tle road a shell from "Long Tom" fell among them at a
corner of the hill, blowing a poor ambulance and stretcher to pieces,
and killing one of the Naval Brigade just arrived from the _Powerful_.

It was the Naval Brigade that saved the day, though, to be sure, a
retirement like that is in itself a check, though no disaster. Captain
Lambton had placed two of his Elswick wire guns on the road to the town,
and sent shot after shot straight upon "Long Tom's" position four miles
away. Only twelve-pounders, I believe, they were, but of fine range and
precision, and at each successful shot the populace and Zulus standing
on the rocks clapped their hands and laughed as at a music-hall. For a
time, but only for a time, "Long Tom" held his tongue, and gradually the
noise of battle ceased--the bang and squeal of the shells, the crackle
of the rifle, the terrifying hammer-hammer of the enemy's two Krupp
automatic guns. It was about half-past two and blazing hot. The rest of
the day was quiet, but for rumours of the lamentable disaster of which
one can hardly speak at present. The Gloucesters and Royal Irish
prisoners--1,100 at least after all losses! They say two Boers were
brought in blindfold last night to tell the General. This morning an
ambulance party has gone out to bring in the wounded, and whilst they
are gone with their flag of truce we have peace.

I take the opportunity to write, hurriedly and without correction, for
the opportunity is short. "Long Tom" sent two shells into us this
morning as we were dressing (I should have said washing, only the water
supply is cut), and at any moment he may begin again.

_November 1, 1899._

I may add that the retirement of the battalions of the 60th, with the
Leicesters, is the theme of every one's praise to-day. Its success was
chiefly due to General Hunter, and the dogged courage of the men
themselves.

But the second part of the despatch is after all the main point of
interest. Such a disaster has, I suppose, seldom befallen two famous and
distinguished battalions. After heavy loss they are prisoners. They are
wiped out from the war. The Gloucesters and the Royal Irish
Fusiliers--they join the squadron of the 18th Hussars in Pretoria gaols.
Two Boers came in blindfolded to tell the news last night. All day long
we have been fetching in the wounded. Their wounds are chiefly from
Martini rifles, and very serious. I know the place of the disaster well,
having often ridden