Saturday the 3rd of
February about midday
Our journey to Umgungundhlovu was prosperous and without incident . When we were within half a day 's march from the Great Kraal we overtook the herd of cattle that we had recaptured from Sikonyela , for these beasts had been driven very slowly and well rested that they might arrive in good condition . Also the commandant was anxious that we should present them ourselves to the king . Driving this multitude of animals before us -- there were over five thousand head of them -- we reached the Great Place on Saturday the 3rd of February about midday , and forced them through its gates into the cattle kraals . Then we off-saddled and ate our dinner under those two milk trees near the gate of the kraal where I had bid good-bye to Dingaan . After dinner messengers came to ask us to visit the king , and with them the youth , Thomas Halstead , who told the commandant that all weapons must be left behind , since it was the Zulu law that no man might appear before the king armed . To this Retief demurred , whereon the messengers appealed to me , whom they had recognised , asking if that were not the custom of their country .