On the 25th of May, Colonels Somerset and Richardson's divisions, which had both been employed in patrolling the country, returned to Graham's Town. The 28th was appointed as a day of prayer throughout the Colony. The churches were crowded, and the mourning garments of those whose friends had fallen by the hands of the savage, presented a sad memorial of the times. Strangely contrasted on this day were the contending parties, the white man and the Kaffir. The former on this occasion lifted up his voice for help from Heaven, while the heathen, armed with brand and assegai, stalked wildly through the land; and while good men were calling upon God to assist them in their righteous cause, the foe, in a body of nine thousand strong, assembled on the open plains before Fort Peddie, threatening to "trample it to dust." ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note 1. By reference to Colonel Tulloch's official Reports on Invaliding and Mortality in the Army it will be seen that the rate of sickness and death among the troops at the Cape is less than in England. Note 2. The Drostdy barracks occupy the site of the Landros, or Dutch magistrate's house, hence the name. Note 3. It has been remarked as a grand trait in the Kaffir character, that they will never injure a woman. Their policy leads them to imitate ours in this respect with regard to _white women_, but, among their marauding parties, like those described in Colonel Somerset's dispatch, even women and children of our nation have fallen a prey to the assegai. Their politic generosity _never_ applies to any but _white_ people; they will torture, burn, and impale the unhappy Fingoes who fall into their hands, without regard to age or sex. Note 4. It was found necessary to abandon and burn Post Victoria early in May. This post, the establishment of which had so highly incensed the Gaikas, was reduced to ashes in consequence of the occupation by the British troops of Block Drift, distant about nine miles from it, and nearer Sandilla's territory. PART TWO, CHAPTER SEVEN. ACTION WITH THE KAFFIRS--FLAG OF TRUCE FROM THE ENEMY.