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YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

FROM THE COLLECTION MADE BY
CHARLES SHELDON B.A. 1890
OF BOOKS ON NATURAL HISTORY
EXPLORATION • HUNTING & FISHING

GIFT OF FRANCIS P. GARVAN
B.A. 1897

E-f^a.

LONDON:
THOMAS DAVISON, WHITEFRIARS.

CONTENTS.

Editor's Address  Page ix
Dedication  1
CHAPTER I.
Sailing of the ship Hercules from Sagar-roads, in the
province of Uengal. — Description of the tempest —
Dreadful situation of the ship. — Second mute and
three men ordered into the long boat. — Raft pre
pared. — Carpenter and sailors address the captain. —
Remarkable instance of prejudice and intrepidity in
a Lascar. — The captain liolds a consultation with his
officers. — Determines, if possible, to run the ship on
the eastern coast of Africa. ... 35

CHAPTER n.
iShip run on shore on the coast of Caffraria. — Dreadful
situation of the crew. — Their manner of landing
describi^d. — Their reception by the natives. — Some
curious and interesting particulars respecting Cap
tain Coxson, commander of the Grosvenor, lost on
the same coast, in 17S2, and of several af his people,
particularly a lady, who is now living with a Caffree
chief. .  47

IV

CHAPTER HL
The Caffree cliief presents a bullock to tlie crew. —
The captain gives him a pair of paste knee-buckles,
and hangs them to his ears. — The savage highly
pleased. — The captain's interesting conversation with
the chief about the existence of a Deity. — Former
accounts respecting their opinions on this subject
refuted. — The Caffrees procure se\eral shirts, jackets,
and trowsers from the wreck. — Do not know how to
put them on. — Instructed by the captain and his
people. — The Caffrees suspected of having an inten
tion to massacre or detain the crew . . . Page 57

CHAPTER IV.
The natives in a sham fight show their manoeuvrings
in battle. — Manner of throwing the assaygay de
scribed. — The long boat and crew never seen or
heard of more. — Caffree chief consents to their de
parture. — Provides them with guides. — Conducts
tliem to a brook of fresh water which ran through
the hollow of a sequestered wood. — Apprehensions
of the crew respecting the Caffrees described.—
Natives and the crew remain together all night in
the hollow. — Fresh alarms — Caffree chief presents
the captain on the next day with another bullock. 
The departure of the crew on the ensuing morning,
and the kind behaviour of the natives on that occa
sion described. ... . «-

CHAPTER V.
Description of the country near the wreck. — Genuine
cliaracter of the Tambouchis delineated. — Cause of
the last war betvveen the colonists and Caffrees
explained. — Why the Tambouchis did not suffer the
crew to depart sooner. — Their reasons. — Narrative
continued. — Crew destitute of shoes. — Countries
through which they passed described. — .\larming
situation of the party at niglit. — Not molested by
the animals of the deserts. . . Page 76

CHAPTER VI.
The captain and his party stopped by a bad tribe of
Caffrees. — An enraged Caffree described. — They ar
rive on the summit of a mountain, which affords
a prospect transcendently beautiful. — Fortify them
selves against the attack of wild animals during the
night. — Thirty-six of the crew, unable to proceed,
are left behind. — The captain, and twenty-four of
his people, go on. — Find a Christian habitation de
serted. — Arrive next day at Jan Du Pliesies, a Dutch
settler. — Their reception, together with the cha
racter and family of the colonist described. — Wag
gon and guards sent for the relief of such of the
crew as remained in the deserts. . . QO

VI

CHAPTER VII.
Remarkable story of a rhinoceros, related by the co
lonist  The farmers generally discontented with
the Dutch government at the Cape. — Neighbouring
colonists arrive at Du Pliesies. — Their conduct
described. — Waggon returns with twenty-three of
the crew. — Thirteen strayed. — Reward and dismiss
the Caffree guides. — Recommendatory letter given
by the farmer to the captain in the Dutch language.
— Their departure from Du Pliesies. — Arrive at an
other Christian settlement. — Their reception and de
parture. — Proceed on the journey. — Boshismen de
scribed. — The party travelling through a valley, in
great danger frorn the Boshismen. — They get through
without injury, and enter a champaign country.
Page 103

CHAPTER VIII.
Pass in safety through the Boshisman's puh. — Beau
tiful vale of Long Cluff described — Humorous con
versation of the crew. — Reach the settlement of a
blind colonist: their reception and entertainment
described.— Thecrew separate. — One of them marries
in the country.— PerceiNC vast forests of the aloe-
tree.— Captain reaches Zwellingdam, and proceeds
to the Landorse-house. — His reception — Arrives at
the beautiful settlement of Stallenbush.— The place
described. — Arrives at the Cape. . . 12O

Vll

CHAPTER IX.

General Craig's reception of the captain stated. — Ad
miral Elphinstone's liberal and noble conduct de
scribed. — List of the settlers who behaved kindly
to the captain and his crew delivered to Admiral
Elphinstone by his own directions. — General ob
servations. — The captain arrives in England. Page 132

ADVERTISEMENT.

To all classes and denominations of His
Majesty's subjects, throughout the
united kingdom of Great-Britain
and Ireland.
The measure now so actively and
wisely undertaken by our government,
that of colonising those delightful re
gions, 500 miles northward of the
Cape of Good Hope, generally de
nominated the Christian settlements,
has lately engaged much of the pub
lic attention ; and as it is highly ap
proved by all those who are ac-

quainted with this important subject,
we feel a very earnest desire to ac
celerate so glorious an undertaking by
every means in our power. The im
mediate consequence to be expected
from the adoption of this measure is
of no less importance than happily
providing for a numerous and dis
tressed population, and at the same
time laying the foundation of a com
merce with the parent state, which
cannot, perhaps, be appreciated too
hagh'ly. The countries northward of the
Cape, mow proposed to be settled by
emigrants from the united kingdom of
Great- Britain and Ireland, have never
been sufficiently explored, owing, in
a grea't measure, to the jealousy
of the Batavian government. The
Dutch, who were lords of the soil

XI

since the year 1652, and until lately
ceded to the crown of England, were
sedulous in their endeavours to con
ceal the fertility of the country, and,
if possible, to cast the mantle of obli
vion over those scenes of enormities
which were so long practised by their
countrymen on the unoffending na
tives ; but notwithstanding they dis
couraged foreigners from visiting any
of the colonial settlements belonging
to the government of the Cape, still
a few enterprising people found their
way, in the course of the last century,
several hundred miles northward of
the Fish River, which is the boundary
that divides the Christian settlements
from Caffraria. Of these were Messrs.
Vaillant, Sparman, Gordon, Patterson,
and others ; but we could not in any

xn

of their publications find a satisfactory
description of the countries which are
now the objects of British colonisation ;
their excursions being mostly directed
westward, after passing the colonial
boundary : the beautiful and fertile
country of Caffraria, which skirts the
eastern coast nearly 800 miles, was
but little attended to, and our ex
pectations of being able to accu
rately describe the countries now to
be settled by the crown of England
for some time impeded. At length
a fortunate circumstance occurred,
which relieved us from this embarrass
ment; we were favoured with the
perusal of a narrative addressed to
the Hon. John Adams, who succeeded
'General Washington as president of
the United States of America. This

Xlll

narrative was written by a Captain
Benjamin Stout, a relative of Mr.
Adams, who commanded an American
ship, named the Hercules, in 1795,
which then lay in Sagar Roads, in the
province of Bengal, and in the suc
ceeding year was lost on the coast of
Caffraria, a few miles distant from the
mouth of the river Infanta, where the
Grosvenor Indiaman perished in 1782.
The captain and such of his people as
survived the wreck uere most hos
pitably received by the natives, and
when recovered were conducted by
guides through the deserts of Caffra
ria to the Christian settlements.
On a careful perusal of this narra
tive, we found it v/ritten in a style
of uncommon perspicuity, conciseness,
and elegance ; but what rendered it

XI V
truly valuable to us was, that it con
tained a most faithful and minute
description of the very country which
our government are now determined to
colonise, and which formed the route
of the unhappy crew on their way to
the Christian settlements and the Cape.
Their commanding officer hath cer
tainly shown himself a truly intelli
gent and faithful observer of what
appeared deserving his notice in the
course of his travels, and hath de
livered his opinions with so much
candour, fidehty, and ability, that we
cannot too strongly recommend his
narrative to public attention at this
critical and important moment.
The advantages which must arise
to the British settlers on their arrival
in those fertile regions northward of

XV

the Cape (and which they are to
cultivate and inherit), by possessing
a faithful delineation of their fertihty
and beauty, may be easily conceived.
The reader will soon discover that
Captain Stout was so enamoured of
the countries through which he passed
that he strongly recommended to
his patron and relative, Mr. Adams,
to form an American settlement on
the eastern coast of Caffraria ; but
this measure was not approved by
the president, and for the same rea
sons which were anticipated by Cap
tain Stout in his introductory address.
We shall, however, give this gentle
man's reasonings in his own words,
as they apply so directly and con
clusively to the measures now pro
posed and adopted by the British

XVl
government. Captain Stout adds, and
with a becoming confidence, that a
certain portion of the southern con
tinent of Africa, colonised from Eu
rope and wisely governed, would ulti
mately prove of more value to the
British empire than all their settle
ments in the East and West Indies
put together.
Our author, who certainly feels a
strong and honourable predilection in
favour of his native country, addresses
his principal and relative in the fol
lowing elegant and impressive lan
guage. THE EDITOR.

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

To the Honourable John Adams, President of the Con
tinental Congress of the United States of America.
" SIR,
" IF this Narrative be transmitted across
the Atlantic, and should find its way to
your hand, receive it as the voluntary
homage of a native of America, who -from
his earliest life hath been taught to vene
rate and admire your virtues and your ta
lents. A work like the present, which has
for its object the diffusion of science, the
promotion of civilization throughout the
unexplored and vast regions of Africa, and
the establishment of colonial settlements
in that fertile but neglected quarter of the
earth, cannot be addressed to any indi
vidual with more propriety than to you.

Succeeding our illustrious Washington in
the chair of the people, your constitutional
influence must be extensive, and there lives
a powerful advocate in your bosom for the
success of every measure that has a tend
ency to alleviate the sorrows of humanity.
The untutored tribes of America have al
ready experienced the beneficence of your
nature, and I am now desirous to arrest
your attention, and interest your feelings,
in behalf of those wandering children of
nature, who are scattered over the deserts
of the African world ; a race of unoffend
ing mortals, long persecuted by those en-
lightened savages, who, under the appella
tions of Christians and Dutchmen, settled
themselves by violence on the southern
promontory. " To me, sir, this is a subject that takes
full possession of all my affections. Cast
with sixty of my people on the shores of
Caffraria, after combating the horrors of a
tempest, which I believe has but few pa-
rallels in the history of naval misfortune
(and which will be fully described in the
succeeding Narrative), I found in the na-

tives a hospitality, and received from them
a protection, which on many of the shores
that belong to the polished nations of
Europe I might have sought for in vain.
These unfortunate inhabitants of Caffraria,
who have been so often and so wickedly
denominated savages that delight and
revel in human slaughter, I found pos
sessed of all those compassionate feelings,
that alone give a lustre to and adorn hu
manity ; living in a state of perpetual
alarm from the persecuting and avaricious'
disposition of the colonists, and instructed
by their fathers to consider a white man as
a being, who never hesitates to murder
when plunder is in view, still a justifiable
revenge yielded to the virtuous impulse of
compassion, and our necessities were ge
nerously relieved, without even the pro
spect of recompense. When thrown by
the raging of the elements on the sandy
shores of their country, we were all un
armed, not having saved from the wreck a
single article, either for our defence, cloth
ing, or subsistence : in this situation we
were completely at the mercy of the na-
B 2

tives ; but instead of remembering and re
venging the wrongs they and their prede
cessors had endured from the savage whites,
they made a fire to dry and refresh us;
they slaughtered a bullock, which they
gave us for our subsistence ; they con
ducted us to a spring of the most limpid
and wholesome water, and when we were
enabled to travel, furnished us with guides
through the deserts of their country. Such
was the conduct of a people who have been
described as barbarians, possessing no other
semblance of the human character than
what they derive from their formation."
The Captain, after paying what he very
properly considered a debt of gratitude to
his sable benefactors on the continent of
Africa, proceeds to draw the attention of
the president to those commercial benefits,
which may be obtained by establishing a
colony from America, on that part of the
coast where the ship he commanded was
unfortunately wrecked, or on some other
part of the southern continent, which may
from its fertility invite a settlement. « I

5
shall give you (says the intelligent writer)
my sentiments freely on this occasion, be
cause I do not conceive that any of the
European nations have a right to inter
pose : the Dutch, who formerly possessed
the Cape of Good-Hope, but which, on my
arrival there, I found in possession of the
English, encouraged colonization to a cer
tain degree, and their people have, within
the last century, proceeded into the in
terior, cultivated lands and formed settle
ments 400 miles distant from the Cape.
As these colonists advance they hunt the
unfortunate natives as they do the lion
and the panther, dispossess them of their
lands by force, rob them of their cattle,
and, by every possible means, endeavour
to effect a total extirpation of the original
and unoffending inhabitants. This inhu
man conduct must surely meet the execra
tion of every man not totally lost to the
feelings of humanity ; but still it may be
alleged, that having got possession of those
lands, no matter by what means, their
right is established, and they cannot be
dispossessed by a foreigner, as such a con-

6
duct is not warranted by the laws of na
tions. I shall admit (but for the purpose
only of elucidating the matter in question)
that successful violence gives a title to the
possessor, and that the colonists, as far as
they have penetrated, are lawfully entitled
to those estates : still this argument does
not apply so as to exclude an American,
or any other foreigner, who settles at a
distance (suppose 100 miles) from the most
advanced colony belonging to the govern
ment of the Cape. It has never been un
derstood, when the Dutch took possession
of the Cape of Storms, as it was originally
styled by the Portuguese, that they also
claimed a title to the whole of the southern
part of Africa; such an undefined and
unlimited claim must at once appear not
only presumptuous, but preposterous ; and
on this ground I argue, that the people of
any nation have an unquestionable right
(provided the natives give their assent) to
settle on such parts of the southern con-
tineht of Africa, as do not interpose with
the lands already in possession of the co-
lonists,"

We have omitted the author's historical
account of the Carthaginian republic, as
not exactly bearing on the present subject.
It is not of any consequence to the people
of the nineteenth century, what condition
the southern parts of Africa were in two or
three thousand years ago. Our object is
to obtain the best possible information
respecting the present state of Southern
Africa ; that our countrymen when landed
at the Cape may not be at a loss how to
conduct themselves, after occupying the
lands assigned to them for cultivation.
Our author observes that within the last
century several intelligent and enterprising
men have penetrated the interior, more
than 400 miles from the most advanced
colony belonging to the Cape, and their
opinions are perfectly in unison with mine.
Monsieur Vaillant, Colonel Gordon, Dr.
Sparman, Major Patterson, and a few
others, have visited the countries inhabited
by the wandering Hottentots, the Auteniqua
country from the mountains to the sea, the
Gonoquais, the Namaquois, and several
other parts inhabited by people generally

denominated Savages, and the opinions
of these gentlemen respecting the natural
productions of the earth, the climate, and
the immense advantages that might be de
rived from colonizing these parts, merit,
at this period, our most serious considera
tion. Monsieur Vaillant, whose enthusiasm
for the improvement of natural history led
him into Africa, speaking of the countries
through which he travelled on his way into
Caffraria, gives the following description
of them, and accompanies it with observa
tions both interesting and curious.
" As I got farther from the colonies,"
says this wandering naturalist, " the coun
try was still more beautiful ; the soil rich
and fruitful — here nature appeared in all
her majesty ; the lofty mountains offering
from every side the most delightful and
romantic views I had ever seen. This
prospect, contrasted with the idea of the
parched and barren sands about the Cape,
made me think myself at a thousand miles
distant —
« What! exclaimed I, shall these charm
ing fields, these hills and valleys, be for

9
ever uninhabited, except by the lion and
the tiger ? what a being is the sordid specu
lator, whose views, bounded by commerce,
port-fees, and customs, can prefer the
storms and dangers of Table Bay, to the
safe-riding, or natural and charming ports,
that are so common on the oriental coasts
of Africa !"
Captain Stout, in his address to Mr.
Adams, accounts in a manner perfectly
satisfactory for the .slender progress the
Dutch made into the interior since their
first settlement in 1652. He tells us that
when the government at home founded a
settlement on the southern promontory of
Africa, they encouraged for some time all
those of an adventuring disposition, who
wisre desirous of settling in those parts,
and likewise transported a great number
of their criminals to the Cape, especially
those who had some knowledge in the cul
tivation of land, or were bred to some
mechanical employment. In a few years
they advanced from 30 to 40 miles, formed
settlements that amply repaid their la
bours, and opened a new source of com-

