THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYMy Lords, seeing my noble Friend the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies in his place, perhaps I may be permitted to ask him, Whether he will state what is the latest news that has been received from Cape Colony?
§ EARL CADOGANMy Lords, a despatch has been received at the Colonial Office, and one in almost identical terms at the War Office. The one to the Colonial Office is in these words—
From J. Gordon Sprigg, Colonial Secretary, Cape Town, to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, London, dated Cape Town, 7th April, 1879.The Lieutenant Governor of Natal, Sir Henry Bulwer, desires me to communicate the following message which he has received from Colonel Hopton at Fort Pearson, Tugela River:—'I am directed by Lord Chelmsford to send the following communication:—The relieving column, under Lord Chelmsford, formed laager near Gingihlovo, on afternoon of 1st April. Very heavy rain throughout evening and night. At 6 a.m. on the 2nd Zulus attacked laager, on each side in succession—two distinct forces em- 820 ployed. Enemy advanced in most courageous manner, but never got within 20 yards of shelter trench. At 7.30 a.m. the attack was repulsed, and the enemy retired precipitately, followed for some miles by the mounted Infantry and Natives under Barrow and Barton, and Nettleton's regiment of Natal Contingent. Sabres of the mounted Infantry did great execution. The fight was witnessed from Ekowe, and Colonel Pearson, flashing signals, congratulated General upon success. Casualties—Lieutenant Johnson, Privates J. Smith and Lawrence, 99th, Private R. Marshal, 91st, and Private J. J. Pratt, 60th Rifles, killed. Colonel Northey, 60th Rifles, and Dr. Longfield, of Her Majesty's ship Tenedos, dangerously wounded. Major Barrow, of the 19th Hussars, and Captain Hinxman, 57th, slightly wounded. Twenty soldiers and sailors wounded, one Native killed and 10 wounded. There were 471 bodies of Zulus counted within 1,000 yards of the laager. The long grass and bushes helped their approach and assisted their retreat. Total loss must have been double. Portions of 11 regiments are known to have taken part in attack—viz., Ngoxamonosi, Uvemmsityu, Unambonambu, Zulwana, Nokenka, Nodwena, and others. Prisoners state that 195 companies were engaged, which, at 60 men each, would give 11,000. Dabulmanzu, mounted, led the final attack. Somapo was in chief command. Lord Chelmsford intends to abandon Ekowe, both roads being very difficult of approach; he will establish a permanent post on the coast road. Gingihlovo laager will be reduced to permit its being held by a garrison. The General goes to Ekowe with three regiments and carts. Prisoners state that messengers arrived yesterday with news of Colonel Wood's victory on the 29th.'Since the foregoing message was received, further intelligence has arrived from the Natal Government that Lord Chelmsford has relieved Colonel Pearson at Ekowe, and has returned with the whole garrison to his camp.Another telegram in these terms has been received—Telegram from Government House to Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, dated Cape Town, April 7.No news from High Commissioner's Camp since last mail. Postmaster at Pietermaritzburg telegraphed to Under Colonial Secretary Capo Town, 4th April: High Commissioner and Staff 30 miles beyond Newcastle, on road to Standerton, 31st March; all well. Lord Chelmsford has successfully relieved Ekowe, and brought away garrison safely. Relieving force under Lord Chelmsford left Fort Tenedos 29th March; attacked by enemy about 12,000 strong at Gingihlovo 2nd April; completely defeated them. General continued march to Ekowe with part of column; reached it 3rd April. I understand particulars of engagement have been telegraphed to Sir Henry Bulwer—Colonel Hopton, Fort Tenedos, telegraphs to me, 6th April—General and Staff all well. Pearson and Ekowe garrison now encamped 15 miles hence, and will come here to-morrow. Transport Clyde wrecked off Dyer's Island and sunk; all on board safe and unhurt; troops, taken on board Her Majefty's ship Tamar, proceed to 821 Durban to-day. All other Infantry reinforcements landed at Durban; also 17th Lancers by England. Loss of Buller'a men at Hlobane less than newspapers reported. Telegram from Maritzburg 3 p.m. to-day states: General, Commodore, and Staff arrived at Fort Pearson noon to-day.
§ LORD VIVIANHas any telegram been received from Colonel Wood's force?
§ EARL CADOGANI have read all that have been received at the Colonial Office.
THE DUKE OF ARGYLLHas any list been received at the War Office of the casualties which have occurred in Colonel Wood's column?
§ EARL CADOGANI am not aware that any such list has been received.
THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNIt is stated in the newspapers that there has been a loss of seven officers and 400 men in that column. Is there any official Report confirmatory of that statement?
§ EARL CADOGANThe only telegrams which have reached the Colonial Office are those which I have just read.
THE DUKE OF ARGYLLSome accounts that have not come to the Colonial Office may have reached the War Office.
§ VISCOUNT BURYThe news received at the War Office does not purport to come from Colonel Wood. Information from another source has readied the War Office; but as we have no details, I can give your Lordships no further information.