ttack supply waggons that
were to come up from Trompetter's to-morrow morning, but I fancy, after
to-day, they will not attempt it. I must now give you an account of the
slaughter that took place shortly after. We were all very tired, having
been on our legs from nine o'clock last night to midday to-day, with
hardly any refreshment; we therefore hastened to the camp; however, we
were disappointed in having refreshment. We saw the colonel's division
a mile or two a-head, marching quietly on. Presently we saw a party ride
ahead, and soon after a race. Then firing commenced. I rode up as fast
as I could to the ridge; a spectacle was then presented to my view which
I shall not forget. A large party of Caffres had collected near the
Kieskamma, intending to move to-day towards the Fish River to intercept
the waggons, and stop the communication. This party heard the firing and
thought that the waggons were attacked. They hastened to help, but what
was their astonishment when they found a large force in front of them.
Fortunately, there was no bush to shelter them; they fired one volley
and dismounted from their horses--about three hundred mounted and seven
hundred foot. The Dragoons then charged them, and killed many; a panic
seized them--they ran off, and were shot like sheep--dragoons, Cape
Corps, Boers, all firing at them, following them up full six miles.
They became completely exhausted--they could not run. The slaughter was
awful! They were followed up to near the Kieskamma. The slaughter was
on the Gwanga, near Mr. Tainton's late place. The lowest estimate is, I
believe, three hundred killed; very few were seen to get away. We took
three prisoners--one at Hmpa-kati, belonging to Creili. He said the
intention of the Caffres was to drive the Umlunguinto the sea. We asked
how it was to-day. He said it was all finished to-day. Pato has crossed
the Kieskamma. Umhala and Seyolo were with this command. How they fared
we cannot tell. It is supposed that Stock was this day killed."

After this Colonel Somerset followed up his success. Many skirmishes,
much plunder, and considerable loss of life occurred, but, in the end,
the British forces remained victors. The Caffres, however, were not
prevented from reorganising themselves for fresh forays.

STATE OF NEW ZEALAND.--SUPPRESSION OF THE NATIVE REVOLT.

It was not at the Cape only that our troops had to contend with savages
of a superior race: the year began with a conflict