10
merce to the parent country. The grape
flourished beyond their most sanguine ex
pectations, and from which they produced
the Constantia wine, so highly valued at
this day throughout the nations of Europe.
Oranges, citrons, figs, and corn, were soon
found to yield the most abundant crops,
nor were their cattle less fruitful in their
propagation and quality.
The prosperous situation of the first ad
venturers tempted others to quit Europe,
and settle in Africa. They proceeded far
ther into the interior, and found the lands,
as they advanced from the Cape, increase
in fertility. They reared cattle and corn
in abundance ; but were not so conve
niently situated for trade as those who
were settled nearer the Cape ; it was,
however, fruitless to complain, as they had
no other market. Again, others came, and
advanced still farther, until at length their
numbers became formidable. The first set
tlers, as they increased in wealth, increased
in haughtiness ; they erected mansions, on
an expensive scale, from the Cape to Table
Bay, formed pleasure-grounds, and gave

11
entertainments in the Asiatic style of mag
nificence. These people, although fre
quently insolent to the governor, were,
however, easily managed, as their proper
ties were contiguous to the Cape, and of
course within the grasp of authority. Those
who were further advanced having smarted
under restrictions and goaded by persecu
tions, were less tractable, and frequently
made a common cause with those colonists,
who being still farther advanced from the
seat of government, paid but little atten
tion to the mandates of authority. To
such lengths did they proceed in their
opposition to the orders of the governor,
that on a certain occasion, when he threat
ened them with military execution as a
punishment for their disobedience, they
sent him word, that every soldier he de
spatched on such a business would be sent
back to him in pickling-tubs ; at the same
time giving him to understand they could
bring 10,000 men into the field.
The governor, perceiving their strength
and disposition, proceeded no farther than
menaces ; but this transaction confirmed

12
the opinion which was long entertained by
the Dutch government, that if colonization
was not checked in Africa, their settle
ments in that quarter would be endangered.
From the adoption of this policy, founded
on the apprehensions of the government
at home, we learn the true reason why a
greater part of the southern continent has
not been settled since the Dutch took pos
session of the Cape in 1652, and accounts
for the heavy restrictions that have been
laid upon the colonists in general.
Our author, who entirely disapproves of
the restrictions and impediments thrown
in the way of the colonists by the Dutch
government, hath discovered a scene, which
cannot fail at this very interesting crisis
to be of the utmost importance to the
British emigrants, who are to settle in the
southern parts of the African continent.
" On my arrival (says the Captain) at
what is called the first Christian settlement,
I experienced a very cordial and hospitable
reception. My people were supplied with
whatever they could spare, and this relief
was administered upon terms that mani-

13
fested a genuine disinterestedness. On
my describing the beauties of the several
countries through which we passed, and at
the same time expressing an astonishment
at their being unoccupied by Christian
settlers, I was informed that so desirable
an event could never take place, so long
as the Dutch remained in possession of
the Cape. — * We are,' said these people,
' although living on the confines of the
deserts, so barbarously persecuted by our
rulers, that we are unable to proceed. In
our neighbourhood, and on our own farms,
we have the richest lead ore, and so near
the surface, that we can scrape it up with
our hands ; and yet were we to melt and
use a single pound of it, the punishment
would be transportation to Batavia. On
our coast, particularly near the bay of
Algoa, we have the finest timber in the
world ; and although it could be conveyed
to the Cape by sea at the most trifling
charge, yet our government supplies their
settlements with that valuable commodity
from Europe, and, as you may suppose, at
an expense which must be enormous. We

14
live in hope, however,' continued these
colonists, * that some nation more liberal
than ours will form a settlement on the
eastern or western coast, that we may get
supplied with such articles as are necessary
to our situation, and will trade with us on
principles of mutual advantage.' "
Throughout the whole of the colonies
as he journeyed to the Cape, he found this
sentiment universally prevailed ; they were
all desirous (says our author) of having
some trading and liberal people settle either
on the east or west coast, and this dis
position was so prevailing in the colonists,
that any opposition from the Cape to such
a settlement must be nugatory, as it would
be supported by the united strength of all
the colonies.
The part of Africa (says our author)
which in my opinion particularly invites a
new settlement is Caffrakia. This coun
try, which skirts the eastern coast for many
hundred miles, and stretches into the in
terior to a considerable extent, abounds in
timber of the best quality; possesses many
excellent harbours; is blessed with the

15
richest pasturage, that feeds innumerable
herds of the finest cattle ; the lands during
the season favourable to vegetation are
carpeted with flowers that perfume the
surrounding atmosphere, and their shores
are frequented by fish of every quality and
description. Such natural blessings lead us to con
template the happy consequences that must
necessarily arise, not only from the cultiva
tion of so fine a country, but the civiliza
tion of a race of mortals whose only crime
is their colour, and whose misfortunes, since
the first settlement of Christian Savages in
their country, no feeling heart can con
template for a moment without horror and
compassion. In Caffraria, and throughout the greater
part of the southern continent, the climate
and the soil seem to demand the cultiva
tion of the grape. In no country (says our
intelligent author) which has yet been dis
covered could a greater variety of excel
lent wines be produced. The vineyards
of Constantia which are situated near the
Cape, and flourish in a steril soil, when

16
compared to those of Caffraria, elucidate
this fact, and the experiments which the
farmers have been able to make in the
more advanced stations of the colonies
leave no room for controversy on this sub
ject. Tobacco has likewise been raised
in these colonies by such of the farmers as
could procure a plant ; and although few
were acquainted with the necessary treat
ment, either in its growth or manufacture,
the produce in some places has been such
as to exceed their most sanguine expecta
tions. Here the barbarous policy of the
Dutch government interposed, and the
poor colonists were discouraged from rear
ing this indispensable commodity ; they
were obliged either to send or travel to
the Cape for their tobacco, as well as most
other articles, which they obtained by bar
ter, and at an expense which seemed to
exceed all bounds of usurious dealing.
The sugar-cane, although not native to
these countries, it is supposed could not
fail in the southern parts of Africa ; the
soil, the climate, every thing invite the ex
periment. On my consulting those people

17
in Africa (says our traveller), who were
acquainted with the growth of the sugar
cane in the West Indies, and the nature of
the lands on which it flourishes most, I
found they were decidedly of opinion that
in the southern parts of Africa this com-
modity might be reared, and brought to as
high a degree of perfection as in any other
part of the globe. They went still farther,
and avowed it also as their opinion, that
not a spice which grew in Ceylon, or the
Dutch colonies in the East, but would
flourish in the southern parts of Africa,
Fruits of almost every denomination have
been reared in these colonies ; oranges,
lemons, citrons, figs, apples, pears, apricots,
peaches, &c., have been cultivated in cer
tain districts, and most of them with every
imaginable success. There could be no
difficulty, therefore, in extending these
productions to every part of the southern
continent. Such are the capabilities of this delight
ful country ; and as I apprehend nothing
is wanting to perfect the whole but the
exertions of a wise and liberal government, c

18
I have recommended the establishment of
a colony from America in these parts to
your consideration. I must, sir, at the same
time acknowledge, that some very cogent
reasons may be adduced to show the im
policy of such a measure. It may be fairly
alleged, that America hath deserts of her
own to clear away and cultivate ; that she
hath savages on her own borders to civilize
and establish as useful members of a re
gular community ; and as the countries
under the dominion of the United States
are of such prodigious extent, and but
feebly populated, all plans for colonizing
foreign parts must be relinquished, or at
least suspended for a century to come.
These reasons, I own, sir, have considerable
weight; but still they are not, in my
opinion, so entirely conclusive, as to pre
clude all further consideration of this im
portant subject. A single settlement on
the coast of Caffraria would amply repay
the expense, and the number of people
necessary to the completion of such an
undertaking, including both sexes, might
be limited to one thousand. Those surely

19
could be spared, and might be obtained
without difficulty. The people of America
must have several articles essential to their
commerce, which they cannot find at home,
but might be had in profusion from a set
tlement in Africa. The naturalist, whether
his genius leads him to the study of orni
thology or botany, would have a noble field
in these regions for his researches, and the
natives, rendered savage by long and reite
rated persecutions, would, by kind and
gentle treatment, soon embrace the advan
tages arising from a state of civilization.
Captain Stout, in the course of his address
to the president, expresses a most laudable
indignation at the cruelties and impolitic
conduct, manifested so repeatedly by the
Dutch government, in their treatment of
the unhappy natives. These unoffending
people, (says this gentleman) have been
most grossly abused ; they have been de
scribed as beings of the most savage dis
position, delighting in blood, and of a na
ture as cruel and untractable as the fiercest
animals of their deserts. But these, sir, are
the calumnies of their christian persecutors, c 2

20

and have been fabricated for the atrocious
put-poses of deception. Take the reverse
of this picture, and you will perceive the
genuine character of the native African ;
compassionate, generous, hospitable to
those who do not come to injure or de
stroy him ; truly grateful for benefits con
ferred, and not yielding in this cardinal
virtue to the most benevolent pupil of the
sciences. Without ever having entertained
the most distant consideration of a Supreme
Being, or the existence of a future state,
his virtues are dictated by the genuine
feelings of his nature ; and expecting no
reward, nor dreading any punishment in
a future life, for his conduct in this, stands
a pre-eminent character on the roll of vir
tue and philanthropy. I speak of these
people as I found them ; and from this
knowledge I form an opinion that, so far
from their interrupting any settlement of the
nature I have before alluded to, they would
hail the foreigner, when they were con
vinced of his justice, as their friend, their
protector, and deliverer.
I have before observed (continues the

21
writer) that on my arrival at the Cape, I
found that settlement in the hands of the
English ; and as it is not improbable but
when the happy period arrives (Captain
Stout wrote when we were at war with the
French republic) when the European na
tions shall close the present scene of human
butchery, this settlement may become a
part of the British empire, I shall venture
to describe the good consequences that in
all probability will arise to England from
the possession of this settlement and its
dependencies. The British at this time receive their
tobacco from America ; but they are so
wealthy and enterprising a people, and
so intent on making settlements abroad,
especially such as have a tendency to im
prove their commerce, that it would be
ridiculous to imagine so great a benefit as
the cultivation of this article in the south
of Africa could escape their notice. The
inhabitants of the Cape, and the colonists
in general, entertain a strong predilection
in favour of the British ; and the sagacity
of the English government will soon point
out the means of perpetuating their friend-

0-?

ship. I can foresee that on the eastern
and western coasts settlers from England
will be established, and the natives treated
with more humanity and policy than what
they have hitherto experienced. If by any
chance the West-India islands should be
lost to them, or any natural convulsion
of the seasons render them for a certain
time unproductive, the British settlements
in Africa might amply supply the de
ficiency, and their markets of rum and su
gar be universally supported. Corn, fruits of
all kinds, skins of various denominations,
ivory, tortoise-shell, ostrich feathers, and
many other articles, that would give their
trade a wonderful augmentation, might be
all had from these parts.
The advantages arising from the pos
session of the Cape, and those which might
be derived from colonizing the southern
part of the African continent, are fully
understood at this time by the Enghsh
and French governments*. This was clearly
* Captain Stout's address to Mr. Adams was sent to
the president, shortly after the negotiation for a peace,
carrying on at Paris, by Lord Malmsbury and De la
Croix, were terminated.

23
manifested in the course of the negotiation
which took place at Paris early in the sum
mer of the present year. When Lord
Malmsbury, who was the plenipotentiary
on the part of England, came to discuss
that part of his mission which respected
the Cape of Good Hope, he strenuously
insisted on this settlement being ceded to
the crown of England. De la Croix, who
acted in a similar capacity on the part of
the French republic, as strongly insisted
on its being restored to the Dutch, and
in giving his reasons for making this requi
sition a cardinal point in the negotiation,
discovered a very competent knowledge
of the subject. He very sagaciously ob
served, that the Cape, in the hands of
the Dutch, could be of very little use,
except furnishing a convenient place for
shipping to touch at, on their voyage to
the East- Indies; but in the hands of the
English (said De la Croix) the southern
territory of Africa would be colonized, and
a new source of commerce in all probability
arise, the advantages of which are incal
culable. Here the French plenipotentiary

24
entered into an elaborate and perspicuous
discussion of the subject; demonstrated
what the active genius of the English,
moving on so great a scale, would produce,
and how the present trade of the European
nations would be injured by opening to that
nation such a new and fertile source for
commercial adventure. From these dis
cussions the people of both nations have
acquired a more competent knowledge of
the subject than formerly, and gave an
obstinacy to both their demands, which
defeated the desirable purpose of their
meeting. In stating what occurred on this
subject at Paris, I give (says our author)
a certain weight to my own opinion, and
which I have ventured to transmit for your
consideration. The people of England formerly con
sidered the Cape as a half-way house to
their settlements in the East-Indies, and
appreciated its value in proportion to the
accommodation which was given to their
shipping ; but at present they are better
informed, and now understand, that although
the possession of the Cape must be of con-

25
siderable benefit to their Asiatic commerce,
as a place of refreshment and supply, still
this advantage bears no proportion to those
which may be derived from the cultivation
of the interior. If on the map a direct line
be drawn from Cape Agulhas, which is the
southern extreme of Africa, about north
north-east as far as twenty-five degrees
south, which takes in Delagoa bay on the
east coast, and that part of the west which
is but little frequented, it will be perceived
that a surface of territory may be acquired
of a prodigious extent, and comprehending
countries on which nature has bestowed
her choicest favours. This portion of
Africa is fairly open to the government of
the Cape, provided the natives can be in
duced to consent to the establishment of
European colonists, and their acquiescence
could be soon obtained by gifts of little
value to the donor, and their allegiance
secured by a kind and liberal treatment
in the course of their negotiations. The
country once established on these prin
ciples would soon become productive, and
ultimately prove of more value to the

26
British empire than all its settlements in
the East and West Indies put together. I
know this will be considered a bold asser
tion ; but it arises from a positive conviction
in my mind, and therefore I deliver it as
an opinion which has been the result of
general obsei'vation and inquiry.
In treating of the southern continent of
Africa, I cannot, however, subscribe to the
reports of some travellers, who have repre
sented the whole of these regions as highly
prolific. I understand this is not the case.
In the countries of the little and great
Namiquois, Kabobiquois, Houzouanas, &c.
&c. which either skirt or are contiguous to
the western coast, there are sandy deserts
of considerable extent ; but there are like
wise immense plains of the finest pasturage ;
audit is generally supposed, from what has
been already gathered on the margin of
their streams, that minerals of the first class
are to be found in the mountains. In the
eastern parts, which include Caffraria,
the country of the Auteniquois, Genequois,
and various tribes of the Hottentot nation,
I perceived a most luxuriant soil ; and on

27
reaching the summit of their mountains,
the eye frequently reposed on such a glow
ing scene bf pastoral beauties, that to
faithfully delineate the whole would re
quire the inspired genius of Tasso, or the
Mantuan. These plains are generally fre
quented by a kind of antelope or gazelle ;
and it is not unusual to perceive from the
mountain tops thousands of these beautiful
animals, alarmed by the lion, the tiger,
the hyaena, or the panther, scouring over
the valleys to secure a retreat, and forming
a moving scenery of the most exquisite
beauty. The natives of Caffraria, as they seldom
eat bread, are not acquainted with the cul
tivation of corn. Beyond the habitations
of the Christian settlers a field of corn is
not to be seen ; but I believe no part of
the world abounds in such flocks of cattle,
or furnishes a greater plenty of game.
These countries are just what nature made
them, and the inhabitants, who erect their
huts and form their kraals on the first
spot they find that affords pasturage for
their cattle, remain until it is consumed.

