the Staff, and the Riflemen were specially attached to his person. The General divided his forces into two columns, one under Colonel Michel, of the 6th Regiment; the other under Colonel Napier. Each consisted of one regiment of infantry, mounted burghers, and levies, Africandos, Dutch and English, native levies, Cape Corps and Lancers. These two columns were to patrol in Kreili’s country. The four companies of the Regiment were to hold the camp; to act as the General’s body-guard; and to form escorts for the cavalry-patrols and cattle.
On the 14th an alarm was given from the outlying picquet that the Kaffirs were taking the cattle. The Riflemen were cleaning their belts; but before the bugler could sound the ‘assembly’ they had slipped on their belts, seized their rifles, and were off over the hill. It was a false alarm; a party of mounted Fingoes coming in from Balotta had fired off their pieces near where the cattle were grazing. On seeing the Riflemen, they turned tail and fled, and were hotly pursued by them. It was a fine chase, till Major Horsford, galloping forward, ascertained the real state of the case, and brought the Riflemen back to camp.