Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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This created unfriendly relations between the Volksraad and the British,
especially because Mpande had given permission to the British to control
St. Lucia Bay.13
The British also brought into question the system of land grants
authorised by the Volksraad. 14 As early as June 1840 Lord John Russell,
Secretary of State for Colonies, instructed Napier to resume possession of
Natal and soon afterwards he indicated he would like to see Natal settled
as a British colony, as long as the conquest ofthe territory did not require
too much expense. IS The idea that the Native policy of the Voortrekkers
might endanger peace and British interests came towards the end of 1840
when Pretorius led a commando south of the Republic to punish Zulus
whom he suspected of stealing cattle.'· On its return the commando killed
several Zulus and carrying off "seventeen children, 3000 head of cattle
and 250 sheep"." Whatever was the explanation, the suddenness and
severity of the attack appeared indefensible in the eyes of the British
colonial establishment.
Although the Voortrekkers had achieved a satisfactory settlement with
Mpande on the northern frontier, it soon had to deal with large numbers
13
14
16
"
Letter ofD. Lindley, 12 March 1840, Missionary Herald, 36 (1840), pp. 384-5.
V.C. Malherbe: What They Said. 1795-1910 History Documents, p. 70.
N.A.: Reply to Mpande, n.d., instructions for Lieutenant Armstrong and William
Cowie, 12 February 1846, enclosure.
V.c. Malherbe: What Thev Said. 1795-1910 HiStory Documents, p70
l.A.!., Agar-Hamilton: The Native Policv oftbe Voortrekkers, pl40