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

278 HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE1879. over the men's waists, necessitating their carryingtheir ammunition on their shoulders. It took allday to get the waggons over, so that the laagerformed in the evening was only a mile and a halffrom the one used the previous night. MajorBruce here received a telegram addressed toCaptain Chater, from HJl.H. the Princess Louise,which ran as follows :" Convey to the 91st myregrets at not seeing them before their departure,also the interest I take in their welfare, wishingthem every success rwith God-speed and a safereturn."The following day the 91st formed the rearguard,and the enemywas seen for the first time.The laager in the evening was formed at Ginginhlovo.The day had been oppressively hot, andafter the trenches had been dug, a heavy thunderstormcame on, which nearly filled them. A mostmiserable night was passed by every one, as therewas not a dry spot to lie down on, and all theground had got into such a fearfully dirty state,that even walking was difficult."When morning broke it was found that thecountry was too heavy to move the waggons ;the Zulus also were observed to be advancing inconsiderable numbers from the directionof a hill