THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYasked the noble Earl the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the Government had received any further news from the Cape?
§ EARL CADOGAN, in reply, said, that the latest news the Government had received was contained in the following telegram from Sir Garnet Wolseley to the Colonial Office, dated Pietermaritz-burg, Natal, 30th June, 1879, and which he would read to their Lordships:—
Pietermaritzburg, Natal, June 30, 1879.—From aspect of affairs, believe war can be finished this season. I am raising corps of 4,000 carriers to work with Crealock's column; can, if necessary, increase their number very largely. I am landing stores and forage at Port Durnford, where I also intend landing marines and reinforcements. I hope to land there myself on Wednesday morning. Telegraph communication completed to that point. Crealock's head-quarters now there. Hope to push with his column to St. Paul's Mission Station, and so join Second Division and Wood's Column, both of which are now at point about 12 miles south-west of Ulundi, near Magni-bonium on official maps. King says wants peace; to test his sincerity I have. to-day sent back his two messengers to say he must send three of his councillors, who I have named, to meet my agent in First Division camp, where terms of peace can be discussed. Best information says he can only now bring about 10,000 men into the field. Have taken measures of informing Zulu people that all who join us with their families will be well treated and protected, and their cattle assured to them. Many have already come in. Have placed Lord Chelmsford in command of Second Division and of Wood's force until I can reach them. Have no difficulty in flashing orders to him. Weather fine. Health of troops in the field good. Went round hospitals here this morning; only 100 sick and wounded, all doing well and wanting for nothing. Loss of oxen by sickness considerable; hope to supply their places by mule and carrier transport. All quiet in Natal, where General Clifford commands all troops, whether regulars or Native levies. I am receiving the most cordial support and valuable assistance from Sir Henry Bulwer. There had been no fighting since last mail; no news of importance from the Transvaal; have ordered Colonel Lanyon to undertake no offensive operation, and to restrict his operations to protection of life and property, and to curtail expenses in every possible way. Have just heard from General Marshall that the King sent in the ivory tusks, which is a sign of the message being from the King, also the cattle taken from us at Isandlana; cattle kept by Chelmsford, but tusks sent back with repeated demand for the guns taken at Isandlana.July 1.—Have just received news that Chelmsford was to move his force yesterday five 732 miles front without tents, expected to be at Ulundi to-day; considerable bodies of enemy close to Ulundi; written despatch from Chelmsford will reach me this afternoon, and I then embark for Port Durnford.