Note 140 — Chapter XIII · ISANDHLWANA.
Reading edition
Some remarks made by Lieutenant Milne, R.N. (aide-de-camp), are worthy of notice: “January 21st.—We then rode up to the high land to the left of our camp, the ascent very steep, but possible for horses. On reaching the summit of the highest hill, I counted fourteen Zulu horsemen watching us at the distance of about four miles; they ultimately disappeared over a slight rise. Two vedettes were stationed at the spot from where I saw these horsemen; they said they had seen these men several times during the day, and had reported the fact.... We then returned to camp, the General having determined to send out a patrol in this direction the next day.”—(P. P. [C. 2454] p. 183).
January 22nd.—Lieutenant Milne was sent to the top of a hill to see what was doing in camp, and says: “On reaching the summit I could see the camp; all the cattle had been driven in close around the tents. I could see nothing of the enemy on the left” (ibid. p. 184).
“We are not quite certain about the time. But it is just possible that what I took to be the cattle having been driven into camp may possibly have been the Zulu ‘impi’” (ibid. p. 187).