28
and then wander to some distant part, in
search of a more propitious vegetation.
The plough has never turned up the soil;
the uses of it are unknown, and the natives
live mostly on the produce of the chase.
If they are not successful in hunting, and
the hoorde labours under a temporary
want, they sleep away their time, until,
pressed by famine, they again renew the
dangers of the forest. In these excursions
they frequently encounter the lion, the
rhinoceros, the hippopotamus, the buffalo,
the panther, or the tiger ; all are their
food, and they frequently devour them
without touching the fire. The oxen, which
they possess in such abundance, it might
reasonably be supposed, would protect
them from want; but the natives prefer
the flesh of the wild and carnivorous ani
mals of the desert to the most delicate
and nutricious parts of the sheep or the
ox. The latter are kept by them chiefly
as beasts of burden, or for the purposes of
war ; and in training them for offensive
operations, discover a most extraordinary
sagacity. They not only instruct the ox

29
to charge an enemy with all his strength,
but in the confusion of the battle to dis
tinguish his friends, and assist them in the
combat. These creatures are also taught
to protect their flocks from the ravages of
such wild animals as range the deserts in
quest of food, and are tremendous in their
conflicts with them. In many of these
countries oxen are so numerous, that one
of the finest, not trained to war, may be
frequently purchased for a single nail, and
a sheep given in exchange for a glass bead,
or a bit of wire.
Throughout the greater part of the
southern continent of Africa the natives
have no settled places for their residence.
They occasionally wander from place to
place, as their necessities direct, and fre
quently commence hostilities with each
other, for the possession of certain districts,
where vegetation is productive, and water
contiguous. As they conceive all right to
be derived from power only, the strongest
hoorde takes possession, until they find
it necessary to seek again some new habita
tion, or yield in their turn to a succeeding

30
conqueror. In this state of nature live a
people who might be rendered civilized,
and happily engaged in all the useful occu
pations of society.
The English have dependencies, particu
larly in the East, of immense extent, and
they enjoy the advantages of a considerable
population ; but who can tell where the
revolutionary principle that has lately made
such gigantic strides throughout the con
tinent of Europe will stop at last ? If from
any unforeseen occurrence the British set
tlements in India should become independ
ent, their possessions in Africa would amply
recompense the misfortune ; and although
such an event is not considered in England
as within the scope of probability, yet I
have seen in India what was sufficient to
convince me, that to guard against such a
contingency would, at this day, be a pru
dent measure in the British government.
The Dutch colonists, I have before ob
served, menaced the government of the
Cape in more instances than one, and have
shown a strong disposition to be freed from
the Batavian yoke. But these colonists

31
were, in the first instance, badly chosen,
and afterwards as badly [managed. Most
of the latter emigrants from Holland were
convicts taken from their prisons, and when
sent into the advanced colonies, were in a
great measure left to their own discretion.
To regulate the future conduct of the
settlers, and prevent all depredations on
the natives, it will be only necessary to
place settlements on th^ eastern and west
ern coasts, and establish a line of commu
nication across this part of the continent.
By these means the colonists will be pre
vented in future from advancing into the
interior, unless by permission of thefgovern-
ment, and their conduct always subjected
to the control of the laws. In a few
years the whole might form a regular esta
blishment, and, wisely conducted, would
remain for centuries the most valuable
possession appertaining to the crown of
England. I have hitherto (observes the author) in
the course of this address, principally con
sidered the settlement of the Cape, and

32
those countries which may be fairly ob
tained from the native proprietors, as cour
taining within themselves all the means
necessary to a most extensive and profit
able traffic. But as they are situated in
the neighbourhood of one of the largest
and finest islands in the world, the African
colonies become invaluable. It is, perhaps,
unnecessary to observe that I mean the
Island of Madagascar. This country,
which is nearly 1,000 miles in length from
north to south, and something more than
300 in breadth, is situated not 350 miles
from the S. E. coast of Africa, and abounds
in cattle, corn, fish, fowl, and all those
animals and vegetables found on the con
tinent. Now, sir, what a scene is here
displayed to the genius and commercial
spirit of the English ! If they retain the
Cape of Good Hope, and its dependencies,
they in fact command the Island of Ma
dagascar ; and that a most extensive com
merce may arise from the joint co-opera
tion of the two countries, under the con
trol of a liberal and enlightened govehi-

33
ment, is a fact, that, in my judgment,
admits of no doubt or controversy what
ever. By endeavouring to explain the ad
vantages that, in my opinion, would arise
to the states of America from a settlement
in Africa, I have done no more than what
I conceive to be my duty. Born in that
country, I feel the predominant impulse of
our common nature, that gives the heart
an interest in all that concerns its native
home. But, sir, as I have been apprehen
sive you would consider a settlement oi
this description as a measure which Ame
rican policy forbids at present, I have, like
wise, directed my observations to the En
glish nation, whose prosperity has ever had
a second place in my affections. On this
occasion I will venture an assertion (which
I know in the estimation of some people
will be considered as stretching beyond
the bounds of probability) that if England,
on the termination of hostilities, although
she hath expended so many millions iu
prosecution of her contest with the French
nation, still, if she relinquishes all her other

34
conquests and retains the Cape of Good
Hope and its dependencies, she will be a
gainer by the war.
I am now to describe those scenes of
horror and misfortune which threw me and
my people on the shores of Caffraria, as
well as those which succeeded on our
travel through the deserts. The narrative
will form a melancholy detail ; but I have
been invited to publish it, and I have ac
quiesced from a belief that some useful in
formation may be derived from a genuine
description of the natives and their coun
try. It is not improbable but some, either
from curiosity or policy, may in a short
time visit these regions, or others may be
thrown, like myself, on their coasts naked
and defenceless. To remove, therefore,
such prejudices as have arisen from the
deceptive tales of those settlers, who have
so wickedly represented the natives as mon
sters that delight only in human slaughter,
becomes a duty, as it may encourage future
adventurers in their pursuits, and relieve
the unfortunate from unnecessary appre
hensions.

NARRATIVE.

CHAPTER I.
Sailing of the ship Hercules from Sagar-roads in the
province of Bengal. — Description of the tempest. —
Dreadful situation of the ship. — Second mate and
three men ordered into the long boat. — Raft pre
pared. — Carpenter and sailors address the captain. —
Remarkable instance of prejudice and intrepidity in
a Lascar. — The captain holds a consultation with his
officers. — Determines, if possible, to run the ship on
the eastern coast of Africa.
The American ship Hercules which I
commanded, and whose fate will be de
scribed in the succeeding Narrative, ar
rived at Bengal about the month of De
cember, 1795. My intention was to take
in a private freight for Hamburgh; but
not finding one that would answer my
expectations, I chartered my ship to the
British East India Company, who were at
that time busily employed in shipping rice
for England. InteUigence having reached

36

the settlements in Inc^ia that a failure of
corn throughout the whole of Great Britain
was likely to produce a famine, the most
active and laudable exertions vrere made in
India to supply the markets at home with
rice ; and I received on board upwards of
nine thousand bags, with directions to pro
ceed to London with every possible de
spatch. The crew, most of which I engaged
in India, consisted of Americans, Danes,
Swedes, Dutch, Portuguese, but chiefly
Lascars, amounting in the whole, men and
boys, to about sixty-four persons. The
necessary arrangements for the voyage
being completed, I sailed from Sagar-roads
on the 17th of March, 1796.
Nothing material occurred during the
voyage until the 1st of June following,
at which time we reached the latitude of
about 35 South, and 28, 40 East longi
tude. It then began to blow a gale from
the westward, and which obliged us to lay
to under our mizen stay-sail for about six
days. During this time, the gale continued
to blow from the West, but increased pro
gressively until the seventh, when the con-

37
tentions of the sea and winds presented a
scene of horror, of which, perhaps, the annals
of marine history gives us no example. Al
though bred to the sea from my earliest
life, yet all I had ever seen before, all Ihad
ever heard of or read, gave me no adequate
idea of those sublime effects which the -vio
lence and raging of the elements produce,
and which, at this tremendous hour, seemed
to threaten nature itself with dissolution.
The ship, raised on mountains of water, was
in a moment precipitated into an abyss,
where she appeared to wait until the coming
sea raised her again into the clouds. The
perpetual roaring of the elements echoing
through the void, produced such an awful
sensation in the minds of the most expe
rienced of the seamen, that several of them
appeared for some time in a state of stupe
faction ; and those less accustomed to the
dangers of the sea added to this scene of
misery by their shriekings and exclama
tions. The terrors of the day could only be
surpassed by those of the night. — When
the darkness came on, it is impossible for

38

man to describe or human imagination to
conceive a scene of more transcendent and
complicated horror. To fill up the measure
of our calamities, about the hour of mid
night, a sudden shift of wind threw the
ship into the trough of the sea, which
struck her aft, tore away the rudder,
started the stern post from the bauden
ends, and shattered the whole of her
stern frame. The pumps were immedi
ately sounded; and in the course of a few
minutes the water had increased to four
feet. I immediately ordered one gang to
work the pumps, and the remainder were
employed in getting up rice out of the run
of the ship, and heaving it overboard, in
order, if possible, to get at the leak. After
three or four hundred bags were thrown
into the sea, we got at the principal leak,
and found the water pouring into her with
astonishing rapidity. In order therefore
to decrease as much as possible the influx
of water, we thrust into the aperture sheets,
shirts, jackets, bales of muslin, and every
thing of the hke description we could find.
Had not these exertions been attended with

39
some success, the ship must certainly have
gone down, although our pumps delivered
fifty tuns of water an hour.
These pumps, to the excellent construc
tion of which I owe my life, were made by
Mr. Mann, of London ;. and I mention his
name on this occasion, not only as a
testimony of my sincere esteem, but for
the purpose of recommending such useful
talents to the general attention and en
couragement of the community.
As the next day advanced, the weather
appeared to moderate. The men worked
incessantly at the pumps, and every exer
tion was made to keep the ship afloat. We
were at this time about two hundred miles
from the eastern coast of Africa.
On the ninth, although the violence of
the tempest had in a great measure sub
sided, yet the swell of the sea was tre
mendous. I ordered, however,.the longboat
to be got out ; but having reason to suspect
that some of the crew would endeavour to
make off with her, I directed my second
mate and three sea»en to' take possession
&i he*. I ga;ve them arms, and also express

40
orders to shoot the first man who attempted
to board her without my permission. I
also instructed them to keep astern, but
to stick by the ship until we came to an
anchor. The men having taken their stations in
the boat, I ordered a raft to be made of all
the large spars, which was accordingly
done. The whole, when lashed together,
measured about 35 feet in length, and 15
in breadth. As I apprehended the ship
could not make the land, and was con
vinced, in case of her going down, that all
the people could not be received into the
long boat, I determined not to neglect any
measure that presented even a chance of
saving the whole.
When my second mate was preparing to
obey my Orders, and take command of the
long boat, the carpenter requested me
earnestly to leave the ship. — On my repri
manding him' for not attending to the
pumps, the man burst into tears, and de
clared that the whole of the stern frame
was shook and loosened in such a manner,
that he expected every hour she would go

41
down. The miserable appearance of this
man, and the affecting tone of voice in
which he delivered his apprehensions, I
perceived had already increased the terrors
of the crew. I therefore told him that I
would perform my duty, and stick to the
ship until I was convinced from my own
observation that all hope of saving her was
at an end. He repeated his solicitations,
and I then commanded him to leave me,
assuring him, at the same time, that unless
he made every exertion to encourage the
people in their duty, and immediately go
himself to the pumps, I would, however
painful to my feelings, have him thrown
into the sea. He retired, and exerted
himself afterwards with a manly perse
verance. I was immediately addressed on the de
parture of the carpenter by many of the
sailors, and on the same subject. They
were so clamorous, and differed so much
in their opinions, that I was nearly going
to extremes with some of them.
I mention these circumstances as a cau
tion to future navigators, who are entrusted

42
with a command. They too frequently
listen to the opinions of their people in
time of danger, who are generally for quit
ting the ship and taking to boats, masts,
yards and spars formed into rafts, or what
ever timbers they can lash together; in
deed, as the prejudices and sentiments of
the common sailors on these occasions are
so various, it is not to be supposed that any
thing can arise from such a mistaken con
duct but confusion and misfortune.
A crew, such as mine, composed of peo
ple of various nations, require indeed from
their commander a peculiar attention. It
may happen, that by humouring their reli
gious prejudices at a particular moment,
an essential service may be obtained ; and
as the following remarkable anecdote tends
to elucidate this opinion, I will state the
circumstances precisely as they occurred.
At a period when the tempest raged with
the utmost violence, I had directed most of
the crew below, particularly the Lascars, to
work the pumps. One of them, however,
I perceived coming up the gangway with
a handkerchief in his hand; and on ray

43
inquiring what he was about, he told me,
and in a tone of voice that discovered a
perfect confidence in the measure he pro
posed, that he was going to make an offer
ing to his God. " This handkerchief,"
said he, " contains a certain quantity of
rice, and all the rupees I am worth ; suffer
me to lash it to the mizen top, and rely
upon it, sir, we shall all be saved." I was
going to order him back again to the
pumps ; but recollecting that in so doing
I might throw both him and his country
men into a state of despondency, and
thereby lose the benefits of their exer
tions, I acquiesced. The Lascar thanked
me, and I soon beheld this child of pre
judice mount the tottering ladder without
discovering a single apprehension. He
lashed the handkerchief to the mizen top
mast head, fearless of all danger, and ar
rived in safety on the deck. After assuring
me his God was now my friend, he went
below to inform his brethren that he had
done his duty ; all the Lascars seemed
transported with joy,, embraced their vir
tuous companion^ and then laboured at the

44
pumps with as much alacrity and. perse
verance as if they had encountered, before,
neither apprehension nor fatigue. To their
unceasing labours I owe in a great measure
the preservation of my people.
The shift of wind which threw the ship
into the trough of sea and tore away the
rudder was fortunately but a squall of short
duration, not continuing above a quarter of
an hour. Had it lasted but a little longer,
the ship must have been torn to pieces.
The wind came round to its former quarter,
and moderated gradually.
After the long boat hod been delivered
to the care of my second mate, and the
raft completed, I held a consultation with
my officers, and they were all decidedly of
opinion, that it was impossible to save the
ship, and that we had no other chance to
preserve our lives than to make the land,
and run her on shore.
The people, when informed of the issue
of this consultation, appeared to work with
renovated spirits. We kept up this dispo
sition by assuring them we should soon be
within sight of land, and that by constantly

45
working at the pumps, the ship would be
kept afloat until we reached the shore.
The ship for some time being unmanage
able, frequently standing with her head
from the land, which all our efforts could
not prevent, I got a rudder made out of
the topmast, and fixed in the place of the
one we had lost ; but it was found of little
use without the help of the long boat,
which I ordered therefore to be hauled
athwart her stern ; and this served, although
with the greatest difficulty, to get her head
towards the shore, the wind being variable
from the eastward. A cable could have
been got out, that might have answered
tolerably well to steer the ship ; but the
people could not be spared from the pumps
to attend rousing in on the tackles, or guise,
as occasion might require.
On the evening, however, of the 15th,
we discovered land at about six leagues
distance. All on board at this moment
expressed their joy in shouts and acclama
tions. The ship still kept nearing the shore
with five feet water in her hold.
On the 1 6th in the morning, being then
about two miles from the land, and the

46
wind from the westward, I ordered the an
chor to be let go, that a last effort might
be made to stop the leaks, and, if possible,
save the ship.
But her stern was shattered in such a
manner, that, after holding another con
sultation with my officers, it was finally re
solved to run the ship on the coast then
opposite to us. Another gale threatened
us, and no time was to be lost.
I immediately ordered my second mate,
who was in the boat, to come on board,
and I then delivered into his custody the
ship's register, and all the papers of con
sequence I had. After providing him and
his three men with water and provisions,
I ordered him into the boat again, with
directions to keep in the offing ; and that
after we had run the ship on shore, pro
vided we got safe to land, I would search
for some inlet into which he might run
with safety. I desired him also to look
out for signals, which would be occasionally
thrpwn out from the shore to direct his
course. He faithfully promised to obey
my instructions, and then returned to his
boat.

47

CHAPTER II.
Ship run on shore on the coast of Caffraria. — Dreadful
situation of the crew. — Their manner of landing
described. — Their reception by the natives. — Some
curious and interesting particulars respecting Cap
tain Coxson, commander of the Grosvenor, lost on
the same coast, in 1782, and of several of his people,
particularly a lady, who is now living with a Caffree
chief. We were now on the coast of Caffraria,
within a few leagues where the river Infanta
disembogues itself into the sea.
A dreadful crisis approached, and we
agreed to meet it with becoming fortitude.
I therefore gave directions to set the head
sail, to heave the spring well tort, in order
to get her head towards the shore, and then
to cut the cable and the spring. My orders
were obeyed with the greatest promptitude.
After running until within something
less than half a mile of the shore, she struck
on a cluster of rocks. The swell at this mo
ment was tremendous ; and, from th& ship's
thumping so violently, it was scarcely pos
sible for the men to hold on. In this situa-

48
tion she remained for about three or four
minutes, when a sea took her oven the rocks,
and carried her about a cable's length nearer
the shore, where she again struck, and
kept heaving in with a dreadful surf, which
every moment made a break over her.
The lashings, that held the raft, having
given way, and the spars carried to a con
siderable distance from the ship, we lost all
hope from that quarter. At length, one of
the crew, who was a black, plunged into the
waves, and, by exertions which seemed more
than human, gained and seated himself on
the raft. He scarcely remained in that situ
ation for ten minutes, when the whole was
turned over, and the man completely en
veloped in the sea. In a few moments, how
ever, we perceived hira in his former seat.
Again he endured a similar misfortune;
and a third succeeded. Still he buffeted
the waves, and gained the raft, until at
length, after suffering two hours of fatigue,
which, until then, I could not possibly ima
gine human nature could survive, he drifted
on shore.
The natives, who had kindled several fires.

