Is there any truth in this.

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 57 Location : UK

It is stated that on the previous evening there was no intention on the part of the Zulus to attack the camp upon the 22nd, which
was not thought by them a propitious day, being that of the new moon. It is also said that the Zulu army came with pacific intentions, in order to give up Sihayo's sons, and the cattle for the fine. In all probability they left the king with such orders that is to say, to make terms if possible, but to fight if forced to it, and if the English intentions were plainly hostile. This hostility was thoroughly proved before the morning of the 22nd, when the departure of Lord Chelmsford's force from the camp must have been a strong temptation to the Zulus to attack the latter.

Source "History of the Zulu war and its origin;"

Posts : 2583 Join date : 2009-04-24

I would not think for a moment, it would take 20,000 + Zulu’s to give up Sihayo's sons. You have been reading that book again.

Subject: Is there any truth in this. Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:07 am

hi john.
I dont think 20,000 zulus would be required to hand over Sihayo"s sons scratch

In every book
or article I have read on Isandlwana ( It is a LOT ) . Statements by the Zulus who took part
have SAID , " We were to attack the camp at DAWN on the 23rd Jan " , never once have I read
them saying , we came to hand over Sihayo"s sons !. And here is our cattle as well. Sorry , I dont
buy it at all .
cheers 90th.

ps . No disrespect is intended, , to yourself or the authors of the book where you found that statement.

Posts : 2583 Join date : 2009-04-24

Frances E. Colenso wrote the book. With the help of Lieut.Colonel Edward Durnford titled "History of the Zulu war and its origin;" Where once again the author try’s to bring the good name of Lord Chelmsford into disrepute.