The general plan of my history was laid out, and the first few chapters were written, during the voyage from Natal, and upon reaching England I obtained the assistance of my friend Lieut.-Colonel Edward Durnford in that portion of the work which deals with the military conduct of the war. While it was desirable that a record of military events should be made by one whose professional knowledge qualified him for the duty, there was an additional reason which made his help appropriate. It may easily be understood from his name that the interest taken by him in his task would be of no ordinary kind. Colonel Durnford has written the military portions of the book, but is not responsible for any expressions of opinion upon matters strictly political. I am far from feeling that I am the best person to undertake such a work as this, which my father himself would look upon as a serious one, and which he, or even my sister, who has worked with him throughout, would do so much better than I; but they were not at hand, and I have thought it my duty to do what I could, while I could have had no better aid than that given me by Colonel Durnford. However insufficient the result may prove, we shall at least hope that our work may give some slight assistance to that cause of justice, truth, and mercy, the maintenance of which alone can ensure the true honour of the British name. FRANCES ELLEN COLENSO. _January 22nd, 1880._ CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE FIRST CAUSES 1 CHAPTER II. LANGALIBALELE 20 CHAPTER III. TRIAL OF LANGALIBALELE 38 CHAPTER IV. THE BISHOP’S DEFENCE 51 CHAPTER V. THE PUTINI TRIBE 63 CHAPTER VI. SIR GARNET WOLSELEY: WHAT HE CAME FOR, WHAT HE DID, AND WHAT HE DID NOT DO 78 CHAPTER VII. THE MATSHANA INQUIRY AND COLONEL COLLEY 89 CHAPTER VIII. THE ANNEXATION OF THE TRANSVAAL 112 CHAPTER IX. THE DISPUTED TERRITORY 138 CHAPTER X. THE BOUNDARY COMMISSION 163 CHAPTER XI. SIHAYO, UMBILINI, AND THE MISSIONARIES IN ZULULAND 192 CHAPTER XII. THE ULTIMATUM, DECLARATION OF WAR, AND COMMENCEMENT OF CAMPAIGN 235 CHAPTER XIII. ISANDHLWANA 273 CHAPTER XIV. RORKE’S DRIFT—HELPMAKAAR—COURT OF INQUIRY, ETC. 302 CHAPTER XV. THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST SIKUKUNI 325 CHAPTER XVI.