my account with Mr. Anderson for some provisions with which I
had been supplied, and who obliged me by taking my bill payable
in Cape Town.
23rd. This being the last day of my remaining at Klaarwater,
a number of people came about my waggons to try what could be
obtained by begging. To some I gave a trifle ; for, my own wants,
and the uncertainty of any supply to my stores, together with the
belief, that if I should be in need, they would forget to be grateful
in return, forbade my being more generous.
I agreed with Abraham. Abrams, Hendrik’s brother, who resided
at Groote-doorn, to take care of my oxen; subject, however,
to Gert’s superintendence and directions, and to the condition of
my making a deduction from the promised remuneration, in case
any were lost, or came to accident, through any want of proper attention
on his part.
I gave the most strict injunctions to Gert and Hannah, never
to leave my waggons unprotected, but that they should be constantly
watched either by the one or the other. I left with them such a
stock of tobacco and brandy, as was judged enough, at a reasonable
rate, to last till my return; and cautioned them to conceal their
having so large a quantity,' lest it might be all begged, or stolen
from them. Their assurances of fidelity to my service, and promises
of obeying my orders in every thing to their utmost, appeared so
faithful and warm, that I felt no apprehensions at leaving all my
property in their care; more especially as both the waggons were
to be stationed in a spot where every movement could be seen from
the village and the huts of the missionaries, of whom I asked the
favor of their now and then casting an eye that way.
All our preparations being completed, Philip was sent to
Groote-doorn for ten of my oxen, and to apprise Lucas and Hendrik
that all was ready for starting early on the following morning.
These arrived punctually at my waggons in the evening, with their
pack-oxen, and the Bushman Niewwveld; whose appearance, together
with the character Lucas gave of him, made me consider
him as a very useful addition to our number. Old Hans had engaged
a Half-Hottentot, named Daniel Kaffer, and his son, to be the
driver and leader of my waggon from the river back to Klaarwater :
but, in the course of the evening, as they all sat round the fire,
talking in high spirits over the prospects of their intended journey,
they at last persuaded old Daniel to make one of our party, and
Hendrik immediately gave up one of his pack-oxen for his use.
I had not, for several months, experienced so much pleasure
and satisfaction as I did this evening, in beholding all my little party-
assembled, and, in such a cheerful mood, anticipating nothing but
pleasure from the journey before us. In the most perfect harmony
and good humour, and in a zealous attention to every circumstance
which could be thought likely to ensure our success, they now
showed themselves to be exactly the men that were to be desired on
such an expedition. Nor was this happy situation of affairs without
its effect upon myself: my difficulties and disappointments vanished
entirely ; I felt all my enthusiasm for travelling revived in its greatest
ardor; and beheld the prospect open before me, painted with
all the glowing colors of a warm imagination.
Thus pleasantly passed the eve of our departure; and, occupied
with the enlivening anticipations of new scenes, and of the prosperous
result of our journey, all retired to rest, impatient for the
arrival of the next morning.