[Illustration: CAMP UNDER THE AMATOLAS.] CAMPAIGNING IN KAFFIRLAND OR Scenes and Adventures IN THE KAFFIR WAR OF 1851-2. BY CAPT. W. R. KING, 74TH HIGHLANDERS. With Illustrations. LONDON SAUNDERS AND OTLEY, CONDUIT STREET. 1853. PREFACE. The following pages make no pretension to a detailed history of the military operations of the Kaffir War. Written during leisure hours, in a lonely fort, or by the camp fire after the fatigues of the day, and mainly embracing the movements of one Division only--often of a Single Brigade or Corps--they attempt merely to convey a general idea of the country, and of the scenes and passing events of the Campaign. Should any comrade who shared its dangers and hardships peruse this account, it is hoped he will also share the feeling which first prompted the Author to record them in the Field and now to present the narrative to the public-- "Hæc olim meminisse juvabit." _Largs, November, 1853._ CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE Ordered to the Cape--Voyage Out--Bay of Biscay--Simon's Bay 1 CHAPTER II. State of the Country on Arrival--Causes of War--Commencement of Hostilities by Kaffirs--Defection of Hottentots--Outrages on Settlers 7 CHAPTER III. Landing--March up the Country--Coega River--Addo Bush--Quagga Flats--Assegai Bush--Grahams Town--Insurrection at Theopolis--Night March--Destruction of Rebel Camp--Route for Kaffirland--Ecca Pass--Fort Brown--Waggon Driving--Fort Hare--Preparation for the Field 18 CHAPTER IV. Advance into Kaffirland--Camp at the Amatolas--Attack on the Amatolas--Fort Beaufort--Yellow-Woods--Return to Fort Hare--Clu Clu--Camp on the Koonap River--Waggon Escort--Sand Storm 44 CHAPTER V. Reit Fontein--March to Somerset--Klip Fontein--Night March to Attack the Kromme--Bivouac on Kromme Heights--Standing Camp--Escorting Commissariat Supplies--Action on the Kromme Heights--Torture of Prisoners by Kaffirs--Witch Doctors--Return to Fort Beaufort--Sickness among the Troops--The Route--Band and Mess--Fingo Levies 75 CHAPTER VI. Attack on the Waterkloof--Night Ascent of the Kromme--Engagement on the Waterkloof Heights--Bivouac after the Fight--Descent into Waterkloof Valley--Operations on the Heights--Halt for Supplies 103 CHAPTER VII.