Colonel Baker, Baker's Horse Deserter Atwell

Natal Witness 13th April 1881
Local News
Baker's Horse
Colonel Baker with 10 officer and 129 men of the corps lately known as Baker's Horse, but now disbanded, returned to Natal yesterday by the S.S. Elizabeth Martin, Currie Line and created a small sensation by their not unpicturesque costumes. The men do not seem very satisfied with their treatment they have recived at the hands of their late employers and some say they would not go back "for treble the pay" They were paid off in the Court yard during the afternoon.-Advertizer.


Natal Witness 19th April 1881
Baker's Horse
On Wednesday evening Colonel Baker who shortly leaves for England, entertained the offices who had served under him in Basutoland at supper in the Alexandra Hotel. Mr F.L. Jonsson provided onthe occassion a sumptuous banquet and an enjoyable evening was passed by all present. The health of the gallant Colonel who has proved a most popular commander was proposed and drank during the evening in the most enthusiastic manner, to which Colonel Baker responded in a few words; wherein he expressed the pride he had felt in commanding a body of men who had so well conducted themselves throughout the campaign - Mercury

Natal Witness 3rd May 1881
Col Baker sent telegram to Mr Hanney telling him to arrest a man named Atwell now employed by the Transport Department on dual charge of desertion from Baker's Horse and theft of a horse, saddle and bridle.

Natal Witness 5th May 1881 (advert)
BAKER'S HORSE
Recruits wanted for above Corps; can apply at Billiard Room, Hilyard and Ellis, Theatre Royal between the hours of 11 and 1 and 3 and 5. None but men with excellent Testimonials need apply.
F. Francis Vetch, Major
Commanding Baker's Horse

And the advert underneath

A recruiting officer for Baker's Horse and for an Infantry Corps to be raised for Basutoland will be in Maritzburg during the course of a few days. Notice will be given when and where recruiting will take place.
R Francis Vetch,Major
Commanding Baker's Horse

Natal Witness 16th May 1881
THE BASUTO WAR
BAKERS HORSE
[Per Websters agency]
Kingswilliamstown May 14th
196 men and officers raised in Natal for Baker's Horse reached here today, and will be mounted in Queenstown.