Company Of Spears

‘It is far from clear that they have withdrawn from either territory, and it seems likely that raiding on this insolent scale has been occurring for many months. I am of the opinion, too, Sir Eyre, that the present trouble on the eastern frontier is due indirectly to Shaka’s predation. It would test our strength sorely to subdue the Xhosa, even with the auxiliaries called out, and if the Zulu then overrun the Xhosa territory – which would be in effect with our assistance – we should face a greatly more rapacious opponent. I submit, gentlemen, that Shaka is our more dangerous enemy, not Gaika.’

There was hubbub. Somervile, certain as he was that a consensus could only be reached by so palpably ‘democratic’ a fashion, let it continue while he appeared to gather his papers and his thoughts.

General Bourke looked contemptuous of the disorder, but said nothing (Hervey surmised that it was all the better to maintain his dignity thereby).

When the noise began to die down, Somervile tapped the table with the ends of his fingers. ‘Thank you, gentlemen, for your admirably succinct and unequivocal opinion. General Bourke?’

Somervile played his cards well, thought Hervey (as he had always known him to do): to have asked for any other’s opinion now would have been a discourtesy at the very least.

General Bourke looked thoughtful. ‘I should like to hear Colonel Somerset’s estimation.’

Somervile glanced at the commandant of the frontier.

The commandant gave it at once. ‘Sir Eyre, General, I do not agree with Colonel Bird’s opinion’ (Hervey noted the omission of Fairbrother’s name) ‘that Shaka and his Zulus are the cause of the trouble along the frontier. He shouts “Eureka!” like Archimedes in his bath: the Zulu displace the Xhosa, who then wash over the border. It is not science here. The Xhosa are an indolent people; they wish for easy prey. That is why they trespass in the colony!’

General Bourke’s expression was of mild surprise.

Somerset held up a hand. ‘However, I do believe Colonel Bird is correct in saying that if the Zulu overwhelm the Xhosa – whose true fighting prowess I have never held in high regard – then we shall indeed have a more rapacious, and greatly more capable, enemy on the Fish River. From what I have heard of the Zulu under Shaka, I should not be content to let them rest there without two brigades of regular cavalry and three of infantry at the frontier. To that end, therefore, I believe that the defeat of Shaka should be our object as prelude to dealing with Gaika. Indeed, it may well be that the destruction of Shaka is a powerful enough signal to every Xhosa chief.’

Somervile could not hide his satisfaction. He now looked to General Bourke for his conclusion.

The general gave it decidedly. ‘I concur. I believe we must send word to Shaka informing him that the colony supports the Kaffir tribes. It might have some moderating effect, though I doubt it. We might gain a little time, however. I would propose meanwhile to assemble a field force and call out the burghers.’

The lieutenant-governor sat silent with his hands together, as if in prayer. He had read the reports, listened to opinions, and received his general’s advice. He could not – in council at least – decently consult more. Besides, he had heard beforehand the opinion of the officer he trusted above all others. ‘Very well, General. The embassy to Shaka, if I may call it that, is to proceed at once, and I leave it to your discretion who shall constitute it, for although it is a matter of polity, yet I believe it best carried out by the military. Be pleased to assemble a field force such that could, in concert with the Xhosa, eject the Zulu from the tribal territory. I will today issue instructions for the call-out of the burghers. What is the earliest that you would be able to take to the field?’

‘Three weeks.’

‘Very well. For the purposes of the necessary authority and expenditure, Colonel Bird will enter that date, three weeks hence, as the commencement of active operations.’ He bowed. ‘Thank you, General, gentlemen, for your counsel. We may adjourn.’

Outside, in the warm summer sun, Colonel Somerset had words with Hervey. ‘Do not suppose that I did not know what game was afoot in there, Hervey. You and your half-caste friend may have the ear of the governor – and for the time being of General Bourke – but let it be rightly understood: I shall command the field force, and you shall carry out my orders!’

Hervey bowed. ‘I understand perfectly.’

XXII

THE KAFFRARIA FIELD FORCE

Graham’s Town, 19 December

Instructions to the Commander of the Kaffraria

Field Force

By Major-General Richard Bourke C.B.