49
appeared in great numbers on the shore.
They were mostly clothed in skins, armed
with spears, and accompanied by a vast
number of dogs. A party of them seized
the man who had landed, and conducted
him behind the sand-hills that line the coast,
and which hid him entirely from our view.
Twelve of my people now launched them
selves on different spars, and whatever pieces
of'timber they could find. They braved all
difficulties, and at last gained the land. No
sooner had they reached the beach than the
natives came down, seized and conducted
them also behind the sand-hills. As it was
impossible for us, who remained on board,
to discover what they were about, and ob
serving several parties of the natives appear
It different times on the shore, but un
accompanied by any of my people, we con
ceived that all those who had landed were
massacred, and that a similar calamity
awaited the whole of us. We, who had
remained on board the ship, were obliged to
shelter ourselves in the fore-castle; as the
wreck, becoming a fixed object, the sea
made over her, and there was no other part
E

50
where we could remain, even for a moment,
in a state of security.
During the whole of the night, all was
uncertainty. Some were of opinion, that
to avoid being tortured by the savages,
perhaps thrown into the fires we had per
ceived on shore, it would be more advisable
to resign ourselves to a watery element ;
as in that situation we should only endure
a few struggles, and then life would be no
more. Others entertained different senti
ments, and were for making the shore in as
compact a body as possible : " We shall
then," said they, " attack the savages with
stones, or whatever we can find." This was
overruled, as a measure impracticable; there
was no possibility of six men keeping to
gether ; but if such a number could, by a
miracle, get on shore without being divided,
the natives could destroy them in a moment
with their spears. The whole of this mi
serable night was spent in such consulta
tions ; and as the next sun was to light us
to our fate, we trembled at his approaching
the horizon.
When the day appeared, we looked to-

51
wards the shore; but not an individual was
to be seen. Distraction was now visible
in every countenance, and what death to
choose the principal consideration.
At length, about the hour of nine in the
morning, the scene changed in a moment.
A delirium of ecstasy succeeded, which no
pencil can pourtray, no being can conceive,
but those who beheld it. All the people
who had landed the day before were ob
served making towards the shore ; and we
soon perceived them beckoning and inviting
us to land. In a few minutes every spar,
grating, and piece of timber that could be
procured, were afloat, and completely oc
cupied ; some with two people, others with
more, according to its size. I immediately
stript off my shirt, put on a short jacket,
wrapt a shawl round my waist, in the cor
ner of which I put a gold watch, and keep
ing my breeches on, seized a spar, and
launched into the sea. For nearly three
quarters of an hour I preserved my hold,
and drifted towards the shore. Sometimes
I was cast so near as to touch the rocks
with my feet, then hurried away to a con-
E 2

52
siderable distance : again I was precipitated
forward, and in a moment afterwards carried
off by the returning sea. At length a sud
den jirk, occasioned by the swell, strained
both my arras, and I was compelled to quit
the spar. At this instant, although a con
siderable distance from the beach, a wave
that was proceeding rapidly towards the
shore bore me along, and in a few moments
cast me senseless on the sands. My people,
who were on shore, observed my situation ;
they ran down, and, snatching me from the
danger of the coming waves, bore me to a
place of security. I was insensible at this
time, but soon revived, as they placed me
near a fire, and used every means in their
power for my recovery.
The first subject of my inquiry, when
my faculties returned, was of course the
fate of my unfortunate crew; and I enjoyed
the heartfelt pleasure of beholding them all
around me, except those in the long-boat,
and one man, who perished near the shore.
I then addressed myself to the natives ;
but on this occasion I laboured under the
difficulty of not being understood. I knew

53
nothing of their language, and for some
time I endeavoured to explain myself by
signs. Fortunately there was a Hottentot
present, who had lived with the Dutch
farnlers, and could speak their language.
My third mate was a Dutchman, and these
served as interpreters.
This diflSculty being happily removed, I
endeavoured by every means in my power
to secure the friendship of the natives. I
thanked them in the name of my whole
crew, and on the part of my nation, for
the liberal and humane assistance they
had afforded us in the hour of our mis
fortune, and solicited their future kindness
and support.
This being, as I conceived, at no great
distance from the spot where the Grosve
nor was lost in 1782, I inquired of the
natives whether any of them remembered
such a catastrophe. Most of them an
swered in the affirmative, and, ascending
one of the sand-hills, pointed to the place
where the Grosvenor suffered.
I then desired to know of them whether
they had received any certain accounts re-

54
specting the fate of Captain Coxson who
commanded the Grosvenor, and who was
proceeding on his way to the Cape with
several men and women passengers, who
were saved from the wreck. They answered,
that Captain Coxson and the menwere slain.
One of the chiefs having insisted on taking
two of the white ladies to his kraal, the
captain and his people resisted, and, not
being armed, were immediately destroyed.
The natives, at the same time, gaVe me to
understand, that at the period when the
Grosvenor was wrecked, their nation was
at war with the colonists ; and as the cap
tain and his crew were whites, they could
not tell, provided they had reached the
christian farms, but they would assist the
colonists in the war. This affected my
situation so directly, that I desired to know
on what terms the Caffrees and the colonists
then stood. — "We are friends," said they,
" and it will be their fault if we are not
" always also. "
This answer relieved me from a very
serious embarrassment ; but the fate of the
two unfortunate ladies gave me so much

55
uneasiness, that I most earnestly requested
of them to tell me all they knew of their
situation ; whether they were alive or dead,
and, if living, in what part of the country
they were situated. They replied, and with
apparent concern, that one of the ladies
had died a short time after her arrival at
the kraal ; but they understood the other
was living, and had several children by the
chief. — " Where she now is," said they, " we
" know not."
After I had received every possible in
formation on this melancholy subject, we
employed ourselves principally during the
remainder of the day in assisting the na
tives to save whatever came on shore from
the wreck. When they got a piece of tim
ber, they placed it immediately on the fire,
as the readiest method of procuring the
iron, which they sought after with the
most persevering diligence.
When night came on, the natives retired ;
and we were left to sleep under the sand
hills, without covering and witliout food.
The weather was boisterous, the wind blow
ing hard from the westward, and the cold

56
severe. We therefore consulted in what
manner we should dispose of ourselves
until the morning, and we at length resolved
that some of us should keep watch during
the night, and the rest place themselves
near the fire, and, if possible, obtain a little
rest. The night passed without any of us en
joying a moment of repose. Our bodies
on one side were heated by the fire ; but
the cold chilled the other in such a manner
as to render the pain hardly supportable.
The sand, driven by the winds in prodi
gious quantities, filled our eyes, ears, and
mouths, as we lay under the banks, and
kept us in perpetual motion. We likewise
entertained apprehensions respecting the
natives. I had in the course of the day
requested them to assist in preparing for
our journey towards the colonies ; but they
received these solicitations, as I thought,
with coolness, and did not seem willing to
part with us so soon. Perplexed with
these suspicions, and suffering the most
disagreeable inconveniences from our situ
ation, we waited the approach of morn
with the most impatient solicitude.

57

CHAPTER III.
The Caffree chief presents a bullock to the crew. —
The captain gives him a pair of paste knee-buckles,
and hangs them to his ears. — The savage highly
pleased. — The captain's interesting conversation with
• the chief about the existence of a Deity. — Former
accounts respecting their opinions on this subject
refuted. — ^The Caffrees procure several shirts, jackets,
and trowsers from the wreck. — Do not know how to
put them on. — Instructed by the captain and his
people. — The Caffrees suspected of having an inten
tion to massacre or detain the crew .

At length day appeared, and the Caffrees
returned in greater numbers. Their chief
knowing we were in want of food, brought
us a bullock ; which they immediately
slaughtered by knocking the animal on the
head with clubs, and penetrating its sides
with their spears. It was skinned almost
in a moment, and they cut it up in lumps,
which they placed on the fire to singe
rather than to roast, and then devoured

58
their respective shares with the highest
satisfaction. The beast, as it was given
to us, it might be supposed would be left
for our disposal ; but the Caffrees were
hungry, and they know nothing of Euro
pean etiquette. It is true, they presented
the bullock to us as a donation, but they
saw no reason why they should not dispose
of the greater part of it.
On cutting up the animal, I observed
they paid a more than ordinary attention to
the paunch. Several of the Caffrees laid
violent hands on it ; and, after giving it
a shake for the purpose of emptying the
contents, they tore the greater part in slips
with their teeth, and swallowed the whole
as it came warm from the beast.
Our meal, such as it was, being finished,
we proceeded to the shore, and I observed
the long boat at a considerable distance.
We threw out signals, but could not per
ceive they were observed. The ship was
dividing very fast, and the gale increasing ;
many things were therefore cast on shore,
which the Caffrees were indefatigable in
procuring. A cask, however, was thrown

59
on the beach, at the sight of which I con
fess all my apprehensions were redoubled.
It contained sixty gallons of rum, a quan
tity sufficient to have intoxicated the whole
of the natives, although they amounted to
at least 300. I had heard of their fondness
for such liquors, and dreaded the conse
quences of their being inebriated. The
only way left was to steal to the spot where
the cask lay and stave in the head, without
being perceived by them. This I happily
accomplished, and they afterwards stripped
the vessel of the iron hoops, without dis
covering what I had done, or what it for
merly contained.
In the general search on the shore, one
of the Caffrees had picked up the ship's
compass. Not knowing what it was, yet
pleased with its formation, he delivered it
to the chief, who immediately took it to
pieces ; and after contemplating the vari
ous parts, took the copper ring in which
it hung, and suspended it from his neck.
He appeared highly pleased with the or*
naraent ; and this circumstance induced
me to present him with one still more

60
glittering, and of course, in his estimation,
more valuable. Recollecting that I wore
a pair of paste knee-buckles, I took them
out, and after having prepared two loops,
I hung one upon each of his ears. The
moment this was done, the chief stalked
about with an air of uncommon dignity.
His people seemed to pay him greater re
verence than before ; and they were em
ployed for some time in gazing at the bril
liancy of the ornaments, and contemplating
the august deportment of their chief ma
gistrate. The European may smile at
this recital ; the exhibition of my knee-
buckles may indeed provoke his risibility,
but when he treats the feelings of the sa
vage on this occasion with contempt, let
him bestow a thought on the star, the garter,
or the coronet, and then make a sensible
distinction if he can.
' As this donation gave me a powerful
interest with the chief, I resolved, during
my stay with the Caffrees, to procure every
possible information respecting the customs,
manners, and opinions of these people.
Some travellers have reported, that the

61

natives of Caffraria are the only savages
on the southern continent of Africa who
entertain any idea of a Supreme Being.
Others have asserted, that all the inha
bitants of these regions are totally ignorant,
not only of such an existence, but are also
strangers to any opinion respecting a future
state. To be convinced how the matter really
stood, I embraced the present opportunity,
and entered into conversation on this sub
ject with the chief, through the medium
of our interpreters. After giving him a
further description of the tempest, and the
miseries we had so recently endured, I
added, " that, as it was the pleasure of the
Almighty to afflict his creatures, it would
be impious in us to repine at his will."
The savage, after some consideration, de
clared he did not understand what I meant
by the Almighty. I explained to him my
ideas of the Divinity. That he was a Being
of such transcendent power, as to create
the world on which we lived, the sun, moon,
and stars; and that they all moved and
were directed by his hand. His counte-

62
nance on this occasion demonstrated that
his mind was a perfect void respecting such
opinions ; but after a few moments of
reflection, he asked, if the Being I had
described possessed a power sufficient to
control the seas and the winds? I
answered immediately in the affirmative.
" Then," said he, " can you tell me his rea-
" sons for suffering the tempest to throw
" you and your people on our coast ?" I
replied, that his reasons for so doing were
above our comprehensions ; but that, as
he was not only all powerful but just, we
should remain satisfied that all his acts
were good and beneficent. When this was
explained to the chief, I observed a smile
on his countenance ; but starting, as if a
sudden and hostile thought had seized his
mind, he desired to know " if my Almighty
" could tame the wild animals of the dcr
" serts ?" I replied, that he certainly could.
" If this be true," exclaimed the savage,
" he must be a very wicked Being, for
" he suffered a lion to kill and eat my
" father." As I had obtained the informa.

63
tion I wanted, and observing the passions
of the man highly agitated at the recol
lection of his father's melancholy fate, I
thought it necessary to change the con
versation, and we immediately proceeded
towards the shore, y
The principal part of my people, and
most of the Caffrees, were employed during
this conversation on the beach ; and I had
the satisfaction to observe they had pro
cured several pairs of trowsers, many shirts,
jackets, pieces of timber, and some cordage.
I had before picked up four shirts and a
pair of trowsers, which I then wore. The
natives seemed highly pleased with their
new habilitnents, but they did not know
how to put them on. Some had placed
the back part of the shirt before, and
others had done the same with the jackets
and the trowsers. The moment I perceived
their mistake, I went up to one of the
Caffrees, who was endeavouring to button
the collar of a shirt behind, and adjusted
his dress. My people did the like with
several others ; and these civil attentions

64
pleased them so much, that for some time
all was merriment, dancing, singing, and
good humour.
Their revels being ended, I again ad
dressed the chief on the subject of our
departure. I requested he would send a
guide with us through the deserts to the
first christian settlement, and that nothing
should be wanting on my part to recom
pense his kindness. He paused for a mo
ment, and then very coolly replied, that
he would gratify my wishes. I begged to
know the time when he would suffer us
to depart. He gravely answered, " when
" I consider that matter, you shall be made
" acquainted with my determination."
These answers, I own, alarmed me. The
countenance of the savage appeared to dis
cover some hostile measure that was lurking
in his mind ; and yet his former conduct
was so liberal and humane, that I had no
just grounds for suspecting his integrity.
I perceived, however, the natives consulting
together in parties, and from their gestures
we could not interpret any thing favourable
to our wishes. What still added to our

65
uneasiness was their abrupt departure.
When the day was drawing to a close, they
disappeared, and left us to rest under the
sand-hills, as on the former night.
We recruited our fires with some timber
from the wreck, and then placed sentinels
as before. The wind blowing hard from
the same quarter, we were again tormented
with clouds of sand, and a chilling atmo
sphere. June being one of their winter
months, we had to encounter the severities
of the season. It was impossible to shift
our quarters, as we could not procure
timber to light new fires, and the Caffrees
might be displeased at our not remaining
in our former situation. The night passed
in consultations and gloomy predictions. I
told my people not to do any act that might
have the least tendency to displease the
natives ; to give them every thing they
asked for, as the inhabitants of these deserts
were only to be dreaded when provoked.
But, at the same time, if, contrary to our
expectation, they made an attack, or en
deavoured to detain us after a certain time,
then I hoped we should firmly unite, and
F

66
either force our way, or perish in the con
flict. My people heard me with great atten
tion, and faithfully promised to observe my
directions. When the sun made his appearance, we
mounted the most elevated of the sand
hills to look out for the long boat; but
she was not to be discovered in any direc
tion. In a short time we perceived the
Caffrees advancing. Most of them had
assaygays in their hands ; others furnished
with clubs ; some were decorated with
ostrich feathers, and their chief wearing
a leopard skin, with my knee-buckles sus
pended as before. They saluted us in a
very friendly manner, and we accompanied
them to the beach. The wind had in-
creased during the night, and several parts
of the ship came on shore. One of my
people had picked up a hand-saw, and as
he perceived the Caffrees were indefatigable
in procuring iron, he hid it in the sands.
This was a valuable acquisition, and be
came of infinite service to us in the course
of our proceedings.

