QUESTION. (Hansard, 21 April 1879)

§ SIR ROBERT PEEL

Sir, I wish to ask the Secretary of State for War a Question of which I have given him private Notice, and which has a somewhat important bearing upon the conduct of military matters in South Africa. It is, Whether the attention of the Horse Guards or military authorities has been specially directed to the official Report of Lieutenant Harward of what occurred at the camp on the Intombi river on March 11? That officer states in his official Report that the camp was taken by surprise, the following being his words:— Being awake about 4 a.m., I heard a shot fired. Captain Moriarty ordered the men to remain under arms. About 5, I heard a sudden call to the guard to turn out, and saw an immense body of Zulus attempting to sur- 704 round the waggons. I directed my fire upon their flanks, but without any avail. I next observed that the enemy had gained full possession of the camp. Our men were retiring on the river. I directed my fire entirely with a view to cover the retreat of our men. Finding the Zulus were assegaing the men in the water and crossing in large numbers, I ordered a retreat. I endeavoured to rally the men, who, however, gave way, and a hand-to-hand fight ensued. All formation being lost, I mounted my horse and galloped into Luneberg at utmost speed, and reported all that had occurred. What I want to know is, Whether this poor officer—the sole surviving one, I believe, of those who were engaged in the business to which I refer—is to receive a message of condolence and confidence; or whether, as he appeared to have left his men when fighting hand-to-hand with the enemy and galloped off to Luneberg, any notice is to be taken of such an extraordinary desertion of his duties?