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

182 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE1851. and General Somerset, who had commanded theexpedition, writes," Marched out at 1 a.m. ;very thick fog; gained the ascent above BushNek by5 a.m. At 7 a.m. moved to the bush atthe head of the Waterkloof ; observed the enemyin force along the whole face of the ridge. At7.30 I observed Lieutenant-Colonel Fordyce'sbrigade on the opposite ridge moved up LieutenantField's guns, and opened on the enemy, who;showed at the Blinkwater. Ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell's brigade forward, and sent asquadron of the Cape Mounted Rifles arid twobattalions forward, directing a strong body ofskirmishers to be thrown into and line the forest.These were immediately received by a great firefrom the enemy at several points. This sharpattack drove the enemy from their position,which they evacuated, and retired into Blinkwaterand Waterkloof. The enemy continued to showthemselves ;I reinforced the skirmishers withtwo companions of the 91st, dismounted a troopof the Cape Mounted Rifles, and ordered thewhole to push through the ravine and communicatewith Colonel Fordyce's brigade, and to orderthem through. This movement was well effected.In the mean time the enemy continued their efforts