67

CHAPTER IV.
The natives in a sham fight show their manoeuvrings
in battle. — Manner of throwing the assaygay de
scribed. — The long boat and crew never seen or
heard of more. — Caffree chief consents to their de
parture. — Provides them with guides. — Conducts
them to a brook of fresh water which ran through
the hollow of a sequestered wood. — Apprehensions
of the crew respecting the Caffrees described. —
Natives and the crew remain together all night in
the hollow. — Fresh alarms. — Caffree chief presents
the captain on the next day with another bullock. —
The departure of the crew on the ensuing morning,
and the kind behaviour of the natives on that occa
sion described.
Having secured all we could obtain at
present from the wreck, I requested the
chief to order some of his people to show
me how they used their assaygays. This
is a spear of about four feet six inches
in length, made of an elastic wood, and
pointed with iron, which they contrive to
poison so effectually, that if it wounds either
man or beast, death is the inevitable con
sequence.
f2

68
My wishes were immediately gratified.
They first placed a block of wood on the
ground, and then retired about seventy
yards from the spot where it lay. The
chief then told me I would now behold
their manner of fighting when engaged in
battle. These compliances, as they seemed
to remove my former suspicions, gave me
great satisfaction. A party of about thirty
began their manoeuvrings. They first ran
to a considerable distance ; then fell, as if
motionless, on the ground ; in a moment
they started up, divided, joined again, and
ran in a compact body to the spot from
whence they originally set out. After
halting for about a minute, they let fly a
shower of assaygays at the mark, and with
a precision that was truly astonishing.
After several exhibitions that displayed a
wonderful dexterity in the management of
the assaygay, they came up smiling to
where we stood, as if they wished us to de
liver our sentiments on what we had just
seen. I applauded their courage, their
conduct, and their agility, and assured
them, that when I reached the Cape I would

69
represent them all to the governor as a
people that deserved every consideration
and encouragement. When this was inter
preted to the chief, I looked him steadily
in the face, that I might observe what effect
it produced. He observed only, and with
great composure, that he understood the
Cape was at a prodigious distance. I did
not think it prudent to press him so soon
again on the subject of our departure. I
therefore requested he would suffer me to
throw an assaygay, and I had the honour
of receiving one of his own for the experi
ment. I appeared such a novice to the
savages on this occasion, that the chief in
structed me how to throw it with effect.
This is done by giving a trembling motion
to the wrist, and as the shaft quivers, it is
delivered by a sudden jerk, aided by every
strength the arm can afford. I improved
so much on the second trial, that I had the
honour of a smile from my preceptor, who
appeared to say, if you continue with us, we
wjll make you an adept.
Not a word more passed this day about
our departure. The natives retired as

70
usual on the approach of night, and we
to our sand-hills. All were employed to
gather wood for our fires ; and after pro
curing a sufficient quantity, we stretched
ourselves on the ground, and, in spite
of wind, sand, and cold, slept until the
morning. When day appeared, we were again all
employed in looking out for the long boat;
but she was not to be seen. We began
now to despair of ever hearing of her again.
Indeed our worst predictions were after
wards fulfilled, for we never heard of or
saw her more.
The Caffrees did not visit us this day
until the sun had proceeded two hours in
his course ; but at length they came. As
little now was to be procured from the
wreck, I begged the chief to inform me if
he had appointed a guide for us, as I pro
posed taking my departure on the next day.
" I shall furnish you with two" said he.
These joyful tidings were delivered with so
much frankness, that my mind was relieved
at once from all apprehension and sus
picion.

71
Desirous of having the Hottentot who
served us as an interpreter to accompany
us through the deserts, I gave the chief to
understand how much the services of this
man would not only contribute to our plea
sure but our safety. The honest savage,
however, had anticipated my wishes ; he
had previously mentioned it to the Hot
tentot, who had consented to proceed with
us to the first christian farm. Another of
the tribe, who was better acquainted with
the country, had likewise agreed to be
of the party ; and this information, which
I communicated to my people, diffused a
general joy and satisfaction.
After assuring the chief and the Caffrees
in general of my unalterable friendship,
and that our guides should be rewarded to
the extent of their wishes, I told him we
had endured great distress for want of
water, and begged to know where we could
procure some. " I will conduct you," said
he, " to a spring of excellent water ; it is
not far from this place ; and, if you think
proper, we will proceed directly to the
spot." — No sooner was the proposal made

72
than we set out; the Caffrees singing and
dancing as they proceeded, and my people,
although not without suspicion, in tolerable
spirits. After travelling westward about four
miles through a delightful country, we
came at last to a wood, in the bosom of
which we perceived a hollow. The Caffrees
descended first, and when we all arrived at
the bottom, the chief pointed to the brook.
We drank of the water, and found it deli
cious. Our thirst being allayed, we looked
about us, and from the dismal appearance
of the place, our fears were again renewed.
My people were mostly of opinion that
nothing less was intended by the Caffrees
than to massacre the whole party in this
sequestered place ; that we were decoyed
here for the purpose ; and that every man
should prepare to defend his life. I en
deavoured to quiet their apprehensions,
and at last succeeded.
The Caffrees having told us we had bet
ter remain here during the night, we began
to prepare wood for our fires. All hands
went to work, and by the assistance of our

73
hand-saw, we procured some dry trees and
underwood that afforded us a very comfort
able fire. One of the Hottentots, who was
so rich as to possess a tinder-box, struck a
light ; and this accommodation being not
only highly useful but unexpected, gave
n,ew spirits to the whole of my people.
The natives, as the night came on, did
not retire as usual to their kraal. This
gave a fresh alarm to my men ; and al
though I endeavoured to calm their ap
prehensions by every means in my power,
still I confess their uneasiness did not ap
pear to be without some cause. We were
obliged, however, situated as we then were,
to abide the event, and we prepared for
the worst that could happen. Our watch
was set as formerly; but the Caffrees hud
dling together, were soon lost in sleep.
This place, however dismal in its appear
ance, afforded us tolerable shelter for the
night ; we were no longer troubled with
clouds of sand, and the severities of the
wind and cold were mitigated by the friendly
shade afforded us by the trees.
We were roused by the savages as the

74
sun appeared, and we departed from this
supposed Golgotha in tolerable spirits. We
had, however, consumed the last pound of
our bullock before we left the sand-hills,
and our party began to dread an approach
ing famine. I mentioned the distress of
my people to the chief, and he promised
to reheve us. We had journeyed but a
few miles when the Caffrees told us we
must remain where we were that night.
We accordingly set to work to procure fire
wood, and had scarcely completed this ne
cessary business, when the chief presented
us with another bullock. It was soon de
spatched, skinned, cut into pieces of about
four pounds each, and we then proceeded
to dress them as provision for our journey.
This was a business of so much importance,
that most of the day was spent in accom
plishing it.
The night passed with less apprehension
than before, and when the morning came
we prepared for our departure.
The moment now arrived when the real
intentions of the Caffrees were to be deve
loped. The natives came about us, and

75
assisted in dividing the provisions. Each
man was to carry his own stock, which
amounted to about three or four pounds
of beef; this, with some biscuits, which a
few of my people had contrived to preserve
from the wreck, was to serve us until we
reached a christian settlement. So far from
any appearance of hostility, the natives
seemed to view our departure with regret.
I took the chief by the hand, and thanked
him for his great and friendly attentions
to me and my unfortunate crew ; assuring
him, at the same time, that if I survived the
journey, it would ever be my first consider
ation to render him and his people some
essential service. He thanked me, and
then requested I Vvould tell the colonists
our ship was lost at sea, and so distant from
the land, that no part of her could possibly
reach the shore. He also desired me to
place the utmost confidence in my guides,
as they would certainly direct me for the
best. After my people and the natives had
exchangedsome mutual civilities, we parted,
and gave one another a last and affectionate
adieu.

76

CHAPTER V.
Description of the country near the wreck. — Genuine
character of the Tambouchis delineated. — Cause of
the last war between the Colonists and Caffrees
explained. — Why the Tambouchis did not suffer the
crew to depart sooner. — Their reasons. — Narrative
continued. — Crew destitute of shoes. — Countries
through which they passed described. — Alarming
situation of the party at night. — Not molested by
the animals of the deserts.
Before I proceed in this narrative, I will
endeavour to give the reader some idea of
the country that lay before us when we
landed on the beach ; a few traits likewise
of the general character of the natives,
and explain their motives for not suffer
ing us to depart until the fourth day ; and
which, for some time, appeared so ambi
guous, as to give both me and my people
the most serious inquietude.
During our miserable abode under the
a nd-hills, we frequently contemplated the

77
scene before us. Nearly as far as the eye
could travel, we beheld a country finely
wooded, and, considering the season, which
was their winter, producing a most boun
tiful vegetation. Their cattle appeared in
such prodigious numbers as to baffle cal
culation ; and their condition, which was
equal to the best fed oxen in Great Britain,
clearly demonstrated the richness of their
pasturage. Sheep were not to be disco
vered, nor could we perceive the most dis
tant traces of agricultural labour.
The country in our view was of an im
mense extent, yet surrounded by a chain
of hills that appeared to contain the foun
tains of those numerous rivulets which
glided through the plain in a variety of
directions. The mimosa tree appeared na
tive to the soil, and the woods were so
beautifully interspersed, as to give the lands
all the appearance of a plantation ori
ginally designed by art, and afterwards
perfected by the hand of elegance. In my
opinion, the whole wanted nothing but
villages, corn, and inhabitants, to render
this spot an enviable abode for the most

78
enlightened and luxurious of our country
men. The natives who received us on the
shore, and whose humanity we experienced
in the hour of our misfortune, are a Caffree
tribe, known by the appellation of Tam-
bouki or Tambuckees. They have been
described as the most ferocious, vindictive,
and detestable class of beings that inhabit
the vast and fertile territory of Caffraria,
not yielding even to the Boshismen in
every act of massacre, inhumanity, and de
vastation. A calumny so undeserved, so atrocious,
and possibly so mischievous in Its tendency,
I cannot suffer to pass without censure and
contradiction ; nor can I at this moment
reflect on the genuine character of these
people without considering their calum
niators as a banditti of christian ruffians,
who propagate these slanders for the pur
pose of covering their enormities ; and
which, if not stopped by the hand of power,
must eventually lead to a total extirpation
of a harmless and unoffending race. Had
they really been savages, and felt, like their

79

christian persecutors, " no compunctious
visltings of nature," they would have
destroyed the whole of my unfortunate
crew, and this massacre might have been
perpetrated without the natives running
even the hazard of a punishment. The
clothing of my people, although of little
value in a country of trade and civilization,
would have been to them a most important
acquisition, or they could have gratified,
nay, even satiated cruelty, by stripping and
leaving us naked to all the horrors of the
wilderness, a prey to famine, or the wild
and ferocious animals of the deserts. But
these humane yet calumniated savages
felt as men whose souls were truly af
fected at our misfortunes, and acting from
the virtuous impulse of their nature, volun
tarily gave to the unhappy consolation and
support. We were mostly whites, but still
they were our friends. The black and vo
luminous catalogue of miseries, which they
and their progenitors had so long endured
from savages of our colour, faded at once
on their remembrance when they beheld
our distresses. — Such was the conduct, and

80
such are the native feelings of the honest,
hone.st Tambouchis.
The profligate character ascribed to these
unoffending people originated in motives
of still superior wickedness. The colonists
are the fabricators of these tales, and pro
pagate them throughout the country, and
at the Cape, with uncommon Industry.
When the natives, incensed at an unpro
voked and designed aggression of a colo
nist, retaliate and kill a white man, the intel
ligence is sure to be conveyed Immediately
to the seat of governrhgnt, but without
ever so much as hinting at the real cause of
the dispute. The poor savages are described
as a herd of wolves prowling throughout
the country, and devastating wherever
they come. The christian farmers seizing
this opportunity, immediately assemble,
penetrate the country of the people they
call their enemies, and then massacre entire
hordes without any distinction of sex or
infancy. Their object being chiefly to get
possession of the cattle, they drive whole
herds before them, and then wait until they
hear of more being within their reach.

81
when a similar depredation is committed.
To elucidate this matter still farther, I
shall here relate an anecdote which I learnt
in the course of our proceeding towards
the christian settlements.
One of our guides suddenly called out
to the party to halt. On my desiring to
know his reason, he said, " be so good as
" to look attentively on the spot where
" you now stand ; it is an unfortunate
" place, but worthy your consideration." —
Not observing any thing that particularly
arrested my notice, I requested he would
explain himself. — " On this spot," con
tinued the savage, " two of my country-
" men a few years since were employed in
" attending their cattle. At that time
*' we enjoyed a profound peace with the
" colonists, and harboured no suspicion of
" their intending to injure us. In a mo-
" ment, however, our two men were fired
" upon from yonder thicket. One fell
" dead on the spot, the other, being only
" wounded, was so fortunate as to make
" his escape. The settlers then took pos-
" session of our cattle, and drove them
G

82
" home to their farms. Intelligence of
" this murder and robbery was soon con-
" veyed throughout the hordes, and oc-
*' casioned the last war between the colo-
" nists and the Caffrees."
The poor fellow told this melancholy
story with so much feeling and simplicity,
that I could entertain no doubt of his ve
racity. I then asked him, if all the co
lonists were of this abominable disposition ?
He answered, " I hope not;" and indeed,
on this occasion, I conceive it would be
unjust in me to publish any thing that
might be mistaken for a general censure
on the whole of the settlers. There are
exceptions, and I think it necessary this
should be understood, as I have known
many of them who hold the general con
duct of their marauding neighbours in the
utmost abhorrence, and wish for nothing
more sincerely than their expulsion from
the colonies.
Our two guides likewise explained the
reasons why the Caffrees detained us so
long. They told us, that when they con
sulted together respecting our departure.

83
it was resolved not to suffer us to pro
ceed until they got every thing that could
be procured from the wreck. They con
ceived we would Inform the colonists of
our misfortune ; and that notwithstanding
they had no right to pass the Fish River,
still they knew the settlers would come in
search of plunder, and which really hap
pened, as I have observed in my introduc
tion to this Narrative.
I then asked one of the guides If his
countrymen had, during our stay under
the sand-hills, ever meditated our destruc
tion. The good savage seemed offended
at this question ; he shook his head, and
emphatically declared, they never once
entertained such an inhuman thought.
" No, no, no," he said, " that would be
" a very bad thing. We kill no body but
" in war. — No, no, no. Indeed no !" His
answer was thus interpreted to me, and
dismissing the horrid appellation of savage
at once from my recollection, I embraced
him as my deliverer and my friend.

G 2

84

NARRATIVE CONTINUED.
We did not take our departure on the
morning of the 23d until the sun was well
up. Our guides were intelligent, and gave
us to understand that we must on no ac
count travel early, as the wild beasts con
stantly rose with the sun, and then ranged
the deserts in quest of their prey. As we
were all unarmed, a single lion, leopard, or
panther, could have destroyed the most of
us. It became, therefore, highly necessary
we should not stir until these animals had
satisfied their hunger, and were retired for
the day.
Notwithstanding this cautious and ne
cessary advice, and which was given with
a laudable earnestness for our preservation,
still my people were so desirous of getting
on, that they grew uneasy ; but the guides
could not be induced to quit the fires until
about nine o'clock ; at which time we all
proceeded, and In good spirits.
Not more than three or four of our
party were at this moment In possession
of shoes. We had many hundred miles

85
to travel over unknown countries, to
ascend mountains of stupendous elevation,
penetrate woods, traverse deserts, ford
rivers ; and yet we were to combat all these
difliculties bare-footed, not having saved
above four pair of shoes, and even these
but in sad condition.
As my feet were naked, like most of my
people's, one of them offered me an old
pair of boots which he then wore ; but I
refused them. My habiliments were a short
jacket, a table-cloth, which I found on the
shore, wrapt round my loins ; a shawl over
it ; four shirts which I wore at the same
time ; a pair of trowsers, and a hat.
We bore to the westward on our setting
out, for the purpose of obtaining fresh
water in the course of our journey. Our
guides observed, that near the coast the
water was generally brackish ; we therefore
struck into the interior, and were not en
tirely disappointed in our expectations.
The country through which we travelled
was beautifully variegated with hills, dales,
extensive plains finely watered, but less
wooded than the former. The grass ap-

86
peared of an extraordinary height ; but in
the course we pursued, not a human foot
step could be traced ; no cattle, no sign
of cultivation, could be observed. We
were not interrupted by any beast of prey,
although we constantly perceived their
dung. At length, after travelling about
thirty-five miles, we began to feel the want
of water.
After searching for this indispensable aU-
ment with the utmost anxiety and atten
tion, we were so fortunate as to discover,
before sun-set, a brook that run near the
corner of a wood ; and here we determined
to rest for the night. We began, there
fore, to prepare a sufficient quantity of
fuel. The wood was chiefly composed of
trees that partook In some degree of the
nature of our thorn : we cut several, and
arranged our fires. One of the Caffrees
struck a light, and the whole, In a few
minutes, was in a blaze. The tinder which
he provided was of a particular descrip
tion ; It consisted of a pithy substance ex
tracted from a reed, and so tenacious of
fire, that a single spark from the steel
caught it in a moment.

