462 
DEFENCE OF EKOWE. 
On the ligand 12th of March we had observed from our “ look¬ 
out ” hi] 1 large numbers of Zulus “ trekking ” towards the Tugela, 
evidenty sent to oppose the relief column. So good was their 
Intelligence Department,” that they discovered the relief had been 
jfemporarily postponed, and on the 14th we saw the “ impi ” marching 
back. We estimated this force at 35,000 men, so that had the relief 
marched up as originally intended they would have fared badly. 
Three days and nights of rain now followed; it came down in 
torrents. The fort presented a miserable appearance. The mud in 
some places being about six inches deep, and everything and every¬ 
body soaked through and through ! The poor sentries and vedettes 
suffered greatly, the remainder of the troops huddled together under 
the wagons and endeavoured to keep dry. It was indeed a wretched 
spectacle. Nothing to do, nothing to amuse ourselves with, not a book, 
paper, or game of any sort. 
People at home seemed to imagine that it was principally on account 
of the scarcity of provisions that our existence was rendered so 
unbearable. But to our minds the monotony of the situation had a far 
more dispiriting effect than the small quantity and badness of the food. 
We were unable to take much exercise, our appetites therefore were 
poor. So long as the men had work on hand—in fact during the time 
the fort was being constructed—when all hands were engaged, their 
spirits were good and little sickness prevailed. But when work 
ceased, monotony set in, and there was time on hand to brood over the 
situation ; then I noticed the sick roll increased alarmingly. 
On 20th March a “ runner ” arrived in camp from the Tugela. He 
received quite an ovation, as he was the first <c runner ” who had 
reached us in safety for 38 days. In the despatch brought by him we 
learnt that the relief column would march on 29th, and eagerly we 
looked forward to that day. 
On 23rd, two Zulus made their appearance, bearing a flag of truce. 
They asserted that they had been despatched by King Oetewayo to 
inform us that he would give us permission to retire to the Tugela 
unmolested, provided we did no harm to his crops or kraals. He, 
moreover, invited us to send officers to treat with his “ indunas ” or 
chiefs on the other side of the Umlalazi Biver, and guaranteed that 
not a hand should touch them. We were not blind to the fact that 
these men were simply spies, and our ideas were confirmed on the 
receipt of a flash-signal received that very day to the effect that 
Oetewayo was doing his utmost to draw us out with the intention of 
annihilating the whole force. These two wily Zulus were also placed 
in irons. 
On the following day we received a message from Lady Frere, saying 
u Her best wishes to all; we were constantly in her thoughts, and all 
news of us she communicated to our friends.'” This kind message was 
highly appreciated. Another message was received on 29th, from 
Lord Chelmsford, as follows: “ Come down with 500 fighting men 
when I am engaged. Four thousand men will leave the Tugela to-day 
or to-morrow, and arrive at Ekowe on 3rd April; expect to be hotly 
opposed.” Colonel Pearson replied that he could not spare the 500 
