"I regret to have to report a very disastrous engagement which took place on the 22nd instant between the Zulus and a portion of No.3 column left to guard a camp about ten miles in front of Rorke's Drift - the former came down in overwhelming numbers and, in spite of gallant resistance made by six companies of the 24th Regiment, 2 guns, 2 Rocket-tubes, 104 mounted men and about 800 natives, completely overwhelming them....."