87
The weather being cold, we resolved to
sleep close to one another ; but the guides
told us the place we had fixed upon to
rest during the night was known to be
infested with leopards, and that, if they
scented the party, nothing could prevent
them from destroying some of us. This
intelligence induced us to enlarge our fires,
and we began to consult upon other mea
sures, that were likely to contribute also to
our preservation. But such is the powerful
influence of sleep over the harassed soul,
that our conversation had scarcely com
menced on this important subject, when
we were all relieved from any sense of
danger, by gently falling into the arms of
Morpheus, and where we remained in per
fect security until the morning.
No sooner had the sun peeped above the
horizon than we were all roused by the
tremendous roaring of lions. Never were
men in a situation more truly alarming.
Had they discovered us during the night,
we must have been torn to pieces when
sleeping, as not an individual could attend
the watch, or keep awake even for an hour.
We therefore congratulated one another

88
on finding we had all escaped, and set out
about seven in the morning, in company
with our guides.
We soon arrived at the bank of a small
river, which, being perfectly dry, we crossed
without difficulty. Shortly after we came
to another, which we likewise passed in a
few minutes. We reached at length some
highlands, from the tops of which we dis
covered several beautiful vales clothed with
long dry grass, small clusters of trees, and
in other places forests of considerable ex
tent, skirting mountains of different eleva
tions. In the course of the day, we were in
great distress for want of water, and lost
much time in the pursuit of it. Indeed
we almost despaired of finding any, as the
earth appeared so dry as. to exhaust all
the brooks we had visited. Luckily, how
ever, about sun-set, we discovered a small
rivulet that ran near the skirt of a forest ;
and although the water was not good,
yet still it relieved us from a dreadful
situation. We had this day travelled about thirty
miles, and therefore determined to remain

89
where we were during the night. All
hands, therefore, went immediately to
work, for the purpose of getting fuel. We
had seen no wild animals In the course of the
day, but frequently observed the dung of
the elephant and the rhinoceros.
As our situation for this night was as
dangerous and deplorable as on the pre
ceding one, we determined to enlarge our
fires, as the only means of safety we had
left. This was accordingly done, and we
had the pleasure to find, when the day
appeared, that not an individual was miss
ing of the whole party.

90

CHAPTER VI.
The captain and his party stopt by a bad tribe of
Caffrees. — An enraged Caffree described. — They ar -
rive on the summit of a mountain, which affords
a prospect transcendently beautiful — Fortify them
selves against the attack of wild animals during the
night. — Thirty-six of the crew, unable to proceed,
are left behind. — The captain, and twenty-four of
his people, go on — Find a christian habitation de
serted — Arrive next day at Jan Du Pliesies, a Dutch
settler. — Their reception, together with the cha-
^•acter and family of the colonist described. — Wag
gon and guards sent for the relief of such of the
crew as remained in the deserts.
We set out this morning, shortly after
sun-rising; and, aswe were totravel through
a wood of considerable extent, our guides
told us to be upon our guard, as we should
certainly be interrupted by wild animals, as
they resorted to this place In prodigious
numbers. We determined, notwithstanding,
to brave all dangers, and accordingly pro
ceeded. We Indeed escaped the lions, the
panthers, the rhinoceros, the elephant, &c.
but, unfortunately, about noon, came up

91
with a horde of Caffrees, that were distin
guished by their own countrymen as a bad
tribe. We spoke at first to some Caffree
women, who behaved kindly, and gave us
one or two baskets of milk. These are
made of twigs, wove so closely together as
to hold water.
We had proceeded but a short way, after
receiving this instance of female liberality,
when we were stopped by twelve Caffree men,
armed with spears, and clothed In leopard
skins. Our guides, alarmed at the appear
ance of these savages, flew to the banks of
the great Fish River; which at that time
was not more than two hundred yards from
the place where we stood. We repeatedly
called to them to return, but In vain ; they
Immediately crossed the bed of the river,
which was dry, and, having reached the
opposite shore, ascended an adjoining
mountain with the utmost precipitation.
The savages brandished their spears, and
appeared by their gestures to menace the
destruction of us all. We could not under
stand what they said ; but we supposed
they demanded from us whatever articles

92
we possessed ; and as these principally
consisted of the little stock of provisions
we had left, and our clothes, we deter
mined not to part with either.
One of my people had a knife, which was
slung over his shoulder. A Caffree per
ceiving It, made a snatch at the handle;
but the owner resisting, he lost his hold.
This so enraged the savage, that he lifted
up his assaygay with an apparent intention
of despatching the object of his resentment.
At the moment he stood In this attitude,
a more finished picture of horror, or what
we understand of the infernals, was per
haps never seen before. The savage wore
a leopard's skin; his black countenance
bedaubed with red ochre; his eyes, inffamed
with rage, appeared as if starting from
their sockets ; his mouth expanded, and his
teeth gnashing and grinning with all the
fury of an exasperated demon. At this
instant, the tout ensemble of the figure
would have been a subject highly deserving
the pencil of a Raphael.
The savage was diverted from his pur
pose, and dropt the assaygay. We instantly

93
proceeded to the river, and crossed it in
pursuit of our guides. They were standing
on the summit of the mountain when we
came up, and expressed the utmost satisfac
tion at our escape. They gave us a terrible
description of the people we had just left,
and assured us, if the remainder of their
horde had not been hunting at the time
we got to the Fish River, not a man of us
would have survived. Our guides also told
us they were the most abominable horde
throughout the whole of Caffraria.
Our conversation lasted but a few mi
nutes, when we resolved to descend the
mountain, and pursue our journey. We had
scarcely put ourselves in motion, when a
scene of the most extensive and luxuriant
beauties burst in a moment on our view.
The danger we had just escaped engaged
our attention so entirely, when we gained
the summit, that we did not Immediately
perceive the world of beauties that now lay
spread before us. All stood for some time
in a state of rapture and amazement. The
country was mostly a level, yet pleasingly
diversified with gentle elevations, on the
tops of which we could perceive clumps of

94
of the mimosa tree, and the sides clothed
with shrubs of various denominations.
A thousand rivulets seemed to meander
through this second Eden ; frequently skirt
ing or appearing to encircle a plantation of
wood ; then suddenly taking a different
direction, glided through a plain of consi
derable extent, until it came to a gentle de
clivity; here it formed a natural cascade,
and then, following its course, proceeded in
an endless variety throughout the whole of
the country.
As we stood gazing on this sylvan scene,
we perceived innumerable herds of animals,
particularly of the species of the gazelle,
scouring over the plains ; some darting
through the woods, others feeding, or drink
ing at the rivulets. As far as the eye tra
velled In pursuit of new beauties, it was
most amply gratified, until at length the
whole gradually faded on the view, and
became lost in the horizon.
We were so wrapt In ecstasy at this
landscape, that we forgot our danger, and
remained too long upon the mountain. We
at length descended, and proceeded on
our journey.

95
Before the day closed, we fixed on a
place where we were to remain until the
morning. It was near a wood, mostly
composed of that kind of thorn which I
have mentioned before. Several of these we
immediately cut, not only for the purpose
of fuel, but to form a barricade or de
fence against the wild animals during the
night. After completing our fortification, light
ing our fires, and supping in the best man
ner possible, we lay down to rest ; but our
sleep was constantly disturbed during the
night, by a herd of elephants, brushing
through the wood, passing and returning
almost every moment. Had not our fence
been erected the preceding evening, we
should. In all probability, have been tram
pled to death by these monstrous animals.
We had the good fortune, however, to
escape ; and, about seven the next morning,
we proceeded on our journey, in company
with our guides.
We likewise travelled this day through
a delightful country. The land, in some
places, seemed to be composed of a red
and yellow clay, and the valleys appeared

96
covered with a very thick and long grass,
but not a sign of agriculture was to be
observed. In the course of the day, we
perceived a few deserted huts, one of
which we entered. We paid severely for
our curiosity, as those who ventured in
were in a moment covered entirely over
with fleas.
We sometimes found water; but It was
brackish, although we were at least fifty
miles from the sea. We kept at this dis
tance during the most of our journey.
We brought up for the night, after tra
velling about 35 miles, at the skirt of a
small forest, and provided fuel, with a
temporary defence, as before. Our pro
vision being nearly exhausted, we were
obliged to eat sparingly, although most of
us were ravenously hungry. Before we
went to sleep, I was alarmed to find that
many of the party complained most vio
lently of sore feet. This misfortune, I was
afraid, would occasion our separation, and
of course the death of several.
About seven In the morning, we again
set out ; but many of my people dropt
astern in the course of the day, being

97
almost worn out with fatigue. In this situ
ation I thought it incumbent on such of
the party as could travel to get forward,
and provide a place where wood and water
could be had. I was of this company; and
that all those who remained behind might
find their way, I ordered the Caffree guides
to set fire to the long grass, which served,
during the night, as a point of direction.
I was in expectation of their coming
up with us before the morning ; but we
were sadly disappointed. We remained sta
tionary until the sun appeared, and then
went on.
Not one of the people we had left be
hind appeared this morning ; but the guides
gave us to understand we would reach a
Christian settlement in the course of the
day, where assistance would certainly be
had. This inteUigence gave us new spirits ;
and we travelled with an unusual alertness,
until we came to a farm-house. Here we
expected relief; but none, alas ! was to be
found : the whole place had been deserted
for some time ; we were obliged, therefore
to sleep again in the air, and leave our
H

98
absent and miserable companions to all the
horrors of the desert.
This was not a night of sleep, but lament
ation. We sat round our fire, and spoke of
nothing but our absent messmates and their
unfortunate situation. They were left
defenceless, without food, hardly able to
stand erect, and In a country where the
ferocious animals were most numerous.
They were likewise every hour in danger
of an attack from the Boshismen, who
swarm In these parts, and destroy the un
happy objects of their vengeance by arrows
that are poisoned. The sensibility of my
people on this melancholy occasion dis
played the genuine character of a sailor.
Men who could brave all the dangers of
the tempest, and face death, without a
trembling nerve, even in the cannon's
mouth, could not, however, speak of their
distressed and absent brethren without a
tear. Their own misfortunes were for
gotten; and their only consideration, during
the night, was their unhappy messmates,
whom they never expected to behold
again.

99
We remained here for more than an
hour after the rising of the sun. It was
possible w^e might see a few of our people,
straggling towards the spot where we then
were, and this chance detained us ; but not
an individual was to be observed. Out of
sixty, that composed the party, when we
left our savage friends on the beach, thirty-
six were so maimed and worn down by
fatigue as to be unable to travel : these
remained in the deserts, if not already
destroyed, and had no hope of preservation
but from our exertions.
The guides Informed us we^ were cer
tainly near a christian settlement that was
inhabited : the last we saw had been de
stroyed by the Caffrees during the war with
the colonists ; I therefore determined to
proceed where relief could be obtained,
with every possible despatch. My people
followed me with redoubled energy; the
salvation of their companions was the in
centive, and that consideration banished
every idea of danger or fatigue.
We travelled without a single halt for
about three hours, when one of the guides,
H 2

100
who was advanced, roared out, in a transport
of joy, " I see a Hottentot, attending a
" flock of sheep." It was the voice of a
seraph proceeding from a Caffree. We all
ran to the place where he stood, and, at a
considerable distance, observed a man at
tending a flock of at least four thousand.
We moved in a body towards the shepherd,
who seemed at first to be alarmed ; but, per
ceiving we weremostly whites, and unarmed,
he stopt until we came up. I requested
of him to direct us the nearest way to the
first settlement, which he did, and at the
same time informed us the proprietor was
a good man: the distance, he said, was
about three hours. The pleasure diffused
throughout the party, on receiving this
information, it is impossible to describe.
I embraced this opportunity, and went on ;
a general joy succeeded, and who should
be foremost, the principal consideration.
At length — ecstatic reflection ! — we came
within sight of a Christian farm. " Come
" on, my lads," said I, " we are safely
" moored at last ; and our people, in the
" deserts will be soon relieved." Some

101
tottered as they stood, overcome by joy,
and could not move ; others appeared as in
a trance, until at length about ten followed
me, and we entered the house of Jan Du
Pliesies. Fortunately, this was a settler of the best
order, about sixty years old, born in Hol
land, but had resided in Africa for many
years ; humane, generous, and possessing
a heart that appeared to be the constant
mansion of a virtuous sympathy. His
cottage was formed of clay, thatched with
a kind of reed, and furnished with a few
stools, a table, and some kitchen utensils.
His family consisted of five or six sons,
their wives and children, together with a
daughter, making together about twenty
people. His stock, however, was consi
derable, not less than twelve thousand
sheep, and one thousand oxen.
After the alarm into which we threw this
good man on our first appearance had sub
sided, I told the story of our melancholy
disaster, and implored his assistance for the
relief of my unhappy people who were left
behind. He could not listen to the relation

102
without discovering by his countenance the
tenderness of his nature. His face, which
was naturally pallid, became, at certain
intervals, of a crimson hue : these emo
tions appeared to me as the effervescence
of sensibility, and to exhibit, in glowing
colours, the coraplexion of virtue.
As no time, he said, should be lost in
preparing for the relief of my unfortunate
people, he immediately directed two of his
sons to harness eight oxen to a waggon.
His orders were obeyed with a cheerfulness
that evinced an hereditary goodness, and
that it had descended, unimpaired, from the
sire to his children. They were directed
to travel all night; and our guides described
the spot where we left them so minutely
as to avoid all possibility of a mistake.
The waggon was soon out of sight, and we
all sat down to partake of a sheep, which
our liberal host had ordered to be killed for
our entertainment.

103

CHAPTER VIL
Remarkable story of a rhinoceros, related by the co
lonist  The farmers generally discontented with
the Dutch government at the Cape. — Neighbouring
colonists arrive at Du Pliesies. — Their conduct
described. — Waggon returns with twenty-three of
the crew. — Thirteen strayed. — ^Reward and dismiss
the Caffree guides.— Recommendatory letter given
by the farmer to the captain in the Dutch language.
— ^Their departure from Du Pliesies. — Arrive at an
other Christian settlement. — ^Their reception and de
parture. — Proceed on the journey. — Boshismen de
scribed. — The party travelling through a valley, in
great danger from the Boshismen. — They get through
without injury, and enter a champaign country.
When our meal was over, the worthy
colonist began to interrogate us respecting
our journey through Caffraria. He could
not possibly conceive, he said, how the
Tambochis could be induced to suffer our
departure. They were such a horrid race,
that nothing was so gratifying to their
nature as the shedding of human blood.
The Boshismen, he also observed, were so
numerous, and so perpetually on the look

104
out, that he was amazed at our travelling
with any degree of security ; but when he
considered that we came through a part of
Caffraria so infested with carnivorous ani
mals that people could never travel safely
but in parties, and well armed, he declared
our being then in his house appeared to
him a kind of miracle.
I took this opportunity of giving our
worthy host a proper idea of the Tambochis.
His mind had been poisoned by some of his
depredating neighbours, and never going on
such parties himself, had entertained these
prejudices without having any opportunity
of knowing the contrary. He appeared
much pleased at the conduct of the Tam
bochis during our abode in their country,
and declared this circumstance alone would
relieve him from many hours of uneasiness.
His sequestered mansion was nearly sur
rounded by trees, on which were hung to
dry the skins of lions, tigers, panthers, and
other destructive animals, killed In the
vicinity of his own habitation. I observed
also the carcases of two enormous creatures,
lying near the door, which had the appear-

105
ance of being recently destroyed. He told
me they were two rhinoceroses that his sons
had killed, but the day before, on their own
land. This gave rise to a narrative re
specting these animals, which the good
man related with great circumspection, and
which appeared to me so very extraordinary,
that I determined to record it, for the satis
faction of the curious.
" These creatures," said the farmer,
" are more savage, and infinitely more to
be dreaded, than any other animal of the
deserts. Even the lion, when he perceives
a rhinoceros, will fly from him on the in
stant. I had a proof of this," said he,
" about two years ago. As I was traversing
my lands in the morning, I perceived a lion
enter a thicket, about the distance of half
a mile from the place where I stood. In a
few minutes after I observed a second, then
a third and a fourth came ; they seemed to
follow one another at their leisure, and,
in less than an hour, I counted nine that
entered the same wood. Never having seen
so many of the same species together, I was

106
desirous to know the event of their meeting,
and I concealed myself for the purpose.
After waiting for rather more than an hour
in my lurking-place, without either seeing
any of them or hearing any noise from the
quarter where they lay, I began to despair
of having my curiosity in the least gratified.
At length I perceived a rhinoceros of un
common magnitude approach the wood.
He stood motionless for about five minutes,
when he arrived at a small distance from
the thicket, then tossed up his nose, and at
last scented the animals that lay concealed.
In an instant I saw him dart into the wood,
and in the space of about five minutes after
wards I observed all the lions scamper away
in different directions, and apparently in
the greatest consternation. The rhinoceros
beat about the wood In pursuit of his ene
mies for a considerable time ; but not find
ing any, he broke cover at last, and appeared
on the plain. He then looked around him,
and, enraged at his disappointment, began
tearing up the earth, and discovered every
sign of madness and desperation. I re-

107
mained quietly in my retreat until the ani
mal disappeared, and then returned to my
house." This anecdote I thought worthy of being
published ; but I now return to my narra
tive. We slept this night on sacks, which our
host had arranged for our accommodation.
During the time we were at breakfast, on
the succeeding morning, our benefactor
entertained us with some very interesting
observations respecting the country where
he resided. He particularly stated the
hardships which the colonists endured from
the restrictive orders and persecuting con
duct of the government at the Cape. " I
have lead ore," said he, " on my own farm,
so near the surface that we can scrape it up
with our hands, and yet we dare not touch
it: if we were known to melt and use a
single pound of it, we should be all trans
ported, for life, to Batavia." It was from
this honest man I obtained the above in
formation, and which I have before men
tioned, in my introduction to this Narrative.

