gain any certain account of their fate, I would engage some of the
natives to go in search of them, by promising, in his name, an
adequate reward for their services if they brought back any authentic
information. His Excellency was pleased to add that, although himself
on the point of quitting the Colony, to return to England, he
should leave instructions for the colonial secretary to fulfil whatever
promises of this kind, I might find it necessary to make: and concluded
by requesting me to communicate to the secretary, by the
earliest opportunity, the result of my endeavours, or any intelligence
respecting this unfortunate party, which I might be able to gain.
To this request, my own feelings dictated the reply, that
although His Lordship should not have honoured me with this commission,
I should, for the satisfaction of my own mind as a point of
duty and common humanity, as well as from natural inclination, have
neglected no opportunity which circumstances might place within my
reach, of affording all the aid in my power, to men, and countrymen,
situated as they were: and that, should I gain such intelligence as
might induce me to believe that they were still in existence, and
stood in need of any assistance of mine, or that my presence would
relieve them from any difficulties, I should not hesitate a moment in
deviating entirely from my own track, to accomplish so important a
purpose.
It now appeared to me, from various reports which I had heard
since my arrival at Litakun, that there was a probability of gaining at
this place, if not a satisfactory account of those travellers, at least
some clue, as a guide to further inquiries: and, being prepared by
these reports, I sent my interpreter to request Mattivi to come to my
waggon, as I wished to have some conversation with him.
He came immediately; and when he had taken his seat and
the waggon was closed, I informed him that I had been commissioned
by the Governor of the Gape to ask him if he knew any thing relative
to the fate of the persons in question. Hitherto, this subject had
never been mentioned between us, although he had discoursed freely
on it with my men ; but he now entered upon it with much readiness,
and seemed desirous of communicating the required information.