THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
PRESENTED BY
WILLARD E. LOEB
MEMORIALS
OF
SOUTH AFRICA
BARNABAS SHAW,
WESLEYAN MISSIONARY,
RESIDENT IN THE COUNTRY NEARLY TWENTY YEARS.
"CAPE OF STORMS, THY SPECTRE FLED,
SEE, THE ANGEL HOPE, INSTEAD,
LIGHTS FROM HEAVEN UPON THY HEAD ;
AND WHERE TABLE-MOUNTAIN STANDS,
BARBAROUS HORDES FROM DESERT-SANDS,
Bl.ESS THE SIGHT WITH LIFTED HANDS."
MONTGOMERY.
LONDON:
SOLD BY J. MASON, 14, CITY ROAD ; HAMILTON,
ADAMS & Co., PATERNOSTER-ROW;
AND MAY ALSO BE HAD OF THE AT'THOR.
1840.
YORK:
J. COULTAS, PRINTER,
OUSE-BRIDGE.
TO
JAMES KENWOOD, ESQ., OF HULL,
&ty Jftitvto of
INTELLECTUAL, MORAL, AND RELIGIOUS IMPROVEMENT,
THESE MEMORIALS
AS A TRIBUTE OF FRIENDSHIP,
AND UNDER A SENSE OF MANY OBLIGATIONS,
ARE RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
THE AUTHOR.
M562396
PREFACE.
THE memory of John Wesley, who, regardless of fati-
gue, personal danger and disgrace, went out into the
highways and hedges to call sinners to repentance, and
to publish the gospel of peace, cannot but be revered
by every right-hearted missionary. He was a man
who sustained his missionary character to the last;
and who, in the 88th year of his age, on the very day
before he died, was heard to sing that beautiful mis-
sion hymn,
" All glory to God in the sky," &c.
When he had breathed out in song, tones fit for angelic
ears,
u Thou only art able to bless,
And make the glad nations obey,
And bid the dire enmity cease,
And bow the whole world to thy sway,"
his strength failed ; but on reviving a little, he ex-
claimed, in holy triumph, " The best of all is, God is
with us."
He was the chief promoter and patron of itinerant
preaching ; which he extended through Great Britain,
Ireland, the West Indies, and America, with unex-
ampled success. He died March 2, 1791, after which
the missions were successfully carried Q\} under the
superintendance of Dr. Coke. At the Conference of
6 PREFACE.
'
- <<"--*
1813, the Doctor expressed an earnest desire to pro-
ceed to the East Indies, for the purpose of establishing
a mission in that idolatrous country ; then in the
67 year of his age. Previously to this, he had crossed
the Atlantic no less than eighteen times, for mission-
ary objects ; and when some of the Preachers attempt-
ed to dissuade him from his Eastern enterprize, he
burst into tears, and exclaimed, in a manner which
they could not resist, " If you will not let me go, you
will break my heart" He was allowed to go; but was
found dead in his cabin, May the 3rd, in the course of
the voyage. Thus, he " ceased at once to work and
live."
When this excellent man could no longer engage in
pleading the cause of missions, both Preachers and
people awoke as from a partial slumber : they saw the
necessity of maintaining the ground which providence
had given them, and of increasing their exertions to
extend it, by holding Public Meetings.*
* Mr. Everett, adverting to these public meetings which almost immedi-
ately followed, observes in his " Village Blacksmith," page 142, eighth
Edition ; " It is difficult precisely to determine at this distance of time,
with whom the first thought originated, or what was the first sentence
that led to them. Mr. Scarth, of Leeds, repeatedly remarked to Mr. W.
Dawson, before Dr. Coke took his departure for India, ' The missionary
cause must be taken out of the Doctor's hand ; it must be made a public
a common cause' It is not impossible, that this may have been the germ
of the whole. The Dissenters had a public meeting in Leeds, a few
months previous to the first public one among the Wesleyans. This
having been held in the course of the summer, Messrs. Scarth and Tur-
kington visited the Conference, and expressed their views on the subject
to the Rev. George Marsden, stating that something should be done in a
more public way for the missionary interest belonging to their own body.
With their views, Mr. M. perfectly coincided. When the embarrassed
PREFACE. 7
j y;
The first meeting was held October 6, 1813, by which
a new and mighty impulse was given to the whole Con-
nection. Collectors in all directions offered their services,
and money was poured into the sacred treasury. Doors
of usefulness began to open in different quarters of the
globe, and young men were raised up, and offered
themselves to go to any part of the world.
Previous to the Public Missionary Meeting held at
Leeds, the Author had felt a desire to present his
state of the missionary fund came before the Conference ; there appeared
to be no alternative between reducing the preachers at home, or the mis-
sionaries abroad. There was too much zeal and liberality in the body to
permit either. The subject was one of deep interest, and did not die at
Conference. The Rev. Gr. Morley, the Leeds superintendent, thought, that
if the Dissenters could raise a Missionary Meeting, the Methodists might
also ; and accordingly suggested the subject to his colleagues, Messrs.
Bunting and Filter, who zealously entered into his views. Not satisfied with
commencing this ' new thing* in Methodism on their own responsibility, they
were desirous of knowing how far the proposal of a public meeting would
meet with the countenance of others of their brethren. Bramley having
been then but recently divided from the Leeds circuit a close union still
subsisting between them, and being contiguous to each other, these gentle-
men proceeded thither, with a view to deliberate with the Rev. W. Nay-
lor and the biographer, who were then stationed on the Bramley circuit.
No persuasion was requisite ; the propriety, necessity, and practicability
of the measure were manifest at once. The Leeds and the Bramley
preachers thus took the first decisive and active step in the work, which
has since been carried on to such an extent. A corresponding chord was
soon found to vibrate with pleasure in the breasts of the Rev. Messrs. R.
Watson and J. Buckley, of the Wakefield circuit ; and they were followed
by Messrs. Reece and Atmore, of the Bradford and Halifax circuits,
who both exulted in the prospect of so ample an harvest of good. Mr.
Bunting organised the first plan ; Mr. Watson wrote the first address ;
Mr. Buckley preached the first sermon on the occasion, at Armley, a
place belonging to the Bramley circuit ; and the first public meeting was
held in the old chapel, at Leeds. T. Thompson, Esq. M. P., was
in the chair."
8 PREFACE.
4
humble services to the Wesley an Missionary Com-
mittee ; and when he had the privilege of hearing the
Rev. R. Watson, at Hull, preach on Rev. xiv. 6., he
became fully decided. At the District meeting, held
in the City of York, in the spring of 1815, he offered
himself for the mission field ; and in the same year he
sailed for South Africa. He had the honour, and it
was accompanied with no little labour, of establishing
the first Wesleyan Mission Station in the interior of
that extensive country, from which he returned in 1837
to his native land. Having spent so many years in
Africa, he had a favourable opportunity of becoming
acquainted with the native tribes, and was earnestly
solicited by the Secretaries of the Wesleyan Mission-
ary Society, in 1828, to publish an account of their
manners and customs. He had then no time to pre-
pare such a work ; but the renewed solicitations of a
number of persons, both at home and abroad, have now
induced him to accede to their request ; and a number
of respectable friends having become Subscribers to
these MEMORIALS, there can be no risk in their publica-
tion.
The volume presented to the reader, contains a
history of the discovery of the grand promontory of the
Cape of Good Hope, and a brief account of the com-
mencement and progress of that interesting colony.
Numerous facts relative to missions will also be found,
Avhich were never before made public ; and the writer
is of opinion, that the Memorials will meet the wishes
of those who agree in sentiment with the author of
" Missionary Enterprises : " viz., " That a work from
PREFACE.
the pen of a missionary, should not contain just what
might be written by one who has never left his native
country, but a plain statement of the perplexities with
which he has been compelled to grapple, and the means
adopted to overcome them/' The notices of natural
history, referring to lions, tigers, &c., will be interesting
to many ; and the statements respecting the awfully
destitute state of the tribes in the regions beyond, it is
hoped, will excite the friends of missions to renewed
and increased exertions in the great cause in which
they are engaged, till mission stations shall be formed
from Great Namacqua-land to Cape Coast Castle, and
from Kaffraria to the Red Sea, as the only means of
making an end of the inhuman traffic in slaves, which
is still carried on to the amazing loss to Africa, of an
annual amount of 475,000 human beings.
In several instances, the author has derived assistance
from the works of respectable writers on South Africa,
as Messrs. Barrow, Thompson, and Alexander. He
thinks it proper to make this acknowledgement, as
some parts of the work were delivered in the form of
lectures, at a respectable public institution in Plymouth,
and he, on re- writing them, found it impossible, with
any degree of correctness, to mark all the quotations.
It was the author's design, on commencing these
MEMORIALS, to have given some account of the missions
carried on by oilier sections of the Christian Church ;
but he found it incompatible with brevity, and it would
have been impossible, in a short account, to do the
justice they demanded. The different Missionary So-
cieties, as was once observed by the Rev. ,T. Bunting,
10 PREFACE.
( y^'
are like so many ships, which " may appear to crowd
each other in the harbour ; " yet, when sailing on the
wide sea of heathenism, they have sufficient room.
With regard to the valuable missionaries, of different
societies, employed in South Africa, the writer would
pray with Moses : " The Lord God of your fathers
make you a thousand times so many more as ye are,
and bless you as he hath promised you ! "
Notice was also intended to have been taken of
various erroneous statements, which have been made by
hasty travellers ; but this also the author was obliged to
abandon. By way of caution, however, to the young
and inexperienced, he may observe, that a French
writer on South Africa, describes whole tribes of natives
which never existed, except in his own romantic imagi-
nation. Another traveller informs his readers, that the
roads in the vicinity of Cape Town, are repaired with
the tails of cows and oxen ; while a third states, " the
Hottentots use their bows and arrows with great dex-
terity; they shoot their arrows with great force, sending
them sometimes through the body of an ox." It is
added : " Sometimes persons may be seen at Green-
point riding on zebras, which are brought from the
interior, and generally kept at livery."
Every individual who has lived in the colony of the
Cape of Good Hope, for a few years, will bear the
author of these MEMORIALS out in affirming, that such
statements are altogether without foundation.
EPWORTH, October 29th, 1839.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Discovery of the Cape by the Portuguese Bartholomew Diaz
Vasco de Gama, 1497 Massacre of seventy-five persons Con-
trivance with Cannon Dutch East India Company sends Van
Riebeek, 1652 Commencement of Colony Reinforcement Re-
ligious Services Provisions Wild Beasts Van Riebeek's jour-
ney Price of Provisions in 1665 Clergymen Population in
1688 Hottentot boy Poetry 17
CHAPTER II.
Capture of the Cape by the British, 1795 Climate South-Easters
Table Bay Stone Pier commenced Cape Town Buildings
Table Mountain Inhabitants India gentlemen Country-seats
Increase of Population Fish and Animal food Wheat
Capabilities of the Colony People of colour ... 29
CHAPTER III.
Hottentots Origin Not faithfully described Mild and timid
Language Not stupid No longer under Chiefs. Namacquas
Country Go to a Dutch Governor Farmers' encroachments
Population Appearance Dress Disposition Ornaments
Language Huts Subsistence Hunting Chiefs Wars Ag-
riculture, ignorance of Superstitions Music Dancing Medi-
cine Funerals. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 36
CHAPTER IV.
Bushmen, Persons Clothing Prodigious appetite Cruelties
Love of revenge Language Dwelling-places Manner of Hunt-
ing Weapons Hottentot shot by them No form of Govern-
ment Jealous of strangers Superstitions Legend of woman
becoming a Lion Ignorance Corannas Country Filthy .
Huts Thompson's Account Girdle of Famine Women Sor-
cerers No Worship.... ... ... ... ... ... ... 46
CHAPTER V.
Kaffirs, Origin of name Person of males colour A Giant
Females Dress and Ornaments Lady with Fifty Necklaces
12 CONTENTS.
%
Marriage No written Characters Language Method of con-
structing Huts Occupation First Plough Ox Killing No
Fish eaten Kaffir Mill Tobacco Snuff Corn Magazines
Household Utensils Hunting Government Treatment of Re-
latives Punishments Implements of War Trade Ignorance
Superstitions Bechuanas, Geographical Position Towns
Subsistence Method of obtaining Fire Cannibalism Tan-
ning Copper- Smelting Vegetables Terrified by Horses' Tails
Beads Inhuman Mother Captains War-scars on the Thigh
Ignorance Superstition Rain- Makers Method of Calcula-
ting time Bleeding Woman Remarks 56
CHAPTER VI.
Mantatees, Till lately Unknown Origin of Name Country
Men Dress Employment Ferocity in War Many Battles
Weapons Method of Attack Repulse by Griquas in 1824 Re-
volting Scenes Determined Resolution Connexion with the
Portuguese Ignorance. Zuloos, Origin Personal Appear-
ance Chiefly known as Warriors Weapons Chaka His
Cruelty 450 men put to death at one time His Murder " The
great black one" Horrid Barbarities. Damaras, Country
Boy valued at four shillings Some among the Namacquas Five
Tribes Iron and Copper found Amusements Weapons Dis-
position Ignorance 67
CHAPTER VII.
The Author's appointment to Africa, 1815 London Ministers
Gravesend Lose sight of Land Rio de Janerio Slaves Arri-
val at Cape Town Waiting on Governors Restrictions of Dutch
Government Begin Preaching Sergeant Kendrick Society of
Soldiers Wynberg Silver Mine Simon's Town Mohamme-
dan Rev. H. Schmelen Namacquas Resolves on going into
the Interior Passport Departure Hard Lodgings Stick fast
in a River Marais Orange Groves Shooting Heer Van
Aarde's Uitkornst Heer H. Van Zyl's Liberality Heere
Lodgment Clan William 76
CHAPTER VIII.
Elephant River Thermometer 110 Meet a Namacqua Chief
Consultation Cross the Karree Forty- five Oxen die Ascend a
Mountain Hard Work Met by Namacquas on Oxen Arrive
CONTENTS. 13
at Naamrap Council held Ja Myhneer Mr. Schmelen's De-
partureLily Fountain Native Hut Advantage of being with-
out Furniture Baboons Mole Lost First Sabbath Garden
Seeds Eating Grass Begin to Build Cutting Timber Mas-
ter-Builder Natives attempt Singing Interpreter Effects of
the Gospel Expressions of the People Private Prayer Man-
ual Labour, to be attended to by Missionaries Close of 1816. ... 86
CHAPTER IX.
Child's Grave Erection of Chapel commenced People Indolent
Subscription for Food Work Proceeds Treading Clay Want
of School-books Making a Plough Battle-field First Bap-
tismsFirst Marriage Visit to a Chief Horse's Tail Terrific
Roads Large portion in a wooden dish Sleep on a Mat Meet-
ings for Discussion Visit to a Farmer's Place Anecdote Visit
to Bushman-land Fear of Lions Tedious Grinding A Nim-
rod First Love-feast. ... ... ... ... ... ... 97
CHAPTER X.
Rev. E. Edwards Songs in the Night Fires brighten Harvest
Horses Thrashing Children concerned Jacob Links's Letter
Sketch, a Namacqua Sermon Death of a Female Mountain-
top Children delighted Death of another Child A Day of
Wonder Curious Dialogue Destructive Hurricane Juvenile
Female Missionaries Mulatto's Dream Jan Hagel Lost in
Bushman-land Two die of thirst Sleeping on Sand Puff-adder
Native-cupping Hot Bath Rev. J. Archbell Reed Foun-
tain Earthquake Bethel in the Wilderness Old Namacqua
Children Racing Bush-boy gains a Prize ... 109
CHAPTER XI.
Governor's Order Hattery commenced Family Worship Sab-
bath employ Bell received" Oud Mamma" Joy of Harvest-
Quick Process Fine Cakes for Reapers Woman sick in Bush-
man-land Death of Chiefs wife Season of Scarcity Eating
Hides Drunk with Hunger European Clothing Congrega-
tions Clean Horrid Murders Comparative Industry Rev. T.
L. Hodgson's Speech Plenty of Corn Sown Good Stimulant... 129
CHAPTER XII.
Traveller's Testimony Mr. Hodgson's Visit Visit also of G.
Thompson, Esq Of the Author in 1827 -Goes by Sea Lost
14 CONTENTS.
in the Sands Extreme Thirst Scripture Appropriate Lying
on Sand Supply of Water Boor's Assertion Arrive at Lily
Fountain Rev. R. Haddy's Statement New Chapel Opened
Author and Family go on a Visit An aged woman dancing Old
Keudo in black coat Child's Grave Missionary Meeting Num-
ber of Cattle Sir James Alexander Old woman with Spectacles
Present State 138
CHAPTER XIII.
Prepare to visit Great Namacqua-land Speech of Old Lynks
Steinkopff In a waste Wilderness All Lost High-coloured
Coffee Orange River Scenery Bushwoman A Human voice
heard Wooden Horse Leaky Ship Eat a Bullock Lion's
Footsteps Mr. Schmelen Ox-riding Fed by a Lion Sour
MilkTsaumap's Village Present of a BullockA Novel Sight
Cooking Eating Marrow Savoury Meat Chief on a Cow
Clouds of Dust Gammap's Village Preaching by Moonlight
Consultation with Chiefs Cold Lodgings A Bold Beggar
Hard-riding A Tormenting Thirst Water Reach Bethany
Mr. and Mrs. Schmelen. ... ... ... ... ... ... 171
CHAPTER XIV.
Application to Governor Mr. Archbell goes to Great Namacqua-
land Sails to Walvisch Bay Sir J. E. Alexander's Account of it
Climate Supplies Desirable Place for a Mission Station Mr.
Archbell Removes Little Namacquas' Desire Rev. W. Threl-
fall, Jacob, and Joannes Alarming Account Rumours of their
Murder Mr. Schmelen's Report Murderer Taken Condem-
nedShot Character of the late Mr. T. JHis Appointment in
1822 Letter to the Secretary Journal at Delagoa Fever
Arrival in Table Bay All Sick on Board Put under Quaran-
tine Visited by the Rev. J. Whitworth Lands in Cape Town
Testimony of Colleagues Poetry, by James Montgomery, Esq.
of Sheffield 182
CHAPTER XV.
Chief Abram His Interview with Mr. Haddy His Arrival at Cape
Town Josiah Nisbett, Esq. Donation of Two Hundred Pounds
The Rev. E. Cook, offers himself The Rev. R. Watson's
Letter Mr. C. goes to Great Namacqua-land Meets a Chief-
Names the Station Nisbett Bath Requests another Missionary
CONTENTS. 1 5
Sir James Alexander's Visit Rev. J. Jackson A Congregation
School taught Chapel Built Exhorters Blydeverwacht
Ostriches and Zebras Chiefs desirous of the Gospel 199
CHAPTER XVI.
Cape Town Mr. Edwards commences Preaching Class formed
Author begs for a School Dutch Lady Messrs. Hodgson and
Threlfall Chapel Opened School Children Mr. Beavan's
death Prayer Meetings Difficulties A Coloured Woman
Military Departure for Lily Fountain Return to Cape Town
Leper Institution Genadendal Rev. W. Shrewsbury Death
of Maria Wray Passage to England Native Village Aged
Parents Poetry by Montgomery Farewell to Parents Stanzas
by an unknown Poet Leaving Hull Anchor in Table Bay
Simon's Town Chapel 212
CHAPTER XVII.
Rev. J. Cameron Mr. Schmelen Wesley Chapel Opened Rev.
R. Watson's Letter Rev. R. Snowdall's death Mr. Cook
Rev. J. Edgar Black woman Wynberg Mrs. Hodgson's death
Assisted by different Ministers Robben Island Interesting
Class Sailor's Letter Author's Answer Bethel Flag Preach-
ing on board the Undaunted Death of Mrs. Thornhill Somer-
set, Hottentot's Holland Premises Purchased Chapel Opened
Klip Fontein Natives Singing Chapel Opened Marriages
Stellenbosch Death of Mrs. Lucas 232
CHAPTER XVIII.
W. E. Underwood, Esq Wynberg Open Air Preaching Sanc-
tion of Governor Extinction of Slavery Rev. R. Watson's
Letter St. George's Church Rondebosh and Camp Ground
Ersk Rivier Preaching under Oak Tree Opposition of Field-
Cornet Amusing Dialogue Woman singing him to silence
Somerset Droog Valley Three Mohammedans under sentence
of death Geo. Alexander, Esq. Caledon Baths Preach in the
Reformed Church Rev. R. Giddy Mr. Edwards Mr. T. L.
Hodgson Remove to Wynberg Missionary Meeting Rev. W.
Shaw arrives Sydney-street Chapel Opened Diep Rivier Col-
oured people hold a Prayer-Meeting Sail for England Mis-
sionary Meeting and Present Prospects 256
16 CONTENTS.
^" "
CHAPTER XIX.
Albany, Arrangements of the Colonial Government Graham's
Town Success. Kaffraria, Rev. W. Shaw Pato, Conga,
and Kama The Tombookie Country Mr. Whitworth Doos-
hani Islambie Kind Reception Hintza Vossani Sanctity of
the Sabbath Fingoe Mission Wesleyville Rev. J. Ayliff Beka
Newtondale Mount Coke Rev. H. D. Dugmore Umhala
Taste for English Habits, &c. Respect for Missions Butter-
worth Hintza Amatembu Rev. R. Haddy Voosamie's kind
Attentions Clarkbury Morley Amapondo Capai Love of
War Desire for Missionaries Missionary Meeting in Wesley-
ville, held in the Open Air Lieut. Col. Somerset presides
Speeches of the Chiefs Graham's Town Boyce's Grammar
Printing PressBoy ce's " Notes on South African Affairs." ... 271
CHAPTER XX.
Bechuanas Revds. S. Kay and Melville Leetakoo Providential
Openings Rev. S. Broadbent Griqua Town Rev. T. L.
Hodgson Makwasse Mountains Sifonell Mantatees Rev. J.
Archbell Plaat Berg Happy Death Buchuaap The Pot
Dance Missionary Success Rev. J. Edwards Desire for the
Word Want of Natural Affection Thaba Unchu Prosperity
Dying Testimony Mr. Jenkin Corannas Field of the Slain
Umpukani Famine Mantatees Predictions Piet Witvoet
Sekonyale Sword prepares the way for the Gospel Thaba
Unchu Rev. R. Giddy Thirst for Knowledge Lishuani Rev.
W. H. Garner Mperani Quickening Umpukani Aged per-
sons baptized Polygamy Discountenanced Mr. Allison Sons
of Chiefs converted Sekongela Silo Wesleyan Missionaries and
their Stations in Africa A Schedule Exhortation 295
CHAPTER XXI.
Native Characters Jantje Wildschot Joannes Jaager Jacob Links
Andries Orang Peter Links E va Bartels Diana 313
CHAPTER XXII.
Natural History Lions Tigers Wolves Serpents Cameleo-
pards Springboka Gemsboka Zebras Hippopotami Rhi-
noceroses Baboons Porcupines Locusts Bees Ostriches. ... 340
MEMORIALS
SOUTH AFRICA
CHAPTER I.
DISCOVERY OF THE CAPE BY THE PORTUGUESE BARTHOLOMEW DIAZ
VASCO DE GAMA, 1497 MASSACRE OF SEVENTY-FIVE PERSONS-
CONTRIVANCE WITH CANNON DUTCH EAST INDIA COMPANY SENDS
VAN RIEBEEK, 1652 COMMENCEMENT OF COLONY REINFORCEMENT
RELIGIOUS SERVICES PROVISIONS WILD BEASTS VAN RIEBEEK's
JOURNEY PRICE OF PROVISIONS IN 1665 CLERGYMEN POPULATION
IN 1688 HOTTENTOT BOY POETRY.
" HISTORY," observes Cicero, " is the evidence of ages, the
light of truth, the life of manners, and the school of life."
That period of time when the discovery of the Cape of Good
Hope was effected, is decidedly one of the most important
eras in the annals of modern history. For this, as well as
many other very valuable geographical discoveries, we are
indebted to that spirit of enterprize which characterized the
Portuguese nation, at the commencement, and during the
continuance, of the fifteenth century; prosecuted chiefly
under the direction of Prince Henry, Duke of Visco, son
of the reigning monarch John I., and descended, on the
18 MEMORIALS OF
maternal side, from the royal line of England. This prince,
to whom were entrusted the growing power and resources
of his country, first planned the route to India round the
continent of Africa ; but was not permitted to witness the
completion of that important design. The well-established
hopes of the Duke of Visco were, however, soon realized
by his nephew John II., who prosecuted all his designs with
renewed vigour.
Bartholomew Diaz was employed by this sovereign on a
voyage of discovery. After having traced nearly a thousand
miles of new country, and endured incalculable hardships,
he at length came in sight of the Cape which terminates
South Africa ; but he proceeded no further, fancying that
he had arrived at the boundary of the earth, and being
intimidated with the darkness and tempests with which he
was surrounded. On account of the heavy gales which he
here experienced, he gave it the name of " Cdbo des totos
Tormentos? or the Cape of Storms ; which, however, was
subsequently exchanged by John II. of Portugal, for " Cabo
du buonne Esperanse" or Cape of Good Hope, from the
prospect which it afforded him of opening a maritime path
to India.
" Vasco de Gama, Columbus, and Magelhaens, were at
this time, all engaged in the Portuguese service, and forming
themselves in the nautical and enterprizing school which
was founded by Prince Henry, for those wonderful and
splendid discoveries which soon after immortalized their
names. Gama, patronized by Emmanuel II., who succeeded
John II. of Portugal, was appointed to the command of a
small expedition for the discovery of India. Three sloops
of war and a store-ship, manned with only one hundred and
sixty men, were fitted out, for hostility was not the purpose
of this humane and peaceful enterprize. There is something
in true genius which seems to be essentially connected with
humanity. Gama and Columbus prosecuted their dis-
SOUTH AFRICA. 19
coveries upon the most liberal principles, seeking to benefit,
not to destroy, their species."*
"To return to the discoveries of Gama. About four
miles from Lisbon there is a chapel on the sea side. To
this, the day before their departure, Gama conducted the
companions of his expedition. He was to encounter an
ocean untried, and dreaded as unnavigable ; and he did not
scruple to solicit the Divine aid and protection. Such con-
duct on the part of Gama was as strictly compatible with
the soundest reason, as the solar warmth is united with the
solar light. The whole night was spent in the chapel in
prayer for success. On the next day, when the adventurers
marched to the ships, the shores presented one of the most
solemn and affecting scenes, perhaps, recorded in history.
The beach was covered with the inhabitants of Lisbon. A
numerous procession of religious persons sung anthems, and
offered up supplications to heaven. The vast multitude
caught the fire of devotion, and joined aloud in the prayers
for the preservation and prosperity of the adventurers.
The relations, friends, and acquaintance of such, wept;
all were affected; the sigh was general; Gama himself
shed some manly tears on parting with his friends ; but he
hurried over the tender scene, and hastened on board with
all the alacrity of hope. Immediately he gave his sails to
the wind, and so much affected were the many thousands
that beheld his departure, that they remained immoveable
on the shore, till the fleet, under full sail, vanished from
their sight."f It was on the eighth of July 1497, that Gama
left the Tagus, and his voyage was extremely tempestuous.
During any gloomy interval of the storm, the sailors, wearied
out with fatigue, surrounded their commander and implored
him to return homewards. But Gama's resolution was
unalterable ; and having suppressed a formidable conspiracy
against himself, in which all the pilots were ringleaders, he,
* Cape of Good Hope Literary Gazette. f
20 MEMORIALS OF
v
with his brother and a steady band of adherents, stood night
and day at the helm. On the twentieth of November, hope
was turned to fruition. Vasco de Gama rounded the Cape,
which had long been the boundary of navigation. Soon
after this event, the king of Portugal dispatched ships with
orders to touch there. Fearful of approaching the main
land, they anchored near Robben Island, which is at the
entrance of Table Bay, and proceeded from thence with
their boats to see the natives. On one occasion, while a
number of Portuguese were on shore with the Hottentots, a
serious disturbance took place. One of the sailors having a
pair of buckles on his shoes, which attracted the attention
of the savages, and he being unwilling to part with them,
some misunderstanding arose, which ended in the massacre
of seventy-five persons, among whom were Franciscus de
Almyda, deputy king of Portugal, who was shot with a
poisoned arrow, and two of his captains.
In the course of a few years the Portuguese landed again,
and aware that the glittering copper would attract the atten-
tion of the unsuspecting natives, they took on shore with them
a shining cannon formed of that metal as a splendid present
to the chief. To the cannon, which was loaded with musket
balls, some long ropes were attached, that the Hottentots
might drag it away to their place of residence. Not aware
that this shining object was an engine of destruction, they
readily took hold of the ropes, and when on a line with its
mouth, a person previously appointed put the torch to the
powder, and instantly the numerous bullets killed and
wounded many of them. Those who escaped death imme-
diately fled to the mountains for security.
In the year 1652, the Dutch East India Company took
possession of the Cape. Jan Van Riebeek, who had pre-
viously visited the country, was specially appointed to
superintend the erection of a fort, and to govern the infant
settlement. He arrived in Table Bay in the month of
SOUTH AFRICA. 21
April, when a council was held on board of the principal
ship, previous to their landing. A part of ihe first resolution
formed by the council, which was held on the eighth of
April, runs thus : " Having, by the grace of God, whose
name be praised, safely arrived at the Cape of Good Hope,
for the purpose of establishing a general rendezvous, ac-
cording to the orders received from our superiors ; to take
possession of such lands as may be best suited for culti-
vation, &c., for the refreshment of the Company's vessels,
and for such other purposes as the interest of the Company
may require the council being assembled, have ordered
and directed that Jan Van Riebeek, accompanied by the
commanders of the ships at anchor, shall land, with some
armed soldiers, to inspect and measure a place fitted for the
erection of a fort : and having fixed upon the same, shall im-
mediately mark out a plan, so that no time may be lost, &c."
It may here be remarked, that Riebeek appears never to
have entered upon any important business, without imploring
the Divine blessing ; thus in the first page of the Records
of the Council, the following prayer is found :
" O merciful and gracious God, our heavenly Father !
since it has pleased thee to call us to the government of the
affairs of the East India Company, at the Cape of Good
Hope ; and as we have assembled in council, to advise and
adopt such measures as may best tend to promote the inter-
ests of the Company, to maintain justice, and if possible, to
plant and propagate the true Reformed Christian Doctrine,
amongst those wild and savage people, for the praise and
honour of thy holy name, and for the benefit of our employ-
ers : but being, without thy gracious assistance, unable to
effect these purposes ; we pray, O most merciful Father !
that it may please thee to preside at this assembly, and with
thy heavenly wisdom to so enlighten our hearts; that all
perverse passions may be removed from amongst us, our
hearts cleansed from all human weakness, and our minds so
22 MEMORIALS OF
composed ; that we, in all our deliberations, may not pro-
pose or resolve anything which will not tend to the praise
and glory of thy most holy name, and to the service of our
masters ; without considering, in the least, our own personal
advantage or profit. These, and such other blessings as
may be necessary to promote the service entrusted to us, and
for our eternal salvation, we most humbly pray and entreat,
in the name of thy beloved Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, who hath taught and commanded us to say : c Our
Father, which art in heaven, &c.' " This, or a similar
prayer, was doubtless oifered up, whensoever the council
assembled for business.
Thejftrst acts of Van Riebeek prove his anxious desire to
carry into effect the object contemplated by the company.
Three days after his arrival in Table Bay, he was superin-
tending the people who were engaged on the ground which
he had marked out for the erection of the fort; and before
the end of April he had made several excursions into the
surrounding country. On the last day of April, he writes in
his journal : " On this day we laid the first stone of the
walls upon which the rafters of the dwelling-house and store
are to be erected."
In the month of May, a reinforcement of fifty men from
Holland, arrived at the settlement. A minister being on
board the ship in which they came, he landed ; and, on the
12th of that month, a sermon was preached, and the Lord's
Supper administered, in an uncovered part of the house, in
the square of the intended fort. In June, Riebeek was
greatly discouraged by the death of several men, who were
carried off by the dysentery ; concerning which circumstance
he thus wrote on the 10th : " If the Almighty be not pleased
soon to relieve us from this calamity, we see little probability
of completing our work ; since many of our people are dead,
and those who remain are the greater part of them sick."
In September, he walked a distance of eight or ten miles
SOUTH AFRICA. 23
with his carpenters, to the back of Table Mountain, for the
purpose of inspecting the woods. The size and height of
the trees exceeded his expectation ; and to his astonishment
he found the following dates cut on some of them, 1604,
1620, 1622. This proved that these parts had been visited
by Europeans before ; but of what nation, or under what
circumstances, he could not ascertain.* In this excursion,
he also perceived a great quantity of game, and wild fow T l of
various kinds. By means of a Hottentot named Harry, who
could speak a little English, Van Riebeek obtained a sup-
ply of cattle from the natives called Saldanians ; of which,
at the end of the year, he possessed eighty-nine head, and
two hundred and eighty-four sheep.
It was soon found requisite, in order to provide for seasons
of scarcity which sometimes occurred, to commence the salt-
ing of a great number of seals and penguins, which were
obtained from Robben Island. Salt-pans, also, were dis-
covered not far from the fort, by some of the party ; and in
fine weather they caught abundance of fish, which were
preserved for future use. The garden which had been dili-
gently attended to, supplied them with cabbages, turnips,
carrots, and other vegetables ; and they also obtained occa-
sional supplies from the ships which entered the bay for
refreshment. They experienced considerable annoyance
from the unwelcome visits of lions, wolves, tigers, and jack-
als, at their cattle fold. But Van Riebeek appears to have
dreaded much more than the wild beasts, the swarms of
locusts with which they were at times infested, and which
on one occasion he states, darkened the air, and appeared
in number like flakes of snow. Table Bay was frequently
visited by whales, but as yet the settlers were unable to ob-
tain them ; a circumstance which Riebeek often regretted.
Means were soon devised to construct a vehicle with
which to draw timber from behind Table Mountain; and
* English ships had long put into Saldanah bay for water, &c.
24 MEMORIALS OF
this formed a part of the occupation of several of the men,
who had trained their oxen for the purpose. On each side
of the same mountain was found an abundance of the differ-
ent species of antelopes ; as also partridges, pheasants, wild
geese and ducks. The natives of the surrounding country
occasionally came to the settlement for the purpose of barter,
and gave oxen, cows, sheep, ostrich eggs, &c., in exchange
for European articles. Even at this early period of the
colony, the governor found amongst his own people, many
tokens of depravity ; some stole from the garden, and others
plundered the storehouses; whom, on conviction, he was
compelled severely to punish, for the sake of example.
On the 15th of October, 1653, Van Riebeek was blessed
with a son, being the second child born since the commence-
ment of the colony. About this time, a number of rhinoce-
roses, eilands, antelopes, and a troop of seven, and another of
eight elephants, were seen at the distance of a day's journey
from the fort ; which caused the party who perceived them
to get out of their path as speedily as possible. The gover-
nor sent sheep and rabbits to Robben Island for the purpose
of breeding ; but the serpents destroyed most of the rabbits,
and thus in some measure blighted the hopes which he had
entertained. The trade already commenced with the natives,
now increased, and extended much further inland ; for Van
Riebeek appears at all times to have been anxious to be on
friendly terms, and strictly enjoined peaceable measures
upon his people in all their dealings with them.
The name of Governor Van Reibeek, is still had in grate-
ful remembrance by all classes of Society, at the Cape of
Good Hope. It is stated, that he purchased land from the
natives in different directions ; which was divided and given
out to the settlers, whom he assisted by supplying with im-
plements of agriculture, and whose efforts were attended
with considerable success. He made several journeys into
the country, the most distant of which was to a mountain
SOUTH AFRICA. 25
between Zwaartland and twenty- four rivers, which still bears
the name of Riebeek's Kasteel. He was an active and con-
scientious man ; and from a perusal of his journal, in which
are noted down particular days for prayer and fasting, and
others for joy and thanksgiving, together with his remarks
in reference to the Providence and grace of God ; we cannot
doubt that he was also a truly religious man. Public wor-
ship was kept up in the infant colony, though for several
years destitute of any regular minister. Jan Van Riebeek
was governor at the Cape for more than ten years ; and was
succeeded by others, under whose administration the colony
continued to increase and prosper.
In the year 1665, the price of the following articles was
fixed thus :
Beef ... 2 stuivers or farthings per Ib.
Mutton . . 3
Pork . . . 4
A wild goose 6
A wild duck . 5
Common duck 4
Water mellon \
25 turnips . 2
In the same year, the Rev. Joannes Van Arckel, the first
minister of the Reformed Church appointed to the colony,
arrived on the 23rd of August; who, on leaving the Cape for
Batavia, was succeeded by the Rev. Joannes Wagtendorp.
His successors were the Rev. Messrs. De Vooght, Moer-
landt, Hulzenaar, Overnei, Van Andel, and others.
In 1688, the number of inhabitants in the colony was as
follows :
Christian^ Men, 254.
Women 88.
Boys 119.
Girls 112.
Servants 39.
26 MEMORIALS OF
Slaves, Men, 230.
Women .; . ..:. ,.".' . . '...' 44.
Children . 36.
Total number of inhabitants . . . 922.
It does not appear that much, if anything was done, to-
wards the com 7 ersion of the natives to Christianity ; indeed it
would seem to have been the opinion of many, that this was
impossible. Mr. Kolbe* says they would not receive the
Gospel, in proof of which he records the following circum-
stance. The Governor Simon Van Der Stell, took a Hot-
tentot youth whose name was Pegu, for the purpose of
training ; whom he clothed in a military dress, and supplied
with a wig, and a hat bordered with gold. He gave him
silk stockings, and a sword to hang by his side. Thus
equipped, he sent him to school, where he was taught to
read, &c. He learnt the Dutch, Portuguese, and other lan-
guages, which he could speak with fluency. In 1685, he
went to India with the Commissioner Van Rheede, and con-
tinued with him till his death. He then returned to the
Cape, but would no longer remain in civilized life. He
therefore took his fine clothing, and putting it in a chest,
threw his caross over his shoulders, and went to the governor
saying : " Hoort Myn Heer," " Hearken your honour ; I
must no longer wear clothing, and much less be a Christian.
Let me go to my own people, and live as they do. My
clothing is in the chest ; I take nothing but this sword and
cravat with me." Having spoken thus, he departed to his
people, and returned no more. He afterwards became a
chief amongst them ; and Kolbe says, that he had seen and
conversed with him repeatedly.
The following lines appeared in the Cape Literary Gazette,
a few years ago, which are designed to commemorate the
tawney- coloured boy.
* The Dutch Historian of the Cape.
SOUTH AFRICA. 27
From long debate the council rose,
And viewing JuWs feats with joy,
To Cape Town school o'er bergs and knowes,
They sent the tawney-coloured boy.
From Keiskahama's farthest springs,
Where savage tribes pursue their game ;
His kombaars * tied with leathern strings,
The hunter of the woestyn f came.
Awhile he wrote ; awhile he read ;
Awhile he conned o'er grammar rules ;
A Hottentot ! a savage bred !
Great credit promised to the schools.
Some thought in law he would excel ;
Some thought in physic he would shine ;
And one, who knew him passing well,
Foresaw in him a grave divine.
But those of more discerning eye,
Far different prospects then could see,
They saw him lay his Virgil by,
To wander with his lov'd kirri.%
The tedious hour of study spent,
The heavy moulded lecture done ;
To Newland's woods the wand'rer went,
And there his long-lov'd sports begun.
' And why," he cried, " did I forsake
My native fields for pent-up halls,
The roaring stream, the wild-bird's lake,
For silent books and prison walls ?
>l A little will my wants supply,
And what can wealth itself do more ?
The sylvan wilds will not deny
The humble fare they gave before.
Skin blanket. f Desert. J Club.
28 MEMORIALS OF
^
u Where Nature's wild resources grow,
And out-door pleasure never fades,
My heart is fixed j and I will go
And die among my native shades."
He spake and to the eastern springs
(His gown forthwith to pieces rent,
His kombaars tied with leathern strings,)
This hunter of the mountains went.
Returning to his lov'd domain,
His brethren welcom'd him with joy ;
The council took him back again,
And bless' d the tawney-coloured boy.
It is to be feared that the young Hottentot was disgusted
with the conduct of many then called Christians ; and not
being aware that some "have a name to live who are dead,"
he therefore forsook them altogether, and united again with
his own people.
SOUTH AFKICA. 29
CHAPTER II.
CAPTURE OF THE CAPE BY THE BRITISH, 1795 CLIMATE SOUTH-
EASTERS TABLE BAY STONE PIER COMMENCED CAPE TOWN
BUILDINGS TABLE MOUNTAIN INHABITANTS INDIA GENTLEMEN
COUNTRY-SEATS INCREASE OF POPULATION FISH AND ANIMAL FOOD
WHEAT CAPABILITIES OF THE COLONY PEOPLE OF COLOUR.
IN the year 1795, the Cape of Good Hope was captured by
the British arms, under Sir James Craig; and in May, 1797,
Lord Macartney arrived there to take charge of the govern-
ment. In 1802, the Cape was restored to the Dutch by the
peace of Amiens; and again taken in 1806, by Sir David
Baird. Since then it has remained in the hands of the En-
glish, and has been gradually improving to the present time.
The colony now extends to Kaffraria on the East, to the
mountains of Sneuvvberg on the North, and to the river
Koussi on the North-West ; comprehending an area of at
least one hundred and twenty thousand square miles.
The climate of the Cape is greatly affected by local cir-
cumstances : in the summer months there are at least from
six to ten degrees in the difference of temperature between
Cape Town and Wynberg, a distance of seven or eight miles.
Wynberg is on the windward, and Cape Town on the lee-
ward side of Table Mountain. The variation of climate in
Cape Town is such that a British officer aptly remarked re-
specting those who reside therein, that they were either in
an oven, at the funnel of a pair of bellows, or under a water-
spout. In the winter months the rain often descends in tor-
rents, while in the summer scarcely a shower falls to refresh
30 MEMORIALS OF
the earth. During the summer, the South-East wind pre-
vails ; often blasting the blossom and fruit of the trees which
do not happen to be well sheltered, while they relax both the
body and mind of the inhabitants, rendering them listless
and incapable of energy. While this wind is blowing, the
doors and windows of the houses are closed to keep out the
dust, and but few persons are seen in the streets. Clouds of
dust are beheld rising in all directions, a great part of which
is driven over Table Bay ; and the ships lying at anchor there
are frequently covered therewith. The thermometer varies
in summer from seventy to ninety degrees, and on some oc-
casions rises to one hundred; but in CapeTown such a high
degree of temperature is not frequent. In some parts of the
colony it rises to one hundred and ten degrees ; yet on the
whole the Cape is considered a healthy climate.
Table Bay has long been regarded as a dangerous place
for ships at anchor, during the months of winter ; and in the
year 1822, I remember to have seen a storm so violent, that
on Monday morning, July 22, there were seven vessels on
shore ; yet it is not by any means so dangerous as has been
represented. Robben Island, though eight miles distant, pro-
tects it very considerably, and the northerly gales which sel-
dom last more than twenty-four hours, do not occur in a series
of years. "From July 1831, to January 1836, there was not
a severe gale from the northward, and consequently no wreck,
although more than twelve hundred ships entered the bay
during that period ; and there have never been less than ten
and sometimes twenty vessels at anchor through the several
winter months. If vessels were well supplied with ground
tackle, and properly looked after, a wreck in Table Bay would
be a rare occurrence. About the year 1832, a substantial
stone pier was commenced by Major Mitchell, near the Am-
sterdam battery, by order of the Home Government ; the
works of which were suspended in the following year, also
by orders from home. The pier was already two hundred
SOUTH AFRICA. 31
feet in length, and considerable masses of material had been
collected near the site. This undertaking, had it been com-
pleted, would doubtless have been of great importance to the
shipping. The site was selected by the port captain, (Capt.
Bance, R. N.) and highly approved of by Admiral Warren,
after a personal inspection ; and considering the advantages
it promised, it is to be regretted that its completion was
arrested." *
Cape Town is the capital of the colony, and its streets
cross each other at right angles. The houses are chiefly
flat-roofed, and white- washed, with green doors and win-
dows. Some of them are spacious and convenient, with an
elevated terrace in front. From the regularity and neatness
of the whole, a stranger on his arrival receives the most
favourable impressions, especially if he land when the mar-
ket is well supplied with grapes. A few days after my
arrival at the Cape, like many others I ascended Table
Mountain. Its height is 3,582 feet, and the prospect from
its summit most beautiful. This mountain standing so near
the town, reflects the rays of the sun upon it, by which the
heat is greatly increased.
The public buildings of this metropolis are the castle,
barracks, stad-huis, customhouse, commercial exchange,
town jail, and the colonial offices. Of churches there are
the Episcopal and the Presbyterian, the Reformed and the
Lutheran. Of chapels, there are the Independant, two Wes-
leyan, and one belonging to the South African Missionary
Society. The Government House is situated in what was
called by the Dutch, the Company's Garden the centre
walk of which is a beautiful avenue of wide spreading oaks,
and about half a mile in length.
The inhabitants of Cape Town consist of persons from all
quarters of the globe, and society of almost every grade is
now to be met with. The stranger on landing is astonished
* SIR JAMES E. ALEXANDER.
32 MEMORIALS OF
to perceive a variety so great ; for here he beholds faces of
every colour and countenances of every expression. A col-
lege was established a few years ago, which being well
supplied with masters and professors, bids fair to be a useful
institution. The rising generation of respectable Dutch
families speak the English language ; and an excellent
public library having been established, every facility for
improvement is easily attained. The salubrity of the Cape
climate attracts a great number of persons from India, who
reside for a time in Cape Town or its vicinity, for the re-
covery of their health. It is calculated that these gentlemen
benefit the colony to the annual amount of more than fifty
thousand pounds. The majority of invalids soon regain
their strength in the use of air and exercise at the Cape, and
return with renewed vigour to their different appointments.
Several of the visitors from India are gentlemen of decided
piety; and both by their example and pecuniary influence,
make themselves extensively useful.
Many of the respectable inhabitants, both English and
Dutch have their country seats, at the distance of six or
eight miles from town : some of these are places of great
beauty, and during the summer months are much more
healthful than the heated oven of Cape Town. Often have
I enjoyed the ride to Newlands, Wynberg, and other places,
to preach there, the " unsearchable riches of Christ ;" also
on the camp ground, by Sir John Truter's, where, with un-
speakable delight, I have held divine service under a ve-
randa, while his honour and Lady Truter, with several
masters and mistresses, united with the darkest of Afric's
sons in singing the praises of God, and other acts of devotion.
The population of the colony was estimated by Mr. Bar-
row, in 1798, at 61, 947 persons. Its increase, as stated by
the " Civil Servant," has been as follows:
In 1798, . . it was . . 61,947
1810, . , . . 81,12-2
SOUTH AFRICA. 33
1819, > . it was . . 99,026
1822, . estimated . 120,000
1834, . . 147,542
1839, . must be about . 150,000
Provisions at the Cape are generally both plentiful and
cheap : there is an abundance of fish of different kinds, and
excellent in quality. The snoek, so called, weighing eight
or ten pounds, is frequently sold for twopence. Animal
food may be had for two and three pence per pound, but
vegetables, in consequence of the great demand of the ship-
ping in the Bay, are sometimes dear. The wheat is of good
quality, and ought at all times to be plentiful; yet, in
seasons of drought, a scarcity has been felt. Were, how-
ever, suitable granaries established at the Cape, for the pre-
servation of proper quantities of wheat, this would seldom
happen. There are yet immense tracts of good corn-land
which have never been broken up by the ploughshare of
husbandry; and I quite agree with George Thompson, Esq.,
where he says : " It is acknowledged by every person who
is well acquainted with the Cape Colony, that it possesses
within its boundaries, ample means of furnishing a secure
and plentiful subsistence to, at least, five times its present
population."
Perhaps more than half the population of the Cape dis-
trict are persons of colour, who are either heathens or Mo-
hammedans. It is true that many of them have embraced
Christianity, yet the number is comparatively small. Of
late years, schools have been established for the improve-
ment of this part of the community, and missionaries sent to
teach them the truths of Christianity ; but their progress is
slow. Many are still growing up in ignorance and crime,
which led one of the Missionaries, a few years ago, to ob-
serve in a tract: "My Christian brethren, of every deno-
mination, if we cannot attract them to our places of worship,
c
34 MEMORIALS OF
we must seek for them wherever they are congregated ; if
we have no buildings within which to gather them, we
must preach to them in the open air.
" The mass of the population can never be instructed by
Ministers and Missionaries only. They may be ' instant in
season and out of season,' but there are thousands whom
their instructions cannot reach. It is, therefore, requisite,
that every professing Christian should act his part, and not
' be weary in well doing.' Let Sabbath School Teachers go
on. Let Tract Distributors go on. Let Masters and Pa-
rents who have set up family altars go on. Let those heads
of families who have hitherto neglected this important duty,
commence to-day, remembering that to-morrow they may
be in eternity. Let all official members in every church do
their duty, and ' reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all long-
suffering and patience.' Let all to whom the Lord has
committed talents for exhortation, and for calling sinners to
repentance, improve and exercise those talents, that they
may not be classed w T ith the * wicked and slothful servant.'
Let all who can read the Scriptures go forth, as in Ireland,
into every benighted lane and street of Cape Town. Why
should not a multitude of young men go out and employ
themselves, some part of every Sabbath day, either in pri-
vate rooms, or in the open air, in fifty or one hundred
different places of the town, in reading the word of God to
those who are ignorant of its truths ? Is not the will of a
sovereign the same, whether it be proclaimed by a herald,
or printed and dispersed among his subjects for their per-
usal ? The proclamation of mercy to fallen man, through a
gracious Redeemer, has been printed, and committed to you,
not to be hid, but to be made known to c every creature?
4 O that the world might taste and see
The riches of His grace !'
" Christians of Cape Town, help ! Let the salvation of
immortal souls be your object. Undertake all in a spirit of
SOUTH AFRICA. 35
prayer, and dependance on the divine blessing. Let there
be no envy, or contention amongst you, ' but provoke one
another to love and to good works.' In the dissemination
of divine truth,
1 Let names, and sects, and parties, fall ;*
and be ye ( stedfast, unmoveable ; always abounding in the
work of the Lord : forasmuch as ye know that your labour
is not in vain in the Lord.' "
36 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER III.
HOTTENTOTS, ORIGIN NOT FAITHFULLY DESCRIBED MILD AND
TIMID LANGUAGE NOT STUPID NO LONGER UNDER CHIEFS
NAMACQUAS, COUNTRY GO TO A DUTCH GOVERNOR FARMERS'
ENCROACHMENTS POPULATION APPEARANCE DRESS DISPOSITION
ORNAMENTS LANGUAGE HUTS SUBSISTENCE HUNTING CHIEFS
WARS AGRICULTURE, IGNORANCE OF SUPERSTITIONS MUSIC
DANCING MEDICINE FUNERALS.
THE original inhabitants of the Peninsula of South Africa,
who have as yet been visited by Europeans, may be classed
under ten or twelve tribes. These may all again be divided
into two distinct families, the Hottentot and Kaffir.
The Hottentot family is composed of the original Hotten-
tot, Little Namacqua, Great Namacqua, Bushman, and Co-
ranna tribes.
HOTTENTOTS.
The HOTTENTOTS, says Barrow, approach nearest in
colour, and in the construction of their features, to the
Chinese. How singular soever this may appear, yet if it be
admitted, as some have supposed, that the Chinese, and
Egyptians were originally the same people, there would
be no difficulty in conceiving some of the numerous tribes
inhabiting the vicinity of the Nile, to have found their way
to the utmost limits of the same continent. To these pri-
marily appertained, the whole of the Southern extremity of
SOUTH AFRICA. 37
Africa, the greatest part of which, however, they have en-
tirely lost.
The primitive character of the Hottentot, has been con-
siderably changed, by intercourse with Europeans. Many
statements have been made concerning them by historians
and voyagers, which upon a candid examination, cannot be
credited. If at any time they attended to such customs as
the old Dutch historian Kolbe describes, they have now
so completely lost them, that not a trace remains behind.
Even the name by which they have been distinguished is a
fabrication. Hottentot is a word which has neither place
nor meaning in their language. They receive the appellation
under the idea that it is a Dutch word ; and I never knew
one amongst them who could pronounce it correctly.
