sent by order of the governor, in consequence of a conversation in
which it was remarked that, as the small pox had once made its
appearance a few years ago in the country beyond the Gariep, it
seemed probable that much good might result from introducing,
among the natives,' the art of vaccination.
In my way back to the village, I met a Hottentot, who, asking
me if I was not de Engehche heer (the English gentleman), presented
a letter from my friend Poleman, informing me that the name of the
bearer was Gert (Gerrit, pronounced Ghairt) Roodezand: that in
consequence of my application to the Moravian missionaries at
Groene-Kloof, this Hottentot had been sent to Cape Town, whence
he was immediately despatched to Tulbagh.
The circumstance was the more fortunate, as there appeared
now but little chance of procuring any men at this village: I
therefore gladly took him into my service.. This man was a Hottentot
of mixed race, as was evident from the greater width of the
lower part of the face, and from the hair being a little less woolly.
His figure was stouter than that of Hottentots in general, but, excepting
in these particulars, he did not vary from the genuine character.
His eyes were small and sunken, his nose wide and flattened, and
lips large and thick. I thought I could perceive in him, sufficient
indications of willingness and of a tolerably active and acute
disposition, to make me satisfied with my new servant ; and, to
ratify our agreement as soon as we got home, I equipped him in
a new suit of clothes, consisting of jacket, shirt, trowsers, and watch-
coat.
29th. Of a waggon-maker named Jacob de Bruyn, in Winterhoek
(Winter Corner), I purchased another waggon. It had been
much used, and was in need of some repairs; but I had no
choice, as this was the only, one for sale to be met with, notwithstanding
numberless enquiries had been made every where in
the neighbourhood. The repairs were instantly begun, under an
assurance that the waggon would be rendered as strong as a new
one. It was so much smaller than my own, that it could not carry
more than half the load : but I considered that, on many occasions,
for the purposes of short journeys, or of fetching home large game
shot at a distance from the principal waggon, a light vehicle of this
size would be found useful; and therefore, to increase its lightness,
I had the sides enclosed with reeds * instead of boards.
The situation of Winterhoek is to be admired for its pleasantness
and singularity. A few farm-houses, surrounded by trees, and dispersed
here and there over this secluded little tract of country, had
a very picturesque sheltered appearance, in the bosom of lofty
mountains whose summits were at this time covered with snow.
30th. The weather beginning to assume a rainy aspect, raised
our fears that the Breede river (Broad river) would soon be impassable.
My fellow traveller became impatient to ford it before the torrents
from the mountains had reached its bed. This river may, without
danger, be crossed, till about twenty four hours after heavy rains:
but on the second day, the waters begin to find their way to it, and
often detain the traveller a fortnight on its banks. To avoid this, it
was arranged that he, and the other missionary whom we expected to
join our party at Tulbagh, should set out on the day after the morrow,
as I, who was obliged to remain till the waggon was ready, could
easily overtake them by the help of voorspans.
July 1st. Mr. Anderson came this morning, to apprize me
that he had received fresh intelligence respecting the body of
hostile Caffres lying in our route. They had, it was reported,
stationed themselves in the Karreebergen (Karee Mountains) for
the purpose of intercepting us. Their leaders were the same who,
a year or two before, had visited Cape Town for the purpose of
petitioning the governor to interfere between them and their own
chiefs; from whom they had revolted, on account, they said, of
unredressed grievances. Instead of acceding to their wishes, His
Excellency thought it wiser not to intermeddle with their quarrels ;
* Arundo Donax, Lin.
B B