Ulundi without opposition. The
country consisted of a plain, across which ran some stony undulations,
and at one point were two hollows, united at a right angle. The Zulu
general disposed his men in shelter, and as Buller with his little band
of horsemen rode up they rose and poured a very heavy fire into the
ranks of the horsemen. Sudden and unexpected as was this attack,
Buller's men were too well used to native fighting to evince the
slightest confusion. In the most perfect order they began to fall back
in alternate ranks, keeping up a steady fire upon the enemy, who were
eagerly advancing. Raaff and his men rode up to the assistance of the
hotly-pressed party, and Baker's horse, upon their hillock, opened a
steady fire upon the Zulus. Gradually and steadily the cavalry fell
back towards the river, the two guns on the opposite bank aiding them by
their fire of grape and shrapnel upon the Zulus, who pressed forward
with extreme bravery.

Many gallant deeds were done. Lord William Beresford, who had
accompanied the party as a volunteer, distinguished himself by his
bravery and coolness. Seeing upon the ground a dismounted and wounded
trooper, surrounded by a dozen Zulus, he wheeled his horse and dashed
down among them, knocking over three with the rush of his horse, and
cutting down two with right and left strokes of his sabre; in another
moment he had the wounded man on his horse behind him, and carried him
off in safety.

Commander D'Arcy, also seeing a wounded man on the ground, tried to
carry him off, but his horse, being restive, reared and fell back upon
him, so that the unfortunate trooper was overtaken and assegaied; while
D'Arcy, who was severely bruised by falling on his revolver, was able to
get back safely, but was unable to take part in the next day's fight.

A little before daybreak Wood with his flying column crossed the river,
followed by the main army. The whole of the baggage was left in charge
of the 24th, and nothing was taken, save the ammunition and water-carts,
each man carrying four days' supply of biscuits and preserved meat in
his haversack. The crossing of the river was made without any
opposition, but the movements of the troops were watched by a party of
Zulus from a hillock on the left.

As soon as favourable ground had been reached, Wood was signalled to
halt and wait for the main body, and when the junction was effected the
order was given to form a large hollow square. I