108
He made no scruple in declaring that if any
liberal and trading nation would form a
settlement on the eastern or western coast,
he would, in conjunction with his neigh
bours, supply them with provisions to the
extent of his ability, and trade with them,
regardless of any order to the contrary he
might receive from the Cape. Indeed such
are the sentiments of all the central and
advanced colonists throughout the southern
parts of Africa.
Before we disposed of the sheep we had
for breakfast, our benefactor had despatched
messengers to his neighbouring friends, de
siring their assistance to get us on towards
the Cape. Several of them came, and be
haved with the greatest tenderness and
liberality. They went so far as to say,
that such of the crew as were desirous of
remaining in the country until they had
perfectly recovered should be accommo
dated at their houses ; and as they travelled
once in every year to the Cape, they would
take the first opportunity of conveying
them thither. I thanked them for their

109
kindness, but declined accepting their pro
posal, as our intention was to make the
Cape with every possible expedition.
This conversation was interrupted by a
Hottentot servant, who ran Into the house
and declared the " waggon was In sight."
All flew to meet it, and I had the heart
felt consolation of perceiving twenty-three
of my unfortunate people, chiefly Lascars,
lying down in the machine. On their
arrival at our habitation, the two sons of
Du Pliesies informed us they found them
near a wood, perfectly resigned to their
fate, having given up all hopes of relief. The
preceding day, thirteen of their companions
had separated from them ; but where they
had strayed to not one of them could even
guess at. These poor fellows I never saw
again ; but I had the pleasure to hear, since
my return to Europe, that after enduring
for a long time the most unexampled mi
series, they all arrived In safety at the Cape.
We were now ^^forty-seven in number,
and as we were to proceed in waggons, I
had the satisfaction to know that such
as were afflicted withs sore feet, or weak

110
through hunger and fatigue, would not
again be separated from their companions.
My next consideration was to reward our
faithful guides. How to do this made me
for some time extremely uneasy. At length,
a very unexpected Information relieved me
from this embarrassment. One of my peo
ple gave me to understand that a sailor,
who was of the party, had possessed himself
of a dozen of my table-spoons, and likewise
several tea-spoons, before he quitted the
wreck, all of which he had then about hira.
I iraraediately went up to the man, and de
manded my property; he returned them
without a moment's hesitation, giving me
to understand, at the same time, that he
intended restoring thera to me when we
arrived at the Cape. Four or five of the
largest spOons I gave the farmer, who in
return delivered to me two oxen of an
extraordinary size, and a like number of
sheep. These I requested our two guides
to accept of, as a reward for their labour
and fidelity. They thanked me heartily,
and set out on their return to the fertile
and delightful plains of Caffraria.

Ill
Our benevolent host now provided us
with a waggon and two sets of oxen, each
set containing eight. They were occasion
ally to relieve each other on the way, and
two or three Hottentot servants were ap
pointed as drivers, and to take charge of
the relaying cattle. One of the farmer's
sons, completely armed, was likewise di
rected to attend us, and the waggon was
stored with provision and water sufficient
to supply us until we arrived at the next
settlement. Before we took leave of this excellent
man, I begged of him to give me a recom
mendatory letter which I might show to
the farmers as we proceeded, and which, I
entertained no doubt, would secure to us
a favourable reception. He Immediately
acquiesced, and gave me the following
epistle in his own language.
" GooDE Driende — Weest soo goet helpt Dese
" Alenscken Doont Coap'waanst het synn Amerecan-
" ders Syl-iiij heest haar schep Derlooren An de oven
" seyvan De Rivier genoempt De Biga De Caffers
" heest De mense by meyn Ge braegl,
" Ue vnient,
" Jan Dus. Pliesies,
« Doiide."

112
TRANSLATION.
" Good Friends,
" Be so good as to help these people forward towards
" the Cape. They are Americans, who have lost their
" ship beyond the river Biga : the Caffrees have brought
" these people to me,
" Your friend, " John Du Pliesies,
"• the elder."
We took our departure from the hospita
ble mansion of the benevolent Du Pliesies
on the morning of the second of July. We
travelled through a countrypossessing many
of those variegated beauties I have before
attempted to delineate. Our guard was
perpetually on the watch, lest the Boshis
men or the wild animals might dart upon
us unperceived. About eight in the even
ing, however, we reached the second farm
in perfect security. Our journey was about
thirty-five miles this day, and all my people
in good spirits.
The owner, whose name was Cornelius
Englebrocks, we found also a beneficent
character. His cottage was poor indeed ;
but all that he could afford he gave us with
cheerfulness. I produced his neighbour's
letter, which he read with great attention.

113
and then said, " My friend is a good man,
" and I always valued him ; but you wanted
"no other recommendation to my poor
" services than your misfortunes."
We remained here during the night,
after partaking of a frugal repast which our
host had provided, and which was given
with many innocent apologies for its scan
tiness. Before our departure on the ensuing
morning, the farmer generously presented
me with nine sheep. I begged of him not
to insist on my taking so many, as we could
be supplied occasionally on our journey.
"¦ You cannot be sure of that," replied our
worthy host. " Drive these sheep before
" you, and if you are not well treated as
" you proceed, this little stock will be
" your support."
The poor man laraented he could not
let us have a morsel of bread. " We live,"
said he^, " the year round chiefiy on mutton
" and game ; but seldom enjoy the luxury
" of a loaf." He insisted,however, on my
taking the sheep, which I accepted with
many thanks, and we then departed on
our journey. I

114
During the four or five succeeding days,
we travelled on from house to house, ge
nerally at fifteen or sixteen hours' distance
from each other, and were received at all
of them with a disinterested hospitality. I
relate these occurrences with a scrupulous
attention to fidelity, because the colonists,
without distinction, have been frequently re
presented as a ferocious banditti, scarcely to
be kept within the pale of authority. I be
lieve most of these people, at certain times,
commit those depredations I have already
described, and therefore deserve exemplary
punishment ; but it was my good fortune
to meet with a deserving class, and I con
sider it as an indispensable duty to pre
serve their characters from the general
opprobium. During several days' travel we could get
but little bread, and not much water. The
countries through which we passed were
alternately hill and dale, and often afforded
the most romantic prospects. We fre
quently perceived vast quantities of wolves,
and often such droves of that species of
deer which the farmers call spring buck,
that we supposed one flock alone could not

115
contain less than from twelve to fourteen
thousand. Indeed many of the settlers
informed me they haVe seen double that
number at one time, and have frequently
skilled three at a single shot. We likewise
saw vast quantities of guinea fowl, which,
after a shower of rain, are easily caught
by the farmers' dogs.
The zebra or wild ass is common In these
advanced colonies, and we saw many of
them. Ostriches were likewise numerous.
I have seen four of them together, and
without being much alarmed at the ap
pearance of our caravan. We had such
plenty of venison at the houses where we
stopt, that our stock of nine sheep, fur
nished by honest Englebrocks, was dimi
nished but three in the course of six days.
The farmers were accustomed to the de
predations of wild animals, and were there
fore acquainted with their haunts. They
frequently pointed to certain spots where
the buffaloes frequented, and other places
where the lions, tigers, &c: were known
to reside. But these creatures, however
tremendous to an European, are not so
i2

116
alarming to a Hottentot as the Boshismen.
I heard so much of these savage people,
that I particularly wished to see a man
of the same tribe. A lucky circumstance
occurred that gratified my curiosity. A
colonist, at whose house we sojourned for
the night, had, many years before, en
gaged a party of Boshismen, and killed
several ; but was so fortunate as to pre
serve an infant, whose mother it was sup
posed had been slain during the hunt. He
was taken home to the farmer's, and reared
as one of the family. When I saw him, he
was about twenty-five years old, but not
more than four feet two inches in stature.
His nose was not a prominent feature, but
merely a piece of skin that lay flat over
the nasal aperture ; and although his make
was athletic, yet no gazelle could be more
alert or agile in its motions. When I in
quired respecting the supposed origin of
these people, I was universally answered,
" they are a distinct race;" and indeed
their look aiid figure, when taken toge
ther, are sufficient demonstrations of the
fact.

117
The Boshismen, when they are sufficient
ly strong in number, attack and kill the
Hottentots and Caffrees wherever they find
them ; and the colonists hunt the Boshismen
as they do the lion and the tiger. A farmer
never thinks of giving quarter to these
people, but slays them the very instant
they are in his power.
The bow of the Boshismen is about two
feet and a half in length, and their arrows,
of which they generally carry a competent
stock, about two feet two Inches from one
extremity to the other. They are made of
a certain reed, pointed with a bone which
is poisoned, and constructed so artfully as
to remain in the wound after it penetrates.
If it draws blood, the opinion is that no
cataplasm, however skilfully compounded,
nor medicine yet discovered, can save the
wounded object from destruction.
As we proceeded on our journey to a
farm-house, we passed one day through a
dismal valley of about three miles in length.
Our conductors informed us this place
was called Boshisman's path ; and they
held their muskets presented the whole

118
of the way, as if they were going to fire
at some particular object. The road was
narrow, and the hills on each side of con
siderable elevation. A thick brushwood
covered the sides of the hills, except where
the rocks appeared ; and In the secluded
cavities, formed by these masses, lay con
cealed whole hordes of these extraordinary
people. Or.r guides were constantly de
siring us, as we proceeded through this val
ley, to be upon our guard, as they knew
the Boshismen were there, and looking at
us, although we could not perceive them.
" They will fill you full of arrows in a mo
ment," said the guides, " if you do not take
" especial care of yourselves." This caution,
I soon found, was essentially necessary, as
we observed their tracks so fresh upon the
ground, that a whole swarm of them must
have passed but a few minutes before our
arrival. The formidable appearance we made, I
believe, prevented them from attacking us.
We got through this valley, however. In
safety, and then entered upon a champaign
country. The farmers told us they fre-

119
quently assemble to the number of forty
or fifty, and go in quest of the Boshismen,
whom they destroy without mercy if they
come up with them ; but they often escape,
as they run with unparalleled swiftness, and
climb the rocks with the most astonishing
agility. These people rear nothing for their
subsistence, but live by plundering the
country, and on the fruit of a small tree
which is called Boshisman's bread. The
body and branches of this tree, when roast
ed, eat something like a plantain.

120

CHAPTER VIIL
Pass in safety through the Boshisman's Path. — Beau
tiful vale of Long Cluff described. — Humorous
conversation of the crew. — Reach the settlement of
a blind colonist : their reception and entertainment
described. — The crew separate, — One of them marries
in the country. — Perceive vast forests of the aloe.
tree. — Captain reaches Zwellingdam, and proceeds
to the Landorse-house. — His reception. — Arrives at
the beautiful settlement of Stallenbush. — The place
described, — Arrives at the Cape.
The colonists, I found, as we proceeded,
raised some tobacco ; but it was of a bad
quality, owing, perhaps, to their not being
sufficiently acquainted with the manner of
rearing it. They all expressed a wish to
have seed from America, and to have peo
ple from that continent established in their
neighbourhood. An American well ac
quainted with the growth and manufac
ture of this plant must, In a few years, if
settled in these parts, become not only
independent, but opulent.

121
Having passed, on the seventh, the Bosh
isman's path in perfect security, Ave began
to consider ourselves released from their
attacks, and therefore went on with un
usual cheerfulness. We proceeded through
a delightful country, abounding in gazelles,
and plentifully stocked with porcupines.
We found their quills In vast quantities
on the ground, and a great number of
their holes. I had the curiosity to examine
several of them, and, judging from the
quantity of earth that lay at the entrance
of their habitations, I conceived they must
have penetrated to a considerable depth.
We stopt this day at a farmer's, and ex
changed our remaining sheep for an equal
number of fresh ones. Those we possessed
were drove so far, that most of them be
came feeble and emaciated ; but the colo
nist was a liberal man, and parted freely
with his property, though he lost by the
exchange. From the 8th to the 1 6th of June, our
journey was not interrupted by any dis
agreeable occurrence. The countries through
which we passed displayed every mile we

122
travelled a change of new beauties. The
mountains were in many places of stu
pendous height, and the valleys, decorated
with wood, were astonishingly fertile in
vegetable productions. One of the most
extensive of these valleys took us no less
than three days and a half In passing. It
is called by the settlers Long Cluff, and
affords, perhaps, as many romantic scenes
as can be foqnd in any spot of the same
extent on the face of the earth.
The hills for seventy or eighty miles
run parallel to each other. The lands be
tween are wonderfully rich, and produce
vast quantities of a plant similar in its
smell and taste to our thyme.. On this
fragrant herb are fed immense quantities
of sheep and cattle : they devour it with
great eagerness, and it gives the mutton a
flavour so like our venison, that an epicure
might be deceived in the, taste. The
valleys are generally level from eight to
four miles in breadth, and in several places
intersected with rivulets, on the borders of
which we frequently perceived whole groves
of the aloe-tree.

