Leuchars' force moved back down a steep ridge that led towards the Tugela at Ndundumeni, and immediately below Macala, where it bivouacked (Zululand side). At 7.30 p.m., however, the column crossed and bivouacked in Natal. Leuchars gave strict orders for all camp fires to be left burning, whilst no lights were to be struck when on the march. The crossing of an unknown drift on a pitch dark night was carried out without mishap. A force made up of N.P. (200), T.M.R. (3 squadrons) and R.H. (2 squadrons) was sent by McKenzie on the 18th to operate on the east side of the grave near Bobe, there being reason for supposing a section of the enemy was concealed in that neighbourhood. The information, however, proved incorrect. The supposed enemy turned out to be women and children who, owing to the difficulties of obtaining food in the forest, were making for the kraals of relatives and others near the Tugela who had not up to that time taken up arms. Native women were a source of much inconvenience throughout the campaign. They not only urged their menfolk to rebel and kept them supplied with food as well as they could, but, taking advantage of the protection afforded their sex, frequently conveyed intelligence to the enemy as to the movements of the troops. On the same day twenty-one rebels, members of Sigananda's and Tulwana's tribes, surrendered at the magistracy. With the intention of attacking the redoubtable Mome stronghold, the whole force, excepting the men in charge of the camp, marched for the purpose, on the 19th, but had hardly moved out when a spy, previously sent out, brought intelligence to the effect that, whilst desirous of surrendering, the rebels refrained from doing so through a sense of fear. The spy, with a white flag, was thereupon directed to inform the enemy that the O.C. Troops was prepared to meet their emissaries half-way up an indicated hill should they really wish to surrender. Upon the spy returning to the hill in question, McKenzie, accompanied by three of his staff, proceeded to the proposed rendezvous. After waiting there a considerable time, the spy, who had again been sent back, returned with two indunas from Sigananda's heir Ndabaningi, who said the people generally were desirous of surrendering. The men were told that surrender was to be unconditional. They then asked for time to find, and deliver McKenzie's message to, Ndabaningi. The receiving of the surrender was fixed for 9 a.m. on the following morning. After this, the troops returned to camp.