little more than ten miles from the
frontier. On the morning of the 22nd, Lord Chelmsford, taking with him
the main body of the column, advanced to reconnoitre the country
beyond,--five companies of the 1st battalion of the 24th, one company of
the 2nd battalion of the 24th, two guns, two rocket tubes, 104 men of
one of the frontier corps, and 800 natives remaining behind to guard the
camp. These were further reinforced in the course of the day by the
arrival of Colonel Durnford with a body of frontier troops. The Zulus
were presently seen advancing towards the camp. This was situate in a
valley. At the back of the camp was a very high and steep hill, which,
had time been given, could have been occupied and held against
overwhelming forces. Unfortunately, however, no steps had been taken to
occupy this point of vantage, or in any way to strengthen the camp. Had
the force been pitched in Salisbury Plain, it could not have acted as if
in more perfect security.

Upon the Zulus making their appearance, advancing in their usual
formation,--namely, that of a great crescent,--two companies of the 24th
advanced to meet them, and Colonel Durnford, with his horse, went out to
skirmish. The Zulus, however, were so numerous and came on with such
determination, that even the rapid fire of the infantry rifles scarcely
sufficed to check them for an instant. The cavalry were forced to fall
back; the infantry, after resisting to the last moment, also retired
hastily. In the meantime the wing of the Zulu force had swept round,
and came down upon the baggage waggons in the rear of the camp. Then
the whole body fell upon the little force of British.

So sudden and determined was the attack, so unexpected in its character,
that the British force had scarcely time to prepare in any way for it.
For a few minutes they fought fiercely, and then the Zulus, with a
tremendous rush, were upon them. Then, in a moment, all was confusion
and disorder. Some stood in groups and fought desperately, back to
back. Others broke and fled. But to all, whether they fought or fled,
the same fate came. A few, and a few only, of the mounted frontiers
succeeded in cutting their way through the enemy and making for the
river but the footmen were, to a man, killed.

The loss was over 1000, and scarce 50 of those engaged effected their
escape. Among the dead were Colonel Durnford and Lieutenant Macdonald,
Royal Engineers; Captain Russell and Capta