A large number made a trysting-place at a high peak to the east of Bloemfontein in what was lately the Orange Free State.

One party of the emigrants was cut off by the formidable Matabeli, a branch of the great Zulu nation.

The survivors declared war upon them, and showed in this, their first campaign, the extraordinary ingenuity in adapting their tactics to their adversary which has been their greatest military characteristic.

The commando which rode out to do battle with the Matabeli numbered, it is said, a hundred and thirty-five farmers.

Their adversaries were twelve thousand spearmen.