THE MEETING BETWEEN LORD CHELMSFORD AND COL. PEARSON.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 548, 28 June 1879, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE MEETING BETWEEN LORD CHELMSFORD AND COL. PEARSON.

The correspondent of the Daily News (London) says -.—During the attack of the Zulus on the camp General Lord Chelma* ford was actively engaged in directing operations. As soon as the alarm was given his lordship was up, and, dressed in only such things as he had on during the night, including boots and nightcap, he encouraged the troops, ordering them to fire steadily and Blowly. He was often under the fire of the enemy ; aa a gallant general and good soldier he knew no danger. Immediately after the victory the march to relieve Colonel Pearson was continued. As Kkowe was approached the order of maroh up the ridge was necessarily straggling, but at length all difficulties were overcome, and a 9 the sun was aetting Ekowe wa» neared. It was a time of intense interest to all present when the camp which had been so long isolated was but a mile or two ahead. What feelings of gladness must those who held the fort have experienced when they b&w the convoy coming — when hope was soon to be realised and captivity to end. During their many weeks of imprisonment they had cheered themselves by singing, as I j afterwards learnt from several of the gallant fellows — Hold the fort, a convoy's coming: Work, lads, with a will; Flash the signal back to Hopton, We are iolly still. The advance division, consisting of the 60th Rifles under Colonel Pemberton, having pushed on with the General ahead, all at once Lord Chelmsford shouted, " Here's Pearson," as that gallant officer on a grey charger, and looking very gratified — as well he might — dashed round the corner of a hill from the camp, and hastened to meet the General. ** How are you," asked his lordship, as he grasped the hand of the colonel and hurried on with him to the long-beleagured encampment at Ekowe. The general reached the fort at half -past five, but the 60th Rifles did not arrive until six o'clock, whilst it was near midnight when the rear-guard came in. The shouti, cheers, and congratulations that sounded and resounded through the camp as the relieving forces entered wefe deafening, the pipers of the gallant 91st bringing up the rear with their bagpipes playing. The condition of the camp was happily not so bad as had been expected. The stock of provisions was not exhausted, having been helped out by frequent additions of maiae and pumpkins gathered from the gardens of Zulu kraals in the surroundiog country. There was no lack of meat, but the fare, although it suited men in robust health, was not of the kind to sustain the less strong and the sick. The Naval Brigade of the Active and theTenedos were especially cheerful. Jack being a handy man at everything, he had soup, meat, and vegetables read for any "chums" that might turn up in the relief oolumn. He had even saved his last ration of sugar, which he had long used very sparingly. During the occupation of Ekowe many excursions were made by small detachments into the neighborhood, and shots were often exchanged with Zulu scouts, who appeared by twos or threes, and sometimes in parties of 50 and 100. Every Zulu kraal was burnt within a radius often miles, but no operations of importance were undertaken. The Zulus, on the other hand, now and then captured Borne of the cattle belonging to the garrison, especially on one occasion a large herd of 1100, which had left for the Lower Tugela, it being impossible to "kraal" them, that is to keep them in an enclosed place at night, in Ekowe. The attacking force of Zulus at Ginghilovo was computed by some to be 15,000. It certainly was not less than 11,000. Their losses may be set down at 1200. At no time did the enemy get within twenty yards of the shelter-trench which had been dug. The Gatling worked well, and much execution was done by the rockets. Fourteen Znlus were killed by one charge alone. The Naval Brigade behaved admirably, being commanded by Commodore Richards, of the Boadices, ; Captain Brackenbury, of the Shah, leading the attack. Our losses were two officers and five men killed, and two officers and twenty-eight men wounded. Oar native losses were not large, but have yet to be made known. Colonel Northey, of the 60th Rifles, whose death is lamented by all, was a most zealous and gallant officer. He was wounded in the engagement, and •whilst lying under a waggon jumped up to cheer on his men, an effort! which brought on a violent haemorrhage. The 57th, as well as the 60th and 91st, did splendid service, and high praise is accorded to all who took part in the engagement, including the irregular forces of Command' ants Barton, NotrtletoD, Lonsdale, and other officers.