the cooking utensils, besides the karosses (cloaks) and bedding of the
Hottentots, were secured.
That no measure of forethought might be omitted, I appointed
agents * in Cape Town, to receive and forward to England the packages
and collections, which I might have to send back while still
within reach of the colony.
All my arrangements were now completed, excepting one, which
was not of trifling importance: I was still without the proper complement
of men. No answer had yet been received from the missionary
at Groene Kloof, although.nearly a fortnight had elapsed.
The three that were already hired would have been enough, in the
ordinary mode of travelling within the colony, that is, one to drive
the waggon, another to lead the team, and the third to take charge
of the loose oxen ; but for a journey over deserts and through uncivilised
nations, so small a number was very insufficient Philip
had been daily employed in making enquiries, but hitherto without
success; and, therefore, seeing little prospect of hiring Hottentots
in Cape Town, I resolved to rely on the chances of obtaining them
in my way through the colony.
In the afternoon, my two Hottentots were sent to Salt-river to
fetch the oxen, and returned with them at sun-set, to be in readiness
for the next day.
18th . Early this morning, Philip accidentally met a Hottentot
acquaintance of his, who had but just arrived in town, and
who, not more than two months before, had received his discharge
from the Cape regiment. His old comrade had no sooner mentioned
to him the proposed journey, than he expressed the greatest desire
to go with us, although he was unfortunately at this time engaged
as herdsman in the service of a person of the name of Leibbrandt,
who resided in the town.
* Messrs. Ranken Sr Scott, English merchants; to whom I am under much obligation,
particularly to the latter, during the absence of his partner, for the great care which,
during four years, was taken of the different packages that came into their hands.