THE ZULU WAR.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 1466, 3 June 1879, Page 3

THE ZULU WAR.

THE EKIIEP OF EKOWE. The following account from a correspondent of the Cape. Argus describes the success, of the force led by Lord Chelmsford to the relief of Ekowe, where Colonel Pearaon with 1200 men had been hemmed in by » Zola horde numbering from

12,000 to 13,000. The relieving column was about 6000 strong, and consisted of British infantry and marines, besides several battalions of the native contingent : — GiNoiNDHLovo Kraal, April 3. Yesterday there were two very ugly drifts to cross, and laager was formed on the flat near the Gingindhlovo Kraal, about 12 miles from Ekowe. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon there commenced a thunderstorm, which, though of brief duration, was of uncommon severity. The laager became literally a swamp of mud, and rendered its inmates uncomfortable beyond description. Shortly after sunset a false alarm took place, and a few hours afterwards the rain came down in torrents. At daybreak this morning it was reported that the Zulus were collecting round the camp in great numbers, and preparations were at once made for giving them a warm reception. At 6 o'clock they were Been emerging from the bush which environs the camp. At the distance of a mile or more they advanced Bmartly in skirmishing order, and before half-past six the attack had fully developed on every base of our position. Numbers of the enemy were shot within a hundred yards of the shelter trench, and the determined manner in which they came on elicited universal praise. Valor, however, was of no avail against the murderous shower of lead which issued from our trenches, and the tops of the wagons, and before seven o'clock the enemy was beating a precipitate retreat, pursued by Barrow's Horse and two battalions of the Native Contingent. Attacking force numbered about 5000 men, not including reserves of an equal number, and it has been ascertained from wounded prisoners that it was principally composed of portions of the crack regiments Umgobamakosa, Unacityu, Umboma, Banokir.ke, and that in the assault and pursuit the loss of the enemy could not have been less than 400 men. Our casualties ware Lieutenant Johnson, of the 99th Regiment, and four men killed ; Colonel Northey, of 60th Rifles ; Captain Henman, of 57th Regiment ; Surgeon Longfield, of the Tenedos ; and 25 men wounded. Our troops of whom few had been under fire before, behaved admirably, though their shooting might have been more steady and economical. During the attack about 1200 rounds were fired by the Gatlings, and about 40 of case and shrapnel from the nine-pounders, which have since been employed in shelling the bush in a westerly direction. The mounted men and natives had gone on, with the one object of interrupting a body of the enemy seen to be making off in the direction of the Amxezani. Owing to the difficulties of transport and the impossibility of maintaining the line of communication, Lord Chelmsford has determined upon abandoning Ekowe. A strong post will be formed in this neighborhood, where the wagons will be left under sufficient guard. The remainder will make a rapid march on Ekowe, and will bring away Col. Pearson and his garrison. It has been ascertained that Dabulamanzi, the King's brother, was in command of the impi which attacked the laager this morning. The King, with the non-combatant portion of his people, is at the Imhlababuide, and the cattle are part at the Tugoil forest, to the east of Ekowe, and part in the broken country about the Umielatoose. The weather to-day is exceedingly warm and fine, but there are anticipations of renewed rain. Later, the official state of the enemy's loss makes 471 killed within 1000 yards of the position. On the bodies of the slain many articles were found, and arms and ammunition taken from the camp at Islandhlwana. The number of wounded is now stated at 32 Europeans and natives. Ginoindhiovo Kraal, April 3. (Later). There is reason to believe the enemy's loss in the attack on our camp is greater than at first reported. Ten wounded prisoners have been brought in, one of whom made, an attempt at suicide after his wounds had been dressed. The list of casualties bur Bide is finally reported to include one officer and nine men killed, and three officers and fifty men wounded. There was a false alarm yesterday afternoon at four o'clock. This morning, a flying column of the 91st, 60th, and 57th regiments, with the Shah's marines, and the mounted men of the column are now on the point of starting for Ekowe. Fifty Scotch carts are being taken with this force. Major Walker, of the 90th Regiment, |is left in command of the lander, which.hns been reduced in area and considerably strengthened. It is intended to push through to Ekowe during the day, Colonel Pearson coming out with all his available forces to assist in the operations. The enemy is reported strong within, a few miles of the line of march, and it is not improbable that the flying column will have a sharp encounter by the way. No stay is likely to be made at Ekowe, the whole force coming back to Gingindhlovo after a night's rest. Amatikuht, April 6, 5.40 p.m. The flying column under Lord Chelmsford'B personal command, consisting of the 57th,' 60th, and 91st Regiments, with Dunn's scouts, the mounted men, and a detachment of the Naval Brigade, left Gingihlovo Kraal on Thursday morning, and arrived at Ekowe at a late hour in the evening, the march of 15 miles being accomplished the more rapidly because the convoy consisted of nothing but lightly-laden Scotch carts. The road was found improved in several places, but no opposition was offered to the advance of the column, the enemy keeping altogether out of sight. Colonel Pearson has come out to meet the relief column with a portion of his force. It was found that 28 deaths had taken place during the occupation. The number of sick under medical treatment was more than 120. Supplies were upon the reduced scale, and enough only left for a few days, and the whole of the garrison appeared very much enfeebled. In pursuance of Lord Chelmsford's determination to abandon the position, the garrison yesterday afternoon commenced its march to the Tugela, which will be reached on Monday. Colonel Pearson's retreat was covered by the flying column, and yesterday, in the forenoon, the General, with all the mounted men and the native pioneers attached to Pearson's force, made a reconnaissance in the direction of the Intumi. Only three Zulus were seen, two of whom were killed, and the third wounded and made prisoner. The flying column has retired to-day upon the Gingihlovo Kraal, which is about six miles to the east of Pearson's encampment. A strong position is to be formed at Imyenala, a fen miles in advance of the Gingihlovo, and, with the exception of a sufficient number of men to maintain this position, the whole of the relief column, according to present arrangements, w '" return to the Tugela in the course of a few days, prior to the recommencement of offensive operations.