TREATMENT OF THE ZULU WOUNDED.

Evening Post, Volume XVIII, Issue 1, 1 July 1879, Page 3

TREATMENT OF THE ZULU WOUNDED.

• ¦ Three, nay four day 3 ago, write* a correspondent of a Cape newspaper, sixteen wounded Zulus were brought in on two buck waggons Tnese men were wounded on the 2nd, had been hoisted into the waggons, and jolted down to Fort Tenedos. Of course all this was unavoidable, but their subsequent treatment in no way tends to enhance one's admiration for the civilization we brag of and the humanity we make our boast. For three days after their arrival here these unfortunate wounded were literally lolt to rot on the waggons. At most their food supply was scanty, and not more than once.did they receive the first meal of the day before 1 o'clock p.m. On the evening of the third day it struck some one that medical treatment and the shelter of tents would be advisable, and from that period until this they have had nothing to complain of. But to see them as I saw them for hours after their arrival here, parched with thirst, craving for food, emaciated, and suffering from festering, hideous wounds, would have melted the heart of the most determined enemy of the black races. Not from one or two, but from every one I met came the same expression, the opinion that once taken prisoners find brought into our camp the wounded should have been immediately and assiduously attended to — a sentiment I venture to think all your renders will share. The case of one of these wounded men was pitiable in the extreme- The Oatling bad completely riddled bis left leg with ball*, the knee was shattered to pieces, and tha boue was broken at what is technically known as the " lower third " of the thigh. When found en the field, the man had declined amputation and when I saw him mortification had set in in the lower part of the leg. Again questioned, he consented to amputation, and ou the evening of the 11th the operation was performed by Drs. Cheyne and Heath, gentlemen of large experience amongst the vast crowds of wounded in the late Turkish war. The amputation itself was most successful, but the physical strength of the native was insufficient 10 stand tho shock, and he succumbed on the following day. Of the remaining fifteen, three had broken thigh£ bones, and the remainder flesh wounds, many Df them in several places. They are now well treated and cared for, though many are most exasperating in their conduct j thoroughly ungrateful, and in at least six cases giving utterance to expressions of thankfulness for what they had been enabled to accomplish at [sandhlwana, and to hopes that they may soon again have an opportunity of repeating their exploits.