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reconnaissance and arrival of guns |
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At Sachima, General Nation was within easy striking distance of Konoma, reported to be held by three to four thousand Nagas, the choice fighting men of almost every Angami village, who avowed their intention of defending it to the last. It was known also that they were fortifying the naturally strong position by every means in their power; and, although the advance of the troops up to this point had been more rapid than could have been expected, still the enemy had had a full month since the death of Mr. Damant to look the consequences of their act in the face and prepare for resistance. |
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The arrival of the guns ( which had reached Dimapur on the 17th ) was now anxiously expected to enable the assembled force to attack this stronghold of murderous savages. In spite of the disparity of numbers, and the serious natural and artificial obstacles in the way of an assault, it was confidently hoped that the village would be carried without much difficulty. |
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While awaiting the guns, the troops at Sachima were employed in entrenching the camp, improving communications, &c. On the 19th November Lieutenant MacGregor, 44th Sylhet Light Infantry, and Lieutenant Raban, R.E., both of whom had joined General Nation's staff two days previously, made a reconnaissance towards Konoma. They advanced with an escort by the Mozima road, and observed the enemy's position from near that village. " Large bodies of armed Nagas came out of Konoma with the intention of intercepting the party. Shots were exchanged with no loss on our side, and the party returned to camp, having obtained the desired information as to the attitude, &c., of Konoma, and having selected the best place to put in position the guns and rockets on the day of attack." ( General Nation's No. 15, Movements, 26th November 1879.) |
