Pearson at one stage did considered withdrawing part of his garrison, but only if Chelmsford Agreed, but after receiving no answer back and no further runners, it became clear that Eshowe was now entirely cut off. And when you say “confined” Pearson did lead an attack on a kraal some 7 miles away, to keep the soldiers from becoming immobile.
A Relief Column was expected to leave the Lower Drift on March 13th, which was good news as rations were running low and sickness had killed 20 men. However a few days later another message was received sating the relief column would be delayed until April 1st and it wasn’t an April fools joke.