On the day in question, Mansel left Ngudwini with 146 N.P.; 100 N.N.C. (Hoare); 2 guns, N.F.A.; and 100 Nongqai (Fairlie), and, crossing the Tugela, met and co-operated with McKenzie in Mati valley. Recrossing the Tugela, his force bivouacked for the night near the drift. In regard to the operations of the 10th and 11th, Colonel McKenzie remarked: "Some column commanders used their guns whilst a heavy fog was hanging over the valley. There was apparently no need for this, but, thinking they were in touch with the enemy, it had the effect of hastening the movement, which might have been the means of allowing the enemy to escape, for, naturally, the country traversed was not searched so thoroughly as it otherwise would have been."[293] In consequence of the operations in Umvoti valley and at Izinsimba, finding their _impis_ altogether unable to stand against the troops as had at first seemed possible,[294] Meseni and Ndhlovu decided to quit their wards and take refuge in Zululand with a few headmen. News of the flight was speedily obtained by O.C. Troops and telegraphed to the Commissioner at Eshowe. The refugees were placed under arrest by the loyal Chief Hatshi, near Entumeni forest, and conveyed to Eshowe. McKenzie ordered that they should be sent under escort to Mapumulo. They accordingly reached Thring's Post on the 13th, and Mapumulo magistracy on the following day. To the latter place McKenzie at the same time transferred his headquarters. With the surrender of these two men, and the death of Matshwili, there was every reason for supposing that the Rebellion was at an end in that part, if not throughout the whole Colony. In the absence of disturbing intelligence from any other district, the latter assumption presently proved to be correct. Immediately Meseni and Ndhlovu arrived at Mapumulo, the advisability of proclaiming a general armistice was considered. Although it was known that small bands of rebels still existed in the Tugela valley, between Krantzkop and Izinsimba, notably under the leadership of Sambela, a relation of the expatriated Chief Ngobizembe, McKenzie felt the time had arrived when an opportunity of surrendering should be afforded to all who cared to avail themselves thereof. It was with the object of discussing the situation from this and other aspects, that the Minister of Justice and Defence (Mr., now Sir, Thomas Watt) and the Commandant of Militia (Colonel Bru-de-Wold)[295] visited McKenzie at Mapumulo on the 14th. Orders were thereupon issued that all further operations were to be suspended. Column commanders were, at the same time, instructed to use every endeavour to induce outstanding rebels to come in. One of the means adopted with success was to use the services of those who had surrendered, on seeing whom many still at large became satisfied that the opportunity given was _bona-fide_.