5 JULY 1879, Page 2

There is no serious doubt remaining that the Prince Imperial

was deserted. The correspondent of the Times with General Newdigate's column, who has obviously access to the official documents, publishes Lieutenant Carey's own report. Accord- ing to this statement, that officer was directed to escort the Prince to choose a site for the camp, but without interfering with him, and left him throughout practically, though, of course, not officially, in command. The Prince gave the orders, and had just given the word to mount, when the concealed Zulus made a rush. Lieutenant Carey then " judged it better to clear the long grass before making a stand," and' rode hard for the ravine, followed by his six troopers, without further attention to the Prince, who failed to mount, ran after the retreating party for some distance, and then, facing the Zulus, died, receiving all his eighteen wounds in front. Serjeant Willis, Corporal Grubb, and two troopers confirm this account, all stating that Lieutenant Carey gave no order, but rode on first. Fifty excuses may be made for the unfortunate officer, who probably acted entirely without thought, and whose record is said to be a good one ; but if ever a man under escort was deserted by men who should have died with him, the Prince was that man. Blame is also attached to Colonel Harrison, Quartermaster-General of the column, who should have disallowed the expedition ; but his was an error of judgment, not a failure in duty. The whole business is a most humiliating one,