From the 25th January to the 1st February his marches and countermarches
afford little matter of interest. On the 28th he moved on to a new
camping-ground, called Potter's Store, and there obtained full
particulars of the Maglisini or Baglusini Kraal. This place Colonel Wood
had for some time known as one of the principal rallying-points and
depôts of supplies for the Zulu armies. Large quantities of "mealies"
(Indian corn) and grain of other sorts were known to have been
accumulated at this magazine, while cattle in large droves had been
seen on their way to the depôt. Under these circumstances it was
necessary to proceed with caution, as, had any ostentatious preparations
been made for an advance in the direction of the magazine, it is more
than probable Wood's object would only have been gained at a severe
cost. In this view it was determined that a cavalry raid should be made
by the mounted troops under Piet Uys, with his Burghers, and Colonel
Buller, with his dashing corps of Frontier Light Horse. From the camp
near Potter's Store to the Baglusini stronghold was at least thirty
miles. A plain suitable to the passage of cavalry intervened before the
Manzana river was reached, and Colonel Buller saw no reason why the
distance should not be covered in one day. The kraals of Umbelini and of
Inyatini were also in the same neighbourhood, therefore the utmost
caution and secrecy were necessary in making preparations for the
attack. The weather had been most unfavourable for some days, but
fortunately cleared up, and became settled on the 1st of February. On
that morning Colonel Buller, having selected on the previous day 106 of
his best mounted men and thirty-three of the Dutch Contingent under Piet
Uys, their commandant, paraded his men under the supervision of Colonel
Wood, and explained to them clearly the feat they were about to attempt,
not concealing the danger which they would have to incur in the
performance of a most difficult and dangerous duty. The scene was a most
dramatic one, as the camp lanterns lit up the faces of the bronzed and
stalwart volunteers who formed the devoted band. Each man was
exceedingly well horsed, and no precaution had been neglected in the
careful overhauling of arms, accoutrements, and saddlery. Biscuit and,
for those who cared, a little ration of rum were served out, and with a
hearty "God-speed" from their comrades, who half envied their chances of
adventure, the little troop of 141 gallant fellows started long before
the earliest streak of dawn. The utmost silence was ordered and
maintained, while the ground for some miles was so favourable that the
horses' hoofs were scarcely heard as they cantered over the light and
springy veldt. Distances on horseback are so differently estimated out
in South Africa and at home in England, that when the ground is
favourable, very long, and to European experience almost impossible,
marches are constantly made without distress to horse or rider. In the
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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