123
As we travelled through this vale, I was
occasionally diverted by the observations
and good-natured contentions of my peo
ple. One said he would build a house on
such a spot, when he had made a fortune
and gave up the sea. Another would point
to a different situation as the place of his
residence, and that he would keep ten
wives. A third, perceiving what he thought
a more delightful place, would have that
in preference to the others, and be content
with less than ten wives : he would have
only eight ; four of these should be black,
and four white. A fourth declared he
would have his mansion near a particular
stream which he then had in view, and
would not visit his old messmates, because
they had often refused him a chew of to
bacco. The others denied this he asserted ;
but after wrangling for some time, the
man observed that If they behaved like
good fellows, he would lend them a hand
to raise a stock of children, provided they
would do the same by him. The proposal
was immediately acceded to, and they
all shook hands In perfect good humour.
Thus were these poor fellows amusing

124
themselves as they went on, regardless of
the past, and but little attentive to the
future. On or about the fourteenth, we reached
the settlement of an old and blind man. He
had a large family, and appeared to possess
a comfortable independence. When he
heard our story, the good farmer burst
into tears, and ordered a glass of brandy
to be given to each of the crew. After
this unusual and cheering repast, he di
rected some mutton to be delivered to my
people, and gave them a pot to dress it
in. He then requested I would mess with
the family, which I did; and when supper
was ended, this worthy creature Informed
me he was so pleased with our escaping
the dangers of the sea and the Caffrees,
that he would celebrate our meeting with
a song. He iraraediately began, and sung
with the voice of a Stentor. A general
plaudit succeeded; and then our honest
benefactor, addressing himself to me, said,
" Now, captain, I have a favour to ask of
" you. Pray desire all your people to sing."
It was impossible to avoid laughing at this

125
whimsical request ; but I thought good
humour at such a moment should not be
interrupted. I therefore desired an Ame
rican sailor who sat near me to sing one
of his best songs. He no sooner began
than all the Lascars tuned their pipes :
this set a going the Swedes, Portuguese,
Dutchmen, and all the crew; each party
sung in their several languages, and at the
same time. Such a concert, I believe, was
never heard before ; but the liberal and
merry old colonist was so entertained with
their music, that he had nearly dropt from
his chair in a fit of laughter. I mention
these little anecdotes to show the disposi
tion of some of the people who are settled
in these parts ; and that notwithstanding
there are many who are perhaps dead to
the feelings of humanity, still there are
others of a very different description, and
highly merit our protection and esteem.
I was provided this night with a sheep' s-
skin, on which I rested under the roof of
the farmer's cottage ; but there was not
room for all, and therefore most of my
poor fellows were obliged to sleep in the

126
air. A similar inconvenience had hap
pened so frequently since we reached the
colonies, that we determined to separate.
We were now out of the reach of the Boshis
men, and therefore we might travel In
less numbers, and with security. At some
of the farms we had passed, the proprfetors
could not furnish us with a waggon, and
therefore, although I was generally accom
modated with a horse, my people were
obliged to walk : from this untoward circum
stance, several who were unable to travel
had remained with the settlers. They re
ceived every encouragement to stop, espe
cially such as were in the least acquainted
with the cultivation of land, or bred to any
particular trade. One of my crew, who
was a cooper, having stopt at a farm
house, was Immediately employed ; and
having mended all the tubs with an ex
pedition that astonished the proprietor, he
gave him a pressing Invitation to remain.
The farmer was an honest, worthy man,
and the stranger acceded to the proposal.
This accident, I have been informed since,
has been attended with no less consequences

127
to the cooper than his marrying the
farmer's daughter, and being settled on
the spot as an Independent colonist.
On the morning of the seventeenth we
separated, and I took with me my chief
and third mates, together with one or two
more who were sohcitous to accompany
me. The country,, as we advanced, in
creased in population ; and the farm-houses
were, in several places, not more than two
hours' distance from each other. Many
of them were beautifully situated, and their
lands produced grain, oranges, figs, and
lemons in abundance. Their grapes like
wise appeared to flourish, and supplied
them with wine and brandies, which they
vended chiefly at the Cape. We saw vast
herds of deer, partridges out of all number,
and immense tracts of land covered entire
ly with aloe-trees.
The colonists are not sufficiently ac
quainted with the means generally used in
preparing and analyzing this valuable drug.
The lamentable consequence is, that whole
forests of the aloe-tree, which the hand of
nature so bountifully presents, are suffered

128
to decay ; but which, if skilfully managed,
would produce an inexhaustible and im
mense revenue to the settlers..
From the seventeenth to the twenty-first
we travelled a mountainous country ; but
the valleys constantly presented farms and
habitations where the industry of the hus
bandman was amply rewarded. Their flocks
of sheep were prodigious ; but their cattle
were not so numerous, nor In such good
condition as those we had seen in themore
advanced colonies.
On the twenty-second we arrived at
Zwellingdam, and proceeded to the Lan
dorse-house. The Landorse is the chief
man of the place, and his settlement con
sists of about sixteen or eighteen houses,
surrounded by a delightful country, and
producing grain, vegetables for culinary
purposes, grapes, and fruits of almost every
description. This gentleman gave me a very hos
pitable reception, took me into his stables,
where he showed rae two fine zebras which
he was endeavouring to reconcile to the
harness. The next morning he furnished

129
me with a horse and guide to conduct me
to his brother-in law's ; and that nothing
might be omitted on his part to secure me
a favourable reception at the Cape, my wor
thy host gave me a very kind letter to
his friend. General Craig, commander in
chief, acquainting him with the loss of
my ship, and the miseries we had endured
in our travels through the deserts. He
also requested the general would do me
every service in his power, which he would
acknowledge as an obligation conferred
upon himself.
We arrived at the settlement of Johan-
nas Brinch, at Stallen Bush, on the third
or fourth day, after travelling a country
highly cultivated, and producing immense
forests of the aloe-tree. The farmers live
here in affluence, and I continued to ex
perience the most liberal and kind atten
tion during the remainder of my journey.
On my arrival at Stallen Bush, I waited
on Mr. Brinch, whose reception I can
never mention but In terms of the most
fervent gratitude and esteem. His re
sidence is one of those delightful places
which, from its natural situation and fer-
K

130
tllity, wraps the beholder, the moment
he perceives it, in a kind of ecstasy. The
vines here are reared with great attention,
and are highly productive. Grain, vege
tation, and fruits, yield abundant crops ;
and camphire-trees of very large dimen
sions thrive also on this settlement. In
deed the whole seemed to be so precisely
what it should be, that any alteration must
be a deformity. The people here dress
well, but nearer the English than the
Dutch style. They have nothing of that
sullen taciturnity belonging to the cha
racter of the Hollander, but are sprightly
and good humoured.
My habiliments, when I reached this
happy spot, were in a deplorable con
dition ; and this being soon perceived by
the excellent lady of the mansion, she
ordered my stock of linen to be washed,
and provided me with such necessaries as
I wanted for the present.
I remained two days under the roof of
this liberal and benevolent gentleman. He
pressed me to stay longer ; but I was de
sirous of reaching the Cape, and there
fore declined his hospitable invitation. In

131
the morning, therefore, he provided me
with a horse and guide, and I took my
departure from Stallen Bush on the 30th
in the raorning. Our journey was but
short, as we arrived the same evening at
the Cape of Good Hope ; and although
emaciated in my frame, yet in tolerable
health.

K 2

132

CHAPTER IX.
General Craig's reception of the captain stated. — Ad
miral Elphinstone's liberal and noble conduct de
scribed. — List of the settlers who behaved kindly
to the captain and his crew delivered to Admiral
Elphinstone by his own directions. — General ob
servations. — The captain arrives in England.
The only thing now wanting to complete
my happiness was the arrival of my poor
people. The major part of them were
creeping after me to implore relief, and
they looked to my exertions as the me
dium through which their miseries would
be alleviated.
Every painful reflection on this occasion
at once subsided when I considered that
a British officer had the command at the
Cape. I had a letter to General Craig
from his worthy and respectable friend, the
Landorse of Zwellingdam ; but the situa
tion of my people, who had survived such
a series of calamities, could not fail, as I
conceived, to awaken the feelings of hu
manity ; and I knew this virtue to be the
predominant characteristic of a British sol-

133
dier, I therefore entertained no doubt
but the commander in chief would give
me every assistance in his power, especially
when I recollected that we were the last
people who had travelled through the co-
lonles since the conquest by the English,
and that I could speak more directly, per
haps, than any other person respecting the
attachment or hostility of the settlers to
the British government. In this point of
view, I became an object of great political
Importance to the commander In chief;
and fully Impressed with these reflections, I
waited on General Craig : but, alas ! friend
ship, humanity, policy, and even politeness,
were not then at head-quarters. His an
swer was — " I have nothing to do with
" the business ; you must go to the ad-
" miral." — I shall here throw a charitable
veil over the conduct of this general, and
only observe, that when I had recovered
from this sudden stroke of Inhumanity, I
departed without ceremony, and instantly
flew to Admiral Elphinstone.
Here the contrast was -indeed complete.
The admiral received me with every mark
of tenderness and commiseration. He as-

134
sured me, that as my people arrived at
the Cape, they should be accomraodated
until they could find means to ship them
selves for their respective destinations.
His promises are not made and forgotten.
During the six weeks I remained at the
Cape, about thirty of ray people, chiefly
Lascars, arrived, and in a state of absolute
nakedness. The admiral immediately gave
directions for their relief, and when re
covered, sent them to Cape-town to join
one of the Company's extra ships bound
to Bengal, Such was the conduct of the
brave, humane, and generous Elphinstone.
He participated in the miseries of my peo
ple, and frequently lamented their misfor
tunes in terms that did honour to the sailor
and the man.
I offer this public testimony of my vene
ration and respect for an officer whose pro
fessional character will flll a bright page in
the annals of his country, and whose ge
nerous nature entitles him to a distinguished
place in the temple of worthies.
On ray second visit to the admiral, he
interrogated me respecting the colonists.
I rejoiced at the opportunity of repaying

135
him, in a certain degree, for his liberality,
and I gave him a faithful and long detail
of what I had observed of these people
during my travels through their country.
Of this I shall speak more at length in
the concluding part of this work. His ob
servations discovered a comprehensive and
penetrating mind. He left nothing un
touched that he thought necessary for his
information. After I had described the
general conduct of the settlers throughout
the whole of my journey, he desired to
know If I could recollect the names of
those farmers who had treated me and my
people with so much kindness. I told
him I believed I could recollect the most
of them, and in a short time afterwards
delivered into his hand the following list.
John Du Pliesies.
Cornelius Englebrach.
Philip Cone.
JOHANNAS SlAYWERS.
Peter Fanforus.
Peter Gorse.
Theodores Mullar.
 Millar, Captain of Militia.
Peter De Praise.

136
Baron De Long.
Jacobus Stane,
The Landorse of Swellingdam.
Peter Kemp.
Johannas Brinch.
Hendrich Hopper.*
When the admiral had perused the fore
going list, he emphatically said, " I will
order presents to the amount of one hun
dred pounds to be sent to these honest
people, as a reward for their humanity."
This measure evidently united a sound
policy with an endearing liberality, and I
am perfectly convinced has had every effect
the worthy admiral expected. Indeed I
became so well acquainted with Admiral
Elphinstone's conduct at the Cape, and the
general character he bore there, that I be
lieve nothing could more effectually secure
the attachraent of the people to the British
government than his remaining with them
for some years after the conclusion of a
peace.
* I publish these names, not only in justice to the
people themselves who should be distinguished as
honest settlers, but for the information of those who
may hereafter visit the countries where they reside.

137
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
It was about the third or fourth day
after we entered the colonies that I heard
of the Cape being in possession of the Bri
tish. This information determined me to
observe what effect the conquest of that
settlement by the EngUsh had upon the
colonists. I constantly introduced the sub
ject wherever I came, and I found that
notwithstanding they all execrated the
Dutch government for their oppressive
conduct towards them, and wished for new
settlers on the oriental and western coasts,
still they were not unanimous In their opi
nions respecting the English. Some were
violent in their observations on this subject,
and declared, that If the governor had sent
them word of an enemy being on the coast,
they would have mustered eight thousand
strong, and marched directly to the Cape.
Others seemed perfectly satisfied with the
change, and hoped the British nation would
not conclude a peace without having these
countries ceded to the crown of England.
Upon the whole, I conceived that a ma
jority of the colonists were still in favour

138
of their old masters ; but that a wise and
liberal government at the Cape would soon
dissolve all their ancient prejudices, and
attach the settlers in general to the British
nation. As I have only touched, in my intro
duction to this Narrative, upon the neces
sary conduct which, in my opinion, should
be observed towards these people, I shall be
more explicit in my following observations.
I have before stated that many of the
colonists live by murdering and plundering
the unoffending inhabitants of the deserts.
Those abominable transactions should cer
tainly be prevented in future, and I have
pointed out the raost likely means to ac
complish it, which is by forming settle
ments on the coasts of Caffraria and the
western side of this extensive continent.
But supposing this humane and political
measure to be fully accomplished, still there
remains a work to be performed of infinite
Importance to the prosperity of these coun
tries, and the government of the whole.
What I particularly allude to on the pre
sent occasion Is the mode to be adopted
for civilizing the natives of those delightful

139
countries situated from three to five hun
dred miles northward of the Fish River.
On considering this subject with atten
tion, I own some very potent objections
have taken possession of my mind respect
ing the usual manner of colonising which,
for centuries past, the enlightened nations
have invariably pursued.
It cannot have escaped those people who
are conversant in history, that since the
establishment of Christianity In Europe no
savage country has been settled from that
continent without having missionaries or
clergy of some order to accompany the ad
venturers. The piety of the measure would
at this day be applauded. If experience
had not taught us the impolicy of it ; for
I believe it will be found that hitherto the
adoption of this practice has been seldora
attended with a single good consequence.
But without recurring to the histories of
Mexico, and the eastern world, to eluci
date this opinion, I shall confine ray observa
tions to the savages in Africa, and what effect
I can conceive would be produced by th ein-
troduction of any order of clergy amongst
them.

140
The people inhabiting these regions are
destitute of every intellectual acquirement :
they have not the most distant concep
tion of the existence of a Deity, nor of
future rewards and punishments. Notwith
standing this, if humanity and benevolence
constitute morality, they are a moral people.
They likewise possess intelligence, but that
teaches them to reject, as preposterous,
every thing that appears inconsistent with
their reason.
There would be little difficulty in con
vincing them of the existence of a God,
because they perceive motion, order, and
regularity, throughout space; nor would
it require sacerdotal learning to establish
on their minds a perfect conviction of a
future life. Both these truths should be
propagated, as their political and moral
conduct would. In a great measure, be esta
blished by their belief of these doctrines;
but here we should stop. The moment a
divine began to preach the sublime myste
ries of our faith, the savages would be
confused ; they could never imagine that
any particular spot of this globe was so
immediately the object of God's favour

141
as to be enlightened by his especial grace
in preference to the rest of the world.
They have sagacity sufficient to discover
that men of every country, colour, and
description, are his children, and, of course,
must be alike objects of his care. To
press, therefore, on their minds a doctrine
which precludes reason and substitutes
faith would not only be ineffectual but
dangerous, as it might weaken their opinion
as to our superior understanding, and of
course lead them to despise what they
should reverence.
But there Is another reason that fully
elucidates my opinion on this important
subject. If the savage countries in Africa,
which I have before described, be colo
nised from England, it Is certain that people
of different religious persuasions will visit
and settle there. What then must be the
evident consequence ? plainly this, that
what they hear on one day delivered as
sacred truths they will find contradicted
on the next. The poor savages, however
ignorant, will soon perceive, that notwith
standing our boasted learning and informa
tion, we have not been able to agree

142
amongst ourselves on matters so essential
to our temporal and spiritual happiness ;
and if they are not disgusted with these
different sentiments, they will be divided
into sectaries, and from thence must arise
contentions and reciprocal' animosities,
which generally terminate in wars, perse
cutions, and bloodshed.
We have sufficiently experienced in Eu
rope the mischiefs that have arisen from
theological prejudices, and I hope theiy
may be avoided in Africa, if the natives are
to become objects of British civilization.
The use of the plough, which in a great
measure secures a local residence ; the
manner of rearing vegetation for all the
purposes of civil life ; erecting of com
fortable habitations, and forming them into
towns and villages, together with all the
useful arts, may be taught them ; and these
necessary avocations will employ their time,
secure their attachment, and eventually
make them useful members of a regular
community. These important ends may
be fully accomplished without confusing
thera with mysterious doctrines, which they
can never be sufficiently educated to em-

143
brace or understand. Indeed the attempt,
I am convinced, would be ineffectual, if not
dangerous, and therefore I object to the
establishment or introduction of any theo
logical system on the continent of Africa.
I do not address my sentiments on this
occasion to any description of persons
who, from early habits, have been taught to
view the most Important subjects through
the dark mist of prejudice. Were I to act
otherwise, I must commence an endless
warfare with the passions, and my Inten
tions, however good, be liable to miscon
ception and reproach. No man, I believe,
at this moment, entertains a more profound
respect for those truths which are promul
gated under the divine authority of the
christian dispensation than myself; but as
I earnestly wish the Cape of Good Hope
may remain for ever an appendage to the
crown of England, I have been induced
to offer my objections to such measures as
I thought would defeat so glorious a pur
pose, and, at the same time, to recommend
others that had a tendency to secure it.
On such an occasion the politician surely
may be allowed to check the honest zeal of

144
the church-man, without being fairly sub
jected to the reproach of impiety. It is
upon this plain and reasonable ground I
have ventured my opinion respecting the
introduction of theological doctrines into
the wilds of Africa ; and if these sentiments
be found worthy of attention, or if in the
present work I have furnished a single hint
that eventually may be found useful to the
British nation, I shall not hereafter re
pine at the calamities I have suffered, but
humbly thank Providence for raising the
storm that threw me on the desert shores
of Caffraria.
As my return to Europe was not at
tended with any remarkable occurrence, I
shall now only add, that I took my depar
ture from the Cape in the Saint Cecilia,
Captain Palmer, and arrived in Crook-
haven (In Ireland) about the middle of
November, 1796. In a few days after
wards we set sail for England, and as we
made our passage in a short time, I soon
found myself once more in London.
the end.

Printed by T. Davison,
WhitefriarB, London.

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