They are naturally a mild and timid people, by no means
deficient in talent, but possessing little energy to call it into
action. Indeed so rooted is the indolence of their disposi-
tions, in which they are resembled by the other tribes of the
Hottentot family, that ofttimes they will rather endure the
pains of hunger, than excite themselves to labour. Many,
rather than hunt or dig the ground for bulbs, will fast the
whole day ; provided they can be allowed to sleep.
The language at first appears to be of such a nature, as to
render its acquisition impossible to a European. Almost all
their monosyllables, and the leading syllables in compound
words, are thrown out of the mouth with a sudden retraction
of the tongue from the teeth or palate, and sound not unlike
the clacking of a hen with her chickens. Yet many of the
Dutch peasantry who reside in the frontier districts, and
have been born in the country, can speak it with fluency.
The Hottentots are far from being that stupid people
which some have represented them to be. They acquire
the Dutch or English language with facility. They are
excellent marksmen with a gun ; and particularly clever in
finding a passage through a desert and barren country.
38 MEMORIALS OF
They are the best of shepherds and herdsmen, soon learn
the use of the large whip of the colony, and become expert
in conducting wagons over mountains and passes the most
difficult and dangerous. Many of them are clever mechanics.
If led on by their superiors, they are always ready to un-
dertake long and tedious journeys, and will suffer hunger,
thirst, and weariness without complaining. When, after
having endured much hunger, they have an opportunity of
eating heartily, they do so with great joy, and without any
fear of repletion.
This race of people, as originally existing under their own
chiefs, is now almost extinct. Those now within the
colony, are generally either residing at mission stations,
or with the Dutch farmers as servants.
NAMACQUAS.
The NAMACQUAS reside in the country situated between the
Elephant River on the South, and Damara-land on the North.
They are divided into two distinct tribes, called the Little
and the Great Namacquas, but so far resemble each other,
that it would be useless to treat of them separately. The
Little Namacquas, so called because their country is of
smaller extent, were known as a separate nation from the
middle of the seventeenth century; and in the year 1708 a
party of them went to pay their respects to the newly ap-
pointed governor, Louis van Assenberg. They took with
them presents of bullocks and sheep, and received in return
a variety of European articles, with which they were highly
delighted. The Dutch peasantry, however, soon followed
them even to the Khamies mountains, where they purchased
cattle and many parts of the country, for beads, brandy,
tobacco, &c. The harmless Namacquas considered the
Dutch farmers as the most acceptable neighbours in the
SOUTH AFRICA. 39
world ; till most of their cattle, and many of their best foun-
tains of water were wrested from them. Many then entered
into a state of servitude with the farmers, and others fled to
their more distant friends.
The population of Namacqua-land, considering its vast
extent, is not dense; though from the testimony of the
natives, at the village of Garnmap, it would seem that there
are numerous tribes to the North-East, whose country is free
from mountains ; being, as far as the eye can reach, an ex-
tensive plain, yielding plenty of grass, and possessing abun-
dant fountains.
The personal appearance of the Namacquas is by no
means without attractions. They are generally taller than
the Hottentots, though less robust ; and are perfectly erect
and well proportioned. Their colour is of a yellowish
brown, sometimes bordering on white ; though this is only
apparent from their hands and faces, the rest of the body being
discoloured with grease and dirt. Their joints are remark-
ably small, and every limb is well formed. The hair is
woolly'; the eye is in general of a deep chesnut ; the nose is
broad and flat; the teeth are beautifully white; and the
cheek bones high and prominent.
Their dress is simple, though the ornaments appended to
the person are profuse. A caross (or cloak) made of the
skins of sheep, goats, jackals, or wild cats, is worn both by
men and women. Many of the males wear a belt about the
waist to which is hung in front, the tail of a jackal. Others
have a covering of soft leather ; and the richer of them have
in addition, a sort of wheel formed of leather, and set with
copper and iron beads, suspended at the end of an orna-
mented girdle. A jackal's tail, fastened on a short stick, is
carried about, wherewith to wipe the face when heated.
The females wear a little apron, ten or twelve inches in
length, and as many in breadth, to which are appended six
or eight chains of copper or iron. Those who cannot obtain
40 MEMORIALS OF
chains, cut part of a sheep or goat's skin into threads which
hang like fringe, and reach half way to the knee. The rat-
tling of this dried skin announces the approach of a Na-
macqua lady when at a considerable distance.
Sandals are in general use ; and are made either of bul-
lock's hide, or the prepared skins of wild animals. Some
make caps of skin for their heads, and others cover them
with the cured maws of sheep or calves. Their ornaments
consist of ivory, copper, and iron rings, placed on their
arms and legs ; likewise beads of various kinds, with which
they decorate their wrists, arms, and waists. Many have
their hair adorned with small shells, in w^hich the figure of
a star apparently has the preference. A red powder min-
gled with fat, forms in their estimation a rich pomatum,
and is profusely laid on the head. The ladies use various
kinds of paint, with which they daub their faces. Here
their difference of taste is displayed ; some preferring red,
others brown, some white, others black, and many all these
colours together. By some also a preference is given to
cow-dung, which they make use of instead of paint.
The disposition of the Namacquas is mild and fearful.
They are by no means void of affection for their families and
connexions, but will share the last morsel in their possession
with one who is hungry ; and reflections are cast upon any,
who, to use their own expression, " eat alone, drink alone,
or smoke alone" Honesty is pourtrayed upon their coun-
tenances; and strangers who visit them, are treated with
kindness. We not only travelled amongst them in perfect
safety, but they most liberally supplied all our wants, and
were ready to render us every possible assistance.
Their treatment of the sick and infirm, it is true, is in
many instances marked with cruelty. Thus, when a party
are about to emigrate to another part of the country, a small
in closure or fold of bushes is made, in which are placed
those who are unable to travel, (perhaps an aged father or
SOUTH AFRICA. 41
mother) ; a sheep is left for their subsistence, which being
eaten up, they either die of hunger, or fall a prey to the
wild beasts of the desert. Yet even here some allowance
may be made ; for the force of custom is very strong, and
this is a custom from time immemorial ; the inconvenience,
likewise, of travelling in that country with sick and infirm
persons, would be by no means inconsiderable.
The Namacqua language, though in some respects different,
is evidently of the same origin with the Hottentot; and
abounds with the peculiar clapping of the tongue.
Their huts are perfect hemispheres, from ten to twelve
feet in diameter, and about six feet high in the centre. The
frame-work is formed of the boughs of trees, which are
covered with matting. The entrance is through a small
opening three or four feet in height, which likewise answers
the purpose of a window. Many of the Dutch farmers,
during the rainy season adopt this kind of habitation, for the
convenience of removing from one place to another with
their cattle.
The chief subsistence of the Namacquas is animal food and
milk. They have neither bread nor vegetables ; but as a
substitute, make use of certain roots which are the sponta-
neous production of the land. They likewise use a sort of
grass seed, much resembling our English rye-grass, but of a
heavier body ; which, after being made clean, is mixed w r ith
milk. This, however, they do not gather themselves, but
steal from the nests of the laborious ants. The milk is
sometimes drunk new and sweet, but in general, is put into
vessels to coagulate, in which state it is supposed to be far
more nutritious ; the best proof of which is the healthy
appearance of those by whom it is used. The household
utensils are chiefly the bamboos or wooden milk-pail, the
calabash, and a kind of wooden spoon.
Hunting is practised both for sustenance and for pleasure.
When a hunting party is formed, the whole horde go out
42 MEMORIALS OF
together; and forming themselves into a large circle, they
surround the place in which it is expected the animal will
be found. The circle is then contracted, and all of them
draw nearer to the object of their pursuit. On the rising up
of the game, each is ready for the attack ; and a shower of
assagais suddenly deprives it of life. The weapons used,
as well in warfare as upon these occasions, are the keerie,
a stick two or three feet in length, with a large nob at one
end ; the assagai, or spear, and the bow and arrows. The
arrows are deeply poisoned, and kept in a quiver which is
thrown over the shoulder.
The Great and Little Namacquas are each governed by a
chief; whose power, however, is merely nominal, and ex-
ceedingly limited. Each tribe is again subdivided into clans
or kraals, governed by petty chiefs, who attend to the forms
handed down from generation to generation. The head
chief of each tribe, receives the hind part of every bullock
which is slaughtered ; this he distributes amongst the
males of his village, all of whom are called his soldiers. He
also collects a sufficiency of milk by the door of his hut, to
deal out amongst the poor and needy. On the death of his
wife, every male who has arrived at years of maturity, gives
him a cow, which after a certain number of years is returned.
A part of every animal taken in hunting is required by the
chief; and though it should be in a state of putrefaction
before it can be brought to him, he nevertheless demands
his right
Their petty wars originate generally respecting their
flocks, and can only be compared to the sham fights of
children. Yet if Bushmen or others have stolen their cattle,
a commando is dispatched to retake them, in doing which
death is sometimes the consequence.
Of agriculture they have no knowledge whatever, save
that a few raise a little tobacco, which they exchange with
their neighbours. Some of the Damaras are employed
SOUTH AFRICA. 43
amongst them to make rings, assagais, and ornaments of
copper, &c. They seem to have but little idea of traffic ;
yet from the many iron bodkins which we saw amongst
them, it is certain that they have some intercourse with the
nations on the East. Enquiring from whom they received
those articles, they replied, " From the people where the
sun comes up."
In many things they are exceedingly superstitious ; and
their sorcerers exercise various artifices, to which most of
them give credence. When a person is sick, the sorcerer
is sent for, who examines the part affected ; and privately
dropping a small piece of wood upon it, declares that it has
come out of the sick man's flesh. Sometimes he cuts off the
first joint of the little finger of his patient, pretending that
the disease will go out with the blood. Of this we had
evident proof in the number of persons whom we saw, who
had lost the first, and even the second, joint of the little
finger. On such occasions, the sorcerer demands the fattest
sheep in the flock, which is killed and feasted upon. They
do not like to be numbered, as they esteem it a token that
death will soon take them away. On seeing the mist arise
out of the sea, they believe that strangers are coming
amongst them, and hold themselves in readiness. They are
much afraid of an eclipse, and also of the meteor vulgarly
called the falling star. In one of their villages, the rising
of a very stormy wind was attributed to our having changed
our linen and clothes ; and the calm which commenced the
following day, to a similar circumstance.
The Namacquashave a fine ear for music ; yet their instru-
ments, which are the same as those of the other tribes of the
Hottentot family, are but few and simple. One is a kind of
guitar, with three strings stretched over a piece of hollow
wood, having a longish handle. Another called the goura,
consists of a piece of sinew or intestine twisted to a small
cord, and fastened to a hollow stick. At one end there is a
44 MEMORIALS OF
small peg to bring the string to a proper degree of tension,
and at the other a piece of quill fixed into the stick, to which
the mouth is applied, and the tones are produced by inspira-
tion and respiration. The rommel pot is a bamboo over which
a piece of skin is tightly stretched, and is used as a drum at
their public dances. Reeds of several feet in length, are like-
wise made use of as flutes. Old Keudo Links, (father of
Jacob,) in early life was a skilful maker of these instruments.
Dancing is a favourite amusement amongst them, and is
performed with long continued and violent exercise. The
reed dance is carried on with high glee. A leader, bending
forward his head, and at the same time stamping violently
upon the ground to keep time, commences the performance.
He is then followed by other musicians, who, forming a cir-
cle, likewise stoop forward and stamp. As soon as the
sound of this wild music has arisen, the women come for-
ward and run round the circle of reed players, clapping
their hands and singing. Sometimes they enter within the
circle, and thus continue for hours together, and frequently
a whole night, with but little interruption. The pot dance,
in which rommel pots are made use of instead of reeds, is
somewhat different and more general than the above.
Of the medicinal properties of plants they have some
knowledge, and are in the habit of performing certain surgical
operations. Concerning the division of time, as marked by
the heavenly bodies, the Namacqua is in utter ignorance.
When he has occasion to refer to any particular time of the
day, he will point out the place in the heavens about which
the sun then was. The periods which have passed away,
he can only express by saying, they were before or after
some memorable event. The season of the year is generally
indicated by its being so many moons before or after wyntjes
tyd, or the time that the roots which they are accustomed
to eat are in season.
At their funerals they practise no ceremonies. As soon as
SOUTH AFRICA. 45
a person has ceased to breathe, or even before the vital
functions have ceased ; his friends press the body, in order
that it may be more compact. A small round hole is then
scratched in the ground, and the corpse placed therein in a
sitting posture ; after which a pile of stones, to the height
of four or five feet, is heaped upon it, to prevent any wild
animals from taking it away.
Respecting every truth of what has been called Natural
Religion, they are totally in the dark ; not generally having
any idea even of a Supreme Being. May we not then con-
tinue to pray with the whole militant Church, that He who
is the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, would make
known his ways unto them, and his saving health among all
nations !
46 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER IV.
BUSHMEN, PERSONS CLOTHING PRODIGIOUS APPETITE CRUEL-
TIES LOVE OF BEVENGE LANGUAGE DWELLING-PLACES MANNER
OP HUNTING WEAPONS HOTTENTOT SHOT BY THEM NO FORM OF
GOVERNMENT JEALOUS OF STRANGERS SUPERSTITIONS LEGEND OF
WOMAN BECOMING A LION IGNORANCE COR ANNAS COUNTRY
FILTHY HUTS THOMPSON'S ACCOUNT GIRDLE OF FAMINE WOMEN
SORCERERS NO WORSHIP.
BUSHMEN.
THE race of people called BUSHMEN, are thus designated
from the place of their residence, which is amongst the
bushes ; or from the concealed manner in which they make
an attack either to kill or plunder. Bushmen are found in
various parts of South Africa, and speaking of them as a
whole, can scarcely be said to hold any definite territory of
their own. The Bushman-land, however, so called, is a
vast desert of a week's journey, situated between the Khamies
Mountains and the Great Orange River, and is very thinly
inhabited.
The persons of the Bushmen, though diminutive, are of
perfect symmetry. It is a matter of difficulty to fix any
general standard of height, seeing they are so widely scat-
tered apart, and vary so much according to circumstances.
Few of the men exceed five feet, many not even four, and
the women are still less. All have an expression of acute-
ness and energy beyond that of their coloured neighbours,
and a gait and activity peculiarly striking. The senses of
SOUTH AFRICA. 47
sight and hearing, owing to continual use both as means of
discovering food, and for self-preservation, they possess to a
degree perfectly astonishing to persons in civilized life.
Their articles of clothing and ornament, are very similar
to those of the Namacquas ; yet the men seldom wear any
thing upon their heads. As a protection from the heat of
the sun, a kind of umbrella is employed, formed by the dis-
posing of ostrich feathers round the extremity of a walking
stick. They never wash themselves in water, but smear
their bodies with fat, suffering the dirt to accumulate till in
some instances it literally hangs from the elbows.
For subsistence they trust principally to the fruits of the
earth, and to the game which their country affords : but
when either of those are found deficient, few have any hesi-
tation in supplying their wants from the flocks of their
neighbours. No kind of food, from the largest quadruped
to the most disgusting reptile, will come amiss to a Bush-
man. The blood of most animals they highly prize, and
even the skins of larger ones are not rejected. The larva?
of ants, grasshoppers, and ostrich eggs, they eat with-
out any preparation ; but the vegetable productions, and the
flesh and skin of animals, are more or less, according to cir-
cumstances, submitted to the influence of cooking. When
any large animal has fallen in the chase, they all feast to-
gether, and, having no kind of management, eat till the
whole is finished. Thus, often, for want of due foresight,
they are reduced to a state of extreme want, and for days
together proceed without food. Capt. Stockenstrom men-
tions one Xvhom he found in the wilderness, who had passed
fourteen days without any other sustenance than water and
salt. This poor creature was wasted to skin and bone, and
it was thought that if allowed to eat freely, he would injure
himself. It was agreed, however, to let him take his own
course, and before many hours had elapsed, he had consum-
ed nearly half the carcase of a sheep. The next day the
48 MEMORIALS OF
Bushman having sustained no harm, appeared in fine plight,
and as round as an alderman.
The Bushmen are altogether the slaves of passion. They
are deeply versed in deceit, and treacherous in the extreme,
being always prepared to effect by guile and perfidy what
they are otherwise unable to accomplish. Cruelty, in its
most shocking forms, is familiar, and is exercised without
any remorse. Of the most inhuman actions they make a
boast, and are lauded by their companions. The men have
several wives, but are entire strangers to domestic happi-
ness. They take no great care of their children, and never
correct them except in a fit of rage, when they almost kill
them with severe usage. Tame Hottentots seldom destroy
their offspring, except when instigated by momentary pas-
sion; but the Bushmen will kill them on various occasions,
as, when they are in need of food ; when obliged to flee
from their enemies ; when the child is ill-shaped ; or, when
the father has forsaken its mother. In any of these cases,
they will strangle them, smother them, bury them alive, or
cast them away in the desert. There are also instances of
parents throwing their children to the hungry lion, when he
has approached their residence. They will forsake an aged
relative, when necessitated to move their location, leaving
him only an ostrich egg full of water and a piece of meat, if
they have any in their possession. The love of revenge is a
most predominant trait of their disposition, and often a cause
of the most barbarous proceedings. To their own country-
men, who being taken prisoners, have continued to live with
the Dutch farmers, when they again fall into their hands, the
most atrocious cruelty is shewn. These seldom escape
death, and that of the most excruciating kind. Against the
Hottentots, on account of their intercourse with the farmers,
they bear the most invincible hatred. A party of Bushmen,
some years ago, fell in with a Hottentot far from any habi-
tation. They placed him up to the neck in a trench, and
SOUTH AFRICA. 49
then wedged him in on all sides with earth and stones, so
that he was incapable of moving. In this dilemma he re-
mained all night, and the greater part of the next day; when
happily for him, some of his companions passing that way,
effected his release. The poor fellow stated that he had
been under the necessity of keeping his eyes and mouth in
constant motion during the whole of the day, to prevent the
crows from devouring him.
Their language is merely a dialect of the Hottentot;
though, from the excessive number of clappings, it is with
difficulty understood, except by Bushmen, or such as have
dealings with them.
The Bushmen, owing to their wandering method of life,
are seldom inclined to bestow much labour on their dwel-
lings. They either erect a shelter of bushes for the night,
dig a hole in the ground, or seek repose in the natural
crevice of a rock. Some, ho\vever, are more particular, and
extend their consideration so far as to supply themselves
with a sort of mat, which they place nearly upright by
means of a couple of poles.
The Bushmen neither cultivate the ground nor breed
cattle, but for animal food are dependant upon the chase or
theft. Hence in the art of carrying off their pillage, they
are extremely dexterous ; and in the practices of deception,
on such occasions, particularly expert. In hunting likewise,
considerable dexterity and cunning are manifested. The
hippopotami, zebras, quaggas, different species of antelopes,
jackals, &c., as well as the ostrich and bustard, form the
favourite objects of pursuit. These are sometimes taken by
snares, or dogs, at others they are shot by poisoned arrows,
or assagais. Sir J. E. Alexander details at some length the
method which they pursue in order to take the kaop, (a re-
markable species of antelope,) and likewise the ostrich. " I
was anxious to know," he observes, " how the Boschmans
manage to kill the kaop; and remarking two light frames
50 MEMORIALS OF
covered with ostrich feathers, grey and black, on a tree, I
asked them what they were. The Boschmans said ' with
these we disguise ourselves as ostriches, and thus get near
the kaop, to shoot it with our arrows.'
" A present of tobacco induced a Boschman to disguise
himself. He placed one of the feather frames on his shoul-
ders, and secured it about his neck ; then taking from a
bush the head and neck of an ostrich, through which a stick
was thrust, he went out a little way from the huts with a
bow and arrow in his left hand, and pretending to approach
a kaop, he pecked at the tops of the bushes in the manner
of an ostrich, and occasionally rubbed the head against the
false body, as the ostrich ever and anon does to get rid of
flies. At a little distance and sideways the general appear-
ance of the Boschman was like that of ' the giant bird,*
though a front view betrayed the whole of the human body.
Approaching sufficiently near to the kaop, which of course
has nothing to dread from its feathered companion of the
plains, the Boschman slips the ostrich head between his
neck and the frame, and cautiously taking aim, discharges
his arrows at the deceived kaop."
The bow and arrows and assagai are their principal, if not
only weapons. The bow is small, and in the hands of any
one but a Bushman would be entirely useless. The arrows
and assagais are steeped in poison, concerning the nature
and effects of which there is much diversity of opinion
amongst travellers. The Rev. J. Campbell mentions the
death of a Hottentot of his party, occasioned by the poison-
ed arrow of a Bushman. He was wounded at ten o'clock at
night, on the back part of the neck, whilst watching the
cattle. " We did every thing," observes Mr. Campbell, " in
our power to mitigate the pain, but he lay groaning the
whole night. His appearance alarmed us, being greatly
swelled, particularly about the head and throat. He said
that he felt the poison gradually working down to his very
SOUTH AFRICA. 51
toes, and then ascending in the same manner ; as it ascend-
ed his body swelled. A Bushman, whom we had with us,
said, in the morning, that Peekure (which was the man's
name) would die immediately on the going down of the
sun, and he certainly did ; for the sun had not dipped under
the horizon five minutes before he breathed his last. His
countenance was frightful, being so much disfigured,
and on his brow was a swelling as large as the egg of a
goose."
The arrows are stuck within a kind of fillet roimd the
head, for the purpose of expeditious shooting, as well as of
striking terror into the minds of their enemies. This does
not however supersede the use of a quiver, which is made
of the bark of the aloe, and slung over the back. The oc-
cupation of the women and children chiefly consists in the
catching of hares, dassies, moles, rats, snakes, lizards, grass-
hoppers, ants, and the like.
No form of government can be said to exist amongst
these children of the desert. Every man is his own law-
giver. Physical strength and cunning carry every point ;
and wheresoever a temporary chief is found, these are the
qualifications which have raised him to that office. The
punishment of crime, under such circumstances, is neces-
sarily very unequal, depending exclusively upon the power
or weakness of the parties concerned.
When called to defend themselves against their pursuers,
the Bushmen display the most resolute courage. On such
occasions they have recourse to artifice rather than open
opposition ; concealing themselves amongst the bushes,
amid the crevices of rocks, or in holes which they will form
in the ground with amazing dexterity and quickness. In-
stances have been known of individuals, who, having had
their left arms completely disabled, employed their toes to
fix the bow so as to be able to continue their defence.
They appear to have a greater dread of ialling into the
52 MEMORIALS OF
hands of their enemies, than even of death itself; preferring
to fight to the very last, rather than surrender.
Most Bushmen shun all connexion with strangers, and
will repair to the most unfrequented and inaccessible spots
in order to avoid their company. Many superstitions and
traditions, as might be expected, are entertained by this
people, which, however, are too ridiculous to be mentioned
at any length. A single quotation from Sir J. E. Alexander,
will suffice to show their character.
"It is believed in the land that some of the Bosch-people
can change themselves into wolves and lions when they
like. Once on a time, a certain Namaqua was travelling
in company with a Bosch-woman, carrying a child on her
back. They had proceeded some distance on their journey,
when a troop of wild horses appeared, and the man said to
the woman, ' I am hungry, and I know you can turn your-
self into a lion ; do so now, and catch us a wild horse, that
we may eat.'
" The woman answered, ' You'll be afraid.'
" ( No, no,' said the man, c I am afraid of dying of hunger,
but not of you.'
" Whilst he was yet speaking, hair began to appear at the
back of the woman's neck, her nails began to assume the
appearance of claws, and her features altered. She set
down the child.
"The man alarmed at the change, climbed a tree close by ;
the woman glared at him fearfully, and going to one side
she threw off her skin petticoat, when a perfect lion rushed
out into the plain ; it bounded and crept among the bushes
towards the wild horses, and springing on one of them,
it fell, and the lion lapped its blood. The lion then came
back to where the child was crying, and the man called
from the tree, ' Enough, enough ! don't hurt me ! Put off
your lion's shape, I'll never ask to see this again.'
" The lion looked at him and growled. ' I'll remain here
SOUTH AFRICA. 53
till I die,' said the man, ' if you don't become a woman
again.' The mane and tail then began to disappear, the
lion went towards the bush where the skin petticoat lay ; it
was slipped on, and the woman, in her proper shape, took
up the child. The man descended, partook of the horse's
flesh, but never again asked the woman to catch game for
him."
The ignorance of this people concerning any division of
time is similar to that of the Namacquas ; indeed, if it be
possible, they are altogether more ignorant and degraded
than any of their neighbours.
CORANNAS.
Inhabiting that tract of country lying between Griqua-
land on the East, and Namacqua-land on the West, the
Corannas ; who, in their customs, appearance, language,
&c., so much resemble the Namacquas, as to render any
lengthened account of them altogether needless. They are
chiefly to be found along the banks of the Great Orange
River, few of them for any length of time ever removing
thence. Those to the eastward of the junction of the Yellow
River and the A ant, are in person stronger and better pro-
portioned, than their neighbours lower down the river. This
superiority doubtless arises from their residence in a finer
climate, and in a country more abundant in grass and cattle.
Although excessively dirty, and swarming with vermin,
the Corannas are nevertheless on the whole, a good-looking
people, having, many of them, finely formed heads and
prominent features.
Their huts are constructed of matting, and are often re-
moved, in Namacqua style, from place to place. They culti-
vate nothing but tobacco, subsisting chiefly upon the milk
54 MEMORIALS OF
of their cattle. The number of their flocks is immense ;
and the watching thereof, except in the time of war, consti-
tutes the occupation of the boys.
Frequently, however, in time of drought, when the milk of
their cattle fails, some of them are reduced to extreme want,
being compelled to live for several days together upon little
else than gum. Such was their condition, when they were
visited by the traveller Thompson. He thus describes the
appearance of some whom he saw : " They were miserable
looking beings, emaciated and lank, with the withered skin
hanging in folds upon their sides ; while a belt bound tight
round each of their bodies, indicated that they were suffer-
ing, like myself, from long privation of food. I attempted
to make them understand by signs, that I was in want of
provisions, and would gladly purchase some ; but they re-
plied in a language that could not be misunderstood, by
shaking their heads, and pointing to the girdle of famine
tied round their bellies."
Polygamy is allowable, but is rarely practised ; and the
wife amongst the Corannas is somewhat more upon an
equality with her husband, than in the tribes already men-
tioned. The milking of the cows, erection of the huts, and
manufacture of rush mats, exclusively appertain to the
women. The men construct kraals for the cattle, hunt and
make caresses. Every town has its own chief, whose office
is hereditary; but the richest man always possesses the
greatest influence in the community.
The Corannas are seldom assailed by the neighbouring
tribes, because it is well known that the different hordes,
which are numerous, unite for the protection of their common
interests.
There are sorcerers amongst them, and certain ceremonies
are attended to on notable occasions. The chief, at his
death, is buried in the cattle kraal : his grave being filled
up, the cattle are driven over it, in order that the place may
SOUTH AFRICA. 55
not be discovered. In sickness, few operations are practised,
except the excision of the first joint of the little finger, or if
that do not succeed, of some of the other fingers. Their
assemblies for dancing are frequent and long-continued.
No kind of religious worship whatever has been observed
to prevail amongst them.
56 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER V.
KAFFIRS, ORIGIN or NAME PERSON OF MALES COLOUR A GIANT
FEMALES DRESS AND ORNAMENTS LADY WITH FIFTY NECKLACES
MARRIAGE NO WRITTEN CHARACTERS LANGUAGE METHOD OF
CONSTRUCTING HUTS OCCUPATION FIRST PLOUGH OX KILLING
NO FISH EATEN KAFFIR MILL TOBACCO SNUFF CORN MAGAZINES
HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS HUNTING GOVERNMENT TREATMENT OF
RELATIVES PUNISHMENTS IMPLEMENTS OF WAR TRADE IGNO-
BANCE SUPERSTITIONS. BECHUANAS, GEOGRAPHICAL PO-
SITION TOWNS SUBSISTENCE METHOD OF OBTAINING FIRE CAN-
NIBALISM TANNING COPPEP.-SMELTING VEGETABLES TERRIFIED
BY HORSES' TAILS BEADS INHUMAN MOTHER CAPTAINS WAR
SCARS ON THE THIGH IGNORANCE SUPERSTITION RAIN-MAKERS
METHOD OF CALCULATING TIME BLEEDING WOMAN REMARKS.
KAFFIRS.
THE second division of the tribes comprehends the Kaffirs,
Bechuanas, Mantatees, Zuloos, and Damaras. The KAFFIRS
are a numerous race of men inhabiting that tract of country
situated on the South-E astern coast of South Africa. This
appellation, which in Arabic signifies unbeliever, was per-
haps originally given them by the Moorish navigators of
the Indian Ocean, and afterwards borrowed by the Por-
tuguese. It is applied by the Dutch and English colonists
to the Amakosae tribe exclusively ; but by Barrow, Thomp-
son, and other travellers, it is extended to the Tambookies
and neighbouring hordes.
The personal appearance of the Kaffir differs considerably
from that of the tribes already described. " There is perhaps
SOUTH AFRICA. 57
not any nation under heaven," says Barrow, " that can pro-
duce so fine a race of men as the Kaffirs. They are tall,
stout, muscular, well made, elegant figures. Their counte-
nance is ever indicative of cheerfulness and contentment.
Their skin, which verges towards black, and their short
curly hair, are rubbed over with a solution of red ochre,
which produces an appearance far from disagreeable." A
young man whom he saw, he declares to have been six feet
ten inches in height, and regularly proportioned throughout.
The persons of the women are not so handsome, these being
of a much more muscular figure, strong limbed, and low in
stature. The countenance, however, is more pleasing. The
colour of the eyes is sparkling jet ; their teeth are beauti-
fully white and regular ; and they have neither the thick
lips, nor the flat nose, of the negro.
A caross of softened hide is the chief article of dress
used by both sexes. That of the females is distinguished
by a thong of leather suspended from the shoulders, and
loaded with ornaments of various kinds. In addition to the
caross, the females wear a kind of petticoat made of leather,
round the waist, and a small apron fringed with beads, which
serves to cover the breast. Their head-dress, w r orn only on
particular occasions, is made of the fur of the beautiful blue
buck. With the exception of the caross, the males make
use of no covering ; and even that is frequently thrown aside.
When on a journey, and particularly whilst traversing
rugged paths, the feet are cased in brown leather buskins.
Ornaments are most profusely appended to the person of a
Kaffir woman. From the neck is suspended the shell of a
species of land tortoise, filled either with perfume or red
ochre, wherewith to paint the face. Buttons, buckles, iron
rings, beads, and any metallic articles almost, which they
can procure, are employed for this purpose. Some of the
ladies have been seen with not less than fifty necklaces at
one time round the neck. The men ornament their arms
58 MEMORIALS OF
and legs with rings made of brass, ivory, or iron. Strings
of beads are suspended from their necks and ears, and a
girdle composed of brass beads, is almost invariably worn
round the waist. Tattooing is very generally practised by
both sexes.
Marriage is but a traffic in women, and is generally con-
tracted by the parents of the parties. Ten oxen is the usual
dowry, but a chief must pay five or six times that number.
The Kaffir female, when married, is the mere slave of her
husband, and compelled to perform the most laborious work.
Infants are carried, gipsy-like, upon the back of the mother,
being tied in the folds of the caross.
Previous to the introduction of Christianity, not the least
vestige of a written character was to be found throughout
Kaffraria. Yet the language, which is radically the same as
the Bechuana, save when interrupted by clicks, is soft and
agreeable; and appears far superior to that of a merely
savage nation.
The Kaffir huts are constructed in the form of a bee-hive,
and are perfectly water-tight and warm. The largest may
be about eight feet in height, and ten in diameter. In
building these huts, strong poles are first firmly fastened in
the ground ; upon these a kind of mortar, composed of clay
and the dung of animals, is plastered ; and the whole is
then overlaid with matting.
In time of peace, the Kaffir men are engaged in attending
upon the cattle ; whilst the women cultivate the ground, and
occupy themselves in domestic affairs, and the manufacture
of earthen pots, and baskets made of the cyperus grass.
They chiefly plant a species of millet; (holcus sorghum ;)
also maize, kidney -beans, pumpkins, Indian- corn, and water
mellons. Seed time commences about the middle of August,
and terminates in November. The soil is only turned to the
depth of three or four inches ; for which purpose an imple-
ment is used, made of wood, and somewhat resembling in
SOUTH AFRICA. 59
shape the broad end of an oar. When the Kaffirs first
beheld the plough in operation, they were seized with per-
fect amazement at the sight, gazing wishfully one at another
as they perceived the deep furrows that were made. At
length, however, one having somewhat recovered from his
surprise, exclaimed with delight : " See how the thing tears
up the ground with its mouth, it is of more value than five
wives." The fences around the fields are composed of thorn
bushes, cut for the purpose annually ; and this part of the
labour is generally performed by the men.
Of the millet bread is made, which is nutritive, and by no
means unpleasant to the taste. The mill used in grinding,
consists of two stones, which are rubbed together with the
hand ; and instead of an oven, the dough is placed amongst
the ashes. Malted corn is likewise^ made into bread, and
sometimes the meal into porridge. Kaffir beer is made by
malting, drying, grinding, boiling, and fermenting millet.
The milk is allowed to coagulate before it is drunk ; being
put for that purpose into a closely woven basket, in which
milk has been previously soured. When a Kaffir, for the
purpose of making a caross, or for bartering the hide and
horns, kills a cow, which, however, is seldom and reluc-
tantly done, unless it happens to be stolen property, the
whole population of the hamlet assemble to eat it without
invitation ; and people living at a distance of ten miles will
also come to partake of the feast, and hear the news. Fish
is considered unclean ; and therefore, although in possession
of a long extent of coast, the Kaffirs never attempt to catch
any. They have no canoes or boats, even wherewith to
cross a river ; but for that purpose they construct a slender
raft, by tying together a few reeds.
Tobacco and snuff are in high estimation; the former they
smoke out of neatly fashioned wooden pipes, and the latter
they will take till the tears trickle from their eyes. They
preserve their corn in conical magazines, under their cattle
60 MEMORIALS OF
kraals ; except the seed corn, which is hung up in the air,
that the germination may not be destroyed. Their house-
hold utensils are few and simple ; chiefly made of a kind of
clay, wood, or wicker-work. They use no tables, dishes,
knives or forks, at their meals ; but every one helps himself
by means of sticks, to the meat which is in the pot. Instead
of chairs, they make use of the skulls of oxen, upon which
they sit with the horns still united to them. Fire is obtained
by friction; for the process of which, see the account of the
Bechuanas. Dancing is carried on in a most ludicrous
manner, and in general during the night season. Instru-
ments of music, of very simple construction, are in use on
these occasions, both amongst Bechuanas and Kaffirs.
Hunting is a favourite diversion with the men, though
sometimes resorted to as a means of support. The elephant,
rhinoceros, buffalo, hippopotamus, lion, and various kinds
of smaller animals, are found in Kaffirland, and hunted with
great spirit, in a manner somewhat similar to that pursued
by the great Namacquas.
As regards the government of this people, every tribe is
independent, and ruled by its own chief. This dignity des-
cends from father to son, but is sometimes seized by superior
strength. The chief is the judge of his tribe, and generally
very despotic in his proceedings. Murder is not common,
although many cruelties are practised towards the infirm.
Thus, when any become debilitated by age or sickness, and
are likely to die, they are carried forth from the kraal, and
placed either in the lonesome desert, or in some ditch which
is out of the sight of their unfeeling relatives. For this
custom two reasons are assigned : First That the village
may not be defiled by the corpse ; and, Second That no
person may be necessitated to touch it. It is a fact, that
multitudes are thus inhumanly dragged from their abodes ;
deserted by those who should be ready to render them relief
in the time of affliction, yea even by their own offspring ;
SOUTH AFRICA. 61
and exposed as the prey of ravenous wolves and vultures.
When, however, an individual has, in the heat of passion,
murdered another, the whole of his property is confiscated.
If a cow be stolen, each of the persons implicated, is com-
pelled to repay a cow. The fine for adultery is levied
according to the rank of the parties detected. Beating with
rods, the application of hot stones to the body, and exposure
to swarms of black ants, are sometimes employed as means
of punishment. Death, when inflicted, which however is
seldom, is caused by the blow of a club, or the stab of an
assagai; sometimes by strangling or drowning; or by a tree
being forcibly drawn asunder, and then allowed to close
upon the culprit. The cattle kraal of the village is, in
general, the hall of judgment where cases are heard. Sen-
tence is speedily passed, if the party be found guilty, and
punishment is immediately inflicted.
Aggressive war is not frequent amongst the Kaffir tribes;
but some insult or act of injustice is generally represented as
the cause of hostilities. Every Kaffir is a soldier as well as
a herdsman ; though the former is not taken up as a profes-
sion, but only when the state may demand his services. The
assagai and keerie are their principal weapons ; and they
also carry a shield of oval form, about four feet deep, made
from the hide of a bullock. With these comparatively in-
offensive weapons, it is evident that they could make but
little resistance against those acquainted with the use of
fire-arms ; yet in the late wars with the colony, owing to the
superiority of their numbers, aided by the possession of
guns and ammunition, which had been obtained through
illicit trade, they have proved a desperate and troublesome
enemy.
Besides the trade which is carried on with the colony,
the Kaffirs have no commercial dealings with any other
people except their eastern neighbours, the Tambookies,
from whom they purchase wives, and a small quantity of iron.
62 MEMORIALS OF
Of a Divine Being, (whom they call Uhlanga or Su-
preme,) they have some indistinct notion ; as likewise of the
immortality of the soul: but as to a state of future rewards
and punishments, they are altogether in ignorance. Thun-
der and lightning they conceive to be sent from God ; and
if any person should be struck dead thereby, an ox or heifer
is forthwith immolated. In times of extreme drought, sa-
crifice is sometimes offered to rivers. Circumcision is a rite
universally practised, but from no religious consideration.
As amongst the Bechuanas, so amongst the Kaffirs, the
rain-makers exercise a most extensive and baneful influence
over the minds of the people. Sorcery and witchcraft, in
various forms, most extensively prevail, and are the sources
of much cruelty. Such is the condition of the Kaffirs; a
people the most noble perhaps, of the savage tribes of Afri-
ca; yet deeply sunk in degradation and ignorance. To
hundreds of these, however, the preaching of the everlast-
ing Gospel has been productive, through the blessing of
God, of much temporal, as well as spiritual and eternal
benefit.
BECHUANAS.
The BECHUANAS are a numerous people, inhabiting the
vast extent of territory, commencing at the Krooman 3 west-
ward ; and extending to the Mozambique channel eastward ;
and at the Yellow River, southward; to what distance
northward is as yet unknown.
Their similarity as to person, dress, disposition, and lan-
guage, with the Kaffirs, precludes the necessity of again
entering minutely into these subjects : they appear however
to be less courageous, stricter in their adherence to custom,
and more particular in the structure of their abodes.
The Bechuanas live in towns composed of many huts,
SOUTH AFRICA. 63
some having twelve or sixteen thousand inhabitants. These
huts are constructed in an orderly manner, and regularly
arranged in streets and lanes. Each hut is of a circular
shape, and surrounded at a suitable distance by a good stone
wall. Some are plastered at the outside, and painted with
yellow or other colours. The yard within the enclosure is
laid with a kind of clay floor, and kept perfectly clean. The
summit of a hill is generally selected as the most suitable
situation for a town, owing to the many wars carried on by
this people.
Their subsistence is chiefly upon the produce of their
fields, or the bulbous roots with which their country abounds.
They obtain fire, after the usual method of barbarous tribes,
by friction. For this purpose, a stick containing a few holes,
apparently bored with a hot instrument, and penetrating
half through it, is firmly fixed upon the ground. This being
adjusted, the sharpened end of another stick is placed in one
of the holes, and rapidly twirled between the palms of the
hands, whilst an even pressure is maintained downwards.
The stick which is perforated, is generally obtained from a
bush called inahacha, and the other from the milk tree.
When a Bechuana comes from his house in the morning,
the first enquiry upon meeting any person, is, " who has
killed to-day ?" and on being informed, he never fails to
hasten to the spot for the purpose of begging. Cannibalism
is by no means a general practice ; but necessity compels
them, at times, to feed upon the dead bodies of their own
kind.
The occupation of the Bechuanas is very similar to that
of the Kaffirs ; though, perhaps, in cultivation and the
manufacture of trinkets, they excel. The women perform
the most laborious part of -every work. Skins are prepared
for use, by being rubbed with a mixture composed of the
brains of animals and milk. Some of the tribes are said to
smelt copper; but it is rather dubious whether they may
64 MEMORIALS OF
not obtain it from the Portuguese, whose settlements on the
coast are not very far distant. Iron is found in their country,
equal to any steel ; and by a tribe called the Marootzee,
implements of agriculture and war are made therewith, as
well as with ivory, copper, wood, clay, and stone. Amongst
this tribe likewise, tobacco is raised, which by many of the
others, is considered illegal as an article of culture. There
are other vegetables, which, owing to existing prejudices,
many will not plant ; such are potatoes, cabbages, &c.
In oxen and goats some of them are exceedingly rich ;
for herein consists their property; but of horses they are
totally ignorant. Campbell states, that upon one occasion,
several Bechuanas, who were from curiosity collected
around his wagons, were terribly affrighted, and ran away
to a considerable distance, when his horses at any time
moved their tails. Markets are regularly held at various
places, for the purposes of sale ; when cattle are given in
exchange for the various manufactured articles. Beads,
however, are by far the most usual medium of circulation ;
and so highly valued, that a very small quantity is quite a
sufficient price to purchase a child from its own parent.
Thus one of the Wesleyan Missionaries was told by a wo-
man, who for a long time had importuned him in vain to
purchase her child for beads, that she loved her child, but
she loved beads more.
The Bechuanas are divided into several tribes. Each
tribe is governed by its own chief, who is perfectly arbitrary.
Such persons as are deemed independent, that is such as
have sufficient cattle for their support, are termed captains;
and have the privilege of speaking in the public assemblies.
War between the several tribes is frequent, and carried
on with great ferocity; inasmuch as the conquerors kill all
the vanquished who fall into their hands. An account of
the number of persons killed by each warrior, is denoted by
the scars marked on his thigh.
SOUTH AFRICA. 65
The Beclmanas believe in the existence of a good and a
bad Being, superior to themselves; yet know nothing re-
lative to the soul or a future state, and have not the most
distant idea of any religious worship. Superstitions, and
practices of the most ridiculous character, are extremely
prevalent among this degraded people. Rain-makers are
held in high estimation by all ; but are seldom employed by
the tribe to which they belong; those residing at a distance
being preferred. As soon as the rain-maker approaches a
village, many of the inhabitants go out to meet and congra-
tulate him; when he usually receives a black sheep. Upon
his arrival, white oxen, sheep, and goats, are formally pre-
sented by the king and his chief captains. Seldom does he
commence the usual ceremonies for procuring rain, until he
perceives the clouds gathering in the North-West, which is
the rainy quarter. When, after various promises and de-
lays, all his exertions fail, he requires more presents; and
if still unsuccessful, he seldom is in want of an expedient.
For example, on one occasion, the inhabitants of a village
were commanded to wash themselves in the Krooman"River,
a ceremony against which they are exceedingly prejudiced.
At another time the rain-maker required that the young
men should catch a baboon and bring it to him alive; a task
extremely difficult to accomplish. Thus, by these and other
artifices, he succeeds in deceiving the people, until the rain
actually descends.
With the heavenly bodies, they never appear in the least
to concern themselves ; except, that they are aware that one
new moon succeeds another in about the space of thirty
days; their calculation of days being made by cutting
notches in sticks kept for that purpose.
As to surgery, and the medicinal property of roots,
they have but an indifferent acquaintance. Inoculation
and bleeding are general ; the latter of which is with them a
66 MEMORIALS OF
most painful operation, the' wounds made for the purpose
being so extensive.
Woman, amongst the ^Bechuanas, as indeed among all
the tribes of Southern Africa, is considered as an inferior
being. For the most trifling offence, a female is put to death
with as little concern as a person would destroy a useless
and troublesome dog. The Bechuanas are remarkable for
their adherence to the customs of former days; and thus
they apparently. have no desire to exchange their mode of
life or dress for that of the European. Their victuals are
generally prepared and eaten during the darkness of night,
to avoid the numerous beggars, which are almost every
where found. During journeys, they sleep but little; occu-
pying the night, as they sit round the fire, in relating stories
of by-gone times. To the persons of many, a ferret is
attached as a charm: because, as this creature is very
tenacious of life, according to their notion, it will preserve
them from being easily killed. Among some of the tribes,
the method of salutation is by taking hold of the nose ;
though others appear not to have possessed any form of
salutation, until the European method of shaking hands was
introduced.
Many further particulars might have been stated concern-
ing this race of men, which have been purposely omitted,
on account of their similarity to those previously detailed
concerning the Kaffirs.
SOUTH AFRICA. 67
CHAPTER VI.
MANTATEES, TILL LATELY UNKNOWN ORIGIN OF NAME COUN-
TRY MEN DRESS EMPLOYMENT FEROCITY IN WAR MANY BAT-
TLES WEAPONS METHOD OF ATTACK REPULSE BY GRIQUAS IN
1824 REVOLTING SCENES DETERMINED RESOLUTION CONNEXION
WITH THE PORTUGUESE IGNORANCE ZULOOS ORIGIN PER-
SONAL APPEARANCE CHIEFLY KNOWN AS WARRIORS WEAPONS
CHAKA HIS CRUELTY 450 MEN PUT TO DEATH AT ONE TIME HIS
MTJRDER " THE GREAT BLACK ONE" HORRID BARBARITIES.
DAMARAS COUNTRY BOY VALUED AT FOUR SHILLINGS SOME
AMONG THE NAMACQUAS FIVE TRIBES IRON AND COPPER FOUND
AMUSEMENTS WEAPONS DISPOSITION IGNORANCE.
MANTATEES.
As to the origin of the MANTATEES, but little can be said
with any degree of certainty. Indeed, until lately, the very
existence of such a tribe was altogether unknown. Dr.
Smith, who in the year 1834, travelled for the purpose of
obtaining more accurate information concerning the central
parts of Africa, states that the Mantatees were known by the
name of Backlokwa, or Bakora, previous to their coming in
contact with the Bechuanas; and that their present designa-
tion was first given them by the Bechuanas, from the name
of their chief, Mantatee. Other travellers have supposed
them to be the same race of men as those known to the
Kaffirs by the name of Ficani ; for it is ascertained that
Mantatees in the Bechuana language, and Ficani in the
Kaffir, are synonymous terms, both signifying invaders.
68 MEMORIALS OF
Neither of these appellations, however, are acknowledged
by themselves, but that of Amanizi, which they assume from
the name of a river flowing through their territories.
Their country lies to the North of Kaffraria, and between
North and North-East of the country of the Bechuanas.
Although said to be little else than an extensive chain of
mountains, yet the population is much greater than that
of Kaffir-land.
The men are tall and muscular, and, in appearance, as
black as pitch ; their bodies being smeared with a mixture of
charcoal and grease. In reality, however, they are not per-
fectly black. The dress consists of a prepared or tanned
skin, thrown over the shoulders. Some of the chiefs wear
caresses superior to these, and many have long loose shawls
of cotton cloth. The only article of clothing besides this, is
a small leathern apron tied round the loins. Many of the
women have only the latter, and are thus in a state of almost
perfect nudity. Their ornaments are similar to those of the
tribes already described, except that they wear plumes of
black ostrich feathers upon their head. They build their
towns, in general, upon some almost inaccessible mountain,
for the purpose of defending themselves against their nu-
merous enemies. The houses are neatly constructed of reed
and small wood. The cattle kraals and garden fences are
formed of clay and dung.
Both men and women are employed in the cultivation of
their lands: they dig the ground with hoes manufactured
among themselves ; the women cut down the corn, and the
men beat it out. They do not, like the Kaffirs, bury their
corn, but make it into stacks above ground, and cover it with
grass. The produce of their fields is Indian and Kaffir corn,
beans, water melons, and pumpkins. Horned cattle, sheep,
goats, and fowl, are plentiful ; but of horses they are perfectly
ignorant. Canibalism is only resorted to by the Mantatees
when no other food than human flesh can be obtained.
SOUTH AFRICA. 69
War is carried on by this people with great ferocity
and determined resolution. Indeed, necessity has trained
them as warriors ; for having been expelled from their own
territories by their more powerful neighbours, they were
compelled to seek a home elsewhere ; and thus came pouring
southward, spreading devastation on every hand. It is
thought, upon a moderate calculation, that not less than
100,000 people have perished by war and famine, owing to
the devastations of the Mantatees. Their wars have been
numerous : first, after having left their own country, they
fell upon the Bechuanas ; whence being expelled by the
assistance of the Griquas, who are in possession of fire-arms,
they next fell upon the Kaffirs ; with whom, for many years,
they continued in a state of warfare. Their weapons are the
keerie, battle-axe, and assagai ; which last differs somewhat
from that of the Bechuanas and Kaffirs. Their shields are
but small, and require to be dexterously used. In rushing
on to the attack, they throw off their caresses, raise the
savage war-whoop, and furiously discharge their javelins
and clubs ; at the same time holding their shields close to
the ground, on the left side. To illustrate their determina-
tion and resoluteness in fight, a few extracts may be quoted
from the Rev. Messrs Moffat and Melvill, of the London
Missionary Society, who witnessed the repulse of the Man-
tatees by the Griquas, in the year 1824.
" They seemed," remarks Mr. Melvill, " to have no idea
of yielding or asking for quarter, probably because in their
own wars they are not accustomed to give or receive mercy."
" The wounded and dying," says Mr. Moffat, " did not
evince those signs of sensibility which their situation was
calculated to call forth. In one place, women and children
were flying from their pursuers ; in another, mothers and
infants were lying together rolled in blood ; or living infants
were raising their feeble wail from the arms of their slaugh-
tered mothers ; yet those around seemed but little affected
70 MEMORIALS OF
by their awful situation. A ferocious thirst for vengeance
appeared to reign paramount in the breasts of the dying
warriors. Several times I narrowly escaped the spears and
battle-axes of the wounded, while engaged in rescuing the
women and children. Instead of laying down their arms,
and suing for quarter, some actually fought on their knees,
their legs having been broken. I saw one man with ten
javelins and as many arrows sticking in his body, who kept
about forty of his foes * at a distance. Another severely
wounded, fought desperately with one knee on the ground ;
keeping at bay a band of assailants, and plucked a spear
out of his own body to throw at them."
The Bechuanas, as Mr. Mofiat informed me, were mere
children before the Mantatees ; and without the assistance
of the Griquas, must have been altogether expelled the
country. Without the double advantage of fire-arms and
horses, such valour as this might have been formidable even
to the best disciplined troops. Their iron instruments of
war manifest more skill in workmanship than those of the
surrounding tribes ; and it is conceived from this circum-
stance, and from their having the shawls of European manu-
facture among them, that they must have dealings, directly
or indirectly, with the settlements of the Portuguese on the
eastern coast. Their language is a dialect of the Bechuana,
being so similar that persons of the two tribes can under-
stand each other. They are totally destitute of any idea of
religion, and know nothing of God. To these also the
Gospel has been sent, and the missionary and school-master
are now in the midst of them.
* These were Bechuanas. It was in their country that the engage-
ment took place, but they only exercised themselves in plundering the
Mantatees when defeated.
SOUTH AFRICA. 71
ZULOOS.
THE obscure but warlike tribe called ZULOOS, or Vatwahs,
is found to the northward of the Kaffirs. All that can be
ascertained concerning the origin of this people is, that at
some previous period, they resided in the countries adjoin-
ing the sources of the Mapoota River. At present, the
sway of this formidable tribe is extended over all the coun-
try, from the frontier of the Amaponda Kaffirs, on the South-
west as far as the river Mapoota, and Delagoa Bay on the
North : and as far into the interior, at least, as the great
ridge of mountains, in whose western sides the Gariep has
its principal sources.
The Zuloos are very bold and warlike, of a free and noble
carriage, Mr. Threlfall, to whom reference has already been
made, states of these people, that they have the finest figures
of any of the natives whom he had seen. The ornaments,
by which they are peculiarly characterized, are those ap-
pended to the ears, which are chiefly made of brass, and of
a moderate weight. Many of them are naked, but others
clothe themselves with the skins of animals. They are,
like many of the surrounding tribes, well acquainted with
the use of iron.
