Cape Town papers, to the 30th June, describe a disastrous
affair at the frontier, on the 15th June, between the British troops and the Kafirs. Some cattle having been stolen by Sandilla's people, which the Gaika chief refused to restore, a detachment of horse and foot, to the number of 250, was sent to make him a prisoner, and seize his cattle. The troops reached Burn's Hill at night-fall; but the noise made by the dragoons in galloping up gave the alarm, and Sandilla with his adherents escaped into the bush. About 100 head of cattle were seized; and the party commenced their re- turn to Fort Beaufort. They were soon followed by upwards of 1,000 Kafirs fully armed; who fired upon the party from the ravines, and threw them into disorder. In the confusion, most of the cattle was recaptured by the Kafirs. Daring the retreat, one soldier was killed, and Lieutenant Russell was mortally wounded. Seven or eight others were wounded, though less severely. The detachment was pursued to within three miles of Fort Hare, where the sight of a reinforcement caused the Kafirs to give up the pursuit.
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