Historical records of the 91st Argyllshire ... - waughfamily.ca

9 1ST ARGYLLSHIRE HIGHLANDERS. 143of Major Campbell, of the 91st, who was directed 1846.to scour the valley of the Amatola. Starting atdaybreak for that purpose, the cavalry, upwardsof 300 strong, with two guns, making a detourto the left, searched the kloofs and sweptaway the cattle from the open grounds at thefoot of the mountains. Towards evening thetroops came into contact with the enemy, and theaccount of the engagement is given in the followingofficial report by Major Campbell to ColonelSomerset :" Block Drift, 19th April. I have the honourto acquaint you that in compliance with yourorder of the 16th inst., I proceededfrom thecamp at Burn's Hill, with 200 rank and file ofthe 91st Regiment and 180 burgher Hottentots,across the Keiskamma, and up the Amatola Hoek.The principal part of the way was by a narrowpath through a densely wooded valley. Afterproceeding for about five or six miles withoutany molestation, the country became more open,and I halted here for a short time.During thetime of our halt, I perceived numbers of Kaffirscollecting on the heights all round, but moreespecially at the only outlet which leads to thewhere I expected to meet with your division.flats,