It is, however, in the capacity of warriors that they are
chiefly distinguished j for they are decidedly a warlike nation.
They protect themselves in battle with large shields, made
of bullock's hide ; and carry, in the same hand which bears
the shield, five or six assagais or spears, to be used as oc-
casion demands.
It was by reason of their incursions upon the Mautatees,
that that tribe was compelled to proceed southward; and
thus, if we look at the first cause, they were the authors of
the many evils resulting from that circumstance. They have
likewise attacked and overcome many of the smaller tribes.
72 MEMORIALS OF
in the vicinity of Delagoa Bay. These conquests were ob-
tained under the command of Chaka, a man of extreme cun-
ning and audacity, who, having subdued, or extirpated, the
whole of the native tribes from Delagoa to Hambona, es-
tablished a barbarous kingdom, which he governed upon a
system of military despotism. The means by which this
man raised himself to that degree of uncontrolled authority
over his followers, were of the most destructive and cruel
character. He waded through the blood, and amid the dying
groans of thousands of his fellow- creatures, who were slaugh-
tered to satisfy the cravings of his rapacity and ambition.
The forces under his direct command amounted to 15,000
men ; who were prepared to execute the most desperate or
cruel projects of their chief. His whole armed force was
computed, though perhaps incorrectly, at 100,000. Fail-
ure or defeat was punished with instant death ; and on one
occasion, a band of 450 men, with their captain, were con-
demned to indiscriminate execution, for having allowed
themselves to be defeated by the enemy.
This haughty despot was, however, called some few years
ago, to resign his ill-gotten dominion. As he sat in his
hut, when the sun was just setting beneath the horizon,
he heard a powerful voice addressing him with these words:
" Chaka, look at the sun, for never shall you see it
again ; Chaka, look at the sun, for never shall you see
it again." Instantly an assagai was thrust through his
body, and he fell to rise no more. He was left by the mur-
derers to welter in his blood, it being supposed that the
wolves would devour him before morning. When, however,
on the morrow, his corpse was found still lying on the spot,
they buried his remains, concluding from the circumstance
that wolves would not touch a royal person.
Dingaan, the brother of Chaka, was the person who spear-
ed him ; and, it appears, that he is following the steps of him
whom he slew. Capt. Gardiner, of the Royal Navy, proceeded
SOUTH AFRICA. 73
to Natal a few years ago, and repaired to the Zuloo country,
to visit their chief. " The great black one," as he has been
termed, refused for some time to see the Captain ; but at last
he consented, and suddenly presenting his head and shoul-
ders over a fence, he supposed he would kill him with a look.
The gallant captain, however, undauntedly faced the great
despot ; who was then pleased with his boldness, and pro-
ceeded to address him. Dingaan is a stout man, and a great
dancer, in which accomplishment he greatly prides himself.
But he is a monster of cruelty. Not only did he kill his
elder brother, in order that he might reign in his stead ; but,
from motives of jealousy, he afterwards murdered a younger
brother, an exceedingly clever man, and with him the popu-
lation of three large villages subject to his authority.
These are the children of a purely natural religion. Among
them no Bible was ever found ; teachers they never had ;
and of religious knowledge they are utterly destitute. Truly
these are the dark places of the earth, which are full of the
habitations of cruelty, and of no people in the world can it
be said with greater propriety; " Their feet are swift to shed
blood: destruction and misery are in their ways; and the
way of peace they have not known."
DAMARAS.
To the North of the Namacquas, though classed with the
Kaffir family, are the DAMARAS; a people concerning whom
very little credible intelligence had ever been afforded, pre-
viously to the expedition of Sir James Alexander, in the
year 1837. They approach, in appearance, more to the
negro than any of the other tribes; being perfectly black,
and having thick lips. Thus, the above mentioned traveller
remarks ; " The other day I bought a young Damara negro.
74 MEMORIALS OF
(a boy,) ten years of age for four shillings ; that is, for two
cotton handkerchiefs, and two strings of beads. His mis-
tress was a Namacqua woman. The boy was half-starved,
and he is now well fed and clothed, and is my shepherd."
Those living upon the coast are generally poor ; whilst
others residing inland are of a richer class. We observed
many Darnaras, when in Great Namacqua-land, acting as
servants and shepherds. Their huts are similar to those of
the Great Namacquas in shape. The poor cover them with
grass and cow-dung ; and the rich with the skins of cows.
The Damara nation is said to be composed of five tribes,
each of which is governed by its own chief; that dignity
descending from father to son. Iron and copper are found in
abundance ; and the natives avail themselves of them to
make assagais, knives, and rings, as well for their own use,
as to sell to neighbouring tribes. Their favourite amuse-
ment is dancing to the music of a reed. They likewise
make use of a drum similar to that of the Namacquas. On
such occasions they have their oxen collected, and dance
before them, as the property in which they chiefly delight.
They make use of the bow and poisoned arrows, t as well
as of the assagai. Their wars are chiefly against the Na-
macquas, concerning their cattle. They are kind to friends,
and attentive to the wounded ; and strangers, in times of
peace, are respectfully treated.
As an instance of the ignorance of this people, we trans-
cribe a conversation between one of them, and the traveller
already alluded to.
" When you die, what becomes of you ?
" When we die, we are buried, and then no better than
the beasts.
" Are you afraid to die ?
" Yes, very much ; and we are afraid when we see people
ill, because we think it may be our turn next ; we try not to
think of it.
SOUTH AFRICA. 75
" Who do you think made the sun and moon, and all you
see about you in the world ?
" We don't know, we are a stupid people ; we never
think of this ? What is the use of thinking of it. No one
ever told us anything about these things ; and how could
we know anything about them ? All we want to know is,
where to get a large animal to kill and eat.
" Do you on any occasion go to any particular place and
make an offering there ? For instance, do you go to a grave
or a heap of stones covering the dead, and throw a stone on
the heap ; or put a branch on it; or leave a bit of skin on
a bush any where ?
" No we never do these things : we are a stupid people ;
we don't know, or do anything but look for food, and dance
when we have got plenty.
66 This conversation was held with a Damara apparently
as intelligent as the generality of the natives."
Surely it is impossible for the Christian to regard a tribe
of his fellow-beings in such a state of moral destitution as
this, without feelings of commiseration ; yet to them no
missionary has hitherto been sent, and they are still without
one ray of Gospel light. Sir James Alexander has pointed
out locations suitable for mission stations to our Society;
and moreover states, that the people are anxious for Mis-
sionaries, the women in particular having said, " Send us
teachers for ourselves and our children." Ought we not
therefore speedily to respond to their appeal ?
76 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER VII.
THE AUTHOR'S APPOINTMENT TO AFRICA, 1815 LONDON MINISTERS
GRAVESEND LOSE SIGHT OF LAND RIO DE JANERIO SLAVES
ARRIVAL AT CAPE TOWN WAITING ON GOVERNORS RESTRICTIONS
OF DUTCH GOVERNMENT BEGINS PREACHING SERGEANT KENDRICK
SOCIETY OF SOLDIERS WTNBERG SILVER MINE SIMON'S TOWN
MOHAMMEDAN REV. H. SCHMELEN NAMACO.UAS RESOLVES ON GO-
ING INTO THE INTERIOR PASSPORT DEPARTURE HARD LODGINGS
STICK FAST IN A RIVER MARAIS ORANGE GROVES SHOOTING
HEER VAN AARDE'S UITKORNST HEER H. VAN ZYL'S LIBERALITY
HEERE LODGMENT CLAN WILLIAM.
AT the Wesley an Methodist Conference of 1815, it was the
lot of the Author to be appointed as one of its missionaries
for the island of Ceylon ; but on his arrival in London,
circumstances transpired which gave rise to a change ; and
the scene of his future labours were fixed at the Cape of
Good Hope. He, therefore, immediately commenced the
study of the Dutch language, under the direction of Baldwin
Janson, author of a Dutch Grammar and Dictionary.
During his stay in London, the Author met with the Rev.
Messrs. Carver, Broadbent, and Callaway, who were des-
tined for the East, and with whom he afterwards sailed in
the same vessel. We were frequently privileged, at this
time, with the company and advice of the Rev. S. Bradburn,
who was one of the officiating ministers at our ordination.
This aged servant of the Lord evidently appeared to be
ripening for that better world whither his departed spirit has
since taken its flight. Also from the Rev. Messrs. Gaulter,
SOUTH AFRICA. 77
Entwisle, and all the preachers of the committee, we ex-
perienced considerable kindness ; and their fervent prayers
were offered on our behalf. On the 19th of December,
having breakfasted with the late Rev. J. Benson, one of the
greatest divines of his day, we left London ; being accom-
panied as far as Gravesend by the Revs. J. Wood, J. Bunting,
and J. Buckley. They affectionately commended us to God,
and then returned; and on the following day we went on
board the Eclipse, bound for Ceylon, but destined to touch at
the Cape on her voyage.* On Christmas-day we were pas-
sing the Straits of Dover with a high wind and heavy sea.
During the next day the wind increased, and was so violent,
that although we had close-reefed topsails, the ship stag-
gered to and fro like a drunken man.
January 3rd, 1816. We lost sight of land. Here the
tender feelings of the heart were tested; keen were the
thoughts of by-gone days ; home, country, friends, all were
left; and despite of self, the tears afresh started from the eye,
as we cast one last look on the white cliffs of Old England.
" I love thee, O my native isle !
Dear as my mother's earliest smile ;
Sweet as my father's voice to me,
Is all I hear, and all I see."
Having touched at Madeira and St. Jago, we crossed the
equator, February 7th ; and 011 the 3rd of March, entered the
harbour of Rio de Janerio ; where, it is stated, 40,000
Negroes are annually received from the shores of Africa.
Here we saw multitudes of slaves busily engaged at labour :
they were carrying heavy burdens, and singing a kind of
mournful dirge as they proceeded. Their language to me
was unintelligible; but the song of these hapless negroes
was deeply affecting, and I thought they said, "Pity poor
Africa." After remaining at Rio for nearly two weeks, we
again put to sea, and on the 23rd, Mrs. S. was delivered of
78 MEMORIALS OF
a lovely daughter; but the infant soon expired, and was
committed to the fathomless ocean ; latitude 27 52' South,
and longitude 36 50' West. Yet the ocean prison shall not
for ever retain its captives. The sea shall give up her dead,
and both small and great shall stand before God.
On the night of the 1 2th of April, the grand Promontory
of South Africa was discovered by the light of the moon ;
when the cry of " land-a-head" was heard, which, after a long
and tedious voyage brought many upon deck. The follow-
ing evening our anchor was cast in the Table Bay, and the
ensuing morning we landed in Cape Town ; thankful for our
preservation to that God.
44 Who rides upon the stormy sky,
And calms the roaring seas."
Having now arrived at the place of my destination, I
waited on his excellency Lord Charles Henry Somerset,
then governor of the colony, and presented him with a
letter of introduction from Earl Barthurst; at the same
time requesting permission to exercise the duties of a
Christian Minister in Cape Town. He replied, that con-
sidering the high and responsible office which he sustained;
together with the adequate supply of clergymen, both for the
Dutch and English population, and that several of the slave-
holders were opposed to the instruction of the coloured
classes, he could not grant me the sanction required. Upon
the exercise of religious liberty, various restrictions had been
imposed by the Dutch government in the year 1804 ; to which
his excellency undoubtedly referred. Some of the articles
are as follows : " None shall be permitted to perform any
divine service, nor keep public meetings, except with the
perfect knowledge of the governor for the time being."
" No public meetings of devotion may be held at any other
time than the usual Sundays or holidays, and in public
churches, without due permission of the governor for the
SOUTH AFRICA. 79
time being; and then always under the guidance, and at the
responsibility of the qualified consistory of that community
to which those persons belong, who wish to hold these
separate meetings, &c."
Having been refused the sanction of the governor, I was
resolved what to do ; and commenced without it on the
following Sabbath. If his excellency were afraid of giving
offence either to the Dutch ministers or the English chap-
lains, I had no occasion to fear either the one or the other*
My congregations at first were chiefly composed of pious
soldiers ; and it was in a room hired by them that I first
preached Christ crucified in South Africa. Among the
military, at this time, there were several men of deep piety ;
some of whom had been raised up to exhort their brethren,
and were excellent local preachers. By the blessing of the
Almighty upon our efforts, the number of our little society
was very soon augmented, many were turned from darkness
unto light, and from the service of Satan to that of the
living od ; and of a truth they caused the light which they
had received to shine to all around. Here I met with the
journal of Serjeant Kendrick of the 21st Yorkshire Light
Dragoons ; one who ,in the capacity of a local preacher
and leader, was, for several years, very useful among his
fellow-soldiers. He was convinced of sin at the Old
Chapel in Leeds, under the ministry of the Rev. George
Morley; and although much persecuted by some of his
superiors in the army, yet he remained steadfast unto the end.
He was truly a good man ; and both the pious and profane
who were near his dying bed were led to pray, " Let me die
the death of the righteous." Among those, who then visited
him, was the Rev. G. Hough the senior colonial chaplain, who
assured me that his death was one of the happiest of which
he had ever heard. From the journal alluded 'to, I made
copious extracts, which were forwarded to the editor of the
Methodist Magazine ; but these not having appeared, it is
80 MEMORIALS OF
supposed that they miscarried. In a copy of his will now
before me, dated November 9, 1813, are the following sen-
tences taken down as they fell from his lips. "I am in
a sound mind, I have nothing to plead but my Saviour's
merits ;
4 1 the chief of sinners am,
But Jesus died for me.'
" I leave my kindest love to every body ; and I die exhort-
ing all to repent and believe the Gospel." Having divided
his books, as tokens of love, among his comrades and others,
he died in peace, on the 18th of the same month. His
remains were interred in the military burying ground at
Green Point, and his companions placed on his tomb the
following verse :
" Live, till the Lord in glory come,
And wait his heaven to share :
He now is fitting up your home ;
Go on ; we'll meet you there."
Wynberg is a village about eight miles from Cape Town.
On my first going thither, I met with a few soldiers who
regularly met together for religious worship. They had
erected for themselves a small chapel in the midst of a
forest, which was beautifully adorned with flowers, by
the taste of corporals Tate and Kirby, (the latter of whom
I saw in Bath, May, 1839;) and in this delightful spot, I
opened my commission among them. Previously to the
erection of this chapel, they had built one in the village,
which, by order of the colonel of the regiment, had been
burnt to the ground. An officer, however, of the same
regiment, (Captain Proctor,) then gave them liberty to
build on his own private property ; of which offer they
willingly availed themselves. While digging for a founda-
tion, they found a quantity of shining particles, both white
and yellow; from which circumstance they conceived that
SOUTH AFRICA. 81
they had discovered a silver or gold mine. Mrs. Tate, the
wife of one of the corporals alluded to, a pious and active
woman, immediately filled her apron therewith, and hastened
to exhibit her treasure to Captain P., saying at the same
time, " Look here, Captain Proctor, the Lord is blessing
you for allowing us to build upon your ground we have
found a mine." As it had been reported that a silver mine
was discovered during the time of the Dutch government ;
and as there is a place not very far distant, still called the
silver mine, it was natural enough for the soldiers to suppose
that they had hit upon a vein of the same. These shining-
particles were well examined ; and although better informed
persons than the corporal's wife thought them valuable,
after all, instead of gold or silver, they proved to be but
pieces of common quarts and granite.
Simon's Town was the next place to which my labours
were directed. Here T found Mr. Martin of his majesty's
dock yard, and others who were exceedingly kind, and
preached in a room belonging to a sergeant of the eighty-
third regiment. On proceeding the next morning to the
top of the mountains behind the town, I met with a Mo-
hammedan, and also an aged heathen, with whom I entered
into conversation, and found altogether ignorant of spiritual
things. 1 longed to be able to speak with them more
fluently, and to be employed in preaching to the Gentiles,
" the unsearchable riches of Christ."
As I had offered myself to the missionary committee for
the heathen, and there was at present no prospect of my
preaching to that class of persons in Cape Town, I resolved
to memorialize his excollency on the subject of going into
the interior, and received a favourable answer. At this
juncture, the Rev. H. Schmelen, belonging to the London
Missionary Society, arrived in Cape Town, accompanied by
a dozen Namacquas, among which people he had spent
several years. Anxious to obtain information respecting
F
82 MEMORIALS OF
the interior, I invited Mr. Schmelen and his people to tea.
He spoke of the degraded state of the heathen beyond the
Orange River, and offered to render me any assistance,
should I accompany him. I now began to think that my
way was opening into " the dark parts of the earth," but
several obstacles presented themselves. I had no sanction
from the committee, the expense would be considerable,
and my partner in life was exceedingly delicate. These
obstacles, however, were speedily removed ; for, though I
had not mentioned my views to Mrs. S., she turned to
Mr. Schmelen and said : " We will go with you, the Lord
is opening our way to the heathen." On adverting to the
expense, she added, that the committee could not be dis-
pleased with it ; and if they were, we could bear a part of
it ourselves. After mature deliberation and prayer, we
resolved to go " afar off to the Gentiles ; " and immediately
made application to his excellency for a passport to pro-
ceed beyond the frontier. He expressed his regret at my
wish to go to such a distance, and both himself and H.
Alexander, Esq., the secretary, advised me to re-consider
the subject, mentioning different places within the Colony ;
or, if I would accept of the offer, an appointment as minister
to one of the Dutch churches. I returned] them for
answer, that I felt obliged by their attentions, yet could not
comply with their request ; that had I been desirous of
preaching to Christian congregations, T should have remained
in England ; and that having offered my services for the
heathen,! hoped no impediment would be thrown in my way.
At length, having obtained a passport, we purchased
a wagon and twelve bullocks, with every thing requisite
for the journey; and in company with Mr. Schmelen,
left Cape Town on the 6th of September, to take our route
in the wilderness. Messrs. Young, Evan, and West, accom-
panied us to some distance, and then bade farewell. We
travelled till almost midnight, and for a considerable part of
SOUTH AFRICA. 83
the time through deep sands. On halting we were about to
prepare the wagon for our night's rest, but found the sloop-
komer (bedroom) in such confusion, it being filled with bags
and boxes of provisions, guns, saws, spades, articles of
clothing, implements of agriculture, tea-kettles, pots, and
pans, &c., &c., that we were constrained to desist from our
purpose, and being extremely fatigued, we were soon asleep
in a less agreeable place.
On the 7th, the great gun from Cape Castle announced
the break of day. Mr. Schmelen, when I crept out of the
wagon, was sitting under a bush with a cup of coffee before
him, which he was stirring with a small piece of stick. He
smiled as I saluted him, " goede morgin Mynheer," (good
morning sir,) and replied, " Dit iseen Namacqua lepel,''
(this is a Namacqua spoon.) After breakfast we held
Divine worship, when the Namacquas united in singing the
praises of God ; and all, during prayer, devoutly knelt with
their faces towards the ground. We then passed through the
sand towards Fishershok ; but my wagon being heavily laden,
and one of the bullocks restive, our progress was somewhat
retarded. In the evening, we stuck fast in the bed of a
periodical river ; from which, neither the shouting of the
people, the whips of the drivers, nor the application of our
shoulders to the wheels, would move the vehicle. After
some time, Mr. Schmelen's oxen were brought "to our
assistance, and being united with mine, composed a team
of twenty-two ; yet even then it was not without much
difficulty that we were extricated.
After having crossed the Berg River, we halted at de
Heer Marais, where every possible kindness and attention
were shown us; and on the Sabbath, a large congregation of
white and black persons were assembled, to whom Mr.
Schmelen preached with great animation.
19/A. Passed the Piquet Berg, at the foot of which are
beautiful gardens, orange-groves, and corn-fields, with an
84 MEMORIALS OF
abundant supply of water. At night we halted by Peter's
Fountain, and purchased sheep for our consumption on
the road.
22nd. We were in a solitary place by the side of a large
mountain ; when our situation vividly called to recollection
the words of the poet Cowper.
" The sound of the church-going bell,
These valleys and rocks never heard ;
Never sigh'd at the sound of a knell,
Or smil'd when a Sabbath appear' d."
Mrs. S. had for some time been indisposed, and could eat
but little ; I therefore, occasionally pursued hares, partridges,
doves, and khorans ; and on one occasion, lodged the contents
of my fowling piece in the body of a pheasant, which
proved very acceptable.
24th. Yesterday we passed Kotzea's place, where we
obtained a quantity of oranges ; and to-day de Heer P. Van
Aarde sent one of his slaves to our out spar-place, to inform
us that we might obtain supplies at his house. Mr. Schmelen
immediately departed for Long Valley to procure provisions,
leaving me to conduct worship. This was my first attempt
to preach in the Dutch language, and the people were
attentive. A few hours hence is the Uitkomst, the residence
of de Heer H. Van Zeyl, who is a true friend to all who
preach the Word of Life. We passed the Uitkomst in the
night, but I have frequently been there since. On my last
journey to Namacqualand, we remained four days to rest the
oxen, and though we were twelve in number, and supported
at his table, he would accept of no remuneration. At our
departure, Mrs. Van Zeyl put loaves of bread into the wagon
till we were compelled to beg her to desist. Mr. Van Zeyl
supplied us with a bag of meal, three goats, and five sheep,
which I had purchased ; but when I came to inquire the
amount of payment, he said ; " Niets Mynheer," (nothing.)
SOUTH AFRICA. 85
On pressing him to allow me to pay, he answered ; " Moct
my mer qimat maken, (Do not make me angry.) You come
and dispense to myself and family the bread of life it
would be strange indeed if 1 could not give you a little
provision to help you through the wilderness."
26th. Heere Lodgement, (Gentleman's Lodge.) We
reached this place about midnight. Our cattle having had
no water during the day, and the sands being very deep,
the croaking of the frogs was to all a joyful sound. Here
we halted some days to rest our oxen, during which
the people were engaged in making bullets for the guns.
The fissure in the rock described by Vaillant was visited,
and the tree which he mentions, still spreads its branches
over the floor of the so-called kliphuis. (stonehouse.) The
names of many travellers are to be seen carved on the rock,
some of whom visited the place in the year 1712. Where
are these travellers now ? is a solemn question
u Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away."
Not far distant from hence is Clanwilliam, a village of neat
houses rising into importance. J. Ryneveld, Esq., a gentle-
man highly respected, is the assistant civil commissioner, or
chief magistrate of the sub- district, and my friend, Mr.
Evans, is a teacher employed by government. This village
is surrounded with mountains and sandhills, which is the
cause of its being one of the hottest places in the whole
Colony. On some occasions, the thermometer stands at 94
at 9 A. M., and at 110 at 3 P. M. in the shade.
86 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER VIII.
ELEPHANT RIVER THERMOMETER 110 MEET A NAMACQUA CHIEF
CONSULTATION CROSS THE KARREE FORTY-FIVE OXEN DIE AS-
CEND A MOUNTAIN HARD WORK MET BY NAMACQUAS ON OXEN
ARRIVE AT NAAMRAP COUNCIL HELD JA MYNHEER MR. SCHMEL-
EN'S DEPARTURE LILLY FOUNTAIN NATIVE HUT ADVANTAGE OF
BEING WITHOUT FURNITURE BABOONS MOLE LOST FIRST SABBATH
GARDEN SEEDS EATING GRASS BEGIN TO BUILD CUTTING TIM-
BER MASTER-BUILDER NATIVES ATTEMPT SINGING INTERPRETER
EFFECTS OF THE GOSPEL EXPRESSIONS OF THE PEOPLE PRIVATE
PRAYER MANUAL LABOUR TO BE ATTENDED TO BY MISSIONARIES
CLOSE OF 1816.
October 3. Late last night we arrived at Elephant River,
which, in consequence of heavy rains, was impassable : and
this morning we were engaged in transporting the contents
of our wagon across it, by means of a small boat belonging
to Juff Van Tryl. In the afternoon the wagons were also
brought through, but owing to the depth and rapidity of the
stream, they were in great danger of being overturned. It
was both imposing and painful to behold the oxen proceeding
slowly onward the drivers vigorously applying their large
whips and the people shouting, hallooing, and using every
possible exertion to prevent the bullocks from being carried
away by the current. The Great Namacqua men who led
the oxen, being excellent swimmers, were as buoyant on
the water as ducks, and all were brought over in safety.
Yesterday the thermometer was 1 10 in the shade, and
to-day the wind felt as if mingled with particles of fire ; the
SOUTH AFRICA. 87
heat, together with long-continued exertions, so relaxed
every nerve, that we were completely exhausted, and
could eat but little.
On leaving the banks of the Elephant River, we com-
menced our journey in the Karree or arid desert. When we
had travelled for a short time, it was announced that the
chief of the Little Namacquas and four of his people were
approaching. We immediately halted and entered into
conversation with them, when they proposed that we should
remain together for the night. This request was complied
with, and the chief stated, that having heard of the Great
Word, and other tribes having received it, he was also
anxious to have it ; and had commenced this journey in
search of a teacher. They had already travelled two hundred
miles, and had designed proceeding to Cape Town, which
would have been between two and three hundred more. It
was certain that they could have obtained no missionary at
Cape Town, and it appeared a peculiar Providence that we
should thus meet with them in the wilderness ; for had we
commenced our day's journey half an hour sooner, or they
theirs, half an hour later, we should have continued our route
towards Great Namacqua-land, and should, consequently,
have missed them coming from Little Namacqua-land.
As the finger of God was evidently perceptible throughout
the whole of this event, it was proposed that I should
accompany the chief to his kraal ; at this he was highly
delighted, and willingly accepted the offer. At our evening's
service, he with his people, bowed their faces to the ground,
and when Jesus was set forth as the Great Shepherd, who
had black sheep as well as white, having said, when on
earth, " And other sheep I have which are not of this fold,
them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and
there shall be one fold and one shepherd;" the chief wept
aloud, and appeared to rejoice as one who had found great
spoil.
88 MEMORIALS OF
Our course was now changed, and directed towards Little
instead of Great Namacqua-land. The weather became
very hot, and several of our oxen were so jaded, that some
were left behind. While Mr. Schmelen and a fellow-labourer
were crossing the Karree some years ago, their oxen were
so fatigued that forty-five died ; in consequence of which
they were detained several weeks in this dreadful wilderness.
Here we experienced a great scarcity of water, and the little
which was to be obtained, was of such a description, that
nothing but necessity could have compelled us to drink it.
Some, in colour, resembled the blackness of ink, being
copiously impregnated with the excrements of the various
animals of the desert; whilst that which was more inviting
to the eye was so salt, that the other was preferable.
Oct. \th. We were led chiefly, because of the extreme
heat and scarcity of water, to travel the Karree by night ;
and to-day, though being the Sabbath, we were necessitated
to proceed. In the afternoon, we had to ascend the side of
a mountain, in some places almost perpendicular; at the
top of which was situated the Naamrap, or cattle place of
the Namacqua chief. So rugged was the path, so steep
the ascent, so many were the large stones scattered in the
way, that every moment our wagons were in imminent
danger of being overturned, or thrown over the edge of
some frightful precipice. Every bullock had here to exert
all his strength, as the failure of one might have caused the
destruction of the whole. The enormous whips of the
drivers were in constant application, the crack of which
echoing amid the surrounding rocks, sounded like the voice
of thunder. The poor animals, jaded and fatigued, often
fell upon their knees ; but it was not now the time to
preach on mercy to the brute creation. Every ox was
made to stand firm to the yoke ; on shrinking an inch from it,
the whip was applied with such violence, that it made him
tremble like a leaf. With all this exertion, so difficult was
SOUTH AFRICA. 89
the ascent, that we only proceeded by inches, and I began to
despair of ever reaching the summit. At length, however,
we effected our purpose, and could look back with gratitude,
exclaiming, " Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Having
accomplished this hazardous work, between twenty and
thirty Namacquas were seen approaching, who rode upon
beautiful young oxen. They passed us at full gallop, and
after having pulled up, stood on the side of the road with
their heads uncovered, saying, "Goeden dag Mynheer
Goeden dag Juffroun Welcom, welcom, van dit land."
The chief who had left us some days ago, had now sent
these men to meet and salute us on our arrival, which they
did with apparent delight, for their eyes sparkled with joy
as they waved their hands, and shouted, " Good day, Sir,
Good day, Madam. You are w r elcome to this country."
Having thus saluted us, they rode off at full speed to
proclaim our approach. On arriving at the residence of the
chief, we were soon surrounded with men, women, and
children, who talked so incessantly, that we could scarcely
hear ourselves speak. In the evening we held Divine
worship, and then requested them to retire, in order that we
might rest for the night.
A council was held on the 15th respecting my remaining
among them. It was commenced with prayer, and a short
discourse, from " This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all
acceptation, &c." The whole assembly w r as at first still as
midnight, but before the conclusion, several wept aloud.
The Chief Haimoep fell with his face on the ground, and
was so much affected, that we had to wait some time before
we could begin our conversation. When he arose, his
people surrounded him, and the following questions were
proposed :
Have you plenty of water, and a suitable place where
gardens may be made, and cultivation attended to ?
" Ja Mynheer." (Yes, Sir.)
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As the Missionary and his wife cannot live without bread
as you do, will you allow him to cultivate corn for his own
use ?
"Yes, wherever he pleases ; the land is before you ; you
may choose."
Will you allow him to keep cows, goats, oxen, &c., for
the use of the Mission ?
" Yes, as many as he pleases."
Will you assist in the erection of a place for public
worship, where you may assemble to hear the word of God ?
" Ja, Mynheer."
As the Missionary cannot live in huts like yours, will you
assist him to build a dwelling-house, to make gardens, and
in doing any other work ?
"Ja Mynheer."
Are you really willing and desirous to receive the Gospel
or the Great Word ?
"Ja Mynheer."
This question was answered first by the Chief; then by
the men who sat near him ; and after them, both women and
children caught the answer and repeated, " Ik ben gewillig,
&c." (I am willing to receive it, 1 am &c.)
October 16. Mr. Schrnelen departed on his way towards
Great Namacqua-land. The kindness of this German
brother, and his excellent wife, is indelibly written on
our hearts, and their departure exceedingly affected us.
Though surrounded by Namacquas, we were truly solitary,
as many of them spoke a language which we could not
understand. All our earthly friends were far hence, our
fellow-travellers had left us, and we could not refrain from
weeping in this wilderness of savages. At length we were
enabled to dry up our tears, and take courage, trusting in
the veracity of Him, who hath promised, "Lo, I am with
you always, even unto the end of the world."
23. After much difficulty in ascending and descending,
SOUTH AFRICA. 91
we arrived at Lily Fountain, or the Khamies Mountain,
the residence of the Namacquas, during the months of
summer. The water by which the station is supplied, is
found under the peak of one of the mountains, near which is
excellent ground for cultivation, estimated at four or five
thousand feet above the level of the sea. We took up our
abode in a hut belonging to one of the natives, which had
neither window, chimney, nor even a door, and withal was
of small dimensions. It is certainly an advantage that we
have no furniture, possessing neither chairs, table, nor even a
bedstead to encumber us ; yet, when weary, we find no
difficulty in sleeping on the floor.
On the morning after our arrival, an immense troop of
baboons gave us a salute from the adjoining heights. They
laughed, screamed, capered, frolicked, played all kinds
of pranks, and yelled so hideously, that had we not seen
them on other mountains, we might have been alarmed
at their appearance. The sloping mountain was covered
with long meadow-like grass, and beautifully adorned with
flowers of every hue, forming a pleasing contrast to the
arid Karree we had recently traversed. The African lark
was beheld rising on the wing to the height of thirty
or forty feet, and then suddenly descending, with its
prolonged and melancholy whistle. I had hitherto felt
nothing like fear, but must confess, that early one morning
while occupying this hut, I was considerably alarmed.
Feeling something in my pillow, and supposing it to be a
serpent, I lost no time in rising, in order to expel the un-
welcome intruder. Upon examination, however, I was
pleasingly surprised to discover a harmless mole, which had
mistaken its path, and instead of proceeding underground,
had found its way into my pillow. Every man commencing
a mission among barbarians will have made up his mind to
meet with trials ; we were therefore partly prepared for our
situation. Indeed the object which we had in view, was so
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great and important, that, were I seated on a throne, I would
gladly descend from it to preach the unsearchable riches of
Christ to these African Gentiles.
On the first Sabbath, I preached "Jesus and the resur-
rection," to as many as understood the Dutch language. The
Moravian Missionaries in Greenland, at first directed the
attention of their hearers to the existence and attributes of
the Deity ; to the fall of man, the requirements of the law of
God, &c., without any apparent success; but on beginning
to preach " Christ crucified," the savages felt and trembled
under the word. Being now in the midst of a fallen race,
where the Saviour had not been preached, and believing
that he " by the grace of God tasted death for every man," I
set up the banner on the mountain top, and cried, " Behold
the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
I had brought a variety of garden seeds with me, and also
spades and other implements of agriculture. Believing that
the earth would yield her increase to the hand of labour, I
dug up a piece of ground, and formed several beds, on which
1 sowed lettuce, onions, radish and other seeds. Several
of the natives stood and gazed at me with astonishment,
especially when they saw my jacket thrown off, and the
spade in my hand. They knew not that our common father,
even before the fall, was put by Jehovah into the garden of
Eden "to dress and to keep it." When the seeds began to
spring up, the plants were narrowly watched in their growth,
and they exclaimed, on seeing us eat some of the lettuce,
&c., " Mynheer en Juff kan opslaageten, &c." (What a
wonderful thing is this, that the mistress and yourself can
eat grass, you will never die of hunger.)
Having fixed on a site for the erection of a dwelling
house, I made enquiry respecting timber, but was told that
there was none in the vicinity of Lily Fountain. Desirous
of ascertaining for myself, 1 set off among the mountains, and
wandered from one valley and ravine to another, till I was
SOUTH AFRICA. 93
weary and faint, but could not find a single tree. I after-
wards learnt that the mimosa, or thorn tree, could be pro-
cured at the distance of one day's journey ; and therefore,
accompanied by three or four natives, went thither, taking
with me a cross-cut saw and some hatchets. On our arrival
at the Naawoe River, one of the Namacquas and myself
worked the saw, and in a very short time several trees were
lying on the ground. The saw with its numerous teeth was
an object of great curiosity to the Namacquas, and they
were so delighted to see how soon two of them could make
a tree fall, that even after we had obtained a sufficient
quantity, I could not restrain them for some time from
using it. Many trees were consequently left behind, for
which we had no room in the wagons. Mrs. Shaw had
the honour of laying the foundation stone of the mission
house; and it was laid in hope, that she would ere long have
a more comfortable dwelling, than the hut of mud. Old
Adam, so called, who had occasionally lived with some of the
boors, came and said, " If you please Sir, I will be the baas
bouwsneester? (Master-builder.) He was allowed to com-
mence, and took up much time in squaring his eye, and look-
ing at the angles to see if they were correct; but after awhile
I discovered such a bulge in the wall, that I was under
the necessity of taking down a great part of it, and then
undertook the business myself, and succeeded tolerably
well. It was a source of grief to me, that my architect had
thus failed, as I had so many other engagements, and he
felt somewhat mortified at losing his situation ; for though
little in person, he thought himself far superior both in in-
tellect and ability to those around him.
Whilst engaged in manual labour during the day, the
evenings were set apart for religious instruction. Having,
on one occasion, spoken of the " water of life," which is
given "without money and without price," and invited the
thirsty to partake of it, some of those who heard were much
94 MEMORIALS OF
affected, and long after we had retired for rest, were heard
attempting to pray, and to sing verses of the hymns,
which they now began to remember. At the time here
referred to, I called to mind, that it was the first Monday
evening in the month, and believed that the Lord was an-
swering the prayers of his people in England. Certainly
some were heard,
** To groan the sinner's only plea,
God be merciful to me."
Many of the natives were unacquainted with the Dutch
language, and my preaching to them was in an unknown
tongue; I therefore attended to the command of the Apostle,
"Let one interpret" (1 Cor. xiv. 27). The chief, who knew
nothing of Dutch, was asked after the service, if he approved
of this method, and answered in the affirmative, while several
others called out, "Het was al te lekkege," (It was too sweet,
or it was exceedingly sweet). The explanation and appli-
cation pf some of the Gospel narratives appeared to have a
powerful influence upon the untutored mind. Such were
those of blind Bartimeus, the woman of Samaria, and the
poor Canaanite, who cried after Jesus. While I was preach-
ing on the latter subject, an individual fell on the ground,
whose language was, " Lord help me." She lay on the floor
mourning and weeping, and on being asked the cause of her
sorrow, replied, "Ik ben al te veel zondig," (I am so exceed-
ingly sinful.) " The word of God is quick and powerful,
and sharper than any two edged sword." Many began. to
experience the truth of this, and came to me, saying " Het
woord gaat in onzer herten," (The word goes into our hearts.)
I therefore appointed a time for meeting those who had any
concern for their souls, which was the commencement of
class-meetings in that country. The following, and similar
expressions, were made use of on the occasion. Chief "All
the sins which I have committed from my childhood to this
SOUTH AFRICA. 95
day are put before my eyes." Hendrick " I was one day
going along the road after having heard the Gospel, and
was constrained to go behind a bush to pray. In great
trouble I fell on the ground, and my sins like a large nail
seemed to fasten me to the earth." A woman said, " I feel
something like a serpent in my heart, which torments me,
I hate it, but know not how to get rid of it." Peter " I
feel that I am a sinner, and I seek to be saved through
Jesus Christ."
When the Lord said of Saul of Tarsus, " Behold he
prayeth ;" Ananias cheerfully went to visit him, convinced
that if Saul were sincerely calling upon God, divine grace
was operating in his heart. Going out one night into the
garden with the design of shooting the hares which had
destroyed some of our promising plants, my attention was
arrested by the sound of a human voice, proceeding from
the cleft of a rock. Approaching nearer to the spot, I dis-
tinctly heard that it was the voice of supplication. A Na-
macqua, who had attended the evening service, had after-
wards returned thither to wrestle with God. I never knew
who the individual was, but he was seen and known of Him
who heareth prayer. This circumstance led to reflection on
the words of the Apostle, " For there is no difference
between the Jew and the Greek ; for the same Lord over all
is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall
call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Rom. x.
12, 13.)
From necessity, as well as for the sake of example, I was
daily engaged in manual labour. Like the other tribes of
South Africa, the Namacquas are an indolent people, and
except they can be rescued in some degree from indolence,
as well as other vices, they will reap but little advantage
from instruction. To " be diligent in business," as well as
" fervent in spirit," is a divine command : even the Green-
landers, seeing their first Missionary only attending to the
96 MEMORIALS OF
work of tuition, thought themselves by far his superiors.
Mr. Egede occupied much of his time in endeavouring to
instruct them in reading, &c. ; but soon becoming weary,
they told him that they saw no utility in sitting day after
day looking at a piece of paper, making scratches with a
feather, or crying A. B. C. : whereas, by fishing, hunting,
and shooting birds, they had not only recreation, but profit
in their employment. In the midst of our labours, we had
to endure privations, but nevertheless were happy and con-
tented with our situation ; and by the end of the year, we
could make our own butter, soap, candles, and help ourselves
in various ways. We had neither occasion nor time to
utter any complaint, and never before could I say with so
much propriety,
" With us no melancholy void,
No moment lingers unemployed,
Or unimprov'd below."
tisn vlu
SOUTH AFRICA. 97
CHAPTER IX.
CHILD'S GRAVE ERECTION OF CHAPEL COMMENCED PEOPLE INDOLENT
SUBSCRIPTION FOR FOOD WORK PROCEEDS TREADING CLAY
WANT OF SCHOOL-BOOKS MAKING A PLOUGH BATTLE-FIELD FIRST
BAPTISMS FIRST MARRIAGE VISIT TO A CHIEF HORSE'S TAIL
TERRIFIC ROADS LARGE PORTION IN A WOODEN DISH SLEEP ON A
MAT MEETINGS FOR DISCUSSION VISIT TO A FARMER'S PLACE
ANECDOTE VISIT TO BUSHMAN-LAND FEAR OF LIONS TEDIOUS
GRINDING A NIMROD FIRST LOVE-FEAST.
TOWARDS the conclusion of the year 1816, anxious to leave
the native hut for our new dwelling-house, as soon as one of
the rooms was finished, we removed thither. One side of
the roof had been thatched ; but we could not finish the
other before the confinement of Mrs. S. The house was in
this state, exposed to every blast, and as yet without door
or window, when our second lovely infant was brought into
the world; soon after which, it was my mournful duty,
assisted by the sister of the chief, to consign its lifeless
remains to the earth. We placed it in a solitary grave,
situated at the foot of a rock which was surrounded by strag-
gling brushwood, putting stones upon it after the manner of
the natives, both to prevent its being carried away by wild
beasts, and to distinguish the place of sepulture. I felt
grateful, especially under such circumstances, that the mother
was spared.
In the early part of the following year, we commenced the
erection of a chapel. Happily for us, we knew in this solitary
G
98 MEMORIALS OF
country, that " the Most High dwelleth not in temples
made with hands." Hence, previously to this time, we had,
on some occasions, held our services under " the shadow of
a great rock in a weary land;" on others, beneath the
spreading foliage of the mimosa, on the bank of a river ;
sometimes in the midst of the wildest bushes of the desert,
and at others in the smoky hut of a Namacqua. How ap-
plicable and cheering were then the words of the Saviour
" Where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there will I be in the midst of them." The foundation was
laid by myself, and a sermon preached from Zech. vi. 15
" And they that are far off shall come and build in the
temple of the Lord : and ye shall know that the Lord of
Hosts hath sent me unto you." Though the people appeared
to be zealous at the commencement, yet partly owing to their
former habits of indolence, and partly to a want of food, the
work, after a while, went on but slowly. I therefore called
the chief and his people together, in order to stir them up
to diligence and perseverance. The chief said, that many
of the people would not obey him, and some had nothing to
eat, and were wearing their girdles of hunger that he would
willingly supply them with food while building, were it in
his power, but could not, having himself but little. We
therefore commenced a subscription, and raised several bu-
shels of corn, and about thirty sheep and goats for slaughter.
Some of them said that they were very poor, but as they
gave their subscriptions in order to build " Een huis voor
de Heere," (a house for the Lord,) they gave them cheer-
fully. The people now began to work with renewed vigour.
The aged men, bending under a weight of years, came out of
their huts, and assisted in making bricks. The young were
employed in rolling large stones from the foot of the mountain,
and bringing wagon loads of timber. Many of the females
were engaged in making matting for the roof, and cooks were
appointed to officiate on the spot, that all might see the
SOUTH AFRICA. 9i)
large pots filled with mutton. Even the little children were
not left without employment on this occasion. They were
ready at every call, and when several loads of clay had been
mixed with water for the purpose of making bricks and mor-
tar, they joyfully leaped in, to tread and prepare it. While
thus engaged, they were often so elated with the idea of
having a chapel and school, that they sung at their happy
toil, and enlivened all around them. When up to the knees
in clay, and going round like a horse in a mill, they would
strike up the following verse :
" Uur woord met kracht, geeftin ous dag," &c.
" Give now thy word with power divine,
Through the atoning blood,
Let all the Gentile nations know
The way to serve their God."
Our walls gradually rose higher, till the building was set
apart for public worship, with praise and thanksgiving to
God.
Savages have no idea of restraining their feelings ; they
dance when they are merry, and weep when they are sor-
rowful. Often, during their religious services, there were
several mourning and weeping; on some occasions, indivi-
duals suddenly fell prostrate, and appeared for a length of
time unable to rise. Upon asking one young man what
caused him to fall thus, he said, " On hearing the name of
Jesus, I was so affected with my state, that I became as
one drunken, and could not stand." The Apostle refers us
to something of this nature, in the 14th chapter, of first
Corinthians, 24th and 25th verses, where he alludes to an
unbeliever convinced of sin, falling down on his face in a
public assembly. A female who had been seriously im-
pressed while hearing of the Saviour, said, " I now believe
that Jesus has more love for a sinner, than any mother for
her child."
100 MEMORIALS OF
u Jesus, the name to sinners dear ;
The name to sinners given ;
It scatters all their guilty fear
It turns their hell to heaven."
I was greatly at a loss for school-books, and was compelled
to teach many by means of Dutch tracts, of which I had a
plentiful supply. Jacob Links, and three others, were soon
able to read the New Testament, and several were exceed-
ingly anxious to follow their example. Though 1 was daily
engaged with the people, in superintending the erection of
the chapel, yet about fifty, on the Sabbath, were learning to
read. These were so attached to their books, that they
carried them almost everywhere ; some had them in a small
bag under the arm, and others bound them on their heads,
that they might be able to look into them every leisure hour.
Some have thought that Missionaries should take no con-
cern in the temporal affairs of the people among whom they
labour, but that they should be exclusively employed in
promoting their spiritual welfare. This is correct, as it
regards nations already in a state of civilization, but will
not apply to the commencement of a mission jimong savages.
He who goes to convert a wandering tribe to Christianity,
must either collect them together for this purpose, or himself
become a wanderer. If he collect them together, he must
show them some method of obtaining subsistence, that they
may remain with him ; otherwise, the few cattle they possess
will soon be slaughtered for immediate use, after which,
they must either die of hunger, or again repair to the chase
in search of food. Taking this view of the state of the
Little Namacquas, I was desirous of keeping them together,
by teaching them to live by agriculture instead of hunting.
This led me to attempt the construction of a plough, in
which I succeeded far beyond my expectations. I had
taken the precaution, on leaving Cape Town, to purchase a
ploughshare and coulter, as well as tools of various kinds.
SOUTH AFRICA. 101
I had often seen men engaged in making ploughs, and
though totally unacquainted with a carpenter's work, I
resolved to make the attempt. The people flocked around
me, enquiring, " What sort of a ding (thing), will that be ? "
and some of the Dutch farmers who passed that way, pro-
nounced my efforts labour in vain; but the plough was
finished, and answered well. When the Namacquas saw it
at work, they laughed, shouted, and with astonishment held
up their hands, exclaiming, " Kyk, kyk zyn mond," &c.,
(look, look at its mouth, how it bites and tears up the
ground.) The fruitful showers fell on the seed which was
sown, and soon springing up, it produced above fifty fold.*
Near the spot where I commenced ploughing, the people
showed me a place where the Bushmen and Namacquas,
some years ago, engaged in battle. The Bushmen took
shelter in the clefts of the rocks, from whence they shot
* When the Missionary Williams, in the South Sea Islands, resolved
on erecting a vessel, his first step was to make a pair of smith's bellows,
which he found to be a more difficult work than he had anticipated. He
examined dictionaries, encyclopaedias, &c., but none of them gave explicit
direction for the construction of so common an article. He, however,
succeeded in making them, though they did not work to his satisfaction ; he,
therefore, took them to pieces, not, as was reported, to look for the wind,
but to ascertain the reason why they would not blow as well as others. In
doing this, he found out the mystery, and makes the following judicious
remark: u All persons going to uncivilized countries, especially Mission-
aries, should seek that knowledge which may be easily applied, as they
have to do every thing themselves, and in situations where they cannot
obtain the means in general use elsewhere. It may, by some, be thought
unwise to go back a hundred years, and employ the tedious processes
then in use, rather than embrace the facilities which the experience of
succeeding ages has afforded. Such observations are specious but un-
sound. Let the circumstances of the Missionary, and the state of the
people to whom he goes, be taken into the account, and it must be at
once obvious, that the simplicity of the means used two or three hundred
years ago, could better suit both his condition and theirs, than the im-
provements of modern times."
102 MEMORIALS OF
their poisoned arrows on their enemies below. This tribe
of people are but thinly scattered, yet occasionally they take
away sheep or cattle, to kill in some retired dell in the midst
of the mountains. A few weeks ago, a Bushman shot a cow
belonging to some of our Namacquas, after which he beat one
of the boys who had charge of the cattle, the other escaping,
who informed the chief. These children of the desert, as
elsewhere, have neither sheep nor goats, nor do they attend
to any kind of cultivation.
In the month of June, the first adults at Lily Fountain,
were admitted as members of the Christian Church by the
ordinance of baptism. Their testimony, as to the commence-
ment of a work of grace on their hearts, was apparent in
their deportment, as well as in their language. After an ad-
dress, founded on Acts, xxii. 16, " Arise and be baptized,"
ten of them received the ordinance. In the course of a few
days, seven others were baptized, and eleven children. About
the same time, the first couple were united in the bonds of
holy matrimony, and the work of God steadily advanced.
In July, the Lord's Supper was administered, when several
were deeply affected, and many tears were shed at the
remembrance of the Redeemer's agony and death.
Some of the people, at the commencement of winter, left
the mountain to seek a warmer climate ; and considering it
my duty to visit them, I set out, accompanied by my inter-
preter Hendrick, who acted as a guide. He took me by what
was termed a foot-path ; but, on such a path, I had never
travelled before. Frequently we had to alight and lead our
horses over rocks and ravines the most frightful, while the
mountain projections, hanging over our heads, seemed to
threaten us with immediate destruction. On climbing these
steep ascents, I found great assistance in laying hold of the
long tail of my African horse, when, through fatigue, he was
unable to cany me. After a tedious ride of some hours, we
reached the spot where the chief and several of his people
SOUTH AFRICA. 103
had pitched their temporary residence. They might, with
the greatest propriety, be termed dwellers among the rocks,
and we had considerable difficulty to find them out. The
sun was just setting when we arrived, and as soon as
the cows and goats were milked, the people assembled
for divine service. Having partaken of no dinner, I was
very faint; a bamboo of milk was brought me, which, having
stood in the vessel all the day, I could not drink; upon
which, some of them ran and procured a supply that was new
and sweet, to the amount of several quarts. After this repast,
a sheep was slaughtered, and a large dish, or wooden bowl,
was placed on the ground before me, filled with meat a por-
tion sufficient for half a dozen persons. Of this, likewise, I
could eat but little, having neither bread, vegetables, nor
salt, and being at this time only a novice in native cus-
toms. Before we slept, I was constrained to preach again,
as some from a distance, having heard of my arrival, had
come to hear the Gospel. I slept, in the hut of the chief,
upon a clean mat, which had been brought for the purpose ;
and, on the whole, had reason to be satisfied with my visit,
though exceedingly laborious.
At stated periods, meetings of discussion were held, when
every person present was at liberty to ask questions con-
cerning any subject on which he might require information.
The following were some of the questions proposed : " Who
were the Scribes and Pharisees ? What kind of people were
the publicans ? Who were the Sadducees ? Where, or in
what country, was the first man created? Where is the
country in which Jesus Christ was born ? What kind of
being is Satan ? How does the light of God come into the
sinner's heart?" The greatest possible attention was mani-
fested during these services, and I felt considerable satisfac-
tion in imparting knowledge to the benighted sons of Ham.
Being requested to visit a farmer's place, and preach to
his people, I gladly availed myself of the invitation ; and
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some of those who served under him were brought to a
knowledge of the truth, and became members of our church.
That some of the Boors in remote parts of the colony, should
be ignorant of spiritual things, is no wonder, as they have so
few means of religious instruction. Hence, also, arises the
prejudice existing in the minds of such persons, against as-
sembling in the same place of worship with the heathen.
Some years ago, a Missionary had halted at a farm-house
on a Saturday, and on the Sabbath morning, he proposed to
the farmer to assemble the people and engage in divine ser-
vice, which he assented to, together with his wife and children.
" Where are the Hottentots?" asked the Zendeling. "The
Hottentots 1 " cried the farmer ; " you would not have them
with us f We are told in the Bible, that the sheep are to be
separated from the goats, and I cannot admit the Hotten-
tots." "Very well," said the Missionary, " as I am sent to
teach all mankind the way of salvation, I cannot consent to
hold worship unless white and black join in it." The
farmer would not agree to this arrangement, on which the
Missionary very properly went out to his wagon, and call-
ing his driver and leader, he prayed with them. Presently, he
heard the people in the house singing a hymn, on which when
the door was opened, the farmer halloed to his people to
bring the horses, and tread out the corn on the thrashing
floor. And thus was the Sabbath spent! I am happy,
however, to state, that in my journey to Cape Town, and other
places, I have held service where white and black people
were mingled in the same congregation. I know instances
too, in which the Dutch farmers have themselves engaged in
teaching their coloured servants the way of salvation.
