Bonjour,
Order N°13, dated 16th January 1879, “Times of Natal”, 22nd January 1879:
“1. During the indisposition of Commandant LONSDALE, Major BLACK, 2nd-24th Regiment will act as Commandant of the 3rd Regiment, Natal Native Contingent and will draw such a pay as will make it up to 30s. per diem”
Order N°29, dated 8th February 1879, “Times of Natal”, 10th February 1879:
“1. Major BLACK, 2-24th Foot, having been appointed Assistant Quarter-master general to N°. 3 column, from 19th ultimo, his pay will be made up in the aggregate to that of the appointment, plus half his regimental pay. Major BLACK’s services in this capacity being now no longer necessary, he will rejoin his Battalion on receipt of this order”.
Source: "Local General Orders relating to the AZW of 1879 "by Keith I. SMITH
So, it's seems that Hamilton-Browne was wrong about the day (date) of the return of Lonsdale from the hospital...
Cheers
Frédéric