How the Zulu King was Captured.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 11, 21 October 1879, Page 4

How the Zulu King was Captured.

The following are the particulars of the capture of the Zulu King, on the 29th August, in the heart of the Ngome Forest. After his crushing defeat at Ulundi, Cetewayo retreated with his followers to the north of the Black Umvolosi River. He was accompanied by the chiefs Alsirago, Manyanya, and Mathshana, and, though many of the tribes adandoned him, he' was still attended by several thousand men, who, it was reported, intended to fight to the last. The pursuit was, however, kept up with unremitting energy ; and on August 13 a strong cavalry patrol, under the command of Major Borrow and and Lord Gilford left Ulundi with three days’ provisions, to capture Cetewayo, who, it was stated, had only GO followers with him, so completely had the defeat at Ulundi and the constant pursuit disheartened his adherents. Another expedition at the same time succeeded in capturing Cetewayo’s Prime Minister, Umnyamare, also Ishingwayo, Umgadshlane, and Twkane, brothers of the King, with other leading chiels. On the 12th August the King’s magazine, about ten miles from Ulundi, was discovered, and the powder it contained blown up. Major BaiTow’s patrol was for. some days close to Cetewayo’s track, but the King succeeded in escaping to Inkanhla Forest, though his servants and horses were captured. A reward was offered for his apprehension, and the natives were informed that any kraal that was known to have sheltered him would be burnt. At length intelligence was received that Cetewayo had doubled back, and was hiding near the Black Umvolosi, a few miles from Ulundi. Major Marter and Lord Gifford, with a detachment of dragoons, started in pursuit on August 23. Lord Gifford, by means of threats, elicited from the natives the situation of a kraal, where it was reported the King was being supplied with provisions, and by narrowly watching this retreat for some days the capture which will bring the war to a close was effected. Lord Gifford, it appears, intended to make an effort to seize Cetewayo at nightfall on the 28th August, but he was deprived of this gratification by his colleague, Major Marter, who surrounded the kraal from an opposite direction, and obtained the surrender of the King without resistance. It is said that when first discovered Cetewayo was unable to ride or walk, whether from his excessive corpulence or from weakness, the result of the hardships he had undergone, is not stated. The King arrived at the camp at Ulundi, in a cart, on Sunday, within one day of the sixth anniversary of his coronation, and at the same place. During the march some of his followers attempted to escape, six succeeded, but five perished in the attempt.