In the month of November, affairs being somewhat settled
at Lily Fountain, and viewing with commiseration the desti-
tute condition of the Bushmen, who lived at no very great
distance from thence, I set out, accompanied by Mrs. S., to
see if any thing could be effected for that despised race of
SOUTH AFRICA. 105
people. Their country is much infested with lions, tigers,
and wolves, so that we were constrained to make fast our
oxen and horses by night, that they might not be devoured.
The second night after our departure, we passed a spot where
four lions had been seen at once a few days before. It was
then nearly sunset, and our wagon-driver, evidently afraid,
cracked his large whip most violently ; the echo of which,
amidst the surrounding rocks, was so loud, that it appeared
sufficient to excite terror even in the monarch of the desert.
Our supply of bread was soon exhausted, and though we pos-
sessed a little corn, we had only a coflee-mill to grind it in,
which proved a tedious machine, and required much patience
in the use. On the fourth day, our people saw a few Bush-
men, and invited them to come to the wagon. Peter
Links told them, that a white man and his wife had come
across the great waters to visit them, and would be glad to
talk with them. The next day, two of them approached,
though exceedingly shy and fearful. They looked narrowly at
Mrs. S. ; probably the first European female whom they
had seen. We proposed several questions, but found them
extremely ignorant. They knew nothing of God, or a
future state, and said that they had never heard of the soul,
but had always considered man the same as a beast. One
whom we saw a perfect Nimrod, said that he had shot with
his bow and arrows, one lion, two tigers, and one hippopo-
tamus. Sometime after our return to Lily Fountain, Jacob
Links offered to go to the Bushman-land to endeavour to
teach the people ; he wandered with them in the desert, till
he could obtain nothing to eat but dried goats' skin, when he
was compelled to desist from the undertaking.
In the month of December, our first love-feast was held.
The people seemed to enter at once into its spirit, and spoke
with great freedom and simplicity. The following extracts
from my journal, are examples of the sentiments and ex-
pressions employed on such occasions :
106 MEMORIALS OF
Peter Links said, " I was formerly an enemy to Mission-
aries, and when some wished to have one I opposed it ; but I
am now thankful for the Word, and love it. It has taught
me, that I am a great sinner. When I felt this, I wandered
about eating bitter bushes, hoping thereby to make atone-
ment for my sins ; but I never found peace, till I heard that
Jesus came to save the lost.
4 Long oppress'd, I sought to anchor,
On a sure and certain ground
But had no man to instruct me
Where a Saviour might be found.'
I am thankful for what the book says, ' Come let us reason
together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool!' I am thankful that I
heard that
1 Jesus, Jesus is the man ;
This affected me so deeply,
That I to his mercy ran.' "
Jan Links. " When my brothers and sisters first began
to talk about the Gospel, and met together to pray, I went
near the house and shouted, in order to disturb them. One
came to my house and spoke of the Gospel, and sung hymns
and prayed this made me angry. After this, my sister was
sitting in a house, reading in the book to several people, and
they called on me to hear. On coming, I heard the book
say, ( Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white
as snow,' &c. I thought, this is certainly good, and began
to pray, and now I love the Word."
Daars. " When our Missionary came, the Boors said
we must not hear him that all Missionaries are deceivers
that we, after having been taught, should be sent over the
blue waters as slaves. I thought this strange; but then I
thought again, perhaps what the Boors say may be lengens,
SOUTH AFRICA. 107
(lies,) I will therefore go and hear for myself. I did so. I caine
to hear, and soon felt assured, if my soul should be lost, the
Missionary would not be to blame for it. I thought, if I
continue in sin, he will be a witness against me at last.
Some of the people began to pray in their houses; I went
among them, and often wept. I now hear the Word; it
is good for my soul, and I am resolved to remain by it.
I see none sent over the blue water, and my fears are
gone."
Adam. " It sometimes appears, as if a cloud rested upon
me, but the Sun of Righteousness breaks out again, and
drives it away."
Peter Links, on another occasion ; " I have been like a
poor little silly lamb, which is only just beginning to go.
When the ewe goes from it a short distance, it turns aside,
first to one bush and then to another. The ewe has her eye
upon it, and goes back again to it, and does all she can to
induce it to follow her, and will not forsake it. So the Lord
has done for me. I at first began to seek for wisdom instead
of salvation, the former of w^hich I never found, being still
ignorant; but the latter, through divine grace, I live in the
enjoyment of."
Links. " To believe in Jesus Christ is, I think, to hold
him fast. By the Gospel, the way to heaven appears so
plain to me, that it seems like a large wagon-road."
Old Frooi. " When I first saw my sin, I felt pain in my
heart ; and by night, when all the people were sleeping in
their huts, I could not close my eyes ; I got up and went
out ; I wandered to and fro ; I lay down on my hands and
knees to pray. When 1 found one who told me what I
should do to be saved, I was so delighted in hearing, that I
knew not how to go away."
A Shepherd. "I cannot attend the chapel on the Sab-
bath, for no one will watch my flock. I often pray to the
Lord in the fields and find comfort; then again, at other
108 MEMORIALS OF
times, I see myself so great a sinner, that I fear I shall be
lost at last." "ivrf
A Female. " My expectation is not to be saved from my
sins in death, but now ; if I think of putting off till death,
the Lord might not then hear me."
Another. " I was born in sin Jesus shed his blood for
me, and I can only be saved by faith in him."
Another. " I love the Lord because he first loved me,
and gave his Son to die for me. I also love all men ; but
those who partake of the Lord's Supper with us, I love the
most."
An Old Man. " My children have for some time heard
the Gospel, and they came and told me what to do. I
therefore left the Karree Mountains, and prayed, as T came
on the road, that God would direct me. I came here on
purpose to hear the Word, (between 100 and 200 miles,)
and yesterday was the first Sunday I ever heard it. It was
very sweet for me, and made me both sore and warm."
SOUTH AFRICA. 109
CHAPTER X.
REV. E. EDWARDS SONGS IN THE NIGHT FIRES BRIGHTEN HAR-
VEST HORSES THRESHING CHILDREN CONCERNED JACOB LINKS's
LETTER SKETCH, A NAMACQUA SERMON DEATH OF A FEMALE
MOUNTAIN-TOP CHILDREN DELIGHTED DEATH OF ANOTHER CHILD
A DAY OF WONDER CURIOUS DIALOGUE DESTRUCTIVE HURRI-
CANE JUVENILE FEMALE MISSIONARIES MULATTO'S DREAM JAN
HAGEL LOST IN BUSHMAN-LAND TWO DIE OF THIRST SLEEPING ON
SAND PUFF-ADDER NATIVE-CUPPING HOT BATH REV. J. ARCH-
BELL REED FOUNTAIN EARTHQUAKE BETHEL IN THE WILDERNESS
OLD NAMACQUA CHILDREN RACING BUSH-BOY GAINS A PRIZE.
ABOUT the beginning of 1818, the Rev. E. Edwards arrived
to assist in the mission, whose efficient labours contributed
greatly to the improvement of the station. Soon after his
arrival, the natives cheered us with songs in the night, for
they were exceedingly glad on seeing a klein Mynheer,
(young Missionary.) It was nearly midnight, when on
awaking, I heard the sound of singing at a distance. I re-
paired to the window to listen, when all nature seemed to
favour the song. The moon shone resplendently, and the
stars glittered in their spheres. There was no bleating of
sheep, or lowing of oxen j no howling of wolves, or scream-
ing of jackalls ; the night-birds were still, nor did a dog
move his tongue. The midnight music was so sweet, that,
at the time, I supposed I had never heard any thing to equal
it. The singers were going from hut to hut, uniting in the
praises of God, who had brought them " out of darkness
into marvellous light;" and as they approached the mission-
110 MEMORIALS OF
house, I could distinguish the subject of their song. It was
a hymn of praise to the Saviour of men, one verse of which,
according to their custom, was often repeated :
"'T geloof bemint Hem en beschouwt,
Zyn martling dood en pyn," &c.
" Faith loves the Saviour and beholds
His sufferings, death, and pain ;
And this shall ne'er be old nor cold,
Till we with him shall reign."
The nightly fires brightened up as the singers went onward,
and they called on the head of each family to engage in
prayer. In their state of ignorance, they had often danced
to the sound of the rommel-pot, while the moon was walking
in brightness; but by means of the Gospel, they had learnt
a new song, which reminded me of the words of Isaiah xlii.,
" Let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from
the top of the mountains." May the whole church of Christ
continue to pray,
" Display thy salvation, and teach the new song,
To every nation, and people, and tongue !"
The harvest was a plentiful one, and a time of great joy.
When the wheat was brought home, it was threshed on a floor
after the manner of the ancients; with the exception, that we
made use of horses instead of oxen in treading it out. It was
then separated from the straw and chaff, by being thrown
against the wind; and last of all, the jaagbezom (fan) was
brought, by which it was thoroughly cleaned. This abundant
harvest not only filled my granary with wheat, but the process
afforded a beautiful illustration of the words of the Baptist,
Malt. i\\. 12, " Whose fan is in his hand," &c.
Several children who had been attentive to the Gospel,
began to show an extraordinary attachment to the house of
God ; and one of them came to ask if they might not be
SOUTH AFRICA. Ill
allowed to assemble together, separately from the adults, for
the purpose pf worship. On enquiring why they desired
this, they answered, " Wy zyn ook zondareri" (we are also
sinners, and wish to meet that we may call upon God).
Their request was granted, and the young ones, in their
carosses of sheep-skin, bowed before the Lord their Maker,
and sung joyful Hosannas to the Son of David.
The Secretaries, in London, having received a letter from
Jacob Links, it was published in the Notices of 1820, from
which the following is an extract :
" Africa, Leelie Fonteine, Nov. 19, 1819.
" UNKNOWN BUT REVERED GENTLEMEN, The salutations
which you sent I received from our beloved teachers, and
wish you and the society much peace and prosperity in the
name of our Lord. I have long been desirous of writing
you, concerning my former and present state, but on account
of weakness in the Dutch language, I have been hindered.
I hope, however, that your goodness will excuse and wink
at my mistakes.
"Before I heard the Gospel, I was in gross darkness;
ignorant of myself as a sinner, and knew not that I had an
immortal soul; nor had I any knowledge of him that is
called Jesus. I was so stupid, that when a Hottentot came
by us who prayed to the Lord, I thought he was asking his
teacher for all these things of which he spoke in his prayer.
Some time after this, another Namacqua came upon our
place ; he spoke much of sin, and also of Jesus. By means
of his conversation I was very sorrowful and much affected,
and knew not what to do. My mother having some leaves
of an old Dutch psalm-book, I thought if I eat them I might
there find comfort. I ate the leaves up, but my sorrow was
not lessened. I then got upon the roof of an old house to
pray, thinking that if T were high, the Lord would hear me
better; but T found no deliverance. I then eat all sorts of
112 MEMORIALS OF
bitter bushes, for I thought the Lord might possibly have
mercy on me. But my heaviness did not then go away.
I then heard that I must give my cause over to Jesus, and
tried to do so, by which I found myself much lighter.
Through the word that the Lord gave our Missionary to
speak, I learnt that my heart was bad, and that the precious
blood of Jesus alone cleanses from sin. Now I found that
Christ is the way and the sinner's friend. I feel pity over
all people who do not know God. I often feel sweetness
for my soul, whilst I speak about the Gospel, and my own
experience in the Lord.
" Before our English teacher came, we were all sitting in
the shadow of death. The farmers around us told us that if
we prayed they would flog us. Some of them threatened
to shoot us dead, should we Namacquas call on the name of
the Lord. They said we were not men but baboons, and
that God was blasphemed by the prayers of Namacquas,
and would punish us for it. Now we thank the Lord that
he has taught us, that he has also given his Son over to
death for us. We hear that English people pray for us, and
hope they will not forget us. The society of all praying
people are by me saluted.
" An unworthy Namacqua, JACOB LINKS."
The following is a brief sketch of an address given by
Jacob in the Dutch language :
"Brethren and Sisters, hear me, I have read you the
account of two blind men from Matt. xxi. These men
were in darkness and could see nothing. Breeders, (brethren,)
this is our state. By nature we are blind and know not
God. We were blind to God and all spiritual things, before
we had the Gospel. But we are now sitting by the way, as
they were. Breeders, as they cried ( have mercy on us,
have mercy on us,' so are we to cry. Some told them to be
still, but they cried so much the more. We are to follow
SOUTH AFRICA. 113
their example. If any try to hinder us, we are to continue
crying to Jesus for mercy. Breeders, we have heard what
he has done for sinners. We have heard that he will forgive
sins. ' If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous-
ness.' Broeders, the same day that the blind men called,
they received their sight, and followed Jesus. They did not
remain sitting on the road, but rose and followed Christ.
If we call on him in faith, he will forgive our sins. O how
great is the compassion of God for us, arme zondaars, (poor
sinners ! ' God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten son.' We have done nothing but sin against God,
yet Jesus Christ died for us. He died to save us. Broe-
ders, if we come believing, and with sorrow for our sin, we
shall be made free, and shall obtain eternal life. Do you
doubt, breeders, of the power of God ? behold the large
mountains around you, behold the world which God has
made. All these prove his power, and all speak to us ; they
shew his power and Godhead. 'Jesus neemt de zondaars
aan,' (Jesus receiveth sinners.) If a good man promise you
any thing, you believe his word. So you are to believe the
gospel, and to follow Jesus. Yes, breeders, you are to
believe and obey him, and live as the book says."
He complained of the difficulty he had in expressing
himself in Dutch, and being told to go on in the Namacqua
language, his countenance became animated, and with
fluency of speech, and fervency of expression, he continued
his discourse.
Jacob made considerable improvement after this, both in
reading and speaking Dutch : I have in my possession one
of his books, in which are various memorandums respecting
several passages of scripture, and observations upon them,
which are written in a plain and legible hand.
" It is appointed to men once to die," and it is a fact that
men die in every country, and in every clime. How much
H
114 \ MEMORIALS OF
soever they may differ in colour, in language, or in circum-
stances, all must submit to the stroke of death. A female,
about a mile from the station, was taken ill, and appeared to
be approaching her latter end. The Namacquas, in their
heathenish state, feared to visit the sick and dying, so that
they were generally left alone, but now many accompanied
me to see the dying person. Several of them entered the
hut, and talked to her of the great promises of the gospel, in
her own language. We then knelt down and prayed, some
inside the hut, and others around it in the open air ; a hymn
was sung, in which all appeared to unite, and to me it was
a most affecting season. We were on the top of a mountain,
from which the great Atlantic is seen at the distance of forty
or fifty miles. An immortal spirit was about to quit the
vale of tears. A company of natives surrounded me, who
had but just emerged from Gentile darkness. Their voices
echoed in the adjacent mountain glens, as they sung and
wept. They had never witnessed the death of a believer in
Christ before, and some appeared as if they were desirous
to accompany her over Jordan. The delightful words which
were sung, as their sounds died away on the evening breeze,
were almost overwhelming
" Ik heb den regten grond gevonden, &c."
" Now I have found the ground wherein,
Sure my soul's anchor may remain ;
The wounds of Jesus for my sin,
Before the world's foundation slain ;
Whose mercy shall unshaken stay,
When heaven and earth are fled away."
The dying woman said, " I see there is but one way, I see
the way open to me, and the angels are ready to bear my
soul away."
Mr. Edwards and myself, on visiting some of the people at
one of the outposts, were pleased and profited. As soon as the
SOUTH AFRICA. 115
children heard that we were about to have religious service,
they ran to inform all around, while we sought a shade from
the scorching rays of the mid-day sun. We were soon
surrounded by a congregation, who delightfully sung
4 ' dat ik duizend tongen had,"
u O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise !
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace."
Solemn prayer was then offered to Him who "filleth heaven
and earth," and a short discourse delivered on the necessity
of sinners fleeing to Jesus Christ as their refuge. The
feathered tribe of this solitary spot sat chirping around, the
little kids anxious for the return of their dams from the
pastures, now arid then bleated. A gentle breeze occasion-
ally wafted through our rural temple, but nothing moved our
coloured assembly of hearers ; they were attentive and grateful.
On the second of June, the Lord blessed us with another
infant, but on the sixth, he breathed his soul into the hands
of Him who gave it. It was a trying season, but especially
for my dear partner in life. The flower, which was so
beautiful, fairer than spring, and on which our hopes were
fixed, was cut down and left to wither in the field. The remains
were interred within the walls of the chapel by Mr. Edwards,
who sympathized with us ; and some of the Namacquas were
exceedingly distressed on the occasion. It was our duty to
hear the voice of Him who cannot en% and we endeavoured
to listen to it. "Be still, and know that I am God."
May we be enabled submissively to say, " It is the Lord,
let him do what seemeth him good."
The Namacquas, having seen that the last harvest had
furnished us with plenty of wheat and barley, became
desirous of more extensive cultivation. In this, Mr. Edwards
and myself, gave them every possible encouragement. The
116 MEMORIALS OF
missionary committee having sent out a forge, we were able
more effectually to meet their wants, and render them
assistance. After the erection of the smithy, all the people
were anxious to see the operations about to take place.
When the bellows was blown, and the fire began to
blaze, they laid their hands on their mouth in wonder ;
but when the iron was taken out, and the hammer
applied, the sparks dispersed them, and they ran in all
directions, shouting, "neen, neen, myn lieven tyd. Ik heb
nooit iets desgelyks te voron gezien, &c." (wonderful, won-
derful, I never saw anything like that before ; the fire flies after
us, &c.) As soon as the iron was again in the fire, they
returned, looking on the smith with a kind of jealous awe ;
and they evidently considered him superior to any individual
they had ever seen. When the iron was again placed on
the anvil, they began to look for a hiding place, some
squatting behind a door, others creeping together into a
corner, while many fled to a distance. It was to them a
day of wonder, and as the Greeks bemoaned the lot of their
ancestors, who had not lived to see Alexander on the throne
of Darius, so the Namacquas seemed to lament the lot of
their fathers, who had died before a forge was set up in the
midst of their camp.
As I was going to preach at a farm some distance from
the station, several of the people accompanied me ; when the
following dialogue, or conversation took place, between a
boor and some of the Namacquas :
Boor. " What kind of singing and praying is this you
have had ? I never heard any thing like it, and cannot
understand."
Jacob Links. " I think master, you only come to mock
at us, as many of the farmers say we ought not to have the
gospel ; but here is a chapter, (John iii,) pray who are
the persons that must be born again ? " (handing the
Testament.)
SOUTH AFRICA. 117
Boor. " Myne osgen zyn Diet goed, (my eyes are not
good,) so that I cannot see very well, but I suppose Jesus
Christ."
Jacob. " No master, no such thing ; Jesus Christ says
we are all sinners, and that we must be born again of the
Spirit, or we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."
Jan Links. " But master, you once told me that our
names did not stand in the book, and that the gospel
did not, therefore, belong to us Namacquas. Will you now
tell me master, whether the name of Dutchman, or English-
man, is to be found in it ? " (no answer.)
Jacob. "Master, you who are called Christi menoh,
(Christians,) call us heathens. That is our name. Now I
find the book says, that Jesus came as a light to lighten the
Heidenen (Gentiles.) So we read our name in the book."
(farmer silent.)
Hendrick Smit. " That master cannot understand many
things in the book, is not strange ; Paul says, ' the natural
man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, &c.'
1 Cor. ii. 14."
Boor. " Who is then the natural man ? "
Hendrick. "All men in their sinful and unregenerate
state, so that we can only understand spiritual things by the
help of the Spirit of God, &c."
Boor. " Ik ben geen zendling, (I am no missionary,)
therefore cannot explain scripture passages."
Jacob. " But master, do you ever teach your slaves and
servants any thing of the gospel ? "
Boor. " Neen, volstrekt niets, (no, certainly nothing
at all,) for were they taught, it would make them equally as
wise as myself."
At the time of our going into Narnacqua-land, most of the
distant farmers not only disapproved of the heathens being
instructed, but some of them endeavoured to turn all into
ridicule. One of them declared to me, that he believed the
118 MEMORIALS OF
Namacquas were only a species of wild dog, and had no
souls : I therefore called Jacob Links, who was with me at
the time, and offered to prove, that Jacob, though a dog,
could both read and write better than the farmer. I believe
the farmer could do neither ; and finding himself in an
awkward situation, he called for his horse, and hastily
rode away.
In the month of May, 1818, it was excessively cold, so
that the natives were almost paralyzed, and allowed their
cattle to rove among the mountain glens, or wherever their
instinct might lead them. We had not only mist and rain,
but the most bitter storms of hail and snow. At length we
had a complete hurricane, and one building after another
found its way to the ground. On the nineteenth, we feared
that our dwelling-house would have fallen upon us, but
happily it weathered out the storm. Many of the native
huts were upset by the wind during the night, while they,
with their children, in the midst of teeming floods of rain,
took shelter in the chapel, the granary, or any other place
which was sufficiently dry upon which to repose their heads.
On looking out in the morning, we found, to our sorrow, that
the winds had sported themselves with the smith's shop. We
called the people to assist in removing the forge and its
appendages, but they were so wet and cold in their sheep-
skin cloaks, that they were almost as helpless as little
children. Mr. Edwards and myself, had therefore most of
the work to perform with our own hands. Notwithstanding
these hindrances, six ploughs were got ready for action, and
the Namacquas gladly put their hands to them, ploughing
in hope.
Some of our people went on a visit to a tribe of Mulattos,
about sixty miles distant, among whom were two little
girls who had learnt to read. These little girls of Lily
Fountain, sung hymns, and engaged in prayer among the
people of the tribe, with which many were so delighted,
SOUTH AFRICA. 119
that they scarcely allowed them any rest, but kept the girls
reading, singing, and answering their questions, almost day
and night. A desire was awakened in several to go and
hear the gospel for themselves : thus out of the mouth of
babes and sucklings the Lord can ordain strength. One of
the men of the tribe soon arrived at our station, and said
that the people living near him, who never heard a
sermon in their lives, or saw a missionary, were longing for
the gospel. He mentioned a peculiar instance, by which
he had been stirred up to endeavour to procure a teacher.
" I was," said he, " one evening lying in my house, but had
not closed my eyes in sleep, nor could I, when supper was
ready, either eat or drink. After having lain some time,
there were two ships presented to me, which appeared
to be sailing on the great waters. Some one then informed
me, that the one ship was filled with believers, who were
holy people, and on their passage to heaven ; and that
the other was full of impenitent and wicked sinners, who
were on their passage to hell. A person then asked me, ' In
which of those ships will you go ? ' but before I could give
an answer, the ship loaded with sinners, began to sink,
gradually descending till out of sight, and I saw her no
more. From whence these things came, I know not; or
who he was that appeared to speak with me, I know not;
but I was sore afraid, and determined, as speedily as
possible, to procure a Missionary, that we might be taught
how we could be saved. This is the only end I have in view
in coming to invite you to visit us, that we may know the
way of salvation."
I promised the individual, that in the course of a few
weeks, I would visit their place of residence ; and on my
arrival, I met with a most friendly reception. A company
of people were assembled, and the word of life was adminis-
tered in the thinly inhabited Bushman-land, to those who
had never previously heard the gospel. Among those
120 MEMORIALS OF
present was an aged man, called Jan Hagel, (hail, because
of his being white,) who sent his oxen to assist on our
journey.
Some years ago, Jan Hagel, with his large family, and
several Hottentots and Bushmen, were removing to another
part of the country, when they missed their way, and
wandered afar in the desert. All their water was exhausted,
and the sun almost scorched them to death. The wagon
driver told me, that he became so weak, that he could not
keep his seat, but lay down, allowing the oxen to go where
they pleased. The cattle watchers crept under the stunted
bushes, where they lay panting for breath. One man, and
a poor bushrnan boy, died of thirst, as did also seven of
their dogs. While thus in distress, they saw the thunder
clouds at a distance, where showers of rain were falling, but
not a drop fell near them. Jan Hagel, at length fainted
also, and fell by the side of the wagon : his children wept
around him, but he could not speak ; yet in the midst of
their extremity, one who had been in search of water,
returned with a calabas full of it, some of which being poured
on the breast of the fainting individual, he revived. At
night, the rain descended in such torrents, that the country
was deluged with it, and both men and cattle were
plentifully supplied. Old Hagel was so pleased with our
visit, that on leaving him, he ordered some of his sons
to accompany us to a considerable distance, while others
remained to fire salutes as we departed.
Having been suffering for several weeks from severe pain,
I went to the sea for a short time, for the benefit of bathing.
While there, our mattress was laid under a bush, where we
were accustomed to sleep, as being the best lodgings we
could procure on the spot. Towards the evening of one of
those days, I rose up from the matress, the wind having
changed, and said, " We will remove our bed to another
place," where the bushes seemed better calculated to screen
SOUTH AFRICA. 121
us from the night air. Mrs. Shaw immediately began to
take away some of the bedding from the place where we
had lodged, when, to her great surprise, a large puff-adder
was curled up under the end of our bolster. I had been
sitting within a few inches of this venomous creature more
than an hour, this being the place where we had always
slept ; nor had we any intention of removing till the instant
I rose up and made the proposal. The proposal was agreed
to, or doubtless one, or both of us, would, during the night,
have felt the sharpness of the serpent's teeth, of which there
were two, formed after the manner of fishing hooks. We
could not but acknowledge the providential care of Him,
who said, "Even the hairs of your heads are numbered."
On returning to the station, being no better for my
journey to the sea, the chief and some of his people came
to consult what should be done. They all sat around me
in sorrow, and the chief at length proposed, that the knee
of which I was lame, should be blistered : this was to be
done by a piece of iron, well heated, and then applied to the
seat of pain. To this method I objected, as I could not
stand fire. He then said, I must be cupped, to which
immediate consent was given, and Jacob Links, assisted by
his father, performed the operation. Several incisions were
made in the part affected, from which old Keudo Links
sucked a quantity of blood. This greatly alleviated the
pain, but left the joint quite stiff, so that I had to walk with
a crutch and stick. I afterwards tried the hot-bath of the
Elephant River, the temperature of which is 110 degrees.
After a few days' trial, the stiffness of the joint was removed,
though it left me in a state of comparative weakness.
The Rev. J. Archbell, with his excellent wife, arrived at
Lily Fountain in July, 1819. After a few weeks residence
with us, he set off for Reed Fountain, in the Bushman-land,
to make a trial among the scattered people. Reed Foun-
tain is surrounded wiUi large mountains, from which it may
122 MEMORIALS OF
be supposed, that, in the months of summer, a considerable
degree of warmth will be experienced : the valley, however,
by which we descended with the wagon, being a long pass
between two mountains, will doubtless ventilate the whole
place. The Fountain appears to be of considerable
strength : but the water is somewhat sweet, yet good for
use. One advantage is, its situation, being on an eminence :
on which account, the streams may be led over a portion
of land, which may easily be converted into a garden.
A sufficiency of corn may likewise be sown at no great
distance, for the use of a Missionary and his family. Along
the stony sides of most of the mountains, grow many trees,
which are a species of the alva : each branch is divided
and subdivided into pairs : each of these subdivisions is
terminated by a tuft of leaves, and the whole forms a large
hemispherical crown, supported upon a tapering trunk,
which is generally of large diameter, but short in proportion
to the vast circumference of the crown. It is here called
Kookerboom, or quiver tree, its pithy branches being
employed by the Bushman Hottentots, as cases for their
arrows. The wild Bushmen were formerly the inhabitants
of this part of the country, and still it is generally called the
Bushman-land, though but few of that race of people are to
be found in its vicinity.
Early on July 30th, 1819, we were awoke by a
tremendous shock of an earthquake ; it appeared like a
loud peal of thunder, and then as if -a part of the moun-
tain behind the station had fallen. The mission-house
shook to its foundation. Being the first shock of an
earthquake we had ever felt, our fears were considerably
alarmed. I endeavoured to improve the event from Num.
xvi, where it is said, " the earth opened her mouth and
swallowed up Korah and all who appertained to him."
On the 4th of Dec., 1809, Cape Town and its vicinity,
was visited by several tremendous shocks. A memoir of
SOUTH AFRICA. 123
the late Mrs. Thorn, the beloved partner of the Rev. G.
Thorn, of the London Missionary Society, who died a short
time previous to my arrival at the Cape, contains a brief
account of this visitation.
Mrs. Thorn, (then Miss Meyer,) was on a visit at the
time with a lady, behind what is called the Lion's Mountain.
The house at which she was remaining, is far distant from
any other residence, and the biographer says, " The day had
been unusually warm, but the sun went down without a
cloud, and shed a glare on every object with his fiery beams.
At ten o'clock, the stillness of the night was disturbed by
a noise resembling that of distant thunder, yet so loud that
it appeared as if a thousand cannon were fired behind the
hill over the town. Many were aroused from their sleep,
and were soon made sensible that something more than
ordinary had occurred in nature, by the shaking of every
thing around. The earth was like a drunken man, and
reeled to and fro. Immediately behind the house were vast
masses of stone on the declivity of the hill. One of these,
of huge dimensions, seems to have been torn from the top
by the hand of nature, in some rude convulsions, and
threatens, with its ponderous weight, to fall upon the
contemplative traveller. This terrific object produced the
greatest alarm, and was expected every moment to roll upon
the house, in which case, it would have been crushed as
easily as the pebble beneath the wagon wheel. Imagination
heightened the alarm which the dread realities of that
tremendous night justly occasioned. The mountains seemed
about to be carried into the midst of the sea, and universal
nature to be dissolved. The two females, overwhelmed with
horror, ran to the place called the Stoop, or Veranda, and,
with their slaves and servants, fell prostrate before Him,
who ' weigheth the mountains in scales, and the hills in a
balance,' and most earnestly did they all supplicate that
God for mercy, before whose tribunal they expected shortly
124 MEMORIALS OF
to stand, and from whom, in a few moments, they might
probably receive their everlasting destiny.
"To those who know the spot, it must be evident that
nothing could be needed to heighten the tremendous gran-
deur of the scene.* All around was solitary and romantic.
The great southern ocean was dashing its foaming waves
before them, with a fury that fancy might deem too potent
for the inaccessible rocks below to resist, and while the
impending and jagged mountains, before described, threat-
ened them from above, these threatened them below. The
voices of a thousand wild beasts appeared to be howling in
every quarter, responsive to the groans of labouring nature,
and there was no way of escape to the town, but by a
narrow road on the side of the mountain, where, even in a
calm, the scene is so terriffic as to appal the beholders.
It is not, therefore, a matter of wonder, that, with a sensitive
mind like Mrs. Thorn, she should ever after, when under
the genuine influence of religion, have an unusually reverend
sense of the majesty and power of the Deity under whose
control are all the wildest elements of nature."
The event proved the means of her conversion to God.
It was as the tempest of Sinai, and the leading of her soul,
" to the mount that might be touched, and which burned
with fire," before she reached the hill of Calvary, and
received pardon and peace from the sight of a bleeding
Saviour. Mrs. Thorn adorned her profession as a Christian;
she was active in the school for the heathen, and when her
eyes were closing in death, she said to one who wept
bitterly, " Why do you weep ? I am going to heaven I
long to be gone, to be with Christ I go to my Father
precious Jesus ! At God's right hand are pleasures for
evermore Hallelujah ! May He who caused the earth to
shake before His Majesty, alarm all the heathen who are
* The author of these "Memorials" knows it well.
SOUTH AFRICA. 125
still careless, that they may tremble at his word, and
acknowledge that e the Lord reigneth.'
4 The war proclaims the Prince of peace ;
The earthquake speaks his power.' "
A visit to one of the out-posts may be given as sent to the
Missionary committee :
Sep. 12th, 1819. (Sunday.) A short distance from the
kraal stands an amazing rock : its length is nearly two hun-
dred feet, its breadth forty or fifty, and its height sixty or
seventy. In former ages this has been one solid stone ; but
by the mouldering hand of time, or some convulsive shake
of the earth, it has been separated into three almost equal
parts.
Yesterday, while teaching the children, the heat of the
sun was almost insupportable ; in consequence of which
we, this morning, repaired to the large rock, to seek a
shadow from his scorching rays. At the beating of the
gong, (an instrument exceedingly melodious, and used
instead of a bell at our last out-post,) the sound of which
echoed in the mountains, the young people and the children
teemed from their huts, and accompanied us, while the aged
and infirm hastened after.
Every thing seemed to invite us to worship and adore.
The grand luminary of the world beginning his mighty
career in the heavens, pointed out Jesus as " a Light to
lighten the Gentiles " the immense mountains by which we
were surrounded, shewed us the power of God the
decayed and tumbling rocks on every side, seemed to
remind us that no earthly thing can withstand the waste of
all-consuming time the cows, sheep, and goats grazing
around, brought primitive times to our recollection, and
encouraged us to believe in the God of Abraham.
All being seated on the ground by the side of this rock,
that verse
128 MEMORIALS OF
u Jesus, the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease, &c."
was sung by a great number of voices, and with much
spirit. No cordial on earth could, in this wilderness, have
given me such consolation. While prayer was offered to
the God of all grace, the Namacquas reverently bowed with
their faces to the ground, and worshipped. Under the
cooling shade of so grand an appearance in nature, it was
scarcely possible to pass over that beautiful passage in
Isaiah " A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind,
and a covert from the tempest ; as rivers of water in a dry
place, and as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land."
After service, the children were all ready with their books,
and waited to be taught. The chief, and a number of old
Namacquas, sat smiling on their children, and children's
children, while seeing them learn to read the best of books.
On saying to the chief, that the Lord had provided us with
a place of worship, without any labour of ours, he answered,
" Yes, and it is good to sit under its shadow." On explain-
ing to him the meaning of the word Bethel, he said that the
rock should thenceforth bear that name.
While remaining at Bethel, an old Namacqua belonging
to Bethany, had come far out of his road to hear the gospel
of Jesus: he said to our people, that he had come to seek
some refreshment for his soul, as he had great need of it,
having travelled so many weeks in the wilderness without
any instruction. He said he hoped that they would help
him with a little water from their calabases : at which,
orders were given for water to be fetched ; but he said
immediately, " not that sort of water, I mean the water of
life, of which you have now abundance : 1 want help for my
soul." He spoke very highly of brother Schrnelen, and
said they would never part with him, as the word preached
by him was from the Lord. He said the surrounding tribes
were anxious to have the gospel sent ; and one chief, who
SOUTH AFRICA. 127
had occasionally visited their station, was become a true
penitent. He said when he thought of the sins which he
had committed, previously to brother S. going among
them, it always brought heaviness upon his soul, and
thankfulness for the gospel. This old man was quite active
during the day that he remained upon our place, in
exhorting his old companions in sin to flee from the wrath
to come.
A few days ago I received a letter from Mr. Schmelen. He
goes on his way preaching Jesus, with satisfaction to himself
and profit to his hearers.
That part of his letter which refers to my going into Great
Namacqua-land, I will give you in his own words. " As
brother Edwards is now with you, and is able to instruct
the people, &c., I beseech you and sister Shaw to pay us a
visit. As soon as I hear of your coming, I will send my
oxen to meet you. I should like much to speak with you
respecting what can be done here for the furtherance of the
kingdom of Christ, and the spread of his gospel. I have
sent my people towards the sea ; and before their return
they will, if possible, find out Angra Piquena ; they have
been away nearly a month, and I now begin to expect them.
If the Lord should on that side open to us a door, the
gospel may then be spread abroad with but little expense ;
but when you come we shall be able more fully to enter into
these subjects."
Jacob Links, being of an enquiring mind, and diligent in
reading the scriptures, often came to ask questions. Among
others, he enquired what is the meaning of " I press towards
the mark," Sac. I endeavoured to give him an idea of it ;
but all I could say fell short of what I wished him to
comprehend. To-day we had a feast for the children of the
school, and great was their joy on the occasion. All having
partook of the repast, and thanks being given, a number of the
boys were selected to run for a little fruit, or bread, in which
128 MEMORIALS OF
a few raisins had been scattered, and also rewards sent from
England, for the heathen schools. Before the boys began,
the people were exhorted to attend to the scene, and
endeavour to reap instruction. A course was appointed
the starting-place fixed the goal set before them and the
prize held up to view. A multitude of people were also
present who stood as witnesses.
Among the competitors was a poor little Bushman, who
was considered by the Namacquas as far inferior to them-
selves. He also engaged in running, but won nothing.
Among the articles sent from England was a good clasp
knife, and I was especially desirous that the Bushman should
win it. Hitherto he had run with ari old skin about him,
while the other boys were free from any incumberance ; I
therefore pointed out the necessity of laying the hindrance
aside, if he designed to succeed. He took the hint ; and im-
mediately throwing aside the skin, entered the course. Little
Bushee strained every nerve, and obtained the prize. He
bore away the knife in great triumph, never before having
possessed any thing so valuable. At our evening service,
I took Heb. xii. 1. by way of text, exhorting all to lay
aside every weight, and run with patience the race set before
them, looking unto Jesus. The circumstances of the day,
in connexion with the discourse, gave them a much clearer
view of several passages of Scripture than they had
before, and many keep them still in remembrance.
SOUTH AFRICA. 129
CHAPTER XI.
GOVERNOR'S ORDER HATTERY COMMENCED FAMILY WORSHIP SAB-
BATH EMPLOY BELL RECEIVED U OUD MAMMA" JOY OF HARVEST
QUICK PROCESS FINE CAKES FOR REAPERS WOMAN SICK IN BUSH-
MAN-LAND DEATH OF CHIEF'S WIFE SEASON OF SCARCITY EATING
HIDES DRUNK WITH HUNGER EUROPEAN CLOTHING CONGREGA-
TIONS CLEAN HORRID MURDERS COMPARATIVE INDUSTRY REV.
T. L. HODGSON'S SPEECH PLENTY OF CORN SOWN GOOD STIM-
ULANT.
IN the year 1824, his excellency Lord C. H. Somerset,
expressed his desire to render any assistance to the station,
and, therefore, gave instructions to the magistrates of the
district, to order the field-cornet to Lily Fountain, and
deliver the following message: That his excellency the
Governer had been pleased to order that all the affairs of
the Wesleyan Institution, on Lily Fountain, should be
under the management and direction of the superintending
Missionary there stationed. The following particulars were
specified :
1. The power to receive whom he may think proper,
as residents.
2. To expel any who may be disobedient, and unruly.
3. To give out portions of land, for sowing corn, and
making gardens.
4. To erect substantial dwelling-houses, which must be
built on the spot, and according to the plan, pointed out by
the Missionary.
130 MEMORIALS OF
His excellency also gave instructions, that the Namacquas
should be permitted to graze their cattle, on any of the
unoccupied grounds, in the vicinity of the institution,
without molestation from the surrounding farmers.
A manufactory of hats was commenced, for the pur-
pose of affording employment to the natives, and of
creating traffic with the tribes in the regions beyond.
Mr. J. Allison was engaged for the purpose, and several
boys began to learn the business, with whom he was
perfectly satisfied. The trade, according to expectation,
employed several persons ; some in procuring wood, and
others in preparing charcoal ; some in cleansing the wool,
and others in binding the hats. I was, therefore, sorry to
learn, that during my visit to England, in 1828, the works
of the hattery had been suspended. As a building was
erected for the purpose, and the tools of different kinds are
still on the spot, I am not without hope that the business
will be resumed and carried on.
The pious natives of Khamies Berg, continued to
improve both in temporal and spiritual matters, and were
as a city set on a hill, which cannot be hid : their light
shone in worshipping God in their families. Often have I
heard them engaged in prayer, before the sun had gilded
the tops of the mountains; nor were their evening devotions
neglected. As I have stood by the mission-house, with
the curtains of night drawn around us, I could hear
them uniting in singing their beautiful evening hymn
" O Christ, eternal light divine,
Who constantly on us dost shine ;
Thy presence shall be with us here,
Though neither sun nor moon appear."
Then falling around their family altar, though in a smoky
hut, they felt the presence of the Most High, and the
fulfilment of his promise, "The habitation of the just, shall
be blessed."
SOUTH AFRICA. 131
On their fathers, a sabbath had never smiled ; and they
could remember the time, when all their days were days of
darkness, and when the shadow of death was brooding over
them. But now, at the sound of the church-going bell, they
poured from their huts to the house of prayer; and the
sabbath was a day of joy and thanksgiving. During the
intervals of public worship, various groups might be seen
sitting together, conversing on what they had heard, and
examining the holy scriptures. An aged man, who had
long tried to learn to read, but never succeeded, would
sit among the children, requesting them to instruct him.
"Hoe zegt het boek," (what does the book say?) was a
common question ; and on receiving an answer, he was
delighted, and often expressed himself to me thus,
" Mynheer, before we received the gospel, we were like an
egg, before the chicken is hatched ; we were surrounded with
darkness, and could see nothing; but when the gospel
came, it broke the shell, and we now see the light of day."
At the commencement of the mission, various methods
were adopted for calling the people to public worship.
For a time, the cross-cut saw was suspended, and struck
with a hammer ; afterwards the large wagon- whip was
made use of, the stock of which is from fourteen to sixteen
feet in length, and the lash from eighteen to twenty. This
whip, when used by an expert wagoner, caused the moun-
tain caverns to echo, and was heard at a considerable
distance. Sometimes a young man would climb upon the
roof of the chapel, and sound the large bullock's horn : but
when John Irving, Esq., of Bristol, kindly sent us a bell,
we dispensed with every other method, and its sound caused
many a Namacqua to sing for joy. After the bell had been
hanging for some time, Jan Willen, an eminent and devoted
man, said in a public meeting, "Als ik in de bergen zy,
(when I am in the mountains,) and hear the sound of the
bell, 1 consider it as the voice of God, calling me to
132 MEMORIALS OF
worship ; it is a joyful sound, and I hope that I shall never
live to see the day when it will be silent."
It is a divine command, " Is any merry ? let him sing
psalms." All the pious, whether aged or young, delight
much in singing the praises of God, and some of the females
have voices the most agreeable. By day or by night, on
sabbaths or week-days, both " young men and maidens, old
men and children," were ready to unite in acts of adoration.
One morning, an aged female Namacqua came, and desired
that I would teach her the new tune she had lately heard :
as my engagements were already too numerous, she was
referred to the children of the school: she appeared to be at
least seventy years of age ; and in the afternoon of the day,
she was surrounded by a group of children, who had under-
taken the arduous task, of teaching " oud mamma," the new
song of thanksgiving.
The joy of harvest, has been spoken of by all nations
who cultivate their soil, and was now felt at Lily Fountain.
After a season of great scarcity, the fields became white for
the harvest, and I went to see them thrusting in their sickles.
It was a charming sight, and gladness beamed in every
countenance, created by the hope of bread, after a season
of hunger. The beautiful waving corn, with its full and
fruitful ears, bent to the reaper's hand, and being formed
into sheaves, some of them were soon carried to the end of
the field, where a party of women were engaged in thrashing
them, on skins laid down for the purpose. That which had
been thrashed, was given to others, who immediately com-
menced the winnowing and cleansing operation. Another
party sat hard by, waiting for the precious grain; which,
when given them, they began the work of grinding between
two stones, one of which was placed on the ground, and the
other held in the hand. Some were busily kneading the
meal into cakes, while others were bringing wood and
making fires, that the bakers might have them ready at noon,
SOUTH AFRICA. 133
for the men engaged in reaping. Thus the wheat which
was growing in the field at eight o'clock in the morning,
had been cut down, and had gone through the process of
thrashing and winnowing, grinding and baking, before
twelve ; when the cakes were served up for eating.
The holy oracles give directions to those who receive
them, in all circumstances. " Is any sick among you ? let
him call for the elders of the church. Pray one for another,
that ye may be healed." A poor woman was sick in the
Bushman-land, and desired much to see some of the people,
that they might converse and pray with her. It w r as a
great distance from the station, and in their heathenish
state, they would have left her to the wolves; but they had
put on bowels of compassion, and a party set off to visit her.
They conversed with her on the plan of salvation, engaged
in prayer, and sung some of our hymns. The afflicted
female rejoiced in the hope of the glory of God, and said,
" wanneer gy van Christus zingt, (when you sing of Christ,)
it does my heart good ; it not only does my heart good,
but seems to alleviate my bodily pain." In the month of
June, 1824, the wife of the chief died of consumption.
She was a fine looking Namacqua, from the vicinity of the
Orange River, and became truly pious. On going to visit
her, shortly before her death, she said, " I feel I am going,
the Lord has been with me during the day, the Lord has
shewn me groot and wonderlyke zaken, (great and wonderful
things,) but I am too weak to speak of them." Jacob
Links, faithful to his post, remained with her to the last.
On repeating several promises of the gospel, and saying to
her, " God will send his angels to conduct, and bear you
through, she lay down, and said, " I am satisfied, I feel it
to be so," and gently fell asleep in Christ.
Sir J. E. Alexander mentions the natives asking him for
the hide of an ox when passing through Great Namacqua-
land, for the purpose of eating. He says : " We had not
134 MEMORIALS OF
got any game for some days; a sheep was made to go a long
way, and none of us had ever sufficient to appease our
hunger. The Namacquas asked for a bullock's hide which
we had kept to make shoes of, and roasting it at the fire,
they pounded it between two stones, and devoured the
whole of it. I partook of it also, and found it very tough,
but not disagreeable to the taste : to be sure, at the time, I
could have eaten my saddle for hunger ; and I certainly
thought, that our leather trousers must soon furnish a meal."
The year 1826 was a time of great scarcity at Lily Fountain,
in consequence of the long and continued drought. Several
lived chiefly by hunting, and some on bulbs and roots,
while others picked up parts of bullock hides, which for
years had been thrown about the place. They pounded
them in the way mentioned by the traveller, and then boiled
them for several hours. One evening a Namacqua came to
me and said, he had been hunting the whole day, but could
obtain nothing. He added : " Mynheer, ik ben dronken
van honger, (I am drunk with hunger,) and ready to faint
and fall to the ground." I was enabled to supply him with
a little corn, which he received with gratitude and joy.
Providentially, I had preserved a good quantity of wheat
and barley the preceding year, which I so managed to eke
out in small quantities, that none died of hunger. Indeed
the Namacquas bore up with amazing patience and fortitude,
till the rains commenced, and they obtained supplies of
milk from their cows and goats.
On beginning this mission in 1816, many of the people
were so disagreeably greasy, and so strongly scented with
boocho, that I have frequently been ill with the effluvia of a
congregation, and glad to escape from it. But no sooner
did they receive the Gospel, than they began to wash them-
selves, and were anxious to obtain European clothing.
Indeed, they were so desirous of this, that they would put
on and wear almost anything they could obtain, however
SOUTH AFRICA. 135
strange and grotesque they might appear in it. Jacob
Links would lay aside his caross when he came to the
chapel to interpret, instead of which, in cold weather, he
put over his shoulders his mother's red baise petticoat,
which answered as a gown, till we were able to procure
him suitable clothing. My wagon driver, on going to Cape
Town, procured several common cotton handkerchiefs, and
might be seen wearing three or four of them on his head
and neck, of different colours, at the same time. Old Trooi
the sister of the chief, having received the present of a neat
white cap, put it on her head, and with considerable con-
sequence, repaired to the chapel. She took her seat facing
the pulpit, and had such a different appearance from her
former self, that she became a gazing-stock for the whole
assembly. The colour of her hands and face was such a
contrast to that of her head-dress ; her high cheek bones
were so exceedingly prominent ; she sat with such an
appearance of superiority, that it was with great difficulty I
could maintain the gravity requisite in the house of God.
Since that time our people have improved so much, that
our congregations are now in general decently clothed, and
will vie, in this respect, with many assemblies in some of
the country villages in England.
" The dark places of the earth are full of the habitations
of cruelty." In the year 1826, one of the Namacquas came
to inform me of a Bushman, then on a visit to Lily Fountain,
who could give information respecting some murders lately
committed in the vicinity of Reedmond. I immediately
called for him ; and he stated that some Bushmen having
taken away several sheep, a party of Mulattos went in
pursuit of them ; he also accompanied the party, being
servant to one of them. Having seen the Bushmen's fires
by night, they hastened to the spot, in order to surprize
them early in the morning. The Bushmen were sleeping on
their arrival, and the men fired on them at once. Alarmed
136 MEMORIALS OF
at the report of the guns, the Bushmen rose up, one of
whom cried: "The bloodsuckers are upon us, we must
either fight or flee." Four of them were shot, and two
females were wounded. Then the man who related the
circumstance was sent to the hut, where he dispatched the
two wounded women with a gemsbok harn. He said he
felt no regret at what he had done, as he was ordered to go
and kill them; that the place was covered with blood, which,
on smelling, he could have killed many more ; that if
any one made him angry, he should feel no hesitation in
killing him at once. There were eleven men in this com-
pany, most of whom were armed with guns, so they could
have had no difficulty in securing the Bushmen as prisoners ;
but with such characters human life is of no value. I wrote
to the magistrate respecting the affair, the field-cornet
having refused to do anything in it ; and rather than
appear at Clanwilliam, to give an account of it, they all,
I believe, fled beyond the Orange River.
When we say that the people belonging to ouj Mission
Stations have become industrious, we speak comparatively.
An English labouring man would do as much as three or
four of them. But they are industrious compared with
those around them, and with what they were themselves
previous to their receiving the gospel. When the Rev.
T. L. Hodgson visited Lily Fountain, he expressed himself
as highly pleased with it ; but had expected that more of
the natives would have built themselves good and substantial
dwelling-houses. I proposed our having a public meeting,
in order again to stir them up to the work of building, and
brother Hodgson made an eloquent speech in the Dutch
language on the occasion. He showed clearly the comfort
and convenience of good habitations, and their great
superiority over Namacqua huts. He also offered the reward
of a new spade to each of the first ten persons who
should finish their w T ork. The natives gave their assent to
SOUTH AFRICA. 137
all that was said, by answering, "Ja Mynheer, dat is waar,
(Yes sir, that is true,) Ja Mynheer, dat is waar" At the
conclusion of the meeting, I engaged to give to the same
ten persons in addition, each an axe and a mattock. After
the departure of Mr. Hodgson, some commenced the work
of building, but they soon grew weary and gave up. I then
adopted the following plan : I advised them to sow plenty
of corn, and provided many of them with seed for that
purpose. The rains were plentiful, and the harvest so
abundant, that many of the Namacquas had no room for
their wheat and barley. They then came to me, begging
that I would preserve it for them, which, for a time, I
refused, giving them a lecture on the absolute necessity of
providing houses, which would not only contain their
families, but in which they might also preserve the fruits of
their labour. They felt the force of this lecture, and it
stimulated some to finish, and others to commence the work
of building. Several obtained the promised rewards ; the
friends of missions at Sheffield having enabled me to give
the axes, &c., by a plentiful supply which they kindly sent
as a present for Namacqua-land.* Although it requires a
great deal of patience, perseverance, and labour, to convert
a wandering and pastoral people to an agricultural life; yet
it is possible, and has, in many instances, been accomplished.
Of many a spot in South Africa it may now be said : "There
he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a
city for habitation, and sow fields, and plant vineyards,
which may yield fruits of increase." Psalms, cvii. 36, 37.
* In the collection of these useful articles, the late noble-minded and
highly-esteemed Rev. DANIEL ISAAC, who was then travelling at Sheffield,
took considerable interest ; a subject not forgotten by his biographer.
138 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER XII.
TRAVELLER'S TESTIMONY MB. HODGSON'S VISIT VISIT ALSO OF G.
THOMPSON, ESQ. OF THE AUTHOR IN 1827 GOES BY SEA LOST IN
THE SANDS EXTREME THIRST SCRIPTURE APPROPRIATE LYING ON
SAND SUPPLY OF WATER BOOR'S ASSERTION ARRIVE AT LILY
FOUNTAIN REV. R. HADDY's STATEMENT NEW CHAPEL OPENED
AUTHOR AND FAMILY GO ON A VISIT AN AGED WOMAN DANCING
OLD KEUDO IN BLACK COAT CHILD'S GRAVE MISSIONARY MEETING
NUMBER OF CATTLE SIR JAMES ALEXANDER OLD WOMAN WITH
SPECTACLES PRESENT STATE.
IN 1821, Lily Fountain was visited by Mr. Frier, an English
gentleman, who remained some time on the station, and on
writing to his friends in Cape Town, gives the following
testimony :
C( You know I was formerly averse to Missionaries, think-
ing that they came out to get a living ; but I have now
learned to correct my opinion. I do assure you, that theirs
is a most laborious life, and I should prefer being a slave to
the being obliged to teach the Namacquas ; yet the good
done among them is astonishing. They are now, for the
most part, in a state of civilization, of which you can form
no adequate idea. They have learned to reason most acutely,
and put the most pertinent questions. A considerable num-
ber of them reside at this place the greater part of the year.
They have cattle in abundance, so much so, that the place
is not large enough to feed them."
In the year 1824, the Rev. T. L. Hodgson visited the
SOUTH AFRICA. 139
station, on his way to Cape Town. He remarks, "April
5th. We reached Khamies Mountains, where we were wel-
comed by brother and sister B. Shaw, with expressions of
much pleasure. 6th. We spent this day in viewing the in-
stitution, and I was gratified in finding it much superior to
what I had expected it. The dwelling-house is convenient
and comfortable ; the chapel commodious and suitable ; the
garden is large and productive ; and I was also pleased in
seeing the people occupied in making eight ploughs, prepa-
ratory to seed-time. Several of the natives also cultivate a
large piece of ground, which is enclosed by a stone wall, and
they are engaged in thatching a building to be used as a
granary, llth. Attended the prayer-meeting in the morning,
and preached in the forenoon : heard brother Shaw in the
afternoon, and was much gratified at the lovefeast in the
evening, as also by the prayer-meetings held in different
private houses to close the Sabbath. On the 21st we left
this interesting station, which reflects great credit on those
by whose successive management, under the divine blessing,
it has attained its prosperous state."
In the same year, George Thompson, Esq., a respectable
merchant in Cape Town, whose " Adventures and Observa-
tions," published in two volumes, are well worthy of at-
tention, visited the station of Lily Fountain, when I
was on a journey to Cape Town. In his journal, at the
period above mentioned, he says, "Utterly unconnected
as I am with Missionaries or Missionary Societies of any
description, I cannot, in candour and justice, withhold from
them my humble meed of applause, for their labours in South
Africa. They have, without question, been in this country,
not only the devoted teachers of our holy religion to the
heathen tribes, but also the indefatigable pioneers of dis-
covery and civilization. The settlement at Lily Fountain
appeared to me a well-selected and well-conducted Mission-
ary station, highly creditable to its founders, and beneficial
140 MEMORIALS OF
to the people under their control. Large herds of cattle are
possessed by many individuals, and the two native superin-
tendants who entertained me, mentioned that upwards 1 * of
four thousand head belonged to this little community. The
extent of land cultivated is very considerable : about ninety
muids of wheat had been sown this season, covering from
three to four hundred acres, and from which, if the season
were favourable, a return of from thirty to fifty-fold was
anticipated. Were there any accessible market for their
surplus produce, a much larger quantity might be raised;
but as there are at present no means of disposing of any
large quantity of grain, the cultivation is necessarily confined
to the immediate wants of the inhabitants. Let those who
consider missions as idle and unavailing, go and visit
Genadendal, Theopolis, the Kaffir stations, Griqua Town,
Khamies Berg, &c. Let them view what has been effected
at these institutions, for tribes of natives, oppressed, neg-
lected, or despised, by every other class of men of Christian
name ; and if they do not find all accomplished which the
world has perhaps too sanguinely anticipated, let them fairly
weigh the obstacles that have been encountered, before they
venture to pronounce an unfavourable decision."
May 1826. T received notice from the late Rev. R.
Watson, to proceed without delay to take charge of the
Cape Town station. The Lord's Supper was administered
on the 7th, to a deeply affected congregation, and four adults
were baptized. One of them was a female of the Bushman
tribe, who said, before her baptism, "The Lord has heard
my prayer, and ik kan niet meer withouden," (I can hold
out no more.) How similar to the language of our own
sweet singer:
" Nay, but I yield, I yield,
I can hold out no more."
The number of adults baptized was 97.
SOUTH AFRICA. 141
On the 8th, at ten o'clock in the morning, the wagon was
packed, and the bullocks put to the yoke. All being in
readiness, the bell was rung for prayer, and the chapel
filled. Mr. Haddy, after a few verses had been sung,
attempted to pray, but he was soon overcome by the sobbing
and sighing of the congregation. Mr. Wimmer, of the Lon-
don Society, an old soldier of the Cross, then commenced,
but he was soon conquered also. The chapel indeed became
" a bochim," from which I was forced to hasten away ; and
having, with difficulty, got Mrs. Shaw and the children into
the wagon, I immediately cried, " Trek, trek, Loop, loop,"
and the oxen set off at full speed. It was an affecting scene.
Some of the Namacquas were weeping aloud, and others
shouting, " goeden dag Mynheer, gocden dag Juffroun."
Some were lying on the ground in distress, and so many
climbed upon the wagon, and clung to the after part, that 1
feared some misfortune would happen them. Many followed
us the first day's journey to our halting-place, and slept
among the bushes around the wagon.
9th. This morning, the same tragedy was reacted, the
scene having commenced immediately after our worship.
Some gave full vent to their feelings, by which they were
quite overpowered. Others endeavoured to restrain them,
and scarcely uttered a sentence. I was glad when the
wagon began to move from this sorrowful place, and looking
back as we proceeded onward, we saw the people standing
with their hands raised towards heaven. There was a gen-
eral cry ; some shouting, others weeping and waving their
hands, till a turn in the road hid them from our view. May
the choicest blessings of Jehovah rest upon the congregation
of Lily Fountain ! and may they be found in the day when
u To gather home his own,
God shall his angels send ;
And bid our bliss, on earth begun,
In deathless triumph end !"
142 MEMORIALS OF
After having taken up our residence in Cape Town, I was
unexpectedly called to visit the station in Jan. 1827. A
Cape merchant designing to commence an establishment on
the coast of Namacqua-land, offered me a free passage in his
vessel which was bound for St. Helena, and desirous of pro-
moting the welfare of that country in every possible way, I
accepted the offer. The son of the merchant, Mr. H. Hun-
ting, and our Delagoa boy William, were my travelling
companions.
Jan. 7th, 1827. Captain Aam put us on shore some
miles to the southward of the Spoog River. Having supplied
us with some ship's provision, and each a bottle of water,
he sailed for the place of his destination. About nine A. M.
we commenced our journey in the wilderness, with the ex-
pectation of finding the first farmer's house before the setting
of the sun. We travelled onward till mid-day, and then sat
down to rest and eat a little biscuit : the sands being very
deep, we had already begun to be weary. In the afternoon,
in consequence of the high sand-hills, we had lost sight of
the ocean ; and towards evening, having discovered no
dwelling-house, as we had expected, we agreed to lie down
for the night. Our water being nearly exhausted, we were
faint with thirst. Before lying down in the bushes, a fire
was made on the top of a hill, in hope that if any human
beings were near, they would come to our aid ; but alas ! it
was a land not inhabited. Having scratched holes in the
sand, we lay down to rest; but the jackals screamed loud
in the night, and drove away our six merino sheep, which
his excellency General Bourke had sent with us, as a present
to the station.
On the 8th, I awoke my companions early, in order that
we might walk in the cool of the morning. We tried to eat
a little biscuit, but could not, our supply of water being ex-
hausted, except a little that we had saved to moisten our
parched lips. The sheep were gone, but we were too weary
SOUTH AFRICA. 143
to search for them, and therefore we set off again, over hills
of sand, and amid straggling bushes ; but the exertion greatly
increased our thirst, and filled us with anxiety as to the
future. Again and again we sat down to rest ; repeatedly we
climbed the tops of the hills, to try if we could discover any
flocks or herds, or the smoke of distant fires, but all in vain.
At length Mr. M. threw himself on the sand, apparently in
despair, and declared that he believed we should perish in
the desert. He said, " Our water is done, our strength is
exhausted ; we cannot return to the sea ; if we could, the
vessel is far away ; we have no prospect of finding water ;
without it we cannot exist ; there is nothing but death before
us : Ach, myn vader, myn vader ! (Oh, my father !) if he
could see me now ; but he will see me no more. My brother
was hunting some time ago, and his gun burst and shattered
his hand. He was far from any medical aid, and my father
carried him on his shoulders. They reached a farmer's
place, but it was too late ; my brother bled to death. This
was the very hat (holding it in his hand) he wore at the time.
O, my father ! you will never see me again."
Though I had been in that part of the country before,
and at the farmer's place we were in search of, yet we were
so completely bewildered among the sand-hills, that I
was constrained to acknowledge myself lost. It was a
trying season ; but Mr. M. was far my superior in
bodily strength, being a fine youth about nineteen years of
age. In this dilemma, I opened my Bible, and read, (Gen.
xxi. 15, 19.) "The water was spent in the bottle, &c. She
saw a well of water, &c." This beautiful account, and a few
remarks upon it, seemed to revive the youth ; we therefore
resolved to trust to that divine Providence which supplied
Hagar, and to try to proceed. On rising to renew our efforts,
Mr. M. said, " Let us leave these deep sands on the left,
and aim for the karree, or hard country on the right. If
once out of the sand, we might walk a little further ; the
144 MEMORIALS OF
sands are killing us." Having acknowledged that I was lost,
though still believing the farmer's place to be in the sands, I
acceded to his request, and we trudged onward. We had
not proceeded far, when to our great joy, I discovered several
bullocks at a great distance ; Mr. M. never saw them, as
they were nearly as far as the eye could reach, and his sight
was defective. Our hopes were now raised, and we ascended
the top of a hill, hallooing as loud as we were able, and
waving our hats ; but there was no person to answer us ; and
to our great sorrow, the oxen disappeared, and we saw them
no more. This circumstance greatly depressed our spirits,
and the wilderness became more solitary than before. Our
lips were so parched with thirst, that we could speak but
little. Our weary limbs were stiff and sore with dragging
through the sands, and there stole upon us a kind of melan-
choly gloom. Now and then a vulture, or crow, was seen in
the air, and occasionally a little bird sat chirping on a
solitary bush ; objects sufficient to excite the wish " O that
I had wings like a dove, then would I fly away and be at
rest," by some fountain of water.
While thus dejected, I again saw some distant objects,
which appeared to me as sheep or goats, but scarcely dared
to mention them, lest they should prove only to be a number
of ostriches. Anxious to be certain respecting what was
beheld, we quickened our pace so much that I became
quite exhausted, and fell powerless on the sands. By
this time, however, I was fully satisfied that the objects
of my vision were really a flock of sheep and goats belong-
ing to some farmer of the country. My boy William, though
an African born, was gedaan, (done) and lingered far behind.
I was unable to proceed any farther ; it was therefore agreed,
that my young companion should hasten on till he should come
up with the shepherd of the flock, and bring him to the place
where I was lying, that we might make enquiries respecting
water. That they might know where to find me, I made a
SOUTH AFRICA. 145
large fire, the smoke of which afforded sufficient direction ;
and after a while the Hottentot shepherd came up with Mr.
M. ; and William also arrived. The Hottentot had seen us
for some time, but said he thought we had come out of the
sea, and was afraid we should kill him, which caused him
to drive his flock onward, in order, if possible, to keep out
of our way.
At a small pool, not far from the place, our bottles were
replenished with water; and filthy as it was, we drank it
with inexpressible pleasure. The farmer's house, which had
been the object of my pursuit, was at no great distance ; but
near as it was, I was unable to walk to it, my strength being
quite exhausted. Mr. M. set off, and though he could walk
but slowly, he reached the house, leaving William and
myself lying on the sand. The farmer's son soon came up
with two horses, and addressed me thus; "My father says,
as the one hand must always help to wash the other, he has,
therefore, sent you a horse, that you may ride to the house."
I gratefully mounted the steed, and was kindly received by
the family of Engelbrechts, where, for some time, we feasted
on tea and milk. The farmer addressed us on our arrival,
" It is the Lord who has wonderfully delivered you this day.
In the morning, when I rose, it was my design to send
my sheep to the northward, but the Hottentot had taken
them away to the southward, and so far distant, that I could
not make him hear by calling to him ; I, therefore, reserved
my orders for to-morrow. But had the sheep been sent to
the north, instead of the direction in which you found them,
nothing could have saved you from perishing. When you
left the sands, to proceed towards the karree, you were
going into a country where there is no water, and which is
destitute of inhabitants. The Lord, therefore, kept me
asleep half an hour later than usual this morning, to save
your lives." Mr. M., on hearing this, cried aloud, " de
Heere, heeft ons veriest," &c.,---the Lord, has delivered us,
K
146 MEMORIALS OF
the Lord, has delivered us ; and engaged, as long as he should
live in the world, to keep the 8th of January, as a day of
thanksgiving to God. And surely I may sing with our poet
" Through hidden dangers, toils and deaths,
He gently clear'd my way."
The farmer supplied us with horses, and on the morning
of the 10th, we arrived at Lily Fountain. My visit being
quite unexpected, before I could reach the mission-house,
I was surrounded by Namacquas : old and young ran from
their huts to meet me, so that I coulji not proceed. Some
were shouting, others were weeping, and many enquiring
from whence I had come. Poor Delia, from the Karree
Mountains, who had not seen me for a long time, was
quite overcome, and could only express her joy by weeping
aloud, and crying, " oud mynheer, oud mynheer, is weder
gekomen," (our first teacher, our first teacher is come again.)
I was glad to find Mr. Haddy, who had been left in
charge of the station, and his family well, and felt thankful
to see him so much interested in its prosperity. The
harvest had commenced, and I rejoiced to see the people
generally engaged in labour. The hattery lately established,
was likely to answer. The peach trees were laden with
fruit, and the vines had produced plenty of grapes. The
natives appeared to be prospering in spiritual things also.
And here the words of the prophet were clearly fulfilled, "I
will say unto them which were not my people, thou art my
people ; and they shall say, thou art my God." I could not
but call to mind our entrance among them : then they were
" without Christ, aliens from the common wealth of Israel,
having no hope, and without God in the world ; but now in
Christ Jesus, they are made nigh, having become fellow
citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." To
God be all the praise !
In the course of the year, Mr. Haddy wrote to the com-
mittee as follows : " The natives have been greatly benefited
SOUTH AFRICA. 147
in temporal things, having been taught useful arts, and to
cultivate land. They have been collected together, and
form a sort of village, which, for the number it contains,
though not in the mode of its formation, may be compared
to many in England. The number of persons, who regard
Lily Fountain as their home, is between seven and eight
hundred; and though the Namacquas are naturally addicted
to wandering, yet now they seldom leave the institution,
unless circumstances compel them to it. The gospel, the
means of grace, their property, friends, &c., all tend to give
them an interest in the place, and to unite them together.
A rare sight this, in this thinly inhabited, and barren part
of the globe. They have derived another great advantage
from the peace and quiet which they now enjoy, the absence
of those wars and hostilities, which none of the tribes of
Africa, yet discovered, in a purely heathen state, are free
from. Before Christianity was introduced here, their neigh-
bours, the Bushmen, were frequently making attacks on
them, and stealing their cattle ; the consequence of which
was, that much blood was shed. But since they have been
concentrated into a body, and have had a Missionary resid-
ing among them, they have had nothing to fear, either from
enemies without, or from any who might be disaffected
within. For on the one hand, the Bushmen dare not venture
to attack the Namacquas now; and 011 the other, the Nam-
acquas will not attack the Bushmen, having been taught by
the gospel, to regard them as the offspring of the same
common parent.
" Their spiritual and moral improvement, is seen in their
regard to truth and sincerity, in their intercourse with each
other, and with all men. While enveloped in darkness,
having ' no fear of God before their eyes,' but little, if any
regard was shown to honesty; but on the contrary, he who
most excelled in deception, &c., judged himself the most
praiseworthy.
148 MEMORIALS OF
"Their veneration of Jehovah, as the God of providence,
and the sovereign Disposer of all things, is great and affect-
ing. Although the Namacquas were not idolaters in the
common acceptation, yet many degrading customs and
ridiculous ideas prevailed among them. Divine light has
shone in their hearts, and most, if not all, of these are laid
aside. They have been taught to look above the earth for
fruits, and higher than the clouds for rain; even to Him
who gives both the former and latter rain, and commands
the earth to 'yield her increase.' Of many it may truly be
said, their 'conversation is in heaven, from whence they
also look for the Saviour.' Their souls breathe after God.
I have been frequently struck with gratitude and admiration,
while hearing them in their rudely constructed huts, offering
praise and supplication to the God of Israel ; and several
times, late at night, after I have gone to rest, I have heard
them continuing to sing the songs of Zion.
" I do not mean to convey the idea, that they have all
received and obeyed the gospel ; no, much remains yet to
be done ; but surely these fruits of ' the gospel of the grace
of God,' call loudly for gratitude, and furnish the most
encouraging motives to ' be steadfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord.'
" You have heard how much that country has suffered
from the late drought, the crops of corn have greatly failed
again the last summer : many whose principal dependence
is on the produce of the land, are reduced to great want
and distress. Notwithstanding this distress, the cause at
Khamies Berg still continues to be encouraging, and affords
grounds for thankfulness, and for renewed and more ardent
devotedness to the great work in which we are engaged.
Before I left the station, I had the pleasure of witnessing a
concern for the welfare of their souls, in some who had long
been negligent, and in many respects immoral. Several
young people, (especially the boys who are learning the
SOUTH AFRICA. 149
hat-making business,) gave well-grounded proofs of a work
of grace begun in their souls. I also felt it my duty, and
a work in which my soul delighted, while at this station,
to labour to impress on the minds of the young people who
had been taught to read, &c., in the school, the necessity of
'remembering their Creator in the days of their youth,'
by reminding them of their obligations to fear and serve
God, and not to be contented to live as their fathers had
done, who had not been favoured with the light of God's
word in their youth, as they were. Indeed, much of our
future success, will, doubtless, depend on the character of
those who have been taught to read the scriptures in the
school, and dedicated to God in their infancy; for the
manner in which they conduct themselves, after knowing
the truth as far as it can be taught them by man, will give
in some measure, shape and figure to the mission, and form,
as it were, a new era in it ; as they will possess the advan-
tages arising from the preaching of the gospel, and the
administration of religious ordinances. May they be a
generation to serve God."
In 1828, Mr. Edwards raised the walls of the new
chapel, in w r hich work the natives gave their assistance, and
early the following year it was consecrated for the worship
of Jehovah. He addressed the committee on the occasion
in the following letter:
" Khamies Berg, April 21s, 1829. It will afford you
pleasure to learn that we have opened our new chapel for
public worship ; and since we commenced divine service in
it, our congregations have been very good on the Lord's
day. Already some of the neighbouring farmers have
attended our religious services, and united with our poor
Namacquas, in singing the praises of the Lord. We have
much cause for gratitude to God, for his favour manifested
towards us in this respect. A few years ago, much disre-
spect \vas shown to the Missionaries, residing in this
150 MEMORIALS OF
country, by persons calling themselves Christians ; and
many reports were in circulation, extremely prejudicial
to their characters and work. But, thank God, we have
lived down these prejudices, and a change extremely
favourable has taken place. To the Lord be all the
glory ! "
The following are extracts from Mr. Edwards' s Journal:
"Jan. 15th, 1829. This afternoon I had some conver-
sation with one of the Bondle Zwart people. He says, the
tribe to which he belongs is numerous, and has long been
without a Missionary ; and, at present, they have no kind of
public service among them.
" Feb. 22nd. Our chapel was well filled with hearers,
besides a large number of persons on the outside, not able
to obtain admittance. In the afternoon I administered the
Lord's Supper, to a larger number of communicants than I
had ever before seen at Lily Fountain, on a similar occasion.
In the evening I catechised the children, and was much
pleased with the questions asked by several of the school
girls.
" March 1st. This afternoon I held divine service in our
new chapel, for the first time. My subject was Haggai ii.
9 : c The glory of the latter house shall be greater than of
the former, saith the Lord of Host.' This afternoon I spoke
from these words, e Consider what great things the Lord
has done for you.' (Sam. xii. 24.) The congregation both
times was remarkably large for this country. Oh ! may the
solemn truths this day delivered, have their desired effect on
the minds of all who have heard them ! Oh ! for more
strength to labour for our adorable Redeemer !"
In 1830, I went to visit Lily Fountain, and had the plea-
sure of being present at their first Missionary Anniversary,
held the 2nd of November: J. Evans, Esq., of Clanwilliam,
kindly took the chair. In the course of the meeting, the
following addresses were delivered with great animation :
SOUTH AFRICA. 151
Jacobus Bukas rose up and said, " My beloved brothers
and sisters, we must understand that we have come together
to-day for a great purpose ; we are come together to help in
spreading the gospel among a people who have never heard
of Jesus. I thank God that I am a witness of the power of
the gospel. I feel it is the word of God. Brothers, t was
formerly blind, but now I see. I was formerly polluted and
sinful ; I was worse than a contagious dog. I knew not
that I had a soul ; I knew not that there is a God in heaven.
t am now thankful that the gospel has taught me that God
is the great Creator of all things ; and it has taught me to
know that man is a great being, that he is possessed of an
immortal soul, and that Jesus i loved us, and gave himself
for us.' I am now anxious for my children ; I want them
to be brought up under the sound of the gospel. I want all
my friends to be acquainted with it, that they may be brought
to true repentance, and faith in the Saviour of sinners.
Brothers, I stand here to-day with the same desires and
designs as I had at the meeting of last year. I am ready to
help, according to my ability, to send the gospel to every
part of the world. On the Sabbath, we heard from our old
teacher, that c all flesh is grass ; the grass withereth, and
the flower thereof fadeth away ; but the word of the Lord
endureth for ever.' We ought, therefore, to do something
now. I am thankful that I ever came to Lily Fountain.
Here I first heard that word which abideth for ever. I trust
all my children will learn to know.it also. Day and night
the gospel is preached unto us. Many of us profess to believe
it : but, as the apostle James says, let us ' shew our faith
by our works.' "
Jan William said : " Yes brethren and sisters, by means
of this society we have obtained the gospel ; it is, therefore,
our duty to do something for others. I feel as willing to
help to-day as I did the last year. It is our duty to help ;
and though we may not be able to do much, we must do
152 MEMORIALS OF
what we can. Brothers and sisters, I feel thankful that we
sit in life ; through the word we have come to life ; by His
grace we live ; God has given his grace to us ; we have it
in our hands ; we have it in this house which has been
built ; this house of God. Here we can worship ; here we
can pray ; here we may receive the everlasting gospel.
Brothers, I am thankful to the Lord who brought our
teachers over the sea ; that is a great and mighty water, but
they came safe, and here we see them to-day. Brothers, let
us examine ourselves. We have the great word, the word
of salvation, which always remains the same. Other things
change, but the word of God abideth for ever. Let us
pray that we may all receive it. Yes, he who never prayed
before, let him begin to-day: he who never knew anything,
let him begin to know to-day : he who never believed, let
him believe to-day : he who never thought, let him begin to
think to-day."
William Sneuwe, " Yes, my friends, it is the work of
Jesus that we are here to-day. In former days we knew
nothing of these things. We had never seen or heard the
Missionaries; but now we both see and hear. There they
are ; they have left their fathers and mothers, their sisters
and brothers, they have left their country and friends to
preach the word to us. They came over the sea; they had
'seen the sea before; they knew there was no path in the
sea that a wagon could go on; they knew that there were
mountains in the sea; they knew the great waves would
roll around them, yet they came, and Jesus took care of
them that they might preach the gospel to us they came
on account of our souls. When old Mynheer first arrived,
I was ill, but knew not that I was a sinner, and that my soul
was sick; but Jesus, by his word and Spirit led me to
know myself. Brothers, let us call upon Him ; let us pray
in faith ; let us give him our hearts. When I go and knock
at the door of a friend, he opens to me ; if we knock, the
SOUTH AFRICA. 153
Lord will open to us His word is truth. Brothers and
sisters, I see no refuge but in Jesus ; He is the friend of
sinners. The Lord gives us rain and fruitful seasons, how
great is the goodness of God ! We plough our fields and
sow our seed, of which we knew nothing before we had the
gospel ; but now we know these things also. Above all, we
hear of Jesus Christ, and though the ground of our hearts
may be dry and unfruitful, yet when they drink in the rain
of the gospel, they shall live and become green. I thank
God for hope I have good hope : of this I w r as formerly
ignorant, I had no hope. Faith in Christ Jesus, and the
influence of the Spirit of God are as hands to help us.
God has given us hands, and they are given that we
should help others. He that believes the gospel says
amen, and is diligent in all things. How long have we had
the gospel ? There sits the old teacher who came to us
first ; the Lord has brought him back again. If you would
receive the word you must change your course. When a
man is going on a wrong path, another calls to him, ' come
here.' Thus the Lord called us by his gospel ; thus he is
still calling * Come unto me all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, T will give you rest.' Brethren, we must turn
about, we must change our course, and come to him. We
hear and know that there are yet many in darkness. We
know what that darkness is ; we have felt it ourselves. We
hope, therefore, that this word may go to the Damaras, &c.
that they may hear and come to Jesus."
Jan Jacobs, " Yes, my beloved brothers and sisters, when
I was in my old state, I neither knew anything of God, nor
that I had a soul. I now feel thankful for the gospel. By
this the way has been opened to us, so that I know I have
a soul to be saved or lost : 1 wish others to know this also.
Though I am very poor, and cannot do much, and many
here are like me, yet we can all pray, and thus help a little.
In former days we were active in our old sports, and they
154 MEMORIALS OF
cost us something, and profited nothing. Let us now be
zealous in that which is profitable to all things."
Jantje Samsam, " Beloved brothers and sisters, I am
thankful to God that I know I have a soul ; the word of God
has taught me this, and I wish to be more grateful to the
society which sent it. The society has been very powerful
to send the gospel so far ; I hope God will help, and it shall
yet be more powerful. What do we see to-day ? I never
thought of seeing a chairman from a far country sitting here
among us; but God is almighty, and Jesus the Son of Mary,
shall yet do greater things. I love him, I love Jesus ; yes,
as sure as I am standing here, I know I love him. Jesus
loved us ; he died for us on the cross ; he shed his blood for
us ; he helps us in all our difficulties ; he has helped me.
We see great things to-day. Who among us ever thought
of seeing such a church as this on Lily Fountain ? Who
ever thought of seeing our old teacher again ? Here he is,
now sitting among us. Who ever thought of seeing so many
teachers here ? Yet all our teachers preach the same gospel :
yes, though there are many teachers, the word is the same,
the prayer is the same, the school is the same."
Frederick Cartenaar, "My brothers and sisters, my
heart rejoices to-day : yes, I rejoice in the God of my sal-
vation. Thank God for the grace which has been shewn to
us. What do we witness to-day ? Most of you know that
I was born in Cape Town ; I was baptised by the minister ;
my school- master did his best to teach me ; my ministers,
the reformed teachers of Cape Town, preached in the church
which I attended ; but, alas ! I knew nothing ; I felt nothing ;
I was as hard and as stupid as the stones under my feet.
Yet I gloried in my baptism ; I was proud of being a mem-
ber of the church, and I thought myself great in being
called a Christian. But, alas ! my eyes were shut, and I
saw nothing. I was in the dark, and yet proud. I was just
like a sack which has been stuffed with chaff, and is
SOUTH AFRICA. 155
hanging up in the wind. Yes, my brothers and sisters, I was
a mere chaff-sack. I now thank God that I came to Lily
Fountain, and heard the Missionaries. My beloved mother
often warned me, but 1 would not believe ; I would not hear ;
I went on in sin, and was worse than a beast. I am sorry
to-day that I so often grieved my poor mother to the heart.
To-day I see my sinfulness. If I had died in the state I
was formerly in, what would have become of me ? I should
have been lost, lost for ever. I was like a criminal fastened
with fetters of iron ; but the gospel has proclaimed liberty to
me. I thank God for Jesus. Jesus says to all who hear
the gospel, c Come unto me come unto me.' He says,
4 He that is athirst, come ; and whosoever will, let him take
of the water of life freely.' My brothers, this is the living
water: you may all partake of it. It is my desire, above all
things, to make known the love of Jesus. His love to me;
his love to sinners ; his love to the whole world. Oh ! that
I could be the means of bringing some, yea, though it were
but one or two, to Jesus !"
There were so many persons to speak in the morning,
that the meeting was adjourned till the afternoon. In the
evening, brother Edwards was engaged in receiving sub-
scriptions : the little children were running with their pence,
while their parents and others offered sheep, goats, grain, &c.
Having known this people in their heathenish state more
than fourteen years ago, I have had a fair opportunity of
seeing the mighty change produced among them by the
preaching of the everlasting gospel. Their beautiful fields
of corn, which are now ripening for the harvest, speak a
language which all may understand they say, "Godliness
is profitable to all things" behold, here " he maketh the
hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation,
and sow the fields, and plant vineyards," &c. The trees of
several years' growth, which are now adorned in their
summer dress, and many of them laden with the choicest
156 MEMORIALS OF
fruit, point to the words of the Prophet: "The wilderness
and solitary place shall be glad for them." The new
chapel lately finished by brother Edwards, which I doubt
not will stand when this generation shall have passed away,
reminds the observer of that promise, " They that trust in
the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved,
but abideth for ever." The different groups of Namacquas
bending their course towards the house of prayer on the
morning of the Sabbath, and frequently singing the praises
of God, while they ascend the holy hill, reminds one of the
following delightful prophetic description : " And many
people shall go and say, come ye and let us go up to the
mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob,
and he will teach us of his ways ; therefore, they shall come
and sing in the height of Zion." The peace and good-will
which prevail at this institution, and reign among all classes
of people, is to me an evident accomplishment of the highly
figurative prophecy of Isaiah, " The wolf also shall dwell
with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid,"
&c. The support which several have experienced on
quitting this vale of tears, and the confidence which they
have manifested in the promises of the gospel, are an ex-
citement to pray " Let me die the death of the righteous,"
&c. A poor widow, with whose husband I was formerly
well acquainted, informed me that shortly before her partner
died, he got up, and by the help of his staff he walked into
the midst of his hut ; he then called his children around
him, and most affectionately warned and exhorted them.
Before he concluded, he said, " The staff of Christ is in my
hand ; on this I rest : no man can ever take it from me."
Soon after this he breathed his last, leaving a blessed testi-
mony behind of the power of the gospel.
In 1832, the number of cattle belonging to the people of
Lily Fountain was 3000 sheep, 3000 goats, 150 horses,
125 oxen, 250 cows, &c.
SOUTH AFIUCA. 157
My last visit at the request of the missionary committee
was in 1833, and Mr. Edwards having sent the wagon to
Cape Town, Mrs. Shaw and the children accompanied me
on the journey. With peculiar feelings of pleasure and
gratitude to God, we arrived at the institution on the 10th
of October. It was the spring of the year, and all appeared
gay with its return. The corn-fields were clad with a
living green, and waved delightfully in the wind; the
valleys were adorned with the choicest variety of flowers ;
the mountain birds were lavish of their notes; the trees
which I had planted so many years before, had put on their
summer dress, and many were richly laden with fruit. The
proudest monarch on earth was never so beautifully arrayed
as the fields of Lily Fountain were at this season. Several
companies of Namacquas having heard of our approach,
came to meet us. At one place, a woman who appeared to
be seventy or eighty years of age, on seeing Mrs. Shaw and
the children, after so long an absence, began to dance for
joy. She was in the ancient Namacqua costume, had a
child on her back, and must have been very unfit for such
exercise ; however nothing could restrain her till she had
finished her salutation ; this, I suppose, was a real, sincere,
and scriptural dance. Old Keudo, the father of our late
Jacob Links, also made his appearanee. He said he could
not live without the " blyde klauk." (the joyful sound.) He
is getting weaker, but is evidently ripening for a better
world; I gave him the coat sent by the late Rev. Dr.
Townley, which he received with great pleasure, and soon
put it on : it was not a very excellent fit, but he was never
before so highly honoured as to wear a garment belonging
to one who had been the President of the Conference.
The 16th of October was the anniversary of my consenting
to remain among the Namacquas ; and though seventeen
years had rolled away, several of them remembered it still.
While remaining on the mountain, we were led to visit the
158 MEMORIALS OF
grave of our second beloved infant : it is by the side of a
rock of granite, and a solitary bush of the wilderness marks
the place of sepulture. We could not refrain from adopting
the custom of some of the Namacquas, who, on passing the
graves of their friends, put on them additional stones. Our
own children, Charlotte and Jane, with Samuel and Daniel,*
engaged in bringing stones to place on the tomb of their
little sister; and several native children joined them in their
labour of love. The voice of the archangel and the trump'
of God, shall one day break open the mountain sepulchres,
and the dead, small and great, shall appear before him.
The following day the missionary meeting was held, and
the natives spoke with great freedom and genuine missionary
feeling.
Mr. Edwards sent an account of this meeting to the
missionary committee.
"Little Namacqua-land, Khamies Berg, Oct. 29*7*, 1833.
I am sure it will afford you considerable pleasure to learn
that we are doing well in this part of the Lord's vineyard ;
and also to hear that the general attendance of our Na-
macquas upon the preaching of the word, and the ordinances
of religion, affords us satisfaction.
" The Rev. W. Robertson, colonial clergyman of this dis-
trict, lately favoured us with a visit. He preached three
times in our chapel, to large and attentive congregations.
His sermons were strictly evangelical, delivered with much
zeal and energy, and well calculated to convince the careless
and unawakened sinner. I pray that his labours here, and
among the neighbouring farmers, may answer the end de-
signed by them. We have also recently been favoured with
the company of brother and sister Shaw, our old friends and
fellow-labourers in this distant part of the world. I scarcely
need say, that the Namacquas were exceedingly glad to see
their old teacher once more among them, who, under God,
* So named, after the late excellent Rev. Daniel Isaac.
SOUTH AFRICA. 159
was instrumental in bringing the Gospel to this place,
upwards of seventeen years ago. During brother Shaw's
stay with us, we held our missionary meeting ; and I am
happy to say, it was one of the most interesting we ever had
at Lily Fountain. Although the collection in money was
small, owing to the want of a circulating medium among
the natives in this distant part of the colony ; yet, the
speeches delivered by the Namacquas on the occasion,
excited our gratitude to Almighty God, and constrained us
to say, * What hath the Lord wrought ! ' The following
natives spoke on the occasion, as follows :
" Peter Links (a brother of the late Jacob Links} stood up
and commenced thus : ' My beloved friends, the Bible is
the word of God ; yes, I have found it to be so. The word
which was sent to us is truly God's word. I am exceedingly
glad it was sent to us, and hope to remain by it to the end
of my life. We have heard to-day that it is now seventeen
years since we received it. I rejoice exceedingly that I
have heard it, and hope that you will rejoice with me. We
have now in our possession that which is true ; the word
which teaches us that God is almighty, the Creator of
heaven and earth. The word tells us also of a Saviour, who
came into the world to save the lost. Is not this cause of
joy ? Before you received the Gospel, you knew not why
you were born ; you knew not for what end you came into
the world. The teachers who came first told us ; they told
us what was in the Bible. I have heard several preach, and
the word is the same ; it is the same as I read in my Bible.
Here we are told what we are to do, and what we are not to
do. The way is set before us, and that way is Jesus ; yes,
it is Jesus, and there is no other way. Brothers ! what 1
said before, I say again. I am full of joy, and this is one of
the happiest days of my life. Yes, I am full of joy, for
f Jesus receiveth sinners still.' Our teachers have told us
this joyful news, and we hear it daily. But the apostle
061 MEMORIALS OF
James says something in his epistle, to which we should
also take heed : ' What doth it profit, my brethren, though
a man say he hath faith and have not works ? ' If he who
is hungry, or in distress, asks you for something, and you
say, ' Be warmed or filled,' and yet give him nothing, but
send him away, where is the comfort he sought ? He has
none. We have heard to-day that praying and working
must go together. So says James also, and declares that
4 faith without w r orks is dead.' I read that Jesus said,
' Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which
I say ? ' Jesus himself is our example ; and said, as we
have heard this morning, { I must work the works of him
that sent me while it is day.' Yes; to-morrow, as one of
our hymns says, it may be too late. ' Procrastination,' we
have been told, ' is the thief of time : ' it steals one day
after another. Paul, when preaching before a certain man,
was told to 'go away ; ' and so he did. There was
putting off ! but T do not read that Felix ever sent for Paul
again. We have also heard of the Samaritan who had
compassion on him who had been left half dead. Two
people w 7 ho saw him passed by ; neither the Priest nor the
Levite helped him ; but the Samaritan bound up his
wounds, and set him on his own pack-ox, or beast, on
which he rode ; he had a compassionate heart, and did
many things for the man who had fallen among thieves ;
and we are called upon to act as he did. If I understand
aright, w r e all came from one father, Adam, and are, there-
fore, brethren. From Adam to Noah we are one ; and,
when God destroyed the world, I read of Noah and his
family only who were saved, as a seed, to people the earth.
We, therefore, come from that family. It has been said by
some, that we are the descendants of Ham. Of that, how-
ever I shall not now speak, but rather attend to the words
of Him who said : ' Preach the Gospel to every creature.'
Whether we are descended from Shem, Ham, or Japheth, I
SOUTH AFRICA. 161
care not, if we are only believers in Jesus, and obey him.
Jesus is the head. He is the Saviour, and there is no other.
Brothers, if you go to any other, you go in vain. You
should all come to him ; he invites you all. Brothers and
sisters, to whom will you go ? Now is the time for you to
seek, while you have health and strength , then shall you
find ; and, l though your sins are scarlet, they shall be as
white as snow.' What is to hinder you ? Is it the world ?
The world belongs to Jesus : yes, the world is his, and he
says : ' Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.' Seek now, for
in the grave there is no repentance. No man ever rose
from the dead to make all right. It was said to the rich
man, who wished one to be sent to his brethren : ' Let them
hear Moses and the Prophets.' We have heard to-day, that
what we do we should do with our might ; let us then, not
only pray, but work ; let us go on praying and working.
What were we before we had the Gospel ? We were like
the dry bones ; yes, we were very dry ; there were no
sinews, no flesh, no skin, no breath. Those who have not
the Gospel are now as we then were ; they are dead, and
must remain so till they obtain the Gospel. All are now
called upon ; yea, old and young are called upon to work
and pray.
" Moses Smit: I am thankful, brothers and sisters, that
I have found Jesus; and that Jesus is the true God and
my Saviour. I hope to continue in his word, and be
thankful for it.
" William Sneuwe : Brothers, I was convinced, by the
preaching of the Gospel, that there is a Saviour for sinners:
that Saviour is also my father and friend. If I have ad
versity and trials, he comforts me. Formerly I knew not
where to find peace, but now I have it. We have heard
that Jesus is the living water. In a dry and barren land
who can live? Who can live without water ? So without
L
162 MEMORIALS OF
Jesus our souls cannot live. Jesus, the living water, is
here ; and, as many assemble together where a fountain is
springing up, so are we assembled. It is true, I am poor;
but I have one thing, the grace of God, and with that I
am rich. Some think that they can do without the Gospel ;
but, my brothers and sisters, the Gospel is requisite for all.
There is but one water, one salvation, one life, one Saviour.
This Saviour is for all ; and what I can do to send the
Gospel, I will do with my heart. Behold now this Gospel !
It is one word ; it is the same ; it is never either old or
cold. When you have got food for your bodies, you eat
and are satisfied ; here, now, is food for your souls. Here
is peace, love, joy ! How did you obtain these ? Surely,
by the spread of the Gospel ; and by this Gospel I will
remain. We must remain by the water ; yes, and I will do
all that I am able that the nations who never yet heard it
may also hear. There are rich men in the world, and they
are highly esteemed ; but I would not exchange with the
richest man on earth, who has not the Gospel and the true
riches. Man needs rest, and for this purpose he takes a
pillow, on which he lays his head. Now we need rest for
our souls, and Jesus says, ' I will give it.' Jesus, my
friend, is my resting-place ; he is my pillow ; and his love
which I experience is unspeakable. When I was brought
to know Jesus, I felt a desire that others also should know
him. If the Lord were to call me to visit those who are
yet in darkness, I could leave all to go amongst them. I
could go amongst the wildest and most savage to tell them
of Jesus. I could take up my caross, and go amongst them.
And though I should be murdered, what then ? Though
they should take my bodily life away, there is something
that flies ; there is one thing which they cannot kill or
destroy. If a letter was sent from the Cape to call us to
some service, we are ready to go, and should expect a
reward. Here we have God's letter: he calls to us, and the
SOUTH AFRICA. 1()3
Gospel must go further. What a great thing is this ! Our
teachers left fathers, and mothers, and all their friends; they
came over the sea, and here we behold them to-day. The
teachers, we know, are our friends ; but what did we know
of friends before their coming amongst us ? We can all
help a little in sending that word which teaches Jesus to be
' the way, the truth, and the life.' We have heard that
little streams flowing together make a river ; that rivers flow
towards the sea, and, meeting there, make a great water.
So, my beloved brothers and sisters, let us all do something.
I see many other things before me, on which I could speak,
but must now sit down.
" Jan William : I feel myself constrained to give to
this cause, for we hear there are so many without the
knowledge of Christ. By means of God's servants, whom
he sent to us, we have obtained our knowledge. Why,
then, can we not help ? We have promised the Lord. Why,
then, are we behind ? for his word is yea and amen. We
are now members of the church : we are, therefore, called
upon to pray ; we are called upon to be peacemakers ; we
are called to be faithful ; we are called upon to labour; we
are called upon to love all men. There are many who are
yet ignorant; so I hope we shall fix our purpose to help
them, and do them good.
" Joseph Jokkum : The Lord has sent his word to this
country, and I thank him for it. I am glad that we have
received it, and hope we shall bring forth fruit. Let us
take hold of the Gospel, and work with it. It is a pure
word, and shall remain for ever. Let us pray with our
hearts, that we may have God's blessing, and that others
who are ignorant may seek to know it.
"David Coffer: Though I am very ignorant, yet I am
convinced that the Gospel which we hear is the truth. I
trust this meeting will have the blessing of God. I did not
know at first why such meetings were held, but now I see
164 MEMORIALS OF
their design ; and, as far as I can, I will help the Missionary
Society.
" Keudo Links (father of the late Jacob Links) : My
beloved brothers and sisters, what shall I say ? The Lord
is gracious and merciful, and I rejoice that all may now
hear and understand. God be merciful to me ! Where, O
Jesus, should I have been this day, if I had not had thy
word ? I see, my brothers and sisters, that this world is
nothing. Why will ye not believe ? Why will ye not
depart from iniquity ? My children, what a blessing that
we hear of Jesus ! that he has all power, and that he can
save us ! He says : f Where two or three are gathered
together, I am in the midst.' Children, hold fast; yea, my
children, hold fast. Keep your ears open. Why do you
complain ? I have now no complaints, for day and night
we hear the Gospel. What can we have more? I feel,
children, that I have nearly done. Lord, teach and support
us. But, my children, be not slothful. Labour on : obey
your teachers, and it shall be well with you. I cannot say
much, and fear lest I should say anything wrong ; yet I
say, sinners, come ! What is to hinder you ? What do
you want more than this ? Who ever thought that we
should thus meet together ? Brothers and sisters, there is
salvation in Jesus. He says: 'Come, come to me.' To
him I am thankful, and can say : ' Hitherto hath the Lord
helped me.'
" Piet Africaner : Before I heard the Gospel, I was
stupid, and knew nothing. After I began to hear, I could
not understand till I began to pray to God. Then he
opened my eyes, and gave me to see. Tt is good for us to
call upon God, and I feel willing to do something, that all
nations may hear the Gospel.
" Gert Links: Jesus, my friends, is worthy : it is not by
me, or through me, but of his mercy. We are unworthy,
unworthy sinners, but he has sent us his word. In this
SOUTH AFRICA. 165
word lie promises tu help; yes, he is a helper. What did
our teacher say to-day ? The first sentence he spoke to us
was, ' My beloved friends.' Thus, we, who had formerly
no friends, have obtained them through the Gospel. What
farmer in this country ever said to us, ' My friends ? ' Let
us be joyful to-day. The word of God is a word of truth.
And let us learn to do the will of God.
" Gert Bukas : I am glad that the Lord sent us the
Gospel. Let us fall down on our knees before God, and
thank him for his servants who brought it. They left their
country and people for us. When the minister came to
preach in this country, the people were expecting to hear
some wonderful things. They said the parson was coming
to preach to the farmers, and that he would preach to us
also. Many thought he would say something new, but he
only told us what we have heard from the beginning. It
was just the same thing ; it is but one Gospel. You know
that I have been one of the greatest beer-drinkers on this
place. Thus have I gone astray, and sinned against God ;
but I here engage, before God and his people, that the dop
(part of a calabash which serves as a cup) shall no more
pass my lips. Beloved brothers and sisters, whether you
are young or old, learn from the Gospel.
"Adam Adams : When I heard of the Gospel, I put on
my veldschoen, (a sort of sandal,) and set off to hear what
the news was, to hear what was in the book. I found it
to be a great word, and all the glory of the world is nothing
when 'compared to it. Brothers, we are getting nearer to
eternity. Let the beer-drinkers (or drunkards) repent, and
trample all beneath their feet. It is now, ' the day of sal-
vation/ and the teachers proclaim it ; yes, and the parson
who was here preached it also. Some thought there would
be a difference between his teaching and that of our own
teachers; but there was no difference at all. It was just
the same as we have been hearing for many years. It was
166 MEMORIALS OF
the same as that by which we were brought out of darkness
into wonderful light. I see, then, there is but one Gospel,
one way, one Saviour; and we shall never have another."
He also added, "What the minister said in his preaching
was delightful. Some of the fathers themselves called it very
good, but others were offended, because he would have the
black people into the farmer's house to hear the Gospel.
Since then, they have given him the name of ' Hottentot's
Parson.' Thus all the teachers tell us the way ; Jesus
himself teaches us. Brothers, let us turn to Him who calls.
Some of you smother yourselves with drinking ; but now
let young and old turn to God, and repent of their sins.
Brothers, where will you go ? Whither will you creep to
hide yourselves ? Will you go into the sea ? He is there.
Will you hide yourselves in the rocks ? He is there also.
You cannot hide yourselves from him. Stand up, then, and
depart from iniquity, and so shall the Lord be your helper."
Sir James Edward Alexander, K.L.S., on his expedition
to the Great Namacqua and Damara countries, in 1836, re-
mained for a time at Lily Fountain, of which he speaks in
his first volume, page 57 : " In the sloping mountain valley
is found a good church, school, mission-house, and out-
buildings ; a productive garden watered by an abundant
fountain, overshadowed by poplars. My worthy friend, the
Rev. B. Shaw, first formed this station, in 1816. He was
succeeded by the Rev. E. Edwards, who laboured here for
fourteen years, most successfully. There are eight hundred
on the books of the institution ; and I was quite surprised
and pleased to see the quantity of land they cultivate,
stimulated as they are to exertion by the Missionary, under
whom are two corporals and six councillors, or heads, annu-
ally elected by ballot.
"The Nainacquas of Lily Fountain had sown latterly about
one hundred muids, or twenty thousand pounds of wheat
annually, and had raised from this fifteen hundred to two
SOUTH AFRICA. 167
thousand muids. Mr. Edwards was absent at Cape Town
when I arrived at the station, and a thin looking corporal
(Bukas) received me. I thought that he was very poor from
his appearance, and I intended offering him the head and
liver of a sheep I was about to kill, to keep him from starv-
ing, when I found, to my surprise, that he grew forty muids
of corn annually, had a span of fourteen oxen, a wagon,
twelve horses, and seven hundred sheep and goats.
" Once a month, disputes are settled here in council, which
are principally for cattle trespassing on corn-land ; and those
brought before the council can of course appeal from its
decision to the field-cornet of the ward, or magistrate of the
district. Yearly a herd is appointed, and yearly the ponds
must be cleaned out for the cattle. Thus the Missionary,
besides having his spiritual duties to attend to, has much to
do with the temporal matters of the people, as farming, car-
pentry, and smith's work. The winters are very severe on
the Khamies Berg ; snow lies there thick for two or three
months; and the people almost all go down the mountains
to the valley of the Two Rivers, where the Missionary ought
then also to live; but for eight or nine months, the tempera-
ture is delightful on the mountain. I found it sixty-five and
seventy generally at mid- day, with clear skies, the perfume
of wild flowers, the constant rustling of the leaves of trees,
and the notes of birds to soothe one in this retreat from the
vanities of the world.
" Walking up the green slope behind the station, to a
gorge between the two summits of the mountain, I saw wave
after wave of hills declining towards the sea, over which a
mist hung, and on which, at night, an occasional ship could
be distinguished by its lights. There were numerous traces
of rock rabbits, and the Cape duck whirred aloft, and dropt
to the ground with its melancholy note."
Sir James having taken an excursion in the neighbour-
hood, upon his return to Lily Fountain, found Taylor, one
168 MEMORIALS OF
of his men laid up with severe pains in the face. He says,
" I tried all sorts of remedies, without effect, hot water,
laudanum, &c., and he got no relief, till I made an old
Namacqua cup him with a small horn, which he applied to
his scarified cheek, and sucked at the small end till the blood
flowed.
" A ' brandy Boor ' now came on the mountain ; that is, a
farmer with a wagon load of wine and spirits, who tried to
dispose of it to the Namacquas. This Boor was commonly
known by the soubriquet of Cobus Bulb, as he was a big,
red-faced man, with very coarse manners. He sold hi* wine
for a rix-dollar, or eighteen-pence the bottle, and his brandy
at two shillings. I gave a hint to the corporal to look after
the people, and prevent their drinking at the brandy wagon ;
and accordingly Cobus Bulb wended his way from the
station, complaining of the badness of the roads, the cold of
the mountain, and above all, of the armoedigheid (poverty)
of the people, which prevented their dealing with him.
" Thus I spent my time at Lily Fountain, variously em-
ployed during the day, and occupying my solitary chamber
at night; and I enjoyed great calm and peace during these
halcyon days, far too serene to last.
" l Non numero horas, nisi serenas.' "
After having been at the Orange River, the same traveller
remarks," I rode by Woolfpoort and the Cardow, to Lily
Fountain, where all my people were well, and anxious to
proceed ; and here I now found the Rev. Mr. Edwards, with
his wife and family returned from the Cape, and the chief
Abram, of the Bondle Zwart (bundle of blacks) Namacquas,
with three men waiting to see me.
" I said before, that many of the old farmers consider the
coloured classes in so inferior a light, that they think them
quite unworthy of worshipping the Deity in common with
themselves, saying that the Bible is only for white men. I
now saw another striking proof of this ignorant feeling.
SOUTH AFRICA. 169
Whilst I was hearing the mission-school examined, (and
certainly the proficiency of the children in reading and un-
derstanding the Scriptures was very great,) I remarked an
old woman with spectacles, sitting besides two or three other
women, and attentively reading the sacred volume. I asked
who she was, and the missionary told her to answer me.
She informed me that she had lived with a farmer who would
not allow his people to hear the family worship which he
occasionally held, but that she used to listen at the window,
and behind the door, and thus learnt something by stealth ;
could repeat the Lord's prayer, and could sing a hymn or
two. Still she wanted something more, and she searched
for it in vain ; but after a time, she overheard an old man
praying in a wood, and thus she was first instructed in her
religious duties. She came to the Missionaries, learned to
read when she was advanced in years, and now seemed to
take a wonderful delight in religious exercises."
From a recent letter written by Mr. Jackson, dated May 2,
1838, we extract the following communication :
" The reception given to the Gospel here, and the state-
ments which I have frequently heard from our people, have
many times filled my heart with gratitude. You have, un-
questionably, ground for encouragement, and should perse-
vere, until that which remains to be done is accomplished,
many have obtained that which has made them happy, and
which has enabled them, with the knowledge of an eternal
state of existence, not only to die without fear, but to exult
in the prospect of dissolution. I observed in the Watchman,
that Lieutenant Colonel Alexander has communicated with
you, and has recommended three places suitable for mission
stations, on the north side of the Orange River. I am happy
to see that you regard the proposal favourably. I earnestly
pray that the God of Missions may plentifully furnish you
with both men and means. I have given my views and feel-
ings, in reference to going further, in a former letter. I felt
170 MEMORIALS OF
my missionary zeal again fanned, the last Sunday in our
love-feast, while listening to the statements of our people.
I was led to contrast their present with their previous cir-
cumstances, when they were 'without God, and without
hope in the world ;' and I felt willing
4 To spend and to be spent for them,
Who have not yet the Saviour known.' "
SOUTH AFRICA. 171
CHAPTER XIII.
PREPARE TO VISIT GREAT NAMACQUA-LAND SPEECH OF OLD LYNKS
STEINKOPFF IN A WASTE WILDERNESS ALL LOST HIGH-COLORED
COFFEE- ORANGE RIVER SCENERY BUSHWOMAN A HUMAN VOICE
HEARD WOODEN HORSE LEAKY SHIP EAT A BULLOCK LION'S
FOOTSTEPS MR. SCHMELEN OX-RIDING FED BY A LION SOUR
MILK TSAUMAP'S VILLAGE PRESENT OF A BULLOCK A NOVEL
SIGHT COOKING EATING MARROW SAVOURY MEAT CHIEF ON A
COW CLOUDS OF DUST GAMMAP's VILLAGE PREACHING BY MOON-
LIGHT CONSULTATION WITH CHIEFS COLD LODGINGS A BOLD
BEGGAR HARD-RIDING A TORMENTING THIRST WATER REACH
BETHANY MR. AND MRS. SCHMELEN.
EARLY in the year 1820, I began to prepare for a visit to
the country of the Great Namacquas, in order to judge of
the possibility of extending to them also, the truths of the
gospel. As soon as the natives of Lily Fountain perceived
this, suspecting that it was my design to remain in that
country, an aged man, named Links, was delegated to
speak with me on the subject. The old man having asked
permission, commenced his address ; which partly ran
thus.
" Mynheer, we cannot think of allowing you to go to
Great Narnacqua-land, lest you should not return to us.
The believing children have spoke with each other, and they
have spoke to me. They are all sorrowful, and resolved, if
possible, to prevent your going. You, Sir, have planted a
tree here, a beautiful tree ; you have watered that tree
172 MEMORIALS OF
you have taken pains with it and it is growing, and bears
fruit : if you go and leave us, this beautiful tree will droop :
if it be not watched and watered, it will die away. How
can you go and leave it ? "
On the 25th of March, all being in readiness, we bade
them farewell, and commenced our journey. The usual
salute was fired on the rising ground near the institution ;
after which we drove forward with all possible speed. We
passed the spot, where the mortal remains of the late
Mrs. Albrecht, and Mrs. Sass, are mouldering in the dust ;
and on the 31st, arrived at Steinkopff, the station of the
Rev. Mr. Kitchingman, a London Missionary, who resolved
to accompany us.
April 8th. We were in the midst of a waste howling
wilderness. No rain having fallen for several months, all
vegetation seemed at an end. Scarcely anything was visible
but the shrivelled stems of dying bushes, and here and there
a brown, sickly-looking heath, interspersed with a few succu-
lent plants, apparently struggling for life. Here were no
traces of cultivation to attract the attention, no hills clothed
with verdure to relieve the eye, no trees or bushes to shelter
from the mid-day sun, no fountains inviting to their friendly
streams ; but as far as the eye could reach, all nature appeared
to be languishing, and was destitute of objects to enliven the
dreary uniformity. In the coolest place that could be found,
the thermometer stood at 110. This extreme heat produced
languor of body, and depression of spirits, altogether indes-
cribable. Never, till this time, had I so clearly seen the
beauty of that passage of sacred writ, " A man shall be as a
hiding place from the wind, as a covert from the tempest, as
rivers of water in a dry place, and as the shadow of a great
rock in a weary land." This place is called Sand Kraal, a
name strictly appropriate, as the disconsolate traveller,
wherever he directs his eye, beholds nothing but a gloomy
and barren waste.
SOUTH AFRICA. 173
April 14^. Last night we arrived in the bed of a
periodical river, which was destitute of water. A little was
found among some rocks which were near, but it was too
nauseous for use. This morning we continued our route,
along a range of mountains, which appeared to defy our
further procedure. At noon we were on the sloping side
of a terrific rock, over which the wheel of a wagon had never
before been put in motion. The poor oxen had dragged us
along, over sharp stones and shelving rocks, till some of
them fell with fatigue. We were at length so completely
hemmed in on every side, that we could proceed no further :
our guide acknowledged that he had missed his way, and
we must now return. To extricate our wagon from this
perplexing situation, necessity drove us to make a path ; in
the doing of which, many a stone which had lain at least
for ages, was rolled from its ancient bed. The wagon was
almost shattered to pieces, the bullocks were beginning to
fail, yet, after hard toiling, we found ourselves at sunset, at
the very spot we had left in the morning. For the water,
which, in the morning, we could not take, we were now
extremely thankful. Though salt, bitter, and horrible to the
aspect, I lay down and drank heartily of it, and Mrs. S.
soon made some coffee, and drank also.
On the following day, our guide appeared no longer at a
loss respecting the road, but led us with certainty across the
mountainous heights, and before sunset, we had a distant,
but pleasing view, of the Orange River. The prospect
Avhich we thus enjoyed, from an elevated situation, led us
to suppose ourselves much nearer than we really were;
fatigued, and parched with thirst, every fathom appeared a
furlong, and every furlong a mile. The labouring oxen,
gave many a groan; the relays bellowed around us; and
the pedestrians who drove the loose cattle, were weary with
trudging in the sand. About midnight, however, our desires
were accomplished. Our little Namacquas, unaccustomed
174 MEMORIALS OF
to see the swell of a mighty river, or to hear its tremendous
roar over precipitous rocks,* hesitated to approach the rapid
stream. Some said it was very angry, and might take them
away ; others feared lest wild beasts should be lurking
by its side : thus, though we were all parched with thirst,
none would go down to the river for water; 1, therefore, took
the water vessel myself, and hastened to the stream, when
they immediately followed, each manifesting the spirit of
Jacob Links, who once said to Mr. Archbell, a waar myn-
heer gaat, daar zal ik ook gaan, (where you go, Sir, I will go
also.") After this long day's journey, having taken refresh-
ment, our eyes were speedily closed in sleep.
As soon as we had shaken off our slumbers, we were
delighted with the view of this immense body of water. Its
beauty is increased by contrast ; for the eye no sooner loses
sight of the river, and the foliage of the trees by which it is
skirted, than it is fixed on mountains, rising indeed in
majestic grandeur, but gloomy and barren as the desert of
Zaara. This death like sterility, on each side of the finest
river in South Africa, tends to depress the spirits, and create
a gloom, and a melancholy train of reasoning, such as I
never felt in any other part through which I have travelled.
We had waited here several days, and the river, though it
had somewhat subsided, was very deep, when two of the
best swimmers went in, to try whether it would be practi-
cable to cross in a raft. Each of them had a piece of wood
two or three feet longer than himself, on which he lay down,
taking hold of a peg with his left hand, while the right hand
* The Agate, and other precious stones are found in abundance, in
different parts of this river. One of these Agates a fortification,
beautifully lined, is now suspended to my watch, a part of which was
presented to my respected friend, the Rev. Daniel Isaac, who got it cut
by a lapidary, and wore it as a seal. This, I find, is now in the possession
of his biographer, the Eev. J. Everett who also possesses other beautiful
specimens presented to him by the Rev. J. Archbell.
SOUTH AFRICA. 175
and feet were engaged in swimming. Mr. Campbell, has
aptly termed this contrivance a wooden horse. But the
wooden horses and their riders, were driven to a great
distance, by the force of the current, and on coming out,
pronounced it dangerous, as yet, to attempt crossing. Here
several tame Bushmen came to visit us, and ask for some-
thing to eat. One of the females, in order to obtain a
supply, directed us to look at her legs, saying, " look here,
my legs are like those of an ostrich, and you see me lean
and meagre, but when the rains shall fall, and the grass
grow, so that our goats may have plenty of milk, I shall
become plump and fat."
On the 22nd, to our great surprise, the sound of a human
voice was heard from afar. By the aid of a glass, two
persons were seen, on the top of a high mountain ; not
knowing at first, whether they might be friends or enemies,
happy were we, on their approach, to receive a letter from
Mr. Schmelen, who had sent both men and oxen to our
assistance. In the course of a few days, we had prepared
a raft, which consisted of a number of poles fastened together
with the bark of the mimosa, and though a rudely con-
structed vessel, and withal very leaky, we got safely across.
Two people swam before, two or three on each side, and
four were pushing behind. Many who assisted in ferrying
us over were Bushmen, who being very hungry, an ox was
slaughtered, and soon cut up and suspended on the bushes.
On each side of the water, cooks were constantly employed ;
and they did their duty well, for before we left the river
nearly the whole bullock was consumed.
Leaving the Orange River, after having travelled through
a barren desolate country, in which the footsteps of the lion
were frequently seen, and his voice heard, we reached Beth-
any, where we found Mr. Schmelen and his family all well.
This enterprising Missionary has undergone innumerable
hardships in these dreary regions ; yet, when speaking in
176 MEMORIALS OF
reference to his trials, he said, "Should I be asked that
question, ' When I sent you forth without purse, or scrip, or
shoes, lacked ye anything ? ' I should answer, No, nothing."
Surely he has meat to eat which the world knoweth not of.
Forty days had now elapsed since we left Steinkopff, during
which we had not seen a single dwelling-house of any des-
cription, and had passed through a country, which, with the
exception of a few Bushmen and Namacquas by the Orange
River, is entirely destitute of inhabitants.
On the llth of May we resumed our travels, with the
design of visiting some of the tribes on the north-east of
Bethany. There being no roads of any description, and, in
many parts of the country, the mountains being impassable,
we were constrained to leave our wagons behind. We
would gladly have made our tour on horses ; but, as Bethany
could not supply us with those animals, we conformed to
the custom of the country, and mounted our oxen. To
train a young ox for riding, it is thrown on the ground, and
a short stick, forked at one end, is thrust through the
cartilege of its nose ; to the ends of the stick a thong is
attached, which forms the bridle ; sheep skins are placed
on the back, and secured with reins or thongs ; the ox is
then mounted by a good rider, who holds fast by the belly
thongs, and allows the ox to plunge with him or to run off,
till it is tired ; and thus, after a time, its spirit is broken,
though some ugly falls are got, and much scratching is
endured among the bushes by the rider, during the process.
Thus equiped, accompanied by Mr. Schmelen, and twelve
Namacquas, we set out, leaving our wives at Bethany.
Some of our company went as guides, some as marksmen,
and others were allured by the hope of obtaining flesh to eat,
and fat with which to besmear theiiTselves. A short distance
from the institution, we passed innumerable beds of stone,
as exactly suited for building, as if cut by the tools of
masonry.
SOUTH AFRICA. 177
The next day we travelled in the bed of the river Kakoo-
rip. The bold mountain scenery on either side was majes-
tically grand, and every where the footsteps of lions, which
had gone down the river before us, were apparent. About
noon, we sat down to await the arrival of some of the
hunting party, who were yet missing, when owing to the
intensity of the heat, we involuntarily fell asleep. We
were afterwards much affected with the headache, arising
from exposure to the rays of the sun. When the hunters
arrived, they brought with them the hind quarters of an ante-
lope, which had been killed by a lion. He had eaten what
he thought proper, and left the remainder for us ; thus we
were literally fed by the king of the desert.
14th. This was the rest of the holy Sabbath ; but not so
to us. While our friends in England were entering the
courts of the Lord's house, and drawing water from the wells
of salvation ; we were faint and weary, wandering in a dry
and thirsty land, and anxious to reach some cooling stream.
In the afternoon, we arrived at a small horde of Namacquas ;
and sitting down under a tree, the chief came and conversed
with us. The men of his kraal were gone out on a hunting
excursion, (for there are no sabbaths there,) and on being
told that we were hungry, he himself ran and brought us
two or three bowls of sour milk, which, though not given in
the cleanest vessels, was very acceptable. Having spoken
to them of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, we pro-
ceeded on our way, and before sunset reached the horde of
Tsaumap. A message was sent to some at a distance invit-
ing them to our worship, but they returned for answer, that
they had never seen white men, and were afraid to come.
We next came to the kraal of Tsaumap, but he was absent,
and many were afraid to have intercourse with us. Here we
observed a party of men gaming for beads, the first instance
of the kind that I ever witnessed among the Namacquas.
When about to leave the place, a large fat ox was presented
M
178 MEMORIALS OF
us, by a kind of deputy chief; in consequence of which we
had to remain another day to kill and eat. I gave him, in
return, some small presents; and as he was very desirous of
having a shirt, I took off my own and placed it upon him.
With this he was mightily pleased, and attracted many ad-
mirers. The shirt did not long retain its colour, for the man
apparently had never been washed since he came into exis-
tence. This was, with our hungry attendants, an high day ;
from morn till midnight, their fires were continually em-
ployed in cooking. Our cook roasted for us a part of one of
the sides of the ox, which he suspended on sticks, over a
large fire. For plates, we sought ourselves flat stones ; for
gravy, we had the marrow from the large bones ; for bread,
we had slices of the liver ; and, for pepper and salt, the
ashes which adhered to the meat.
Leaving this, we came to the kraal of the Chief Kenuamop
Koebib. He and some of his people, had once been at Lily
Fountain, and were greatly delighted at seeing us again.
Here the hungry dogs, during the night, stole the shoes
of Mr. Kitchingman, and would, doubtless, have taken mine
also, had I not kept them 011 my feet.
On our way towards the residence of the head chief, we
were met by Tsaumap, who readily changed his course, and
became our guide. By the addition of his party, our com-
pany was considerably augmented, amounting to thirty or
forty persons. The chief, who rode upon a beautiful cow,
set off at full gallop. The heat was intense ; the sands were
deep; the wind blew; and though almost suffocated with
clouds of dust, yet we galloped on. In the afternoon we
arrived at the village of Gammap, the acknowledged head
chief of the country. Gammap, and so many of his people,
came to shake hands with us^ that we were wearied with
their politeness, and requested them to desist.
In the evening, we sounded our trumpet (a large bullock's
horn) to collect the people for divine worship. The chiefs
SOUTH AFRICA. 179
first came, and sat on the ground near us ; afterwards, men,
women, and children crowded behind, till we had a large
concourse of hearers. It was my lot to open our commission
to these benighted Gentiles, in a country where Christ had
never before been named. A fine full moon lighted up our
patriarchal temple, and a becoming attention, on the part of
the hearers, was every where manifested. The taste of the
females for music was such, that they readily joined us in that
part of the service; and any person at a distance, might
have supposed that our concluding hymn had been sung by
an English assembly.
The following day was the Sabbath, when, after service,
we held a consultation with the chiefs respecting mission-
aries.
Gammap said, "It appears that we have gone astray
ever since the time of Adam and Eve. We wait every day
for the great Word. I, as the first, shall say, Yes."
Nannimap : "As Gammap is the oldest chief, he will
first have a teacher; but I shall come and hear him, and
will afterwards have one for myself."
Tsaumap, who had been our guide, seemed a more sen-
sible man than any of the others. He had paid great atten-
tion to what he had heard, and said, " I am hasty to have
a teacher ; I am afraid that it will be long before he comes ;
cannot one of you remain with us now ? On being informed
that we should have to return and consult our wives, and
make other preparations, " Then," said Gammap, " I am
sure you will be long, for a woman is a werf, (village,) and
cannot easily be removed." *
By way of encouragement, I told them that perhaps the
wind which blew so high, was then wafting towards the
shores of Africa, the ship which was bringing them a
teacher; when Tsaumap said: " I am afraid it will be long
before he comes, for my soul is smothering in sin."
* Vid. Chapter on Hottentot Family Namacquas.
130 MEMORIALS OF
During the night, the rain poured in such torrents, and
the wind was so high, that our lodgings proved comfortless,
and we were necessitated to wrap our skin carosses very
tightly around us. The oxen, cows, and calves, were
bellowing continually, and the sheep and goats were bleet-
ing, so that we enjoyed but little sleep. I rose early to
seek for some warm milk ; but the natives were also cold
and wet, and did not like milking in the heavy rains. A
present, however, being offered, they soon bestirred them-
selves, and I obtained a supply.
Towards evening, the old chief Gammap came to beg for
more clothing. Being expostulated with on the impro-
priety of thus troubling us, and reminded of what he had
already received, he replied : " What you say is true, but
then the hat sits upon my head like an old crow upon a
bush, and calls for a shirt and other things belonging to it.
My old greasy caross and the hat do not agree together
at all." This reasoning was so powerful that he obtained a
shirt, and other articles. Some of Gammap's people ap-
peared much more inclined to devotion than himself; for
during the hours of the night, I had heard some of them
among the bushes, endeavouring to sing the praises of
God, and to pray in broken accents to Him of whom so
lately, for the first time, they had heard.
On the 26th we commenced our return to Bethany, and
having changed oxen once, travelled till near midnight.
Between twelve and one we again set out, but owing to the
darkness of the night, lost our intended course. Our guide
refused to halt, stating that we were so far from water. We,
therefore, continued to follow him, moving slowly on till
sunrise. The light of day discovered to us a country
covered with huge stones, so confusedly thrown together,
that our way, at times, seemed entirely blocked up. The
whole of the day was spent in crossing this miserable
country ; nor could we lose time to make one single halt to
SOUTH AFRICA. 181
refresh the oxen. Never had I passed such a day as this
before. Scorched by an almost vertical sun ; torn by the
bushes ; jolted by unruly bullocks ; parched by a burning
wind; pestered by swarms of flies; faint for want of sus-
tenance ; and tormented with indiscribable thirst, we began
to be impatient, and somewhat dejected. We had travelled
nearly thirty hours with but little intermission; eighteen
having been passed without water. Our voices became
harsh, and it was with difficulty that we could speak to each
other ; and the cattle were rendered lame by the sharpness
of the stones. While reflecting on our situation, and ready
to give up the hope of getting through the wilderness, we
heard the hoarse voice of a native, and could just distinguish
the words "Water in de rock." (Water in the rock.)
Hastening to the spot, what was our joy to behold a large
lake of water, sufficient to supply thousands of men and
beasts ! Thus refreshed, we proceeded with new courage ;
the sun having left the horizon, the air became more cool ;
and our cattle soon finding themselves in the fields in which
they had so often roamed, were more willing to proceed. About
eight in the]evening we reached the house of Mr. Schmelen,
thankful to Him who "had preserved us in all the way
wherein we had gone, and among all the people through
whom we had passed."
At Bethany there is a beautiful fountain, whose streams
are led over a considerable piece of garden ground ; and
the natives possess numerous herds of cattle. Mr. Schmelen
laboured long and faithfully at this post of difficulty ; but at
length, in consequence of frequent disturbances, was con-
strained to leave the country. He is now residing in Little
Namacqua-land, at a place called Komakas, with a tribe of
Mulatto people, who are improving in knowledge. Mrs.
Schmelen, (formerly Miss Bamm, of Cape Town,) in whose
school I have often preached, is one of the excellent of the
earth, and will not fail to make herself useful to the rising
generation.
18*2 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER XIV.
APPLICATION TO GOVERNOR MR. ARCHBELL GOES TO GREAT NA-
MACQUA-LAND SAILS TO WALVISCH BAY SIR J. E. ALEXANDER'S
ACCOUNT OF IT CLIMATE SUPPLIES DESIRABLE PLACE FOR A
MISSION STATION MR. ARCHBELL REMOVES LITTLE NAMACQUAs'
DESIRE REV. W. THRELFALL, JACOB, AND JOANNES ALARMING
ACCOUNT RUMOURS OF THEIR MURDER MR. SCHMELEN's REPORT
MURDERER TAKEN CONDEMNED SHOT CHARACTER OF THE LATE
MR. T. HIS APPOINTMENT IN 1822 LETTER TO THE SECRETARY
JOURNAL AT DELAGOA FEVER ARRIVAL IN TABLE BAY ALL
SICK ON BOARD PUT UNDER QUARANTINE VISITED BY REV. J.
WHITWORTH LANDS IN CAPE TOWN TESTIMONY OF COLLEAGUES
POETRY, BY JAMES MONTGOMERY, ESQ., OF SHEFFIELD.
IN order to comply with the requests of the chiefs whom I
had visited, and commence a mission beyond the boundary
of the colony, it was requisite to apply to the colonial gov-
ernment. Mr. Archbell and myself consequently waited on
Sir Rufane Donkin, the deputy governor, who spoke as a
Christian upon the subject. " Gentlemen," said he, "your
work is far more important than that of any colonial gover-
nor, and though my predecessor, in some measure, opposed
Missionaries going to those distant tribes, yet I will not.
If you wish to go, do so ; and I wish you every possible
success."
Having received so favourable an answer, Mr. Archbell
immediately left Cape Town for great Namacqua-lancl, taking
with him Jacob Links, as an assistant missionary. On his
SOUTH AFRICA. 183
arrival at Bethany, Mr. Schmelen wished Mrs. Archbell and
the children to remain, for a time, at his station, in conse-
quence of the unsettled state of the country. But she
resolved to accompany her husband ; and Jacob cheerfully
observed, " Where Mynheer goes, I will go also." They
proceeded to Bush Fountain, but found every thing in con-
fusion, on account of the various wars existing between the
Bushmen and Namacquas.
Mr. Archbell, consequently, having returned to Cape
Town, was anxious to have an opening into Great Namac-
qua-land by sea; we therefore consulted with Dr. Philip, of
the London Missionary Society, who readily offered to be
a part of the expense of a small vessel which we might hire
for the purpose. Daniel Philip, Esq., a respectable mer-
chant in Cape Town, offered also to bear his part. The
Julia was therefore engaged, and Mr. Archbell, together
with Jacob Links, sailed for Walvisch Bay in October, 1822.
The account given by him of the Bay, and the natives resid-
ing in the vicinity, agrees so closely with that of Sir James
Alexander, who was there in April 1837, that T shall take
the liberty of giving it in Sir James's own words.
"On the 19th of April, after allaying our hunger and
thirst with some ripe 'naras, the entire support of the Bay
people, for two or three moons or months, at least so they
gave me to understand, we continued our march among the
sand hills ; and on descending a high one, a plain covered
with reeds and grass was spread before us, on which were
hummocks of sand covered with bushes, and on the horison
gleamed the welcome ocean, now reached for the first time,
at this point, from the Cape, from which it is distant twelve
degrees of latitude. We halted at a number of empty huts,
near a pool of brackish water, and pitched our tent not far
from Pelican Point, Walvisch Bay, in lat. 22 55' south.
" Walvisch Bay is a considerable indentation in the line
of the west coast of South Africa ; its length from north to
184 MEMORIALS OF
south, along the coast, may be about twenty-five miles. The
most secure part of the Bay is that beyond Pelican Point, (a
long spit of land alive with wild fowl,) which prevents the
west wind rolling the billows of the South Atlantic over the
anchorage behind it. There is a broad sandy beach round
the Bay, and sand hills heaped up in various forms inland,
and the general aspect of things here is very wild and
Arabian-like. The quantity of sea-fowl we saw on the shores
of the Bay, winging their way, and screaming over its green
waters, was immense ; pelicans with snow white plumage,
and a slight blush of red on the wings, appeared in vast
flocks ; flamingoes with out-stretched necks and drooping
bills, stalked along the beach, and not having been fired at
for a long time, they allowed us to approach them ; wild
geese in long strings flew over head, out of reach of our guns,
and sand larks, useless to us, owing to their diminutive
size, hurried along the wet sand before us.
" Substantial food was what we craved, and a dead fish
we had no objection to, provided it was not too far gone.
At last we got a great prize in a stranded cabaljao, fifty
pounds weight, like a huge salmon, and which took two
men to carry it on a stick between them. By the gills it ap-
peared not to have been dead many hours, and had ventured
too far into the shoal water after the small fry.
" Further on we fell in with large mussels of excellent
quality, and digging with our hands in the sand, we col-
lected a quantity of clarns. This change of food was to my-
self and my white men, a very great treat; all the biscuit
was used, and of course we had had no vegetables, and it is
only after much rain, (which we had not yet experienced,)
that roots are to be found. Of flesh we were quite tired ;
and though we had not had enough of that of late to keep us
in proper condition, I myself was disgusted with its endless
repetition ; and yet I believe that our Namacqnas, not caring
for fish, and even disliking it, would have willingly gorged
SOUTH AFRICA. 185
themselves with flesh alone, from one year's end to the other,
if they could have got it.
" The Bay people catch and eat fish after the 'naras is out
of season, and the carcases of whales killed by the crews of
whaling ships, afford them savoury repasts in the months of
May, June, July, and August, or during the time the whalers
are about the Bay. After this, they hunt, obtain roots after
rain, and kill an occasional heifer or sheep, till the 'naras
season again comes round. Thus they make out the year
without cultivation of any sort, not even melons or tobacco,
of which last they are extravagantly fond, two or three sticks
being the price of a sheep.
" On our first arrival at the Bay, the wind was often S. S.
W., with thick fogs, and small drizzling rain ; so that the
appearance of our encampment, in the midst of a sombre
plain, with some hills indistinctly seen about it, reminded
me of a dreary scene in the arctic seas. Towards the end
of April, the wind chopped round to N. N. E. For three
days we had a gentle gale from the S. W., during which the
thermometer was at 70 at noon, and we were now, (half
roasted as we had been formerly,) quite benumbed with
cold, and my Namacquas became quite impatient to leave
the coast.
" I was twice landed, with three or four of my people, at
Pelican Point, the best place to dig for clarns. It was
rather an odd appointment to go down on one's knees, as the
tide was receding, and black shags and white gulls were
screaming round one, and wingless penguins were shufHing
along the beach of the dark main, and to dig with one's
hands in the wet sand, and at half a foot under the surface
to find the desired shell-fish. I have not much of 'the kid
glove or silver fork' in me, still this occupation rather spoilt
my nails ; but what will not one do for dear life for food !
We got bushels of clarns at Pelican point, and they ate very
sweetly at the tent.
186 MEMORIALS OF
" At last, after a good deal of negociation, the Bay people,
(who were now in considerable numbers, men, women, and
children,) brought some lean sheep and goats to barter. We
exchanged beads and cutlery for them, and again made up a
small stock.
" As we are about to leave Walvisch Bay, the question
naturally arises, is it well adapted for the establishment of a
religious mission, or of a factory for trade. Besides Angra
Piquena, it is the only bay on the south-west coast of Africa,
of any size, until Saldanha Bay is reached. It is a very
safe bay ; the holding ground is good ; nothing can hurt a
vessel anchored behind Pelican Point ; and there is plenty
of brackish water and fire- wood. It abounds with fish and
wild-fowl, and must be a favourite resort for whales, or the
American whalers, sometimes two or three together, would
not remain here for four months, as they do. The tribe
which inhabits the shores of the Bay is a large one, that is,
some hundreds in number ; for 1 saw many groups of their
huts among the sand hills ; and though a wild people, they
might be conciliated with kindness. They have flocks and
herds, though we saw few of them, and those only of the
worst description ; for they were doubtless afraid of tempt-
ing my Namacquas to make a foray among them on a future
day. It might be worth while to ship cattle from Walvisch
Bay to St. Helena. In the time of Napoleon, they used to
be sent Trom Benguela. Seven hundred ships put in annu-
ally to St. Helena, and cannot obtain there the supplies that
they want. One hundred and fifty or two hundred miles
N. N. E. of the Bay, the country is full of fine cattle; and
even the Bay people can produce a good many from their
sand hills, when they think there is no danger of showing
them. There is a possibility of much ivory being obtained
at the Bay, as further north the country is certainly full of
elephants.
" The climate of the Bay is healthy and good. It is hot
SOUTH AFRICA. 187
in the beginning of the year ; but in May it was cool, and it
would continue so till August. There is no stagnant water,
and nothing to cause fevers about the Bay. The great draw-
back to a settlement here would be the light and sandy
nature of the soil. Yet it is astonishing what the pure sand
of Africa produces, with the addition of a few decayed
leaves, and with moisture. The people said there was plenty
of mist (or small rain) in the cool months, which w r ould
bring forward vegetables, though there is no stream which
could be led out over the land. I sowed some melon and
pumpkin seeds by a pool.
" If missions were established further in Great Namacqua-
land than the Warm Bath, it would be necessary to have a
station at the Bay, to assist and communicate with those in
the interior. It would be too far to send to the Cape for
supplies with wagons, for stations about the sources of the
Great Fish river for instance ; and therefore a bay station
would be indispensible ; and perhaps, with prudent manage-
ment and caution, tempering zeal with knowledge, the fine
race of the Damaras of the plains might be communicated
with, and without danger, from the Bay."
Mr. Archbell, upon his return to Cape Town, signified in
a letter to the committee, his willingness to proceed to
Walvisch Bay, should a colleague be granted him ; but no
colleague arriving from England, and in accordance with a
letter of instruction from the late Rev. Richard Watson, the
Mission in Great Namacqua-land was suspended, and Mr.
Archbell, sent to supply the place of a sick brother, among
the Bechuanas.
Wheresoever the true love of God is implanted in the
heart, it cannot fail to beget commiseration for the perishing
condition of those who are living in sin ; thus in the year
1825, the Namacquas of Lily Fountain, and especially Jacob
Links, were desirous that something should be done for the
spiritual instruction of their benighted brethren in Great
188 MEMORIALS OF
Namacqua-land. In case of no European Missionary being
sent, Jacob was willing to go with another of our people,
and live among them.
At this time, the Rev. W. Threlfall, was residing at Lily
Fountain for the benefit of his health, having been com-
pelled by sickness to leave his station at Delagoa. Though
often exceedingly ill, yet, when able, he was indefatigable
in labour. When perfectly restored, he requested me to
allow him to accompany Jacob and Joannes J agger to the
Fish River, to assist in forming a correct opinion, as to the
possibility of commencing a mission there. This journey
I had designed undertaking myself, and had purchased a
pack-saddle and other requisites for the purpose. But
having left Mrs. Shaw in Cape Town, a few days after her
confinement, she and the children would have been necessi-
tated to travel in the wagon to Khamies Berg alone; I
therefore consented to his proposal, and towards the end of
June, they departed. Sometime in August I received from
him a note, in which he writes :
" We have heard some alarming accounts of the state of
the natives and country, beyond the Orange River. They
say, that Gammap and another chief are dead; that the
people of the Warm Bath are dying of hunger. Some Bas-
tards who live by the mouth of the Great River, passed here
yesterday. They said all they could to discourage Jacob
and Joannes ; but these two brave fellows, to use a phrase
of Ambrose, had their courage and confidence steeled, and
declared themselves fearless through grace, and that they
were not only willing to suffer, but to die in the cause of
their Lord Jesus. I am sure they had more courage than I
had, for my heart fainted within me ; but seeing their
strength of faith, I got the better of my fears. They are
companions to my liking, and often do my soul good, and
put me to the blush for the weakness of my faith."
From the Warm Bath he wrote a few lines, stating that
SOUTH AFRICA. 189
Tsaumap (whom they found there) had given them much
information, respecting the tribes northward. That the
old chief was very poor, having been robbed of all his
cattle, not by Africaner's people, as had been reported, but
by some of the disaffected people of Bethany.
In the month of October, rumours began to reach us, that
Mr. Threlfall and his companions had fallen by the hand of
assassins. At first, we conceived them as but idle tales,
since such reports are of frequent occurence in South Africa.
It had been previously reported, that Mr. Archbell and some
of his people had been killed by the Bergenaars. It was
also positively affirmed, that Mr. Schmelen was no more.
In November, however, the account was confirmed by other
parties, and our incredulity began to waver. Some of the
Warm Bath people arrived at Lily Fountain, who brought
with them several receipts, written by brother Threlfall,
bearing the dates of August 6th, and 8th. On the back of
one of the receipts was the following note: " Being rather
unkindly handled by this people, in their not finding, or
permitting us to have a guide, we returned here yesterday,
after having been to the north four days' journey, and losing
one of the oxen ; I feel great need of your prayers, and my
patience is much tried. These people are very unfeeling
and deceitful, but thank God we are all in good health,
though we doubt of success. Our cattle are so poor that
they cannot, I think, bring us home, but we shall yet try to
go further, and then it is not unlikely but I may send
Joannes and a native to you, to send oxen to fetch us away.
Don't be uneasy about us ; we all feel often much comforted
in our souls, and the Lord gives us patience. We are
obliged to beg hard to buy meat. Peace be with you.
Warm Bath, August 6, 1825. W. THRELFALL."
The above note was the last communication received
from that highly valued and devoted Missionary, and soon
we were constrained to believe the mournful tidings, too
190 MEMORIALS OF
true, concerning the murder of himself and his truly
apostolic fellow-labourers. In March, 1826, Mr. Schmelen
arrived at our station, on his way to Cape Town. He had
traversed that track of country in which our lamented
brethren were, and gave us no hope of beholding them
again in the flesh. It would appear from all accounts, that
they left the Warm Bath, about the 9th or 10th of August :
that the person whom they procured as a guide to the Fish
River, either on the first or second night of their departure,
having met with two others as wicked as himself, took them
to a small kraal of Bushmen, and murdered them sometime
in the night, after they had lain down to sleep, or early
next morning. The only inducement, on the part of the
murderers, to the perpetration of this horrid act, appears to
have been, a desire to obtain the few trifling articles which
our brethren had taken with them, for the purpose of obtain-
ing food. Two of these men, were afterwards taken by
some of Africaner's people; one of whom was the guide
Naaugaap, who, with his own hand, had thrown the stone,
which caused the death of Mr. Threlfall. They were
brought to the colony, tried at Clanwilliam, and Naaugaap
was condemned to be shot. In proceeding to the place of
execution, the criminal halted at Lily Fountain. Whilst
there, several of Jacob Links' s friends, and especially his
sisters spoke to him of his awful condition, and the necessity
of repentance before he left the world. Martha said, " al-
though you have murdered my brother, nevertheless, I am
sorry for you, because you are indifferent as to the salvation
of your soul:" thus affording an exemplification of the most
exalted Christian charity. On the 3rd of September, 1827,
the sentence was executed upon the criminal at Silver
Fountain, on the borders of the colony, by six men of his
own tribe, and with the perfect concurrence of the Chief,
who had come to be present on the occasion.
The Rev. W. Threlfall arrived in Africa, April, 1822,
SOUTH AFRICA. 191
where he had been appointed ; but he had always manifested
a decided predilection for Madagascar, as may be seen from
the subjoined letter, written to the secretary previous to his
embarkation.
" Mission-house.
" My dear Mr. Taylor, I take up my pen to tell you in
writing, what I cannot feel free to do verbally. 1 cannot
negative any of your decisions with respect to myself, or
the station to which I am or may be appointed. Having
given myself into your hands, and made it a matter of
earnest prayer to God, to direct you in everything relating
to it. Were I to say, ( No, I will not do that, or go there?
to any of your determinations, I should be fighting against
the Almighty by such conduct, from which, may he preserve
me. Though I approve of Africa, I must say I feel a great
partiality to Madagascar ; she has had my heart upwards of
four years. I have made some attempts to banish her from
my mind, but I cannot do it, without banishing what I call
the light of God's countenance. I shall go cheerfully to
Africa as my nearest way to her, as I can go nowhere
without your sanction and advice as a committee, and the
prayers of our societies as being sanctioned and directed by
you. Yet I should prefer to be set down on the coasts of
Madagascar, a thousand times more naked as I am with
respect to outfit, than any other part of the world, laden
with all the temporal helps you could bestow : not that I
have any prejudice against any place to which you might
appoint me, but because of my attachment to Madagascar,
or I may say, stron guess of instinct leading me to her.
" And let not the lightness of your funds hinder you from
having Missionaries in Madagascar. Cannot persons be
found to go, that would not affect them materially; persons
believing themselves called of God to preach to the heathen,
and trusting in Him ; believing that he careth for birds,
which have neither store-house nor corn, and clothes the
19*2 MEMORIALS OF
grass ; that dare trust Providence without any human pro-
mises of future support ? If the lowness of your funds be
all that hinders, look over it ; if you will find another person
for me to go with/or one to go with me, who will be willing
to fare as myself, let us have your sanction and 'tis enough ;
if you dare not trust Providence with us, I will be respon-
sible for His conduct in that respect, that we shall want
nothing that is good for us. The people are perishing, the
way is open, God calls for labourers into his harvest,
labourers offer themselves, and only wait for your sanction
and prayers."
I never saw a young man so interested for the souls of
the heathen. On landing at the Cape, and beholding our
school in which were children of all colours, he was quite
delighted, and could not refrain from tears, but wept for joy.
After labouring in Albany for some time, he proceeded in
1823, to Delagoa Bay, where he would doubtless have been
extremely useful, had his health permitted. His journal
shews the state of his mind, and his views on the mission
work, while residing there. Though he was alone, and had
many privations to endure, he writes, " I do not think I
was ever situated more to my mind. I have but few tem-
poral conveniences of any kind, and am sometimes tempted
to think that I shall want; but my mind is happy. The
Lord has given me favour in the eyes of the people, and I
now desire the language. Then I would fly everywhere,
and preach the everlasting Gospel. After remaining some
time, he caught the Delagoa fever, and when greatly
reduced, he writes, October 27. " I was soon after taken
worse, and was not able to write for some time. I had
considerable fever and head-ache ; I rolled on my mattress
day and night, but my mind was very clear and vigorous.
I had such views of Christ as I seldom had before ; he was
now more desirable than when I first sought him ; he was
my only hope; nothing that I had ever said, done, or
SOUTH AFRICA. 193
suffered in his cause, or my present willingness to suffer,
could give me any comfort, no not the least, all without
Christ, appeared less than nothing ; from a consideration of
them, T could draw no consolation Christ was my refuge
he was my all in all. My languid eye looked to him, and I
thought of the dying words of the founder of Methodism.
1 I the chief of sinners am,
But Jesus died for me.'"
In the month of April, 1824, a notice was put up in the
Commercial Room, Cape Town, to the following effect :
"Arrived in Table Bay, the ship Nereid, South Sea Whaler,
Captain , from Delagoa Bay. She put into Delagoa
for water, and having obtained a supply, took in the Rev.
W. Threlfall, then very ill, and departed. It was soon
ascertained that every individual who had been on shore
had caught the fever, and before night, the crew were unable
to work the vessel. The helm was tied a-lee, and she was
committed under God, to the mercy of the winds and waves.
In this condition she appeared off the Cape, and being seen
at a distance in distress, was brought into the Bay by a
government boat. During the passage, eleven of the crew
have died, beside the first and third mates ; the captain is
delirious; the Rev. W. Threlfall is only just alive; and the
remnant of the crew are unable to leave their hammocks.
She is placed under quarantine for six weeks ; and no
communication is allowed between her and the town." The
Rev. J. Whitworth, then resident in Cape Town, on hearing
this, endeavoured to procure a medical man to visit Mr.
Threlfall, but in vain, as no person would venture to the
ship. The following morning he received a note from
Mr. T. by the quarantine boat, containing these words :
" Dear Brother, I am just alive, and ready to take my
departure to a better world Farewell Let us meet in
heaven. Yours affectionately, W. T."
N
194 MEMORIALS OF
A petition was immediately addressed to government, for
liberty to go on board the Nereid, and administer to the neces-
sities of the dying missionary, which was granted on con-
dition that Mr. W. should not leave her during the time of
quarantine. To this he nobly agreed ; and supplying himself
with a choice selection of medicines and medical books,
hastened to the contaminated ship. The transport of joy with
which Mr. T. received his brother missionary, was almost too
much for his greatly emaciated frame, and he was well nigh
fainting in his arms. On recovering a little, his first
request was, that Mr. W. would make the following entry
in his pocket-book as a memorandum, to be conveyed to his
father after his death : " My request to my beloved father
is, that whatever property he intended to give me, may bo
devoted to the mission cause." * This was a similar request
to that of Zwartz, who, when dying, said : " Let the cause
of Christ be my heir." Mr. Threlfall had brought two boys
from Delagoa Bay ; and as the ship was exceedingly dirty,
Mr. Whitworth set them to wash and scrub the cabins and
decks. He also found some leaf tobacco on board, which
he burnt freely in every part of the hold and in all the
cabins, and, by this means, destroyed the infection which
was in the ship. Suitable medicine was then administered
to Mr. T., the captain, and the crew, and a communication,
for some time, observed with a medical gentleman in Cape
Town. By proper attention to cleanliness, medicine, and
suitable food, all, through the Divine blessing, were so far
recovered, that on the 25th of May, the quarantine was
taken off, and the missionaries landed, praising God for
their deliverance, and receiving the hearty congratulations
of the people on every hand.
* His desire was fully acceded to by his father, who, after the death
of his son, devoted considerable sums of money to missionary objects ;
and in his last will, with the cordial concurrence of his family, has
consecrated <1000 for the same purpose.
SOUTH AFRICA. 195
Mr. Whilworth writes in a letter to the author : " No man
did I ever see so near death as our mutual friend apparently
was ; and never shall I forget his patience under suffering,
his spirituality of mind, the fervor of his devotions, and his
ardent zeal, even when apparently dying, for the Redeemer's
honour in the conversion of the heathen. And as soon as
he was able, his whole time was devoted to meditations,
plans, and preparations, for future and more extensive
usefulness."
The Rev. William Shaw, with whom Mr. Threlfall was
associated in the Albany Mission, speaks of him thus : " The
Rev. W. Threlfall was a Wesleyan missionary of great
promise. He was a man of deep piety and much prayer; a
choice companion and fellow labourer. Never did any
missionary manifest greater love for souls, or more ardent
zeal for the propagation of the gospel of Christ; and
probably no missionary was ever so regardless of ease,
comfort, health, or life itself, as William Threlfall. This
was perhaps his fault; but if so, his 'failing leaned to
virtue's side. ' If ' the love of God ' so f constrained him,'
that to some he appeared, ( beside himself,' it was ( to God.'
For the welfare of the heathen, he was, * in labours more
abundant.' He ever seemed to live in that spirit of
self-sacrifice, so beautifully expressed by Wesley ; and
which is so decided a characteristic of the true missionary
feeling :
4 The love of Christ doth me constrain,
To seek the wandering souls of men,
With cries, entreaties, tears to save
To snatch them from the gaping grave.
' My life, my blood, I here present,
If for thy truth they may be spent ;
Fulfil thy sovereign counsel, Lord!
Thy will be done, thy name ador'd.' "
196 MEMORIALS OF
I regret exceedingly, with Mr. William Shaw, that no
memoir of this faithful missionary has been published. His
manuscripts were sent to a highly respected minister of the
Wesleyan Connexion for this purpose ; but that individual
has been removed by death. To all that has been stated
respecting him, I can bear testimony ; but yet the one-half
has not been told. For spirituality of mind, and earnestness
in prayer; for affection to the natives, and a longing desire,
by all means, to win them to Christ ; for deadness to the
world, and zeal for the glory of the Redeemer in the
extension of the gospel, I never saw his equal. No man
could say with greater propriety than he,
" I would the precious time redeem,
And longer live for this alone,
To spend, and to be spent, for them
Who have not yet my Saviour known ;
Fully on these my mission prove,
And only breathe to breathe thy love."
The following lines, by James Montgomery, Esq., the
Bard of Christianity, and the Negro's Friend, will be read
with the same melancholy pleasure by a Missionary, that
his " West Indies " will ever be perused by an African ; and
both will hand his name down to posterity as the poet of
feeling, of beauty, and of power.
SOUTH AFRICA. 197
"Jto J&emorg of
THE REV. WILLIAM THRELFALL,
WESLEYAN MISSIONAKY IN SOUTH AFRICA,
WHO, WITH TWO NATIVE CONVERTS, DEVOTED TO THE SAME SERVICE AND SACRIFICE
FOR THE SAKE OF THEIR COUNTRYMEN, WAS TREACHEROUSLY MURDERED
BY THEIR GUIDE AND HIS ACCOMPLICES, ON THEIR WAY TO CARRY
THE GOSPEL INTO GREAT NAMACQUA-LAND, AUG. 1825.
44 Not by the lion's paw, the serpent's tooth,
By sudden sun-stroke, or by slow decay,
War, famine, plague, meek messenger of truth !
Wert thou arrested on thy pilgrim- way.
41 The sultry whirlwind spared thee in its wrath,
The lightning flash'd before thee and pass'd by,
The brooding earthquake paused beneath thy path,
The mountain-torrent shunn'd thee, or ran dry.
4t Thy march was through the savage wilderness,
Thine errand thither, like thy blessed Lord's,
To seek and save the lost, to heal and bless
Its blind and lame, diseased and dying hordes.
'* How did the love of Christ, that, like a chain,
Drew Christ himself to Bethlehem from his throne,
And bound Him to the cross, thy heart constrain,
Thy willing heart, to make that true love known !
" But not to build, was thine appointed part,
Temple where temple never stood before ;
Yet was it well the thought was in thy heart,
Thou know'st it now, thy Lord required no more.
44 The wings of darkness round thy tent were spread,
The wild beasts' howlings brake not thy repose,
The silent stars were watching over-head,
Thy friends were nigh thee, nigh thee were thy foes !
198 MEMORIALS OF
" The sun went down upon thine evening-prayer,
He rose upon thy finish' d sacrifice ;
The House of God, the Gate of Heaven was there,
Angels and fiends had fix'd on thee their eyes.
" At midnight, in a moment open stood
The' eternal doors to give thy spirit room ;
At morn the earth had drunk thy guiltless blood ;
But where on earth may now be found thy tomb ?
" At rest beneath the ever-shifting sand,
This, thine unsculptured epitaph, remain,
Till the last trump shall summon sea and land,
4 To me to live was Christ, to die was gain.' "
SOUTH AF1UCA. 199
CHAPTER XV.
CHIEF ABRAM HIS INTERVIEW WITH MR. HADDY HIS ARRIVAL AT
CAPE TOWN JOSIAH NISBETT, ESQ. DONATION OF TWO HUNDRED
FOUNDS THE REV. E. COOK OFFERS HIMSELF THE REV. B. WATSON*S
LETTER MR. C. GOES TO GREAT NAMACQUA-LAND MEETS A CHIEF
NAMES THE STATION NISBETT BATH REQUESTS ANOTHER MISSION-
ARY sin JAMES ALEXANDER'S VISIT REV, J. JACKSON A CONGRE-
GATION SCHOOL TAUGHT CHAPEL BUILT EXHORTERS BLYDEVER-
WACIIT OSTRICHES AND ZEBRAS CHIEFS DESIROUS OF THE GOSPEL.
DURING the time that Mr. Haddy was at Lily Fountain,
the chief of the Bon die Zwaart people took a journey
thither to request a teacher. The circumstance is described
by Mr. H., in a letter to the committee, bearing date
August 18, 1826.
" I think it is my duty to send you without delay the
following extract from my journal, as it will doubtless be
interesting to those whose benevolent minds and praying
hearts are engaged and concerned in the diffusion of divine
light, and the spread of the gospel in heathen countries ;
and as I wish to lay before the committee a case, which
from its affecting nature seems to recommend itself to their
pious care, in order that they may judge of its claims, and,
if possible, afford the help solicited.
"August llth. To-day the chief of the Bondle Zwaart,
with ten of his people, from the Warm Bath, Great Namac-
qualand, visited us. As soon as he arrived in the place,
200 MEMORIALS OF
had unloaded his oxen, and greeted in the customary
manner those who were near, he desired to be introduced to
me. I was glad of his visit, on the ground of having
thereby an opportunity of asking him some questions re-
lative to Mr. Threlfall, and hoped to receive some further
information. But in this I was disappointed, for he said
his object was to fetch me to come over and live among his
people. He said, they had heard from two of their people,
whom he calls Klaas or Kivol, that I was here waiting for
him. This, I think, must have arisen from the following
circumstance : The past summer, about seven months ago,
one of the Bondle Zwaarts being here, I asked him some
questions relative to the Warm Bath, the views of the people
with respect to missionaries, &c. ; and might (though I do
not exactly recollect it) signify my willingness to visit them,
in case they were willing to receive a missionary. This
man, it appears, made known to his friends what he had
heard, and on the grounds of this report, the chief had come
with raised expectations of obtaining a teacher, and ap-
peared very sorry, and quite disappointed, in being obliged
to return home without one.
" \-2th. The chief came to me in the garden, to endeavour
to persuade me to accompany him, seemingly resolved to
move me to it if possible. I related to him my situation :
as being alone, and could not leave this place until some
one came to relieve me ; and that I should be obliged to go
first to Cape Town, in order to purchase some articles that
we should want, before I could go there with any prospect
of remaining any considerable time with them, &c. When
he saw clearly that he should be obliged to return without a
missionary, he said, ' Although I go to-day without a
teacher, it is contrary to my desires ; it is hard for me ; it
makes me sorrowful ; for I wish to have my people taught,
'and governed by better principles than those tribes are
governed by which are near me: I do not like to live as
SOUTH AFRICA. 201
others do.' The scene was truly affecting; we all sat on the
ground. Several of our people had joined us to hear the
conversation. All appeared to sympathize with the dis-
appointed applicants, and I was affected to the very soul,
to see their downcast looks, and the sorrow occasioned by
disappointed expectation, which was so visibly depicted in
their countenances. O ye benevolent-hearted Christians,
who enjoy an abundance of spiritual food, be mindful of
these destitute souls, for whom the blood of Christ was
shed!
" 13///, (Lord's DayJl preached from 1. Tim. 15: 'This
is a faithful saying,' &c. The strangers appeared to listen
very attentively to the joyful sound. O Lord, make thy
word a lasting blessing ! In the afternoon, the 139th Psalm
was the subject of our meditation : two of our people
prayed, one of whom was so much affected while addressing
the divine Majesty, that his words w ? ere lost in sighs, and
6 groanings that cannot be uttered.' Blessed be the Lord
for interceding grace.
" 14th. The chief asked me how long it would be before
he should be able to have a missionary ? I promised that
1 would make his desires known, as soon as possible, to
those who had the management of our missions, and would
come if they were willing to send me, as soon as the
necessary arrangements were made."
In August, 1830, the above mentioned chief came to our
residence at Cape Town, and requested that 1 would intro-
duce him to his excellency Sir Lowry Cole. He made several
complaints against the people of Africaner, all of which the
governor attentively heard, and gave him a staff of authority,
acknowledging him as the legitimate and only chieftan of
the country from which he had come. His excellency re-
commended him to be kind to any Europeans, whether
missionaries or travellers, who might visit his country, and
advised him to keep up a friendly intercourse with the
202 MEMORIALS OF
colony. Before the departure of the chief, he said, as
soon as they should have peace in their borders, he hoped a
missionary would be sent to teach them.
In the year 1832, Josiah Nisbett, Esq., from India,
kindly took the chair at our Simons Town Missionary
Meeting. This gentleman was so much affected with the
awfully dark description which was given of Great Namac-
qua-land, that he came to me after the meeting, and with
deep emotion said " Can you not do something for that
miserable country ? can you not send them the gospel ? will
you write to your committee, and inform them, that if they
will commence a mission there, I will give them two
hundred pounds to assist them in so doing. Do you think
this will be a sufficient inducement ? if not, I will give
them three hundred pounds ; and should I fall short in any
way, while remaining at the Cape, I will dispose of my
carriage and horses ; I had rather part with these and trudge
on foot, than that Great Namacqua-land should remain
without the gospel."
The Rev. E. Cook, on hearing this, offered himself to go
into that field of labour. The missionary committee agreed
to send him, and he was accordingly appointed, when the
following letter was received by the author, from the late
Rev. R. Watson.
" London, December 14, 1832,
" My dear brother, I shall write you soon, God willing,
more at large ; but the packet, I have just heard, is going,
and I only have time to say, that we have appointed brother
C. to Great Namacqua-land, and shall reinforce you when we
are able. Love to Mrs. S.
" God grapfcto this new enterprize and to your old one, his
abundant blSKing. Amen.
" I am, yours affectionately, R. WATSON.
" P. S. We are very glad to hear, that something is
likely to be done for the slaves, in and about Cape Town."
SOUTH AFRICA. 203
In the year J834, he commenced his labours among the
Namacquas, in the country where the bones of our late
beloved brethren Threlfall, Links, and Jagger, are mouldering
in the dust. The following is an extract from a letter written
by Mr. Cook :
" Mr. Edwards and I have visited Great Namacqua-land.
We had not gone more than one stage, in that part of the
country which belongs to the Bondle Zwaarts tribe, before
we met Abram the chief, and a number of men, all mounted
on ox-back. Our meeting was providential, and highly
interesting. We were quite in doubt as to which way we
should proceed ; and Abram, from his own account, was on
a journey to Khamies Berg, to try to get a missionary,
whom, he said, he was so impatient to obtain, that he could
wait no longer. Had we missed each other at this place,
it would have involved great inconvenience and labour to
both parties. The scene of our meeting made a deep im-
pression upon my mind, and, I may venture to say, upon
the minds of all present. The spot on which we met was
near to a fountain of water, and was shaded by a camel-
thorn tree ; two of the most important things which this
barren country produces. While we made known to them
our purpose in visiting them, the chief, who is of a fine
manly figure, and the principal persons who accompanied
him, all stood ranged in a line, listening with the most pro-
found attention: and Abram, from his lowering and softening
countennance, was evidently much affected. From this,
our meeting-place, the chief conducted us to the Warm
Bath, a place so called from its having a warm spring of
water in its vicinity.
" This place the chief recommends to us ; and, on account
of the plentiful supply of water for cattle, which is almost the
only recommendation of it as a station, it seems advisable to
commence here at least. However, there is another place
where the chief and a part of the people are at present
204 MEMORIALS OF
lying, and which Mr. Edwards and I visited, which seems
much more promising for cultivation, &c. It is at such a
distance, (being not more than about forty miles), that I can
ride either to visit people living there, or to try experiments
in the way of cultivation : but more particulars at a future
opportuni ty ." . -> *#
The following statements were made by Mr. Cook to the
committee, after having been settled some time in Great
Namacqua-land.
" In my last letter, written from Khamies Berg, it was
mentioned that this place abounds with water. Amongst
others, there is a hot spring, the heat of which is 101, from
which circumstances, and in honour of our warm friend J.
Nisbett, Esq., we have given to the station the name of
Nisbett Bath. But the fountains are so .situated as to
render cultivation very limited ; however, there is a supply
of water for the cultivation of a good -sized garden for the
missionary, and for a considerable number of gardens, con-
taining upwards of six hundred square yards, to be dis-
tributed amongst the people. Some of these proportions
have already been measured off, and the chief, with a few
others, have commenced operations. These gardens, if well
managed, with their little milk and meat, will be a very
great help to them. Corn land, which is a great essential,
is still wanting; and it does not at present appear probable
that the vicinity of Nisbett Bath will ever supply it. In
fetching wood for building, we have discovered a piece of
arable land, situated on this side of the Great Orange River,
at the mouth of the Bath River, and about a day's journey,
on horse-back, from this place. This land can be partly
inundated from the river, and partly irrigated from the foun-
tains, which break out on the higher ground ; and although
I am not entirely without doubts about it for corn, yet I
think it promising. The banks on each side of the river,
too, are excellent for gardening and for all kinds of trees ;
SOUTH AFRICA. 205
it is well situated for cattle, and will supply, close at hand,
every convenience and material for building. Should that
place answer for corn, the experiment of which I am now
trying, then it should be the principal residence for the
missionary and people ; but this would be still necessary to
resort to in the heat of summer, when, from the confined
situation of the river, it would be scarcely possible to exist
at that place. In these important steps to render a station
permanent and efficient, I feel deeply sensible of the need,
not only of counsel from those who are more experienced
than myself, but also of wisdom from above ; and am per-
suaded, that nothing but the leadings of an all-watchful
Providence, can make the best concerted plans succeed.
"You will be glad to hear, that we have a good-sized
substantial room so far completed, as to be able to get into
it, which is a great comfort in this desert place ; though we
are, as you will suppose, still without a place for religious
services, which exposes us to much inconvenience from the
sun, and sometimes from the cold of the evenings, which
have been, during the winter, nearly as cold as in England.
However, we hold, in the best way we can, school on
Sunday morning, and again in the afternoon; also divine
service morning and evening ; on Monday evening, meeting
for temporal concerns ; on Tuesday, religious service, and
again on Thursday and Friday ; on Thursday afternoon,
too, we hold school ; and in my labours, especially in the
school, I am much encouraged. At my request, Peter Links,
from Khamies Berg, has accompanied me both as mechanic
and interpreter ; and, on account of his piety, industry, and
ingenuity, is a very valuable acquisition ; but in case of his
continuing, some arrangement must be made with him, as
he has a wife and five children. Could he not be employed
as an artisan ?
" We are preparing a temporary building for divine ser-
vices and the school, which will be ready in a few days,
206 MEMORIALS OF
when I have decided to hold school every forenoon ; and an
invitation, sanctioned by the authority of the chief, has been
forwarded to the people in each direction, to repair to the
station as early as possible, that they and their children
may be taught. However, it is probable that they will wait
till the rain falls, that there may be grass before they come.
I suppose that the whole of the tribe, including children,
will be about 1600 people. These lie about in parties,
under separate leaders, and are scattered in some directions
within a circuit of 100 miles. There are besides this,
seven or eight other tribes, distinguished by different names,
and acknowledging their respective chiefs. In the whole
they form a great number of people, and are scattered over
a vast extent of country beyond us, bounded on the east by
the Corannas, on the north by the Damaras ; and on the
west by the sea.
" In the foregoing remarks, I have aimed at giving as
good a general view of the work here, as the limits of this
sheet would permit, partly with a view to propose to your
consideration, the sending of a second missionary. Un-
willing to incur further expense, 1 would gladly have
laboured alone till further experiment could be made, but I
doubt the propriety of it, as I should not be able to give it
a fair trial. I propose one missionary to remain at the
station, and the other to itinerate from party to party. He
should travel in an ox-wagon, which is the only proper way
of travelling in this country ; in which case he could stay
out from one to three months, if it was necessary, or return
in a fortnight. While he was employed in teaching the
benighted Namacquas, he might make useful experiments
for their temporal benefit, and perhaps make important
geographical discoveries. With one person alone, these
things can scarcely be thought of. However, though our
cause at home should, in some degree, suffer, it will be
indispensably necessary to spend some time at the Orange
SOUTH AFRICA. 207
River this autumn. If a single young man, of experience
and general information, would offer himself, it might save
a little expense ; however, perhaps in the end there would
not be much difference, and we would do everything in our
power to make a brother and sister comfortable. In reference
to health, there seems nothing to fear; Mrs. Cook and I
have both been exceedingly well ; and, what is still more
important, we find that God has come with us, which makes
us as happy as if we were in the midst of our dear friends."
On the arrival of Sir James Alexander at Nisbett Bath,
he says, " It was convenient for me to c set up my staff*
here for a time, that I might wait for the thunder rains. I
got my people comfortably placed in a large shed, whilst I
occupied one of the rooms of Mr. Jackson's house.* On
Sundays, I hoisted the union jack on the wagon. Mr. Jack-
son preached in Dutch to a crowded Namacqua congrega-
tion, and his sermon was interpreted, sentence by sentence,
into the Namacqua language, by a native schoolmaster.
(Peter Links.) The people were fond of singing, though
their voices were rather shrill. Mr. Jackson, assisted by
Mrs J. and the schoolmaster, taught a school of children on
week days. The people at the Bath amounted to five or six
hundred, but these were not all the adherents of Abram ; the
others lay at different places, at some distance from the
Bath. Perhaps his people amount to two or three thousand
souls. Abram's people had plenty of cattle, sheep, and
goats among them. I parted with Mr. and Mrs. Jackson,
with many thanks for their civility and kindness to me and
my people."
The state and prospects of the mission at Nisbett Bath
are highly satisfactory. A large chapel has been built for
the better accommodation of the people, and important
openings for usefulness among some neighbouring tribes
* Mr. Jackson was supplying the Bath, while Mr. Cook was on a jour-
ney to Cape Town.
208 MEMORIALS OF
have been embraced, while still more distant fields appear to
be whitening to the harvest. The following are extracts
from the journal of Mr. Cook, who is steadily pursuing his
labours, in that remote region of the world :
"March 27lh, 1838. Four members of society, who were
with us upon a visit from Khamies Berg, are this morning
leaving the station to go several day's journey to the North ;
and two of them being accustomed to act as exhorters, I
have directed them to hold a service at all the kraals to
which they may come : at the same time, T myself am pre-
paring to go eastward to visit the people, at the head of
whom is David Afrikaaner, a person mentioned in my letter
to the district, who has, at my request, begun to act as an
exhorter to his fellow-wanderers, and from whose exertions
we hear good is likely to proceed. Thus, by a variety of
means and instruments, the good seed, which is to make the
desert blossom as the rose, is scattered abroad, and brings
forth fruit.
" April 8th. At Blydeverwacht, it being the Sabbath,
we met early in the morning for prayer, and after breakfast,
the people being called together by the sound of a koedoe's,
(a large antelope's) horn, as is David's custom, I preached
to an attentive congregation of about twenty people. In
the afternoon, David collected together fourteen persons,
upon whose minds he had observed appearances of a work
of grace. With these I had a most interesting and spirit-
stirring meeting : most of the number evinced genuine and
deep repentance.
"May llth. Agreeably to a former arrangement to visit
Blydeverwacht and Amse River about 11, P. M., chilled
with frosty air, and wearied with the length of our journey ;
but with the assistance of the natives, having raised a mat
edgewise, supported by stakes, in a semi-circular form, and
made a fire just within the two angles, we slept tolerably
comfortable for the night. The following morning I gave
SOUTH AFRICA. 209
an exhortation, and proceeding, came to Ely deverwacht just
as the sun was descending behind the mountains. The
people received us with marks of joy ; and after resting
awhile, and taking some refreshment, I called them together,
and continued with them until late, in exercises preparatory
to the coming Sabbath.
" 13th. The people were assembled early for prayer, and
afterward for preaching: to the class, six additional
members were admitted, and at the evening preaching the
power of God was particularly present with us : while the
interpreter, D. Africkaaner, whose glistening eye and ardent
tone sometimes makes me weep for joy, was pleading
earnestly in prayer, almost every one present broke into
wailings naturally expressive of the strongest feeling.
" 14///. After praying with those assembled to take leave
of us, we again directed our course towards home ; but 011
looking back we saw at a distance, a female running after
us, as fast as the steepness of the ascent would permit.
Upon coming to us, she fell upon the ground and wept ;
but, becoming more composed, in answer to my inquiry,
she said, she was distressed at not having been present to
take leave of me. Such is the simple affection which they
feel towards the bearer of the glad tidings of peace. About
three P. M. we came again to Amse River, and found the
people anxiously waiting my arrival.
" 15th. In crossing this waste, my mind has naturally
reverted to the difficulties of the country, and I have been
in danger of repining at my lot having been cast in a land
so unyielding to the hand of cultivation. But on this
journey the beauties of creation, in its numerous varieties,
greatly enlivened the scenery ; and while on other occasions
I have been familiarized with the habits of the patriarchs,
wandering with their flocks and herds ; on this my thoughts
were delightfully carried above, by the adaptation of the
language of Elihu and David in their profound effusions.
210 MEMORIALS OF
Vegetation was in its most luxurious state ; numerous flocks
of large and small antelopes were grazing at a distance, or
bounding across the plain to the heights ; tribes of ostriches
were moving off with stately steps ; the wild dogs were pur-
suing their prey ; and, coming rather suddenly upon a part
of our path, which had been concealed by rising ground,
we fell in with a herd of twelve or fourteen zebras, and en-
joyed, within four or five yards, a full gaze at their beauty.
11 November 13/7*. Upon my arrival, I heard with deep
regret, that our native school-master, Johannis Kaffer, had
died of a fever, only a few hours before. He was the
brightest ornament of our labours among his people ; and
his strong sense, amiable temper, and happy Christian ex-
perience, fitted him to render the most valuable assistance
in the great work ; but he has gone to rest. In the evening,
after the sun had disappeared, I w r as able to ride to the
burial-ground to inter his remains ; the shades of the
evening, and the solemnity which rested on the countenances
of those assembled, were well adapted to express the
sorrow of my heart, at the bereavement under our present
needy circumstances.
" In my last letter, dated July 25th, mention was made of
an opening which presented itself among the tribes beyond
us. Since that date, a large party of people belonging to
the Chief Ameral, have come down to Afrikaaner's kraal
with a wagon, and earnestly entreat that a missionary may
return with them. They are settled among the Berg Da-
maras, a numerous tribe of blacks. They also have inter-
course with a few wanderers of the Old Namacquas, a
tribe almost extinct, and to the east, not far distant, is a.
settlement of Bechuanas. The Chiefs, Jonker Afrikaaner,
and Booijs, too, would ultimately be united in the circuit of
operations, if suitable localities were found ; or otherwise
their people would all draw to us. What they say of the
soil, water, &c., fully answers to the encouraging accounts
SOUTH AFRICA. 211
before received. The two leading men of the party, Adam
Lamerd, and Peat Vleermus, are very interesting characters,
and they evince at present a sincere desire to save their
souls. Adam was seized with keen convictions the first
sabbath that he attended at Blydeverwacht, and has been
so much affected with a sense of his ingratitude, as seriously
to injure his health. They both, and also the Chief Ameral,
possess a good degree of mechanical knowledge, and are
industriously disposed ; so that the missionary would have
efficient assistance, without further expense or trouble.
Others there are, also, who earnestly desire to have the
gospel. Hence there is abundant promise of a successful
entry among them. I have written to the brethren at the
cape, to ask their advice and assistance."
212 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER XVI.
CAPE TOWN MB. EDWARDS COMMENCES PREACHING CLASS FORMED
AUTHOR BEGS FOR A SCHOOL DUTCH LADY MESSRS. HODGSON AND
THRELFALL CHAPEL OPENED SCHOOL CHILDREN MR. BEAVAN'S
DEATH PRATER-MEETINGS DIFFICULTIES A COLOURED WOMAN
MILITARY DEPARTURE FOR LILY FOUNTAIN RETURN TO CAPE
TOWN LEPER INSTITUTION GENADENDAL REV. W. SHREWSBURY
DEATH OF MARIA WRAY PASSAGE TO ENGLAND NATIVE VILLAGE
AGED PARENTS POETRY BY MONTGOMERY FAREWELL TO PA-
RENTS STANZAS BY UNKNOWN POET LEAVING HULL ANCHOR IN
TABLE BAY SIMONS TOWN CHAPEL.
IT has been stated in the seventh chapter, that in the year
1816, there were in Cape Town several pious soldiers, of
whom the congregations at that time were chiefly composed.
Soon after my departure for the interior, the regiments were
ordered to India, and thus the little society at the Cape
became altogether extinct. A few of the pious military
remained in other parts of the colony, who are now orna-
ments to the cause of Christ ; and others, who returned to
England, still abide steadfast in the faith. Seeing that it
has pleased the omniscient Disposer of all things, that a few
devoted soldiers should thus be the means of more exten-
sively disseminating the light of truth in a benighted land,
let every true Christian at home interest himself in promoting
the spiritual welfare of that class of men.
In the year 1819, I again waited upon his excellency the
governor, when the colonial secretary was likewise present.
SOUTH AFRICA. 213
Feeling assured from that interview, that there would then be
no hinderance to the commencement of a mission in the
metropolis, Mr. Edwards was immediately appointed to it,
and succeeded well. He hired a store to be occupied as a
place of public worship, and, by subscription, fitted it up
with pews and pulpit. The congregation was composed
both of civilians and soldiers, and a class of sixteen members
was then formed. Mr. E., on the sabbath afternoons, re-
paired to the place where the slaves were accustomed to
dance, and by persuasive methods, induced many of them to
attend the services connected with his school for the heathen.
On entering into the marriage state, he returned to Lily
Fountain, and I pursued the course which had been so well
marked out. The members of the class, at my arrival, were
all soldiers, with the exception of Mr. West their leader.
In 18*21, our heathen school was so well attended, by
slaves and free persons of colour, among whom were several
children of Mohammedans, that I resolved to purchase pre-
mises for the erection of a school and chapel. To obtain the
means wherewith to carry this project into effect, I went
from house to house, asking subscriptions, and was some-
times accompanied by the Rev. S. Broadbent, who was then
remaining at the Cape for a time. Frequently was I amused
with the variety of character we met with, and the opposite
views which were taken of our design. On one occasion,
having called at the house of a Dutch lady, and made known
our object, the slave woman who attended the door returned
and said, " Als u belief Mynheer Juff: segt dat zy slaapt."
(If you please, gentlemen, the mistress says that she is
asleep.) Whereupon I replied, " Well, if your mistress be
able to talk whilst asleep, she can also read," and handed
her the list. She soon returned with a donation of five rix
dollars, and we were encouraged from the circumstance to
proceed with our work. The little slave children likewise
exerted themselves in collecting, and one evening brought
214 MEMORIALS OF
in their pence, which altogether amounted to more than one
pound sterling.
While J was thus engaged, the Rev. T. L. Hodgson ar-
rived from England, and immediately commenced his labours.
He willingly accompanied me in my begging excursions for
the chapel. His sermons in English were animated and
impressive, and though unable to take any Dutch services,
he delighted in assisting in the heathen school.
Shortly after the arrival of Mr. Hodgson, the Rev. W.
Threlfall landed at the Cape, and gave the following brief
account of the mission, in a letter to the committee.
"1 found the brethren and their wives in tolerable health.
The chapel is nearly finished, and will be a convenient place
for the slaves. The school for the slaves is pretty well at-
tended, and the children are kept in good order. The mis-
sionaries are indefatigable. They have either the school or
preaching to attend to every night except Saturdays. Adults
as well as children attend ; their progress in reading is con-
siderable; they sing very well. The second evening I at-
tended the children's school, I could not refrain from tears ;
all appeared so interested and diligent."
On the 16th of June,- 1822, the chapel w r as opened for
religious worship, by the Rev. Dr. Philip and others. Thirty
pounds were collected at the services; and though the
building cost six hundred pounds, it was erected without
any assistance from the missionary committee. This was to
me a day of gratitude and joy; for on reviewing the past, I
could recollect the time when we assembled for worship in
a kind of hay-loft, in order to come at which, we had to pass
the heels of the horses in the stable beneath, and ascend an
awkward and dangerous ladder. To God be all the praise !
Although we did not perceive that immediate fruit which
we so earnestly desired, yet we had many indications that
our labours were not in vain. The sabbath and evening
schools prospered delightfully, and the children, so far from
SOUTH AFRICA. 215
being wearied with attending, requested that they might be
kept longer in school, replying, when questioned on the
subject, " We love the school too much to be soon weary."
Several suitable presents arrived at this time, from Mrs.
Brackenbury of Raithby Hall, and other unknown friends
in England, which were highly acceptable to the children,
and caused them to wonder why English ladies should have
such regard for poor Africans. Being requested to pray
with a slave woman who was sick, I repaired to her master's
house, and finding that she had never been at the chapel,
and knew not how to read, I enquired by what means she
had been brought to desire my visit. She replied, that a
little slave girl, who lived in the same house, and attended
our school, was in the habit of reading the scriptures and
praying with her, and thus she had been led to request her
mistress to send for me. Among other portions of the sacred
records, the little girl had read the eleventh chapter of
Matthew, and the poor slave woman was particularly de-
lighted with those words of our Saviour, " Come unto me
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest."
About this time I received a letter from Mr. Melville, at
Beaufort, giving an account of the affliction of Mr. Beaver,
a holy and devoted man, who arrived in the colony some
months previous. Mr. Melville observes. "He is lingering
away with little or no pain, his soul is happy, and he is
desirous to depart, and be with Christ." A memoir of Mr.
Beaver was written by the Rev. S. Lear, and inserted in the
Wesleyan Methodist Magazine for May, 1824. It is there
stated, that "about September, 1819, Mr. B. felt a strong
conviction that it was his duty to employ himself in some
more extensive sphere of usefulness ; and having been long
drawn out in strong desire for the salvation of the heathen,
it now came into his heart, (and he believed that the indi-
cation wa.s from God,) while reflecting upon their moral
216 MEMORIALS OF
degradation and wretchedness for want of the knowledge of
the gospel, to leave his native country, and devote himself
to the work of the Lord in some part of the pagan world.
In making up his mind, however, in matters of importance,
Mr. Beaver, always used great caution. In this instance he
sincerely thought by prayer and fasting, by searching the
Scriptures, and by consultation with Christian friends, to
discover the path of duty, and the result was, a full convic-
tion that he was called to serve the cause of Christ in a
foreign clime. South Africa was the interesting scene of
labour, to which he bent his attention ; and the circulation
of the Holy Scriptures among the various tribes of that
country, in their own tongues w r as the particular object to
which he determined to devote himself. Many judicious
friends with whom Mr. B. conversed upon the subject, con-
sidered him to be eminently qualified for such a work.
His capacity was considerable. He had also shown an
aptness in acquiring languages, which, together with his
habits of industry, self-denial, and perseverance appeared to
point him out as fit to encounter the difficulties of the task
which he contemplated." The execution, however, of his
project, was a matter of great difficulty. This at length
being removed by the pecuniary generosity of his father,
"on the 7th of October, 1821, he embarked for the Cape of
Good Hope, where he landed in safety on the 28th of
December following.'' After consultation with Mr. Hodg-
son and myself, he subsequently accompanied Mr., now
Rev. J. Melville, on his way to the Bechuanas, amongst
which people however he was not permitted to arrive. His
constitution was not able to bear the privations and hard-
ships with which he was called to encounter, and on the 1st
of May, 1822, his mortal existence was termined by fever.
" A few days before his death," observes Mr. Melville, in a
letter to his father, " I asked him if he were happy, and at
peace with God. He answ r ered, Yes, yes, I am happy."
SOUTH AFRICA. 217
In this frame of mind, with perfect resignation to the will
of God, he exchanged mortality for life.
" Mr. B., died in the 27th year of his age. Thus, his
'sun went down while it was yet day.' The following
extract from his will, dated April 22nd, 1822, shows that
although in the order of an inscrutable providence, he was
not permitted to put his hand to that work which lay so
near his heart, and for which he had made so many sacri-
fices, yet he did what he could for the spiritual interests of
South Africa, " I give and bequeath to the superintendent
of the Wesleyari Missions, in South Africa, the whole of my
property remaining, after the necessary expenses of my
funeral, &c., are defrayed, in trust for the said missions."
A day-school having been commenced for the heathen,
we resolved to establish a general prayer-meeting for the
benefit of English, and Dutch Christians, and Heathens,
bond and free. At the first meeting, a discourse was
delivered in Dutch, from Isaiah Ivi., 6, 7. "Mine house
shall be an house of prayer, &c." After which, some prayed
in English, and others in Dutch, to the apparent edification
of those present. At the conclusion, an elderly Dutch lady
who had never previously witnessed such a meeting, ex-
claimed ! " The kirk in which so many engage in prayer
and supplication, will certainly be blessed of the Lord:" and
one much greater has said, " In all places where I record
my name, I will come unto thee and bless thee."
August Ath. I was called upon to attend the funeral of
a person, several of whose slave- children are taught in our
school. In their mistress they have lost their mother, and
they seem to feel it. May that Divine Being, who merci-
fully beheld Hagar weeping in the wilderness, who heard
the voice of Ishmael in his distress, and who sent his Angel
to point out the well of water, graciously open the eyes of
these poor bond-children, to see the Fountain of life and
salvation.
218 MEMORIALS OF
A few extracts from a letter written to Mr. Add i son, of
Scarborough, October 1822, will give a brief view of the
mission at that time.
" Your kind letter, bearing date March 22, we received a
few weeks ago ; and also several others from Bridlington
Quay, accompanied with many tokens of respect. We are
thankful to find that you still remember us, though far
distant ; and are led to hope, that we are not forgotten in
your numerous supplications.
"While you have been thinking of our ( travelling from
mountain to mountain,' we have been cooped up within the
environs of Cape Town, where I have been about two years.
Thousands of the inhabitants of this town are in a state of
slavery, and with such we have to do. With much labour
we have succeeded in the erection of a place of worship for
them, without any expense to the committee, in which both
children and adults are regularly taught. Our English
congregation is comparatively small : they have one sermon
a week only. Our Dutch congregation has preaching twice
a week ; it consists of slaves, free persons of colour, the
children of the school, and a few Christians. Hitherto, we
have seen but little fruit of our labour ; yet, we hope, that
the good seed will one day spring up and yield a plentiful
harvest. Some of the rising generation indeed promise fair,
though few of them have got parents who can speak to
them of the importance of religion, or can send them to be
instructed in divine things ; yet many have formed so strong
an attachment to us, and to the means of grace, that to
prevent their attendance in the school and meeting, would
be considered as one of the greatest punishments that could
be inflicted upon them. I am glad to find that the different
churches in England, are more than ever convinced of the
necessity of an outpouring of the Spirit of God upon the
heathen world, and that they appear to be praying for it,
and expecting it. May their prayers be answered, and the
SOUTH AFRICA. '219
" Some of our friends make mention of our trials and
difficulties, but they judge erroneously respecting many of
them. The chief trials of a missionary do not consist in
quitting his native land, in the tossing of a ship at sea. or
the jolting of a wagon over huge mountains ; they arise not
from the winds of the wilderness raising immense clouds of
sand, from the scorching sun in a dreary desert, or from a
thirsty land without water ; they proceed not from the fierce
look of the savage in his native horde, the roaring of wild
beasts in their nocturnal excursions, or the change of habits
which those must necessarily experience who visit those
nations. No ! Such trials are easy to be borne, com paed
with that of labouring almost in vain, when in connexion
with our work among the heathen, we are called to seek the
salvation of civilized, and professedly Christian people, who
will not come to Christ that they may have life. It is true
I have experienced some trials in the interior of this coun-
try; but they were light when compared with many which
I have passed through since my coming here. Often have 1
said with the mourning prophet, 4 O that I had, in the
wilderness, a lodging-place of wayfaring men.' But the
prospect of laying a foundation for the instruction of
heathens, many of whom even in Cape Town have never
yet entered the doors of any sanctuary, has continually led
me to persevere, and keep that flame alive which would
otherwise have become extinct.
" Some of our friends have enquired, when are we to
expect to see you at home ?' This is indeed a question
which I am quite at a loss to answer. My parents are fast
going down the hill of life, and by the death of my only
brother, (since I came to Africa,) I have become an only
child. But alas, my brother, what shall I say ! I cannot
but think of those whose anxious care sustained my feeble
steps, through childhood's slippery path ; yet I trust the
Lord will support them, now that their strength is failing.
220 MEMORIALS OF
Of England I must say, 'With all thy faults I love thee still ;'
yet the missionary field in this part of the world is so widely
different from what is expected by those who enter it, and
so many months, and, in some cases, even years, are
necessary to form the missionary character, that, should
circumstances be ever so urgent, I should at present be
ready to hesitate. I am aware that the Lord can raise up
men suitable to every people, and to every clime ; but in
raising them up he does not work miracles : they are and
must be gradually initiated into the work. This being the
case, old and experienced missionaries, how much inferior
soever they may be in other respects, will always be pre-
ferable to new ones, so long as their hearts are in the work
of the Lord. New men are untried ; and it would be a
difficult task to say, among so much zeal and youthful
vigour, who would suit this, or the other people. Time
only can show us wherein we have been too sanguine in
our hopes, and in what respects we have erred in our
judgment respecting both men and things.
" The extensive, and in many parts totally unknown,
Continent of Africa is before us; some are truly desirous of
the word of life, and several have received it ; but there are
thousands of human beings, not far from our missionary
frontiers, on whom the sun of righteousness has never shone.
When we endeavour to penetrate the dark parts of the earth,
in order to dispel by the torch of truth the gloom of night,
it may be expected that the powers of darkness will rage,
and that difficulties innumerable will be presented to our
view. Here the spirit of faith, not merely that cordial belief
of the Gospel which is requisite for every Christian, but an
unshaken persuasion of the promises of God, respecting the
triumph and enlargement of his kingdom, is highly essential
for the conflict. Indeed nothing short of a firm assurance
of the final accomplishment of the promises of the Gospel
can support the mind, whilst proclaiming among the heathen,
SOUTH AFRICA. 221
* O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.' I assure you,
I have frequently been led to discourse on Psalm Ixxii,
Isaiah xxxv, Matt. xxiv. 14 28, xix. 20, and similar
passages, in order to obtain comfort to my own mind when
cast down, and to keep alive the assurance that c all nations
shall serve him.'
" Our school consists of the greatest possible variety :
here are the aged learning to spell with spectacles, and babes
who can just waddle to the school ; here are children of
Heathens, Mohammedans, and Christians ; children who are
descendants of parents from all the four quarters of the
globe; faces of every colour, and countenances of every
expression ; some slaves, as white as snow ; some free, as
black as jet. Among all this variety, however, we have
but one who is learning the English language.'"
Seeing the carnal mind is enmity against God, there are
those in every country, who, under its influence, will be
prepared to oppose the truth. Though some of the slave
proprietors of Cape Town encouraged the diffusion of re-
ligious knowledge among their slaves, there were others of
an opposite character. In the year 1823, a woman of colour,
who had recently been baptized, came to me and said,
speaking from the fulness of her heart, " Previous to my
beginning to serve the Lord, my mistress declared me to be
the best servant in the house. Now, I do the same work
that I did before, yea, I labour frequently both night and
day, in order to please, but in vain. It is now said, that
since my baptism, I have become the worst servant in the
family. I am reviled and persecuted, and reckoned as the
offscouring of all things. I am troubled on every side ; all
seem to hate me, and they do all in their power to hinder
me. It is with the greatest difficulty that I can get to any of
the means of grace ; but when I am enabled to attend them,
I always find encouragement, and am determined, by the
grace of God, to persevere. The difficulties which I have
2*22 MEMORIALS OF '
to encounter do not discourage me, but they confirm my
faith in the word of God ; and I see that God's people have
always been surrounded with trials."
During the course of the year, more of the military began
to attend our chapel, and several decidedly united themselves
lo the people of God. Like the pious men of the 21st
regiment, many years before, they also frequently retired to
the vicinity of Table Mountain for prayer. For their im-
provement, and the occupation of their leisure hours, I pro-
vided them with several books as a library, which they were
accustomed to read in the chapel. The school continued to
become increasingly interesting, and the regular attendance
on the sabbath morning amounted to one hundred and thirty
children.
Mr. Archbell having arrived in Cape Town, to await
the decision of the committee, an opportunity was
afforded me of visiting, and remaining for a time at Lily
Fountain.
October 1st. While packing our waggon, and preparing
for our departure, we were surrounded with the poor
children of the school, who frequently joined together in
singing the hymn which they had learned for the anniver-
sary. The occasion of our going far off to the Gentiles, the
beauty of expression contained in it, and the colour of
the little persons by whom it was sung, were so exceedingly
calculated to revive the flame of missionary zeal, that I
cannot help transcribing a part of it.
" O'er the gloomy hills of darkness
Look, my soul, be still, and gaze ;
All the promises do travail,
With a glorious day of grace.
Let the Indian, let the Negro,
Let the rude Barbarian see,
That divine and glorious conquest,
Once obtain' d on Calvary."
SOUTH AFRICA. 223
Whilst singing these beautiful verses, their voices were
repeatedly interrupted by sobbing and sighing, when they
affectionately embraced each other, and wept.
About eleven o'clock in the morning of October 2, when
we were a day's journey from Cape Town, we were sur-
rounded with nearly fifty of the poor heathen children, who
had walked from Cape Town, and waded the Salt River to
reach our encampment. As they approached the waggons,
they formed themselves into a body, and marched up to us
singing one of their favourite Dutch hymns, which, when
translated, is nearly as follows :
" Long oppress'd, I sought to anchor,
On a sure and certain ground,
But had no man to instruct me,
Where the Saviour might be found ;
Unexpectedly one told me,
Jesus Christ, He is the man,
This affected me so deeply,
That I to his mercy ran, &c., &c."
While the Namacquas were collecting the bullocks, in
order to put them to the yoke, the children clung around us
with streaming eyes, and joined in singing one of their
school-hymns, one verse of which is as follows :
" Now multitudes are seen, who listen to his word,
Barbarian, slave, and free, together serve our God.
Lo, valleys rise, and mountains fall,
To crown the Saviour Lord of all."
While exhorting them to love one another, to be diligent
in the means of grace, &c., they listened with attention, but
would not go till they had obtained a promise, that, on our
returning to the Cape, we would write and inform them,
that they might meet us at the distance of a day's journey.
In 1826, the missionary committee gave orders for my
proceedure to Cape Town, where I again arrived in the
224 MEMORIALS OF
month of June. The Rev. J Whitworth, who" was out of
health, sailed for England, and the Rev. R. Snowdal was
appointed as my colleague. Mr. W. had not been long in
Africa, but his journals respecting Kaffir-land are highly
interesting, and his labours in Cape Town were acceptable,
some fruit of which is still remaining. We now extended
our labours to Wynberg, Simon's Town, and other places,
employing an individual to take charge of the school. Our
congregations being composed of a variety of persons, some
understanding English, others Dutch, we were frequently
under the necessity of preaching in both languages, before
we left the pulpit.
In September, T had an opportunity of visiting the Leper
Institution of the Moravian Society, called Hemel and
Aarde, which is about 100 miles distant from Cape Town.
The Rev. P. Leitner and his amiable wife, received me with
their usual kindness, and I had the pleasure of preaching to
those outcasts from society. When the bell was rung for
divine service, I saw some of the lepers crawling upon their
hands and knees, to hear the words of eternal life. Several
were unable to leave the hospital, but were cheered amidst
their afflictions, with the anticipation of a better country,
whither they were shortly to be removed;
" Far from a world of grief and sin,
With God eternally shut in."
In returning to Cape Town, I visited Genadendal, known
as the first mission station in South Africa. The mission-
aries were friendly, and it was with feelings of considerable
interest that I beheld the large pear-tree, planted by the
Rev. G. Schmidt, who arrived at the Cape, July 9, 1737.
The Rev. H. T. Hallbeck superintends the missions of the
united brethren in that part of the field, and the blessing of
God is evidently attending their labours.
The Rev. W. Shrewsbury having arrived on his way to
SOUTH AFRICA. 225
KafiVaria, was detained in Cape Town for some time by
family circumstances. lie took a full share in our English
services, and his eloquent and impressive sermons will long
continue to be remembered. Mr. S., in a letter to the
committee, bears the following testimony, as to the influence
of the Gospel upon the minds of the heathen.
" June 5t/t. Brother Barnabas Shaw came from Khamies
Berg to take the superintendence of Cape Town circuit ;
several of the Namacquas came down with him. It was
very delightful to hear them singing the praises of God in
family worship. The gospel has evidently been a great bles-
sing to that people. Before philosophers have time to de-
cide the disputed question, whether or not a degraded and
heathen people can be benefited by missionary exertions,
facts present themselves and render further debate unneces-
sary ; and the missionary exhibits the moral miracles wrought
through his instrumentality, by the accompanying power of
God. He show's his * living epistles, known and read of all
men.' "
In February 1827, our Namacqua female servant, Maria
Wary, was taken ill, and suddenly departed this life. She
had been instructed in our school at Lily Fountain, and was
remarkably attached to the Holy Scriptures, which she read
with great fluency. Wiih the Wesleyan hymns she was pe-
culiarly conversant ; and having a fine voice, she frequently
led the singing in the small assemblies of Namacquas. Her
disorder was of such a nature, that she could give no dying
testimony of her experience; but none who were acquainted
with her life and deportment, could indulge a doubt concer-
ning her eternal rest.
Receiving permission from the missionary committee to
visit England, we took our passage on board the Hussaren.
Our little boy Barnabas, then six years of age, sorrowed
much in parting with the goat which he had been accus-
tomed to ride, and which he was under the necessity of
r
2*26 JMEMOKIALS OF
selling, together with saddle and bridle, by public auction.
On the 6th of May we landed at Gravesend, and thence pro-
ceeded to the house of our old friend Captain W. Young, of
London, by whom we were kindly received. Mr. and Mrs.
Young being acquainted with the perils of the ocean, could
enter into our feelings, and united with us in praising Him
who had so long preserved our lives, who is " the confidence
of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon
the sea."
On arriving again at my native village, after an absence of
nearly twelve years, how peculiar were my emotions ! My
aged parents were yet alive, though drawing near to the end
of their journey; the cottage in which I first breathed the
vital air, still stood at the bottom of the garden ; the little
plots of ground where I was wont to plant my flowers were
adorned with the beauties of spring; and my dear aged
mother had led the blooming roses above the tops of the
windows. The adjacent hills, where I was accustomed to
sit and play my flute, while tending the lambs of the flock,
were clothed in living green ; the fields I had frequently
ploughed, were waving with corn ; and the beautiful Humber
was rolling its mighty stream at the foot of the hills. The
morning larks were ascending on high, the doves were coo-
ing in their lofty habitations, and on the sabbath, (sweet
day of rest!) I again heard the sound of the church-going
bell. What a contrast to the dreary deserts through which I
had been travelling !
While remaining in England, I attended missionary meet-
ings in various places, where I met with a hearty welcome,
and unbounded kindness. Many individuals, in addition to
their other liberalities, presented me with donations towards
the erection of a chapel in Cape Town, and kindly wrote in
my "Gleaner." J. Montgomery, Esq., contributed of his
treasure the following lines :
SOUTH AFRICA. 227
" AFRICA, from her remotest strand,
Lifts to high heaven one fetter' d hand ;
And to the utmost of her chain,
Stretches the other o'er the main :
Then, kneeling midst ten thousand slaves,
Utters a cry across the waves,
Of power to reach to either pole,
And pierce, like conscience, through the soul.
Though dreary, faint, and low the sound,
Like life-blood gurgling from a wound ;
As if her heart, before it broke,
Had found a human tongue, and spoke.
u Britan ! not now I ask of thee
Freedom, the right of bond and free ;
Let Mammon hold, while Mammon can,
The bones and blood, of living man ;
Let tyrants scorn, while tyrants dare,
The shrieks and writhings of despair ;
An end will come, it will not wait,
Bands, yokes, and scourges have their date ;
Slav'ry itself shall pass away,
And be a tale of yesterday.
" But now I urge a dearer claim,
And urge it by a mightier name :
Hope of the world ! on thee I call,
By the great Father of us all,
By the Redeemer of our race,
And by the Spirit of all grace,
Turn not, Britannia, from my plea ;
So help thee God, as thou help'st me !
Mine outcast children come to light,
From darkness, and go down in night ;
A night of more mysterious gloom
Than that which wrapped them in the womb :
228 MEMORIALS OF
Oh ! that the womb had been the grave
Of every being born a slave !
Oh ! that the grave itself might close
The slave's unutterable woes !
But what beyond that gulf may be
What portion in eternity,
For those who live to curse their breath,
And die without a hope in death,
I know not, and I dare not think ;
Yet, while I shudder o'er the brink
Of that unfathomable deep,
Where wrath lies chain' d and judgments sleep,
To thee, thou Paradise of Isles ! ' V
Where mercy in full glory smiles,
Eden of lands ! o'er all the rest,
By blessing others doubly blest,
To thee I lift my weeping eye,
Send me the Gospel or I die ;
The word of Christ's salvation give,
That I may hear his voice and live.
" SHEFFIELD, November 18, 1838."
In the month of January, 1829, I went, for the last time,
to bid adieu to my aged parents. My father's head was
adorned with locks of silver. Both he and my mother had
passed the bounds of three score years and ten, and were
gradually sinking into the grave. My engagements with the
committee, the erection of our chapel at the Cape, and some
other circumstances called me to go : but after all, 'tis hard
work. Some of the strongest bonds of affection must be
torn asunder. The aged pair frequently kissed their grand-
children as they prattled around them, having no hope of
again seeing them in this vale of tears. The shades of
evening came on ; the vehicle which was to bear us away
approached. We prayed, and parted, to see each other's
face no more on earth.
The following stanzas, which the reader will excuse, were
written by some unknown poet on the occasion, and printed
in the Magazine for March 1830:
SOUTH AFRICA. 229
u Soldier of the crimson cross,
Yearning with thy home to part,
Still esteeming ' all but loss,'
Bear thee up thy bleeding heart.
41 Sever' d from thy home before,
Hopeless anguish fill'd thine eyes ;
This adieu afflicts thee more
Second sorrow, deeper sighs.
44 Father, on thy furrow'd brow,
Years have shed the snow of time ;
Heed not hopes and fears below ;
Meet me in a happier clime !
" Gazing on thy locks of gray,
Ling'ring for thy parting word,
Tears I feel will force their way ;
Sorrow's fount is freshly stirr'd !
" Mother, more I feel for thee,
Than my warmest words express ;
And thy tears that fall for me,
Touch my heart with tenderness.
" In the light of lasting day,
Kindled by no earthly sun,
With no moon to mock its ray,
Thou shalt see again thy Son.
*' Now I weep my last farewell,
Now I drain the bitter cup ;
Thou who hast done all things well,
Bear my fainting spirit up !
44 In thy keeping is my life ;
On thy mercy leans my soul
Heeding not the heathen's knife,
Dreading not the billows' roll." M. F.
230 MEMORIALS OF
" Pity poor Africa," had long been my motto, and it is so
still ; yet it required some fortitude for Mrs. Shaw and my-
self to bear up under these trying circumstances.
On the 30th of January, we were called to leave our dear
little boy, who was about eight years of age. He endea-
voured to keep up his spirits, and ran with me from place to
place ; yet he often sighed, and the tears glistened occasion-
ally in his eyes. At four in the afternoon, we went on board
the packet at Hull for Barton. The late Rev. D. Isaac,
whom the little boy had chosen to be his father during my
absence, and who was loved with a father's love by him,
together with several other friends, accompanied us across
the Humber, where the coach was waiting our arrival. The
coachman took his seat, the guard sounded his horn, and we
were borne away. Many a time have I chased the big tear,
and stemmed the rising sigh ; but I never felt anything to
equal this. Surely this world is a vale of tears ! What a
blessing is revelation, which points to a rest remaining for
the people of God !
" In that eternal day,
No clouds or tempests rise ;
There gushing tears are wiped away
For ever from our eyes."
Feb. 25/A. We left the mission-house, where we had
received every possible attention. The Rev. G. Morley, and
the Rev. E. Brice, kindly accompanied us to Gravesend, and
saw us safely on board the Henry, Captain Bunny, bound
for the Cape of Good Hope.
March &lh. We again lost sight of land. England, fare-
well ! May the God of Israel be thy God !
May 30/7*. Cast anchor in Table Bay, and some of the
friends soon appeared to welcome our arrival.
A missionary meeting was held in the course of a few
weeks, at which our long tried friend, Sir John Truter,
SOUTH AFRICA. 231
presided, and considerable interest was excited. During my
absence, through the persevering exertions of the late Mr.
Snowdall, and the liberality of many of the respectable in-
habitants of the place, a neat and commodious chapel had
been erected at Simon's Town. The building reflects credit
upon all who were concerned in it, and the conspicuous
situation in which it is placed, may remind the weather-
beaten traveller, on entering the bay, that a house of prayer
is open for his reception, where he can " serve the Lord
with gladness, and come before his presence with a song."
232 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER XVII.
REV. J. CAMERON MB. 8CHMELEN WESLEY CHAPEL OPENED REV. R.
WATSON'S LETTER REV. R. SNOWBALL'S DEATH MR. COOK
REV. J. EDGAR BLACK WOMAN WYNBERG MRS. HODGSON'S DEATH
ASSISTED BY DIFFERENT MINISTER'S ROBBEN ISLAND INTER-
ESTING CLASS SAILOR'S LETTER AUTHOR'S ANSWER BETHEL FLAG
PREACHING ON BOARD THE UNDAUNTED DEATH OF MRS. THORN-
HILL SOMERSET, HOTTENTOT'S HOLLAND PREMISES PURCHASED
CHAPEL OPENED KLIP FONTEIN NATIVES SINGING CHAPEL OPEN-
ED MARRIAGES STELLENBOSCH DEATH OF MRS. LUCAS.
IN December, 1830, the Rev. J. Cameron, arrived from
England. He was a young man both able and willing to
labour, and especially excelled in preaching the great truths
of the gospel, and applying them to the hearts of sinners.
We then began to preach at Baas Hermans Kraal, Musen-
berg, Kalk-Bay, and the mountain's behind Simon's Town.
The last time I visited the mountains, a young woman began
to mourn while I was speaking. At length she fell upon
her knees, and continued weeping during the whole service.
On asking her the cause of her sorrow, she said, "Myne
zonden zyn openbaar, zy zyn al te zwaar." (My sins have
been discovered to me, and they are very heavy.) I had
the pleasure of baptizing at the same place, a female about
ninety years of age. She had the use of all her faculties, and
was hoping for salvation through the great Redeemer.
Towards the latter part of the year, I met with my old
friend Mr. II. Schmelen at a short distance from Cape
SOUTH AFRICA. 233
Town. Fourteen years before, he was my guide through
the wilderness. Since that time,
" What troubles have we seen
What conflicts have we past ? "
I asked him how he got away from his mother when ap-
pointed as a missionary, and he replied, " My mother threw
her arms about my neck, and determined to hold me fast,
and prevent my departure, but I resolutely tore myself from
her embrace, and then ran away. Since that time I have
never seen her."
The following letter written to the committee contains a
brief occount of some interesting circumstances which
transpired about this time.
"March &th. The opening of our chapel at Cape Town
took place on the 13th of last month. Brother Kay, who
was here at the time, on his way to England, preached in
the morning, from Psalm Ixxii. 16, 18. Several respectable
individuals were present on the occasion. In consequence
of the sickness of the Rev. A. Faure, one of the Ministers
of the Reformed Church, I was constrained to preach in
Dutch in the evening. Sermons were afterwards delivered
by the Rev. Messrs. Van Staveron, Adamson, Piers, and
Beck. All the congregations appeared to feel interested.
The chapel is neat and well built. The dwelling-house
adjoining it is sufficiently large for the mission family, and
occasional visitors from the interior, or the East. How
changed the scene ! When I arrived here, in the year 1816,
I could not obtain the sanction of government to preach
even in a private house. i The Lord has done great things
for us, whereof we are glad.' Our thanks are due to several
Cape residents, who gladly came forward to sign the deed of
trust, and especially to some of the Dutch gentlemen who
understood the nature of Cape building. We availed our-
selves of their advice ; and, though our chapel stands on
the Cape of Tempests, we doubt not but it will remain
234 MEMORIALS OF
when this and many other generations shall have passed
away. May the Highest himself establish, our Zion, that it
may be said of her, ' This and that man was born there.' "
In connexion with this event, I received a letter from the
lamented Rev. R. Watson, dated London, July 16, 1830.
"My dear Brother. I greatly regretted to hear, by Capt.
Knight, that you had been so unwell, as to be positively
laid aside, and especially that your health was such, as to
make it doubtful whether you would be fit for active
services, at least in Africa. I trust however, that this was
only a visitation of affliction, not a settled invalid state ; and
that you may be spared to carry forward a work, which the
Lord has honoured you in commencing. We all pray for
you, and confide you to Him, whose touch is health, when-
ever he pleases to put it forth.
" I thank you and the friends at Cape Town for your
invitation to visit you. I laid the matter before the com-
mittee and brethren, who thought that I could not leave my
work here. Indeed I felt that I had had the City Road
Circuit put into my hands so recently, and at a very critical
period, owing to various factions in London, that my line
of duty was marked out Otherwise, had the committee
called, I would have obeyed. In your hopeful prospects, as
reported by Captain Knight, I have greatly rejoiced. My
very kind love to Mrs. Shaw, and your colleagues. If there
is any thing I can do for you here, any little commission for
any thing you may want, please write me. I am not sure
whether I gave you my guinea for the Cape Town chapel,
if I did not, draw for a guinea more in your next bill, and
refer the mission-house to me. When you open the chapel,
may you have a token for good, a shining forth from the
cloud of the Divine presence, I am, my dear brother,
Your's very affectionately, R. WATSON."
The friends at Cape Town, had unanimously requested
that Mr. Watson, should conduct the services at the opening
SOUTH AFRICA. 235
of their chapel, offering to pay the expense of his passage
out.
April Wth. I was called upon to perform the painful
task of preaching funeral sermons for our late brother Snow-
dall in the chapel at Simon's Town, in the morning in
Dutch, in the evening in English. The trustees had put
the chapel in mourning, and sorrow was depicted on every
countenance. Brother Snowdall was a man of deep piety
and great prudence. At the place where he had preached
most frequently, he was most beloved. May those who
mourn for him, imitate his example, that their last end may
be like his !
May 16th. Baptized a Mohammedan and two of his
children. He was the chief mason in the erection of the
Simon's Town chapel. When he heard of the death of
Mr. Snowdall, he was much affected, and immediately
determined to renounce Mohammedanism. It appears that
our late brother had frequently spoken to him on spiritual
subjects while engaged in his work, which, at that time,
appeared to have no effect ; but now he remembers and
repeats his words. May we learn to " sow by all waters."
June 26th. Preached in Dutch at Simon's Town at
half-past nine o'clock. Rode about three miles, and spoke
to the convicts and soldiers. At two o'clock, preached at
Musenburg; between three and four, at Baas Herman's
Kraal. Held a short service at Diep Bivier ; thence pro-
ceeded to Wynberg, where I preached in English, and
reached home about nine o'clock, having held six different
services, and ridden twenty-four miles.
July 5th. On going to preach at Roggobay this
evening, I saw a letter addressed to me lying on the desk.
Opening it, I found it was from a Bechuana boy, who had
come from that country with the Rev. Mr. Miles. The pur-
port of the letter was to let me know that he had been very
sick, and unable to attend preaching ; a few lines of which
236 MEMORIALS OF
I insert: "I was three weeks without food, and without
speak. I was very ill. I was thought I shall die. I wa*
afraid to die, because I know I am sinful. But I pray to
my Lord, and I am not fear to die."
In the month of April, 1832, we were cheered by the
arrival of the Rev. E. Cook, a pious, active, and zealous
missionary. By his timely aid I was enabled, in addition to
our services in the prisons and private houses of Cape Town,
to gain access to Somerset, Hottentot's Holland, and several
other places, and to preach in some of the lowest and most
degraded parts of Cape Town. Some of " the chief of sin-
ners " were present on these occasions ; but they behaved
well, and I trust, received instruction.
In the Cape, and the adjoining district, there are at least
fifty thousand Heathens and Mohammedans, very few of
whom have heard the word of life. Any minister, mission-
ary, or private Christian, who has a desire to labour, need
not be unemployed. If he have zeal for the miserable and
the wretched, he may preach to them in fifty different places
in the town and its suburbs.
A poor black woman, whom I visited, informed me that
the Lord had wonderfully supported her in a severe afflic-
tion. In speaking of the privileges she now enjoyed, she
referred me back to the days of her youth, (about forty
years previous,) when it was not customary to instruct the
heathen. She said, "When a teacher has been at the
house of my master, I have frequently laid down on the
floor, with my ear close to the bottom of the door, in order,
if possible, to hear something about the way of salvation."
I could not but admire her ingenuity. Zaccheus climbed
the tree to see Jesus ; the poor slave girl lay down on the
floor to hear of him.
At Hottentot's Holland, the Rev. Mr. Edgar, minister to
the Dutch congregation, was exceedingly kind, and ready to
assist in every way, to promote the instruction of the heathen
SOUTH AFRICA. 237
in his district. Mrs. Edgar also gave me much encourage-
ment, and even accompanied me in search of a house in
which to hold service with the slaves. Indeed both Mr.
and Mrs. Edgar have been the steady and hearty friends of
our mission in this place from the beginning. We have
gone forth, " taking nothing of the Gentiles," but they,
Gaius-like, have been fellow-helpers, and have sent us
on our journies with renewed strength for our labour.
Wynberg, where we had recently erected a chapel, was
now becoming more important from its rapidly increasing
population. Our congregations were greatly improved ; from
eighty to one hundred children received instruction in the
sabbath school, and the members of the small society were
endeavouring to make themselves useful. Messrs Matthews
and Thorn were indefatigable in their attention to the school,
and it prospered under their direction. They endeavoured to
train the " African Flow r ers," so beautifully described by the
Rev. J. Everett, in the following stanzas, which he wrote in
my " GLEANER," where he represents the children under
the image of a flower-garden, varying in hue, and though
differing in fragrance, yet united, wafting one sweet odour
like incense to heaven. The piece w r as accompanied by a
present of reward books from the author:
"ONE HUNDRED REWARD BOOKS ON 'EARLY PIETY,'
FOR
African jFlotosrs of
" Flowers unnumber'd meet the view
In the garden, o'er the plain,
Richly tipp'd with every hue ;
Not a bud expands in vain.
41 Though distinction marks the whole
Odours, through the stirring gale,
Breathe their aromatic soul,
Sweetly blend, in one prevail.
