Colonel Cloëte, the Quartermaster-general, had no more idea as to the ammunition I had brought from Port Elizabeth than what he had to do with it. He knew, certainly, what requisitions he had received, but he knew no more than I did what reserves, not actually wanted, existed in those places. The waggons that brought the ammunition, and had given me such anxiety on the road, were left, during my ten days’ stay in Graham’s Town, in the open streets; not a sentry or guard of any sort--the Hottentot drivers, with pipes in their mouths, seeming the presiding guardians over British military stores. The commissariat was in the hands of the tradesmen of the town: a Mr J----s (banker and merchant) seemed to have the whole charge of the provisioning of the army. He was exceedingly kind and courteous, a perfect gentleman in all his doings, but yet not the right person in the right place, I thought. Of the military stragglers in the town, they were the usual rag-tag and bobtail lot always to be found compassing the rear of an army actively engaged in the field. After waiting twelve days, I at last received orders to proceed to Fort Beaufort. The men being in fair condition by this time, I determined to cover the distance (about forty miles) in two days. This was easily accomplished; and rather to the surprise of the Commander-in-chief, I presented myself at headquarters. CHAPTER VI. MY REPORT TO GENERAL COMMANDING ON STATE OF THE ROAD--OFFEND THE STAFF, BUT RECEIVE PRESENT OF CHARGER FROM GENERAL--SURPRISED AT CLOSE PROXIMITY OF KAFFIRS--OFFER TO TAKE NEARER VIEW--AM SNUBBED IN CONSEQUENCE--ASSIGNED POST OF ADVANCED-GUARD IN GENERAL ATTACK UNDER GENERAL NAPIER--ASCENT OF THE WATER-KLOOF--ORDERED TO DISLODGE KAFFIRS FROM HORSE-SHOE LINE OF BUSH--IN ACTION--HESITATION--SUCCESS--SECOND ATTACK UNDER ARTILLERY-FIRE--THE MINIE RIFLE AGAIN--KAFFIR DEVOTION--THEIR NATURE, AND HOW TO FIGHT THEM--AM THANKED IN GENERAL ORDERS. I gave a report in writing of my doings on the road, and my estimation of the resources and failings as a military road, that it professed. Amongst other things, I stated the fact of seeing a strong detachment of the 12th Regiment uselessly guarding a fort of no possible influence in the actual state of the war. This brought the staff down upon me; but I was thanked by the General, who, as a token of welcome, presented me with a fine chestnut charger.