§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, I have just received a very important telegram from the Cape, from Sir Bartle Frere, which I will, by permission, read to the House. It is dated Cape Town, July 8:—
§ "I congratulate Her Majesty's Government on decisive victory vouchsafed to Her Majesty's Forces under Lord Chelmsford in a fair fight in the open on July 4, and on subsequent capture and destruction of Cetywayo's Royal kraal, Ulundi. Lord Chelmsford appears, according to his promise, to have awaited at camp on White Umvolosi, till noon, July 3, for delivery of guns and 1,000 rifles by accredited Indunas—required by him as earnest of Cetywayo's sincerity in asking to treat for peace. Conditions 1100 not being fulfilled Lord Chelmsford left camp, laagered, and advanced with 2nd (Newdigate's) Division, and Wood's Flying Column. Was attacked on march in open country by Zulu Force, variously estimated at from 12,000 to 20,000. They enveloped the hollow square of our troops, charging on all four sides up to within 60 yards, when Zulus broke and fled under a heavy fire; were pursued by Cavalry, and utterly routed. Lord Chelmsford advanced to Ulundi, burnt and destroyed all military kraals, and returned to camp on White Umvolosi same evening. All arms reported to have done their duty admirably. Zulus slain estimated at 800 by Mr. Archibald Forbes, who rode with above news in 15 hours to Landman's Drift; his telegram reached night of July 5. British loss 10 killed; only name given, Captain Wyatt-Edgell, 17th Lancers, but no other officer killed; 63 wounded—only names given, Colonel Lowe, Major Bond, Lieutenants Pardoe, Jenkins, James; none severely. No other casualties named since last mail in any column. General Crealock, having arranged for landing stores at Port Durnford, is advancing on road to Ulundi. Zulus on line of march coming in large numbers to surrender. Sir Garnet Wolseley, after waiting in vain for two days to effect landing at Port Durnford, returned in Her Majesty's ship Shah to Durban, and proceeded by land to join General Crealock's column. Troops with Lord Chelmsford comprised detachments of the 13th, 21st, 24th, 58th, 80th, 90th, and 94th Regiments, the 17th Lancers, one troop Dragoon Guards, 600 Colonial troops, besides Artillery and Engineers. I have received from Sir Garnet as yet only copy of Forbes' telegram which had reached me previously.
§ (Signed)
§ "FRERE."