238 MEMORIALS OF
u Thus the Sabbath-Schools around,
Thus the plants of human mien,
With their different forms are found,
Vary like each summer scene.
u Mingling on each hallowed day
One in spirit, prayer, and praise,
All to God their homage pay,
One vast cloud of incense raise.
" Wafted to the realms above,
Angels catch the fragrance there,
Smile to see an infant's love,
Infants, objects of their care.
u One the Father, Spirit, Son ;
One the faith that moves the breast ;
One the race, which all must run ;
One the state of endless rest.
" May the above gift produce * Early Piety,' and the above
stanzas not only be realized in the harmony of every African
School, but be sung ( m the Spirit' by every African child!
JAMES EVERETT."
We heard with sorrow of the death of Mrs. Hodgson, the
beloved partner of the Rev. Thos. L. Hodgson, formerly
stationed in South Africa. She departed this life, September
30lh, 1831. Mr. Hodgson observes: "About four o'clock
in the morning, my dear wife appeared near death, and about
seven o'clock expressed a wish to sit up in bed. Without a
struggle or a groan, with a calm resigned countenance, she
bowed her head in obedience to the divine summons, and
entered into the joy of her Lord ; sweetly falling asleep in
Jesus.
" The sufferings of my dear wife, from the painful spread-
ing of a cancer in her breast, always distressed me, in cal-
culating the probabilities of her protracted existence; and
SOUTH AFRICA. 239
tins tended to mitigate the sorrow I felt at her dissolution.
But now her pain is over for ever.
*
' Her languishing head is at rest ;
Its thinking and aching are o'er :
Her quiet immoveable breast,
Is heaved by affliction no more.
Her heart is no longer the seat
Of trouble and torturing pain ;
It ceases to flutter and beat ;
It never shall flutter again.' "
The following extracts from the journal of Mr. Cameron,
will further tend to show the state of the Cape mission,
during the year 1832.
"July llth. Preached at Klaver Valley. Attended a
meeting of the trustees of the Simon's Town chapel, at
which seventy-five pounds of the debt was liquidated. Was
requested to visit a woman under deep conviction. When
I entered her dwelling, her husband told me that she had
not tasted food since last Sabbath morning, intimated a fear
that she would lose her reason, and said, i Ik ben een arme
aanbagstman met vyf kinders ; wat zal ikdoen ?' (I am a
poor tradesman with five children : what shall 1 do ?) With-
out delay I directed her attention to the ' Lamb of God
which taketh away the sin of the world,' and she listened
with an eagerness which plainly showed, that she was all
athirst for the salvation of God. May the Lord speedily set
her soul at liberty by his victorious love !
"15/A. Left Cape Town for Hottentot's Holland; my
first journey thither. After a five hours' ride I came to the
house of the Rev. Mr. Edgar, minister of the Dutch Re-
formed Church, Somerset. He received me with great
cordiality. Somerset is a village of considerable size. In
the whole district there are only about forty families ; but
the slave population amounts to seven or eight hundred.
240 MEMORIALS OF
The Dutch Reformed Church is a neat place, and will seat
about three hundred persons.
" 17//, Sunday. Took my leave of the Rev. Mr. Edgar,
under whose roof I had been hospitably entertained during
my stay at Somerset, and proceeded to Stellenbosch.
" Rode to Klaver Valley, upon the Simon's Town Moun-
tains, where I discoursed to about fifteen persons, who heard
with attention. From hence I proceeded to Elsje's River.
Here I did not attempt to collect the people together, but
visited them from house to house, or more properly, from
hut to hut. I trust my exhortations and prayers were not
without a good effect.
"22nd. Cape Town. Preached in the morning to our
usual congregation. In the afternoon 1 went to the prison,
and discoursed to the prisoners. I felt a yearning pity
towards them, an earnest desire that they might be induced
to seek salvation. In the evening I preached again in the
chapel from, 4 We know that we are of God.'
" September 2nd, Sabbath. Preached in the morning
with considerable enlargement from Psalm cxxii. 1. The
people appeared to feel interested. Attended the service of
the English Church. The bishop of Calcutta, who has
touched here on his way to India, preached a truly evan-
gelical sermon from Colossians ii. 11. 'Where there is
neither Jew nor Greek,' &c. From the church I went direct
to the prison, and preached to its wretched inmates. They
heard with attention, and some of them evidently were
serious. At three o'clock, p. M., I preached in the chapel
upon the character of Cornelius, and again in the evening,
upon the parable of the rich fool. The whole of this day's
services were concluded by the celebration of the Lord's
Supper, which was a time of refreshing from the presence of
the Lord.
" 8th. Rode to Simon's Town. On my arrival I found
that the bishop of Calcutta had just concluded a very
SOUTH AFRICA. 241
interesting service, which he held in our chapel. Sixty-four
young persons were confirmed, and the ceremony was per-
formed with a solemnity calculated to impress the minds of
all present with the necessity and importance of religion.
" 9tk. Sunday. Preached morning and evening. In the
evening I was enabled to speak with much freedom from the
words of Peter : ' To whom shall we go but unto thee ?' &c.
As several of the young persons who had been confirmed on
the previous day were present, I took occasion to remind
them of the solemn engagement into which they had entered
to devote themselves to the service of God, and that results
replete with bliss, or fraught with misery might be expected
from that engagement, according as its conditions were
fulfilled or neglected.
";Wth. Left Stellenbosch in the morning. Brother
LukhofF of the Rhenish Missionary Society, accompanied
me about a mile out of town, and then we took an affectionate
leave. About half way between Stellenbosch and Cape
Town, there lives a pious woman of colour named Diana. I
called upon her, and felt much interest in the account she
gave of her conversion to God, and subsequent religious
experience. Many of God's dear children are hid in the
vale of obscurity during the period of their earthly pilgrim-
age ; but, yet a little while, and they shall be publicly
acknowledged, and honourably rewarded, before assembled
worlds.
" In conclusion, I may just say, that we have much need
of the prayers of the faithful; for although we have no open
persecution to withstand, yet we are surrounded by an
influence very unfavourable to the dissemination of the pure
and holy principles of the Gospel.'"
In the different missionary meetings, which we now held,
we were kindly assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Adamson, D. D.
Piers, and Beck. Indeed there was no room for bigotry,
when our united efforts were altogether inadequate to the
Q
242 MEMORIALS OF
wants of the thousands who were perishing around for lack
of knowledge. The Rev. G. Beck, of the South African
Missionary Society, being for some time in affliction, I
supplied several of his Wednesday evening services in the
large Dutch chapel, and though the congregation consisted
of the members of the Lutheran, and Reformed Churches,
they heard with great attention, and received me with all
possible kindness.
In the Month of May, 1833, at the invitation of Captain
Pedler, I visited Robben Island, a convict station, about
fourteen miles from Cape Town. Captain P., the governor
of the island, read the prayers, and I preached in the veran-
dah to as many as understood English, and afterwards
twice to the convicts who understood Dutch. Having
never been visited by any minister or missionary before,
they were highly delighted, and requested that my visit
might be repeated.
When meeting the class at Simon's Town in the month of
July, the evening being extremely wet, and only seven
members present, I noticed as a peculiar coincidence, that
each of these was of a different nation. The leader, Mr.
Ronquest, was of Swedish descent, but born at the Cape.
Another was an English sailor, residing with the admiral
on the station. The sailor had a pious sister at home, who,
in her letters, had pressed him to attend to his spiritual
interest, and her exhortations had been blessed. One had
been brought from Inhambar, as a prize slave, and another
from Mozambique. The other three were of Dutch, Malabar,
and Hottentot descent. This little company reminded me
of the words of the apostle, that " the Gentiles should be
fellow heirs, and of the same body," " where there is neither
Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian,
Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all in all." Since my
return from England, a missionary meeting was held in our
beautifully situated chapel at Simon's Town, when such in-
SOUTH AFRICA. 243
terest was excited, that it was thought that some from every
family in the town were present. This meeting greatly
cheered the friends, and encouraged them to engage with
renewed efforts in the promotion of the Redeemer's kingdom.
About this period I accompanied Josiah Nisbett, Esq.,
who was about to leave for India, on board the ship in
which he intended to sail. While going, I held a conver-
sation with one of the boatmen respecting seamen, but Mr.
Nisbett, remained in silence. The evening before he sailed
for India, he asked me to take a walk with him, and accord-
ingly we walked some time, by the light of the moon, in one
of the streets at Cape Town. It appeared to me, as though
he knew not how to part, or that he had some presentiment
that we should not meet again on earth. His conversation
was exclusively on spiritual topics, and before we separated,
he said, " Now, if after my departure, you can do anything
for the sailors, you may draw on me for fifty pounds."
Soon after this event, the following letter appeared in the
Advertiser, written by Capt. Lyddel of the Beatrice :
" To the editor : Sir, In almost every part I visit I find
a method devised to afford religious instruction to seamen.
In almost every port, and even the open roadsteads in
England, Ireland, and Scotland, we have floating chapels.
In France, the masters of vessels are desired by the respec-
tive consuls to attend, with their crews, at places of worship
expressly provided for them. In Holland it is the same ;
likewise in almost every port of Asia and America : the
inhabitants of the latter, through strenuous exertions, have
succeeded wonderfully in moralising the members of my
profession. Cannot a floating chapel be provided in Table
Bay, when an opportunity occurs, and moored in the safest
place near the jetty ?
" Obstacles will no doubt be thrown in the way, but it can
only be by those who are not stimulated to assist the very
men who have, by the aid of the Almighty, protected and
244 MEMORIALS OF
still do protect our country, and are employed in traversing
the wide world in aid of our mercantile resources.
"I have no doubt that all Christian ministers in Cape
Town would render their assistance, and every effort would
be made by them to achieve this as well as any other
laudable object, the necesity of which cannot be denied and
which is attainable. A strange remark was made by our
brave Nelson in his official despatches to the Lords of the
Admiralty a little before his death, that he had twelve men
(calling them psalmsinging fellows) who were the most
willing of his crew, and that in three engagements, in the
very heat of action, they were spared, whilst hundreds
around them were cut off. I mention this circumstance as
a proof of Lord Nelson's judgment and discriminative view
of inculcating Christianity upon sailors.
"I have^only to add, that my speaking so pointedly must
be excused, which no doubt it readily will, as coming from
A Master of a vessel now in Table Bay."
The answer which follows was immediately written:
" Wesley Chapel, Cape Town, June Wth 1833.
"To the editor: Sir, In the Advertiser of Saturday last, I
was glad to see an article, * Religious instruction for sea-
men.' The writer asks, ' cannot a floating chapel be pro-
vided in Table Bay, when an opportunity occurs, and be
moored near the jetty ? ' . I suppose he refers to the jetty
lately commenced, and being a stranger myself to mooring
and anchoring vessels, I leave those who may have some
knowledge of the subject, to answer the question. He then
presumes that the Christian ministers of Cape Town would
readily render their assistance. Let every minister answer
for himself! For my own part, Sir, I have frequently
preached to sailors. I have preached to them on the quarter-
deck of a ship at sea, in a floating hull in the harbour, and
in various chapels on the shores of our own native Isle.
SOUTH AFRICA. 245
"From what I have seen on those occasions, I must
acknowledge that the seamen were attentive, and appeared
to reverence divine worship. I therefore feel no hesitation
in saying, that myself, and my colleagues, will be ready, in
our turn, in union with any, or all, the ministers in Cape
Town, to preach the Gospel to them ' that go down to the
sea in ships.'
" The ministers of the gospel in this colony think it quite
requisite to preach to the military, to civilians, to Hotten-
tots, to Kaffirs, to slaves, and convicts. Are our sailors,
then, the only men who need no instruction, no warning, no
consolation ? Shall these brave fellows, who traverse the
ocean to defend our country, to enrich our merchants, and
to carry Bibles and Missionaries to heathen nations shall
these only be neglected? and will all pass by on the
other side ?
''Your correspondent, moreover, states, that in almost every
part of the world which he has visited, some attention is
paid to men of his profession. Is, then, the far-famed Cape
of Good Hope to be the only place where sailors shall have
no hope ? After a long and tedious voyage, when their
anchor is cast, and the ship safely moored, shall the sailor's
eye never behold a Bethel flag, inviting him to adore that
God
4 Who rides upon the stormy sky
And calms the roaring seas ?'
Shall they still continue to weigh their anchors, to unfurl
their sails, and bid farewell to our shores ; and while taking
the last look at Table Mountain, be allowed to chant that
mournful dirge, 'Refuge failed me, and no man cared for
my soul?'
"Your correspondent anticipates 'that obstacles will be
thrown in the way.' I ask, by whom ? Surely there can be
no individual in Cape Town, who would throw an obstacle
in the way of a poor tar hearing the Gospel ! The most
240 MEMORIALS OF
formidable obstacle, I believe, will be the want of funds,
which may easily be removed by the liberality of the
benevolent. Cannot a few persons be selected as a com-
mittee, to be on the look-out for the hull of a vessel? As
soon as such a committee shall have been appointed, and a
subscription list commenced, I have authority from a res-
pectable individual, who has lately left the colony, to
advance, as his donation, towards a Bethel chapel, the sum
of fifty pounds.
" Hoping that you will soon have other correspondents on
the subject, 1 remain, &c. BARNABAS SHAW."
In the course of a few days a meeting was called, to take
this subject into consideration, and a committee was then
formed to provide a Bethel flag and other requisites. I was
appointed to preach on board the Undaunted, Captain Mil-
ler, on the 1 8th of August, after which, the annexed letter
appeared in the Advertiser, from the secretary of the com-
mittee :
" To the editor : Sir, In the Advertiser of June 8th, there
appeared a letter from the master of a vessel then lying in
Table Bay, expressing his surprise that nothing had been
done, in this port, towards the preaching of the Gospel to
the sailors.
"I am, however, happy to inform you that, since the
period above mentioned, a committee has been formed of
several ministers and gentlemen, for the purpose of carrying
this desirable object into effect; that a Bethel flag has been
procured, and was hoisted on sabbath morning, August 18th,
at the mast-head of the Undaunted, the commander of that
vessel, Captain Miller, having made every preparation for
the holding of divine service on board his ship. A large
awning being spread on deck, afforded a commodious shelter
from the weather. At eleven o'clock, the Rev. B. Shaw com-
menced the service by singing that beautiful hymn,
1 From all that dwell below the skies,' &e.
SOUTH AFRICA. 247
Solemn prayer was then offered up to Him ' who is the con-
fidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar
off upon the sea.'
" After having read the lessons, and sung an appropriate
hymn, an impressive sermon was preached, from Isa. xlii.
10, Sing unto the Lord a new song,' &c. The whole ser-
vice was solemn and delightful. The tars, consisting of
the crews of the barks Undaunted and Clarence, heard with
the greatest attention.
"The committee of management, in this most excellent
cause, having thus begun their exertions, will, I trust, be
encouraged to go forward, and not grow weary in well-doing,
till every sailor and boatman in our port shall rally round
their standard, and say, ' We will rejoice in Thy salvation,
and in the name of our God will we set up our banners.
" One of the Congregation."
On the 21st of August, Mrs. D. Thornhill, the oldest
member of our society, departed this life, aged 54. A short
account of her life and character is to be found in the
obituary of the Magazine for May, 1836, from which we
copy a few r extracts :
" In early life, although disciplined in moral habits, and
accustomed to attend public worship, she appears to have
been without deep religious impressions, and to have indulged
in the gaieties common to her years. When about twenty-
two years of age, she was occasionally brought under the
ministry of the Methodist preachers ; and whilst hearing the
Rev. W. E. Miller, was , convinced of sin, and led to seek
earnestly, by fervent prayer, an interest in the blood of
Christ, which she soon found, and was enabled to rejoice in
God. She presently experienced that they who will live
godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. From the
members of her family, she met with opposition. When
about to receive her first ticket, as a member of the Methodist
248 MEMORIALS OF
Society, a near relation remonstrated with her in the chapel,
but she obeyed the voice of conscience. For some time
after her marriage with Mr. Thornhill, she remained in
England ; but in the year 1820, the family went with a party
of settlers to Albany, in South Africa, where they continued
some years, and afterwards removed to Cape Town. For
several years she held the office of a class-leader ; and when
her health and circumstances permitted, was eminently ac-
tive in lending assistance to every means used for the pro-
motion of the cause of Christianity, and the welfare of her
fellow- creatures. Having felt the pardoning love of God,
she sought to grow in grace, and was in the habit of press-
ing upon her Christian friends, the necessity and excellence
of entire holiness. Her life illustrated the doctrines she
professed. It was ' a living epistle, known and read of all
men.' The religion which had been her strong consolation
through a tempestuous life, did not fail her in sickness and a
dying hour. During a long and painful illness, her song was
of mercy. Worn down by disease and suffering, her happy
spirit was at length peacefully dismissed, to join in the song
of the redeemed."
On visiting her, when nigh unto death, I found her in a
state of unspeakable happiness. She exclaimed in triumph,
"Jesus is the good foundation the atonement is my
refuge none but Christ none but Christ. Oh, how de-
lightful ! Glory to God !
* Oh ! for a thousand tongues to sing,
My great Redeemer's praise ;
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace.' "
And in this delightful frame, her spirit was caught up to be
with Christ.
Towards the conclusion of the year, I paid a visit to Lily
Fountain, the circumstances of which have been previously
detailed.
SOUTH AFRICA. 249
In 1834, many and important advances were made in
various parts of the circuit. At Somerset, Hottentot's
Holland, a respectable Dutch farmer, had at first allowed
me to preach in his hall, (a large room,) and afterwards we
obtained the use of the village school-room. I subsequently
purchased a house and premises in the midst of the village,
towards which Mrs. Brackenbury of Raithby Hall, the
steady friend of missions, kindly gave one hundred pounds.
The large store connected with the house, was immediately
converted into a chapel, which was opened by brother
Edwards and myself. A traveller, (a Caledonian by birth,)
happening to be at Somerset on the occasion, sent the fol-
lowing account of the services to the Editor of the Adver-
tiser.
" September 29th, 1834. A sojourn in the village of So-
merset, Hottentots' Holland, induced us to attend the
opening of the chapel and school for the slave and coloured
population, on Sunday morning last, the 28th instant. The
day previous was most inclement, from the fury of the wind ;
but * Heaven was in the bosom' of the following morning.
All nature was hushed, the storm was over and gone, the
mist that shrouded the mountains had passed away, the
whole of the beautiful vallies and the glorious marine pros-
pect of Hottentots' Holland, were completely unveiled.
The sun enlivened creation with his heaven-born beams,
the waters danced in the rays, the flowers of spring ex-
panded to his influence, the music of the groves was heard,
and all l the trees of the field clapped their hands.'
" Soon after eight o'clock, the various pathways exhi-
bited the church-going faces of slaves on their way to wor-
ship. Many of these had journeyed from afar : some few
females rode on horseback, and there was a couple of
humble vehicles filled with a few coloured people from the
Cape Downs. The chapel was filled, every seat being oc-
cupied. The Rev. B. Shaw, performed divine service, and
250 MEMORIALS OF
delivered a most annimating discourse. The minister of
the parish, the Rev. Mr. Edgar, with his elder, Mr. T. J.
Roos, and the Field- cornet, Mr. de Vos, were present on
the occasion.
" Long before the afternoon service the place was crowded
to excess, and many were unable to procure admittance.
The Rev. Mr. Edwards delivered an impressive discourse
to one of the most interesting congregations that we ever
beheld. The exterior deportment of each person at this
and the morning service was highly respectable, and the
free-will contributions of these hitherto neglected people
were conspicuous.
"We apprehend this missionary establishment at Hot-
tentots' Holland bids fair to become a model to other
villages, and is highly suited to meet the moral wants of a
large body of the people who are about to become free.
Attached to the chapel here, which is plain and simple,
there are a dwelling-house and garden, which have been
purchased by the zealous missionaries, (Wesleyan,) which
are both commodious and ornamental. In fact, the situa-
tion is of extreme beauty, and a short distance from the sea,
with its supplies of fish. There is, besides, a quantity of
ground, situated for building cottages ; and it is the intention
of the Wesleyans to induce free people to build thereon,
and cultivate the soil. It will be seen that the village of
Somerset will gain much by the presence of rural labourers
within its bosom. The premises thus described, with the
erfs and alterations, appear to have cost about two hundred
pounds. Those who hail the first dawning of a new era in
the colony, will do well to place their gifts on this alter of
Christian benevolence and good will for man."
Klip Fountain, about fifteen miles from Cape Town, is in
the midst of the Cape Downs, and surrounded by sand-hills;
yet here we have an exceedingly attentive congregation,
some of whom travel six or eight miles to attend divine
SOUTH AFRICA. 251
worship. Going thither on one occasion, I was somewhat
delayed by the deep sands and intense heat, and wondered,
being behind my time, that none had come to meet me.
When sufficiently near, however, 1 heard that they had
commenced the service, and were singing a Dutch Hymn,
to the tune of our grand national anthem. Remaining on
the outside till they had concluded, I listened with intense
delight. Indeed the melody of a number of voices, male
and female the situation of the place, being adjacent to
huge hills of sand, which were the very picture of barren-
ness and the fact that the favourite tune of Great Britain
was being sung to the honour of the Redeemer in such a
wilderness, produced on my mind so powerful an effect, that
I could say, with the Sheffield bard,
" I love thee, my native Isle !
Dear as my mother's earliest smile ;
I love thee, when I hear thy voice
Bid a despairing world rejoice,
And loud from shore to shore proclaim,
In every tongue Messiah's name ;
That name, at which from sea to sea,
All nations yet shall bow the knee."
The people here soon determined to erect themselves a
chapel, and in this undertaking they were assisted by Mr.
Gilmer of Cape Town, and other friends, who supplied them
with a pulpit, window-frames, door, &c. The chapel, when
completed, was opened by Mr. Cameron, after which, several
received the truth, and a small society was formed among
them. On marrying the first three couples at this place,
the friends of the parties came from afar to witness the
ceremony, and all appeared greatly interested on seeing the
brides receive each a ring, the English token of union. I
had to thank a friend of Birmingham for a supply of rings,
which, although not gold, had much the appearance of it,
and answered remarkably well. Missionary meetings were
252 MEMORIALS OF
afterwards held in the chapel, when several friends from
Cape Town lent their assistance. I was at first led to Klip
Fountain, in order to visit a poor woman of colour, who was
near death, and had been accustomed elsewhere to attend
our ministry. She was sweetly resigned to the will of God,
and happy in the prospect of a better inheritance. On her
death-bed she informed her children and those around her,
that God would visit them after her departure, and that on
this spot the word of God should be preached, and his truths
made known.
The following extract from a letter of Mr. Cameron's to
the Secretaries, shews a gradual improvement in our general
work of the circuit :
"Cape Town, September Wth, 1834,
66 As I know that you are deeply interested in whatever
concerns the cause of Christ, especially in foreign lands, it
gives me unfeigned pleasure to be able occasionally to fur-
nish you with such facts as tend to prove that the cause is
gradually extending its influence in this part of the globe.
We are unable to record any extraordinary effusion of the
Holy Spirit, or of the glorious results which generally follow
such an event ; and, were these the only criteria of suc-
cess, it would be difficult to substantiate our claim to any
measure of it. But grace is very diversified in its operations;
and sometimes, like the under-current of the ocean, counter-
works unseen the course of the present world, only becoming
evident to us by the effects which it produces ; this inclines
us to believe, that our labours have not been so unsuccessful
as our fears have too often insinuated. I am in no danger
of exaggeration when I say, that since my arrival in this
colony, our prospect of doing good, was never more bright
and encouraging than at the present moment. By steadily
adhering to the instructions given us by the committee,
avoiding all unnecessary interference with political matters,
and attending solely to the duties of our sacred calling, we
SOUTH AFRICA. 253
have secured the approbation of those whom the providence
of God has placed in authority over us. The Governor has
given us proofs that he looks with a friendly eye upon the
work in which we are engaged ; and the Chief Justice, and
other distinguished individuals, have become contributors to
our Auxiliary Missionary Society. The aspect of society in
general is improving ; knowledge is diffused to a consider-
able extent by means of books, tracts, newspapers, &c., and
is silently originating a liberality of thought and feeling
which must eventually destroy every thing of an opposite
character. And, though what we now see, is far from that
completely renovated state of society, which the sure and
unfailing word of prophecy has taught us to anticipate; yet,
when compared with the state of things here at any former
period, it is so manifestly superior, that we may well thank
God and take courage. The extinction of slavery which
draws near, is an event to which we look forward with in-
tense interest, as it will throw open a door by which the
herald of salvation may enter into a wide field of usefulness,
hitherto, with very few exceptions, entirely unoccupied.
Then it is reasonable to suppose that the gospel, having sur-
mounted one of the most formiable obstacles ever opposed
to its progress, will rapidly spread in every direction,
emancipating thousands of wretched and degraded sin-
ners from the thraldom of iniquity, and introducing them
into the glorious liberty of the children of God. But for
this purpose, the Christian Church must put forth renewed
and still more vigorous efforts : and there appears a willing-
ness on her part to do so. But allow me to express a hope
that Africa will not be overlooked."
At Stellenbosch I had preached some years before, but
now we had an invitation signed by several persons, request-
ing us to visit that village as frequent as possible. Several
English families were residing there, who were altogether
destitute of the means of grace, besides a great number of
254 MEMORIALS OF
heathens to whom access could be obtained. The worthy
Mrs. Rose, though belonging to another church, kindly
entertained us. D. J. Van Ryneveld, Esq., the magistrate,
allowed us the use of the government school for our services,
and Mr. J. Allison, the son of a devoted and praying mother,
rendered us all the assistance in his power. Mr. Edwards
is now resident at the village, and his persevering labours
have been crowned with success.
He has a day-school for the heathen children, of about
seventy, and could soon double the number, had he school-
room, or a chapel sufficiently large. An appeal has lately
been made to the inhabitants, to assist in the erection of a
chapel, and Mr. Edwards has met with considerable success.
The happy death of one of his congregation who had been
a slave, had given him great encouragement, and one of the
school children who had also imbibed the truth, was so
enraptured with the prospect of heaven, when near her
dissolution that she exclaimed, " Glory, glory, glory ! and
then sweetly expired."
Towards the close of the year, another of our members,
Mrs. Lucas, was taken away by death. She was one, who,
by her life and deportment verified the sincerity of her pro-
fession, and in all things adorned the doctrine of God, her
Saviour. She was a native of the city of Canterbury, but
had been about fourteen years in the colony. In her afflic-
tion, she was sweetly resigned to the will of God, and when
I said to her, "Jesus is the Rock of Ages," she instantly
replied, "Yes, bless the Lord, I feel him to be so, and
Christ is precious." When taking leave of her, she said,
" Give my love to Mrs. S., and tell her that I shall see her
no more in this world, but that we shall meet in heaven."
She sought for divine grace, that in her severe affliction she
might have patience, and said, " Let not the Lord be angry ;
I shall be received into the arms of Jesus. Give me those
wings that I may tower away to the blissful city above ! O
SOUTH AFRICA. 255
give me those wings that I may tower away !" Soon after
she fell asleep in Jesus. Her soul forsook the heavy clay,
and her happy spirit entered the New Jerusalem.
" The city so holy and clean,
No sorrow can breath in the air,
No gloom of affliction and sin,
No shadow of evil is there."
256 MEMORIALS OF
CHAPTER XVIII.
W. E. UNDERWOOD, ESQ. WYNBERG OPEN AIR PREACHING SANCTION
OF GOVERNOR EXTINCTION OF SLAVERY REV. R. WATSON*S LETTER
ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH RONDEBOSH AND CAMP GROUND ERSK
RIVIER PREACHING UNDER OAK TREE OPPOSITION OF FIELD-COR-
KET AMUSING DIALOGUE WOMAN SINGING HIM TO SILENCE SOM-
ERSET DROOG VALLEY THREE MOHAMMEDANS UNDER SENTENCE
OF DEATH GEO. ALEXANDER, ESQ. CALEDON BATHS PREACH IN
THE REFORMED CHURCH REV. R. GIDDY MR. EDWARDS MR. T. L.
HODGSON REMOVE TO WYNBERG: MISSIONARY MEETING REV. W.
SHAW ARRIVES SYDNEY-STREET CHAPEL OPENED DIEP RIVIER
COLOURED PEOPLE HOLD A PRAYER-MEETING SAIL FOR ENGLAND
MISSIONARY MEETING AND PRESENT PROSPECTS.
W. E. UNDERWOOD, Esq., from India, who came to reside
for a time at Wynberg, greatly sssisted us at that place in
our Sabbath-School, in the distribution of tracts, in visiting
the sick, and in establishing meetings for prayer. He was
indeed ready for every good work, and an example to all
around. Being at our chapel one morning, when my text
was, "Be not weary in well doing," he came into the
house after service, and said, " If you will build a cottage
by the chapel at Wynberg, in which one of the mission-
aries may reside, you may draw on my agent for fifty
pounds to assist." After his departure for Madras, a cottage
was erected, and the money advanced, which was to us,
help in the time of need. During the long and severe
affliction of Mrs. Shaw, he was a most attentive and sympa-
thizing friend, having learnt the lesson taught by the
SOUTH AFRICA. 257
Apostle, Rom. xii. 15, " Rejoice with them that do rejoice,
and weep with them that weep."
Being requested to meet his excellency the governor, I
immediately repaired to his office. He wished to ask some
questions respecting our preaching in the open air, as a
magistrate had referred him to colonial law of ancient date
on the subject, and was desirous of knowing whether he
should act upon it. Having satisfied him as to the necessity
and probable utility of occasionally preaching in the open
air, especially to those whose religion forbade them to enter
any place of Christian worship, Sir Benjamin said, "We
must stop nothing which is in any way calculated to be
useful." I afterwards received a letter from the colonial
office expressing in the most unqualified terms, the confi-
dence reposed in the Wesleyan missionaries, with un-
bounded liberty for preaching at all times, and wherever we
might think proper, without molestation.
On the 30th of November, in the evening, I had the
pleasure of tolling the passing bell of Cape slavery. After
preaching in English from Psalm Ixxxix. 15, " Blessed is the
people that know the joyful sound ; they shall walk, O Lord,
in the light of thy countenance." I announced that on the
clock striking twelve, the monster would expire. The next
morning I awoke about two o'clock, with the words, "Africa
is free," powerfully impressed upon my mind, and .felt a
longing desire that all her sons might be "free indeed."
The beautiful lines of J. Montgomery, are so appropriate to
the subject that I cannot deny myself the pleasure of in-
serting them.
tg
" Blow ye the trumpet abroad o'er the sea ;
Britannia hath conquer'd, the Negro is free :
Sing, for the pride of the tyrant is broken,
His scourges and fetters, all clotted with blood,
R
258 MEMORIALS OF
Are wrench'd from his grasp, for the word was but spoken,
And fetters and scourges were plunged in the flood :
Blow ye the trumpet abroad o'er the sea,
Britannia hath conquer'd, the Negro is free.
" Hail to the Britannia, fair liberty's isle!
Her frown quail' d the tyrant, the slave caught her smile :
Fly on the winds to tell Afric the story ;
Say to the mother of mourners, ' Rejoice ! '
Britannia went forth, in her beauty, her glory,
And slaves sprang to men at the sound of her voice :
Praise to the God of our fathers, 'twas he,
Jehovah, that conquer'd, my country! by thee."
Upon this subject the author has in his possession a
letter written by the Rev. E,. Watson, dated London,
October 31, 1832.
" My dear brother. I rejoice to find by your letter last
received, that you are well and able so actively to employ
yourself. Your plan of going to the destitute population,
which would not come to you, is important. To be effec-
tual, however, it must be done on a plan, and persevered
in. It is truly Methodistic, and what is a higher sanction,
truly Christian. Christ and his Apostles were great house
preachers, and neither churches nor chapels have made this
Work anywhere unnecessary.
" Your doing something more among the slaves is very
gratifying to us. To get access to them we know you
will compromise no principle in that great moral question,
which can never be palliated on Christian principles, much
less defended, and which Mr. Wesley, describes as ' the
execrable sum of all villanies.' But on civil matters the mis-
sionary may lawfully be silent and just mind one thing, to
do all the spiritual good he can to the souls of masters and
slaves. But let not his neutrality be on one side, let him be
neutral fairly ; this is our rule. In spite of all opposers and
SOUTH AFRICA. 259
all trimmers, the cry of the oppressed goes up before God,
and will be heard in its season.
"My kind regards to Mrs. Shaw, and believe me always,
" Very affectionately, yours, R. WATSON."
21st of December, St. George's Church was set apart for
religious worship. The Rev. G. Hough, senior chaplain
of the Cape, preached an eloquent and impressive sermon
to a crowded assembly, and the school children surround-
ing the organ sung delightfully. The building is elegant
and spacious, affording ample accommodation for the poor,
and no longer can the English inhabitants complain for
want of a suitable place for public devotion. When the Son
of Man shall come in his glory, and all nations shall stand
at his bar, then
" May it before the world appear,
That crowds were born to glory there."
1835. At Rondebosch and its vicinity, where there were
many apprentices, I began to preach the word of life.
Service was conducted for their benefit on the camp ground
under a viranda. Several masters and mistresses were like-
wise present, among whom were Sir John and Lady
Truter, our long-tried friends. I visited several other
places, but soon found that the Mohammedans followed
after, zealously endeavouring to subvert the truth by the
propagation of their delusions. " Arm of the Lord ! awake,
awake."
" The Arab thief, and fiend expel,
And chase his doctrine back to hell."
Desirous of preaching to the apprentices in the neigh-
bourhood of Eerste Rivier, I requested some of the masters
to allow me the use of a vacant room or building, but I was
refused. I determined therefore to preach in the open air,
to as many as might think proper to come and hear. My
design being previously known, I arrived at the company's
260 MEMORIALS OF
drift on the 1st of March, at one o'clock, an hour before the
time appointed for the commencement of the service.
Many people were already assembled, some of whom had
come the distance of eight or ten miles. At the time for
commencement, I took my stand under a large spreading
oak, and the people delightfully united in singing " Halle-
lujah lof zy den Heer;" or "Hallelujah, praise ye the
Lord." The shade of the royal oak on the banks of the
river, and the stream running over the rocks beneath, were
favourable to devotional feelings, so that every succeeding
verse of the hymn seemed to create a new interest, and
swell the song of praise. After reading the tenth chapter
of Romans, and engaging in prayer, I gave out the text as
appropriate for the occasion, " Go ye into all the world and
preach the Gospel to every creature." The deepest atten-
tion was manifested by all the heathen, till the conclusion
of the service. The field-cornet, and several others, stood
at a distance. After the service, he came up to me, and
charged me not to come to that place again, without his
permission. I informed him, that it was not requisite for
rne to ask his permission, or that of any other person, seeing
that I had the authority of the Bible, and the sanction of
the government. He was exceedingly angry, and threa-
tened the apprentices. So, to end the matter, I published
that, on the first Sabbath in April, my life being spared, I
should preach there again. In order to fulfil this engage-
ment, I left Gape Town on Saturday afternoon, April 4th,
and reached the house of Diana, a woman of colour, who
resides upon the Cape Flats, a little after sunset, In com-
pliance with her request I remained there all night, preached
in the cottage early next morning, and then set out for the
place of my appointment.
On my way thither, it began to rain, and while crossing
the wilderness, thus solitary and alone, I was greatly cast
down with the idea that I could have no congregation, and
SOUTH AFRICA. 261
that our enemies would triumph over us. On my arrival at
the place, there was one aged black man walking up and
down beneath the trees, but several others soon arrived.
The field-cornet, who had behaved so unkindly the last
time I was here, now sent a messenger with an order that
we should go on the other side of the river. I told the
messenger to give my compliments to his master, and to
inform him, that, as we should not trespass on any private
property, but keep our service on the king's highway, we
did not need his interference on the occasion, but should
choose our own place. The field-cornet soon arrived,
when, the following conversation took place :
Field-Cornet. " What kind of message was that you sent
me."
Missionary. " I sent my compliments, and desired the
messenger to inform you that we should choose our own
place."
Field-Cornet. " The other side of the river is the proper
outspanning or halting-place, and there you ought to go."
Missionary. " The last time I was here I engaged to
preach beneath this tree, under the shade of which I am
now standing."
Field-Cornet. " But why not go on the other side of the
river."
Missionary. "Because myself, and the people assem-
bled, have equally as much right here as you have. These
apprentices have as much right, being his Majesty's sub-
jects, to walk, or stand, or sit here as you or any other
person."
Field-Cornet. "But this was my father's ground; he
only allowed government the use of this road."
Missionary. " Your father either gave it or sold it to
government, according to your account. I care not whether
of the two. It is now the king's highway; 1 have measur-
ed it, and there is room enough for our congregation ; so
262 MEMORIALS OF
here we shall remain ; and it will be at the peril of any man
to molest us. I have permission from his excellency the
governor to preach through this whole country."
Field-Cornet. "I know it; but the horses are standing
on my ground. If they are not immediately taken away,
they will be sent to the pound."
Missionary. " Place all the horses in the middle of the
road, and some one of you (to the apprentices) stand by,
and take care of them."
A woman of colour now came through the river well
mounted, and rode up beneath the trees, where the other
horses had been standing.
Field-Cornet. "If you do not take that horse away, he
shall be sent to the pound."
Woman. " You send my horse to the pound ! He cost
the sum of two hundred rix dollars, and I have come all this
distance (about fifteen miles) to hear the gospel, which you
wish to prevent being preached."
Addressing herself to me, she said, "Can we not sing a
psalm, Sir, and put a stop to him ?" I answered, that our
people were not acquainted with the Dutch Psalms, so as to
sing them: but, as soon as they should be collected together,
we should commence by singing a hymn. The woman now
sat down with the rest : but it was not long before she rose
up, and said, " My beloved sisters and brothers, by your
permission, I will sing a psalm suitable to the occasion ;"
and, after giving out a verse, she began and sung with a
loud voice, the ninth psalm, from the twelfth verse to the
end. One verse of it runs thus :
u De stoute Zondaars Zullen snel,
Te rugge keeren naar de hel,.
Met al de godvergetende benden,
Der Heidenen, die zyn wetten schenden."
This psalm, for a time, drove the field-cornet from us ; and
the weather having cleared up, we commenced our service,
SOUTH AFRICA. 263
while he sat on his horse at the distance of about forty
yards. Had this been a fine day, we should have had a
large audience, as it was known all around. There were,
however, many more than I had expected. I suppose about
two hundred were present, while I proclaimed, " Behold
now is the day of salvation." I returned to Cape Town
after service, having ridden during the day, about thirty-
five miles, preached twice, and been exposed for three or
four hours in the rain. I had a cup of coffee and a bit of
bread about six o'clock in the morning ; from that time, I
had neither breakfast nor dinner, not even a drink of water,
till I reached home about eight o'clock ; yet I was quite
hearty and strong. " Bless the Lord, O my soul !"
On the 30th of May, I rode to Droog- Valley, to the place
of Captain Proctor, about forty miles from Cape Town, and
was most kindly received by the whole family.
31st. Preached in the forenoon in English, and in the
afternoon in Dutch. The number of persons residing on
this place is one hundred and two. They have divine
service every Lord's day, when Miss Proctor reads the
prayers, and an appropriate discourse. May the divine
blessing rest on this house !
At Somerset our congregation increased, and became to
me one of the most interesting that I had ever beheld. In
it were to be seen faces fair as the whitest European, and
sable as the blackest son of Mosambique; children, also, of
three or four years of age, and men bending under the
weight of sixty or seventy. How encouraging is that pro-
mise of Jehovah ? " It shall come to pass, that I will gather
all nations and tongues, and they shall behold my glory."
In November, I was called upon to visit three Moham-
medans under sentence of death, and found them exceedingly
ignorant, yet willing to receive instruction. During the
course of my visits, two of them appeared thankful when I
had prayed with them, and said that they called upon God
264 MEMORIALS OF
and Jesus Christ. On explaining the need of a Mediator
between God and man, they gave their assent to the doctrine
of reconciliation through a crucified Redeemer. Not one of
them could read, and the oldest, in particular, acknowledged
his great ignorance. He stated that he was born a slave ?
and had never received any instruction from his master, but
that as soon as he was able to put on his clothes, he had
been sent to work. Referring to the circumstance of their
having become Mohammedans, he said, " Wy waren verla-
ten om een geloof voor zelfs te zooken." (We were left to
seek a faith for ourselves.) Thus, he might have gone to
the place of execution declaring, " No man careth for my
soul."
George Alexander, Esq., of Calcutta, being about to pro-
ceed to the Caledon Bath, kindly invited me to accompany
him, which offer I accepted with thankfulness, having need
of rest, and an opportunity being thus afforded of trying the
water. Mr. Alexander had attended our chapel at Wynberg,
and greatly assisted in its enlargement. Often have I taken
sweet council with him and his excellent partner ; but,
especially in the solitude of the Bath, T found him an agree-
able companion, and a faithful friend. While at Caledon,
we commenced a sabbath- school for the apprentices, and I
frequently preached in Dutch and English. Once I was in-
vited to preach in the Dutch Reformed Church, and accepted
the invitation ; but being a missionary as well as a minister,
some did not approve of my occupying the pulpit, and there-
fore those who were willing to hear, filled the school-room,
and listened with attention. Upon the whole, our visit to
Caledon was agreeable to ourselves, and profitable to the
village; for a pressing memorial was written, and signed by
many of the inhabitants, requesting that our missionary at
Somerset should preach to them as frequently as possible.
The Rev. R. Giddy, who had been specially appointed for
the Bechuana country, but who greatly assisted us in the
SOUTH AFRICA. 265
Cape circuit, till the arrival of Mr. Edwards, was then
residing at Somerset, and gladly complied with their request.
The following extracts of a letter were written by him to the
committee after his arrival at his own station:
"Thaba Unchu, May 15th, 1837. As early as possible
after the arrival of your letter, I left Somerset, and repaired
to Cape Town, to await the arrival of Mr. W. Shaw. Though
fully, I trust, disposed to go into the interior, and meet any
difficulties which might occur in the prosecution of my work,
I could not but regret leaving a circuit where openings for
usefulness, and for the extension of our work, were present-
ing themselves on every hand. Though I had laboured but
eleven months in that part, God had blessed his word ; and
I only lament, that when obstacles were giving way, and
opposition, which had once been so formidable, was begin-
ning to moderate, and I had in view several plans for the
establishment and yet further extension of our work, I should
have been unavoidably removed. If I were allowed to ex-
press an opinion on the subject, I should say, that an
additional missionary, or an assistant, for the Somerset
circuit, is quite necessary. Caledon, which is one of our
most hopeful places, can otherwise be visited but once in
three weeks ; and as the missionary is without any local
help, there is no way whatever of filling up the intervening
weeks. Another place, French Hoek, containing, I am told,
five hundred souls, might advantageously be taken into
the circuit, were it not that other places fully occupy his
attention.
" My last communication will have informed you of the
state of the Somerset circuit. We have there much to en-
courage us, but, I fear, unless additional help be sent, and
our measures executed with promptness, the good effect
produced will speedily pass away. Jf another labourer be
sent, both may be employed in preaching, on one or another
of the neighbouring estates, every day in the week, and the
266 MEMORIALS OF
people are not unprepared. Some happy seasons have I
enjoyed at Somerset, with a few who were beginning to seek
after God. Twice in the week I spoke to each individual
present, just as in our class-meetings, as far as time would
permit, and found that I was enabled to address them this
way, with considerable effect, and that the word spoken told
on their hearts. The sabbath previous to my leaving, I
baptized two whom I had previously examined. It was a
solemn time. May God grant, that the whole congregation
and neighbourhood may speedily be baptized with the Holy
Ghost !
"January 1st. 1837. The congregation at Caledon this
evening was rather large ; and I endeavoured to deliver my
soul. I had now to take leave of this people, having received
orders from the committee to remove to the Bechuana mis-
sion. When one has to leave a people to whom he has been
for some time employed in ministering the word of eternal
life, a certain train of reflections forces itself upon the mind.
His opportunities of speaking to them are at an end ; his
offers of salvation are to be made to them no more ; whether
he has been faithful or faithless, his ministry is to close ;
and his works stand over to the day of God, to undergo the
keen and penetrating search of Omniscience. But, leaving
this people, I trust I can say, I have endeavoured to declare
unto them the whole counsel of God. Some have heard, and
I hope have been benefited ; others remain unchanged ; may
the former be preserved in the right way, the latter speedily
be brought in, and both stand at last at the right hand of
God!"
In a recent letter from Mr. Edwards, who has now the
charge of Somerset, he says, " Since the day of emancipa-
tion, our congregations have been very good, and there is a
great desire, on the part of the coloured people, to have their
children taught to read the scriptures. Upwards of one
hundred are on the list. I have measured off several plots
SOUTH AFRICA. 267
of ground for the late apprentices, and expect that many of
them will soon begin to build their houses. I wish you
would beg us a good supply of spades, mattocks, &c., and
send them by the first opportunity."
In the month of January, 1836, Mr. Hodgson again
arrived in the Cape, to the great joy of those who had
known him in former years. He looked well, and was as
active and zealous as he had been fifteen years before. I
had feared, that during an absence of five years from Africa,
he might in part have forgotten the language; but he
preached Dutch with great fluency, and is likely to be ex-
tensively useful to the people of colour.
The cottage at Wynberg being finished, I left the mission
house at Cape Town, and went to reside there. The Rev.
TV. Longbottom from Madras, who, on account of his health,
was likewise remaining there, frequently preached for us, to
the great satisfaction of those who heard. Mr. J. M. May-
nard, of Wynberg, kindly allowed me the use of a room,
rent free, for our week-night services, in which I preached
in Dutch, to some of the lowest characters. The sabbath-
school, at which some of the emigrant apprentices from
England attended, prospered exceedingly. The young peo-
ple commenced a Dorcas society, to furnish some of the
destitute with clothing, and met once a week to labour.
At the conclusion of the year, our congregations had
greatly increased, and we united in thanksgiving to God for
all his mercies. A watch-night service was held in this
village for the first time, in conducting which I was assisted
by Mr. R. Townley, son of the late revered Dr. Townley,
and now one of our local preachers. A few months after my
arrival in England, a missionary meeting was held, an ac-
count of which is thus given, by one of the missionaries on
the station :
" On Tuesday evening, the 26th of September, the Wyn-
berg missionary meeting was held. We had exceedingly to
268 MEMORIALS OF
regret, on that occasion, the sraallness of the chapel. The
pulpit had been taken out, the end of the chapel thrown
open into the vestry, and every spare corner filled up with
additional seats; yet great numbers who came could not
gain accommodation, and remained round the windows out-
side the chapel, during the whole time of the meeting. The
chair was taken by H. Nisbett, Esq., of the Bengal civil
service, and brother to the gentleman who some time since
contributed the sum of two hundred pounds towards the
establishment of a Wesleyan mission in Great Narnacqua-
land. The truly Christian spirit in which Mr. Nisbett
opened the meeting, threw a delightful feeling into all its
proceedings, for the speakers felt they had a congregation
to address, whose rivetted attention showed that they eagerly
received what was advanced; and they felt that they were
supported by a chairman who had brought both hand and
heart to engage in this blessed cause. Notwithstanding the
chapel was crowded almost to suffocation, and the services
were extended to a late hour, yet the deep interest which all
appeared to take in the proceedings of the evening, kept
them seriously attentive to the last. A collection was made
in behalf of our missions, which, together with the one made
after the sermon on the Sunday evening, amounted to a31
5s. 4i;d. ; and considering that this is only a small village, it af-
fords a most gratifying evidence of the strength and extent of
the missionary spirit by which the people here are actuated."
Upon the arrival of the Rev. W. Shaw at the Cape, on his
way to Graham's Town, early in 1837, having previously
obtained the sanction of the committee, I determined to
return again, for a season, to my native land. Before my
departure, a chapel in the suburbs of Cape Town, raised by
the exertions of Mr. Hodgson, was opened by Mr. W. Shaw
and myself. It is employed as a day and sabbath-school,
and is likely to answer well. Having obtained from his
excellency the governor, a grant of land at the Diep Rivier,
SOUTH AFRICA. 269
in behalf of the committee, a small building was erected for
a school and temporary chapel, which also, on the 23rd of
April, I opened, by preaching in Dutch from, "This man
receiveth sinners." About one hundred persons were present,
and we had a liberal collection. The coloured people of the
Cape society, hearing that our passage was taken, held a
meeting among themselves, on the evening of the 1st of May,
to pray that we might be safely conducted across the mighty
deep. On the 3rd, we were ordered on board the Duke of
Northumberland, and before leaving, Mr. Hodgson proposed
prayer. One of the local preachers was requested to engage
in that solemn duty, and attempted, but could not proceed.
Mr. H. then endeavoured, but his feelings were likewise
overpowered ; when another friend uttered a few sentences,
and we departed. Many accompanied us to the ship, to bid
farewell ; and, early next morning, we were bearing away
between Robben Island and the mainland. My last sight of
land was through the port-hole of the cabin, where I was
lying exceedingly sick, and only able to drop a tear and say,
" Pity poor Africa ! "
Since my arrival in England, it has given me considerable
pleasure to receive the following account of the missionary
meeting in Cape Town :
" On Sunday evening, October 1st, 1837, the anniversary
sermon of the Cape Town missionary society, was preached
by Mr. Clough, in Wesley Chapel, to a very large and seri-
ously attentive congregation ; and on Monday evening fol-
lowing, the missionary meeting was held in the same place.
Seldom, if ever, was such a congregation seen in the Cape
Town chapel, as on this occasion. Even the aisles and
recesses were crowded ; and the attention of the meeting was
kept up to the last, so that scarcely an individual retired
before the meeting was closed. Life and energy character-
ized the addresses, some of which deserve greater publicity
270 MEMORIALS OF
than can be given in a mere notice like the present, especi-
ally the one delivered by the Rev. Mr. Stegman, one of the
Lutheran ministers of the town. The meeting was also ad-
dressed, at considerable length, by Captain Alexander, the
celebrated African traveller, who has just returned from a
tour into the interior. This gentleman having, in the course
of his travels, visited many missionary stations, felt it to be
a duty, he said, to come forward and bear his humble testi-
mony, from what he had seen, to the importance and
efficiency of those missions, and the beneficial influence they
are exerting among the native tribes of the interior of South
Africa. Captain Alexander gave a very affecting view of the
destitute state of many of the regions through which he had
passed, and of many fine openings which presented them-
selves for the immediate entrance of missionaries, with every
prospect of success; the natives throughout the line of his
travels, everywhere expressing their anxiety to have Chris-
tian missionaries among them. In fact, he left the impres-
sion indelibly fixed on the mind of the meeting, that if ever
Africa is to be brought to rank among the civilized and
Christian parts of the world, it must be effected mainly by
the efforts of missionaries, as human governments could
only act a very subordinate part in this great work, owing
to the peculiar localities, habits, and moral condition of the
natives."
The report stated, that the noble sum of 336 had been
raised for mission purposes, during the year. Thus the
mission in Cape Town and its vicinity is steadily rising in
importance. The school department is in an encouraging
state, and the missionaries are actively and usefully em-
ployed. Some of the Fingoes are residing on the private
property of a gentleman who speaks well of their conduct ;
and in their village under Table Mountain, Mr. Haddy had
preached to them in their own language.
SOUTH AFRICA. 271
CHAPTER XIX.
ALBANY ARRANGEMENTS OF THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENT GRA-
HAM'S TOWN SUCCESS KAFFRARIA REV. w. SHAW PATO,
CONGA, AND KAMA THE TAMBOOKIE COUNTRY MR. WHITWORTH
DOOSHANI ISLAMBIE KIND RECEPTION HINTZA VOSSANI SANC-
TITY OF THE SABBATH FINGOE MISSION WESLEYVILLE REV. J.
AYLIFF BEKA NEWTONDALE MOUNT COKE REV. H. D. DUGMORE
UMHALA TASTE FOR ENGLISH HABITS, &C RESPECT FOR MISSIONS
BUTTERWORTH HINTZA AMATEMBU REV. R. HADDY VOOSAM-
IE's KIND ATTENTIONS CLARKBURY MORLEY AMAPONDO CAPAI
LOVE OF WAR DESIRE FOR MISSIONARIES MISSIONARY MEETING
IN WESLEYVILLE, HELD IN THