Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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have received from your Lordship, to
afford the native tribes of Africa the
protection ofthe British arms against the
aggressions ofHer Majesty's subjects, ... I
havefelt it necessary no longer to delay in
announcing to the emigrants by a
Proclamation, ofwhich I enclose a copy,
my intention to resume military
occupation ofPort Natal. "00
In the proclamation, however, Napier stated that the British would
tolerate no aggression against the Zulus in Natal unless acting under the
immediate authority and orders of the establishment at the Cape. 2J In
May 1842 a force under Captain T.C. Smith arrived at Port Natal and the
first battle between the Voortrekkers and the British took place at
Congella." Smith's force was besieged by the Voortrekkers, but rescued
at the end of June following the epic ride of Dick King and Ndongeni, a
Zulu, to Grahamstown. 2J
When Smith was in almost desperate circumstances he in VaIn called
upon Mpande to come to his assistance. Mpande gave what one could
convoke a diplomatic reply:
"
"
" No, you are now fighting for the
upperhand, and whichever gains must be
my master. ''2.
Ibid., p. 530
V.C. Malerbe: What Thev Said. 1795-1910 History Documents, p.77
apierto Russel, 6 December 1841; Stanley to Napier, 10 April & 6 May 1842, Bird,
Annals ofNata1, I, pp.660-6, 700-3.
1.A.I. Agar-Hamilton: The Native Policv of the Voortrekkers. pp. 140-144.
G.M.TheaJ: The Republic ofNatal p.39.