152 
MARCH TO ULUNDI. 
our right. We passed a few weird trees in the hollows to-day—the 
only ones since we left the Upoko. This spot is called “ Emton 
Janeni "—supposed to be the highest ground near here, and 16 miles 
from Ulundi. We could see Inhlazatye to our left front, Ibabanango 
to the left rear. We could see a large kraal near Ulundi, with a road 
up the centre. 
June 28th. —Halted, and began to break up camp, so as to leave the 
stores, reserve ammunition, baggage tents, &c., here, and to form a laager 
of the few wagons that would go on with us. About 11 a.m. a report 
arrived that an Impi was advancing ; we continued, however, breaking 
up camp till 2 p.m., when the Impi had advanced so much that a 
laager was made as quickly as possible. We had no tents to-night. 
June 29th (Sunday ).—After church service the wagons inspanned, 
and we made a proper separation of the wagons. Two companies 
24th Regt. and a few from each regiment, the Ammunition Column, 
sick, &c., are to remain here under Major Upcher, 24th Regt. 
30th June .—Marched off at 9.30 close upon Wood's column, des¬ 
cending by a smooth but steep slope into the valley. We at once found 
a change of climate; from being on a bleak north-country moor, we came 
into a tropical climate, with aloes, mimosa, and euphorbia trees, a good 
many fields of mealies, pumpkins, and melons, and the remains of the 
kraals burnt on the 26th. On our way we met messengers from the 
King with the Prince Imperial's sword and a letter which the King 
had made a Dutchman direct to Lord Chelmsford. This man, at great 
risk to himself, had written outside, “ Take care; he has 20,000 men 
with him." We lagaared in a small square, about 130 yds. Ten days' 
provisions are carried regimentally, and as few horses and mules are 
brought on as possible. I had therefore left three of Major Le Grice's 
English ammunition wagons behind, bringing the ammunition in ox- 
wagons. These ammunition wagons do not seem well fitted for the 
drifts here, and the drag-shoes and chains do not answer at all; they 
are always breaking. 
July 1st .—Marched off about 7, as Wood's column had to clear off 
first. 94th, 24th, and four guns of N/6 led. The bush got thicker, 
and the road rocky and sandy, but there was no undergrowth to 
prevent one riding anywhere. We passed a number of euphorbia 
trees from 15 to 20 ft. high, but have nowhere seen any well-grown 
timber; all the trees seem knarled and crooked. The road being very 
narrow, we only advanced about 8 miles, when we were about miles 
from the White Umvoloosi. Here we began to laager in a thick 
wood, and as the Zulu army was seen apparently approaching the 
Umvoloosi, we hastily threw up an entrenchment and abatis. However, 
no attack took place, and we laagered as usual. Some slept under the 
wagons; I preferred the open air, as fresher, and slept just outside 
Harness' epaulment. The nights were warm and pleasant, and the moon 
about fall ; but the grass round was long, and there were trees and 
bushes close round us on all sides. I had just got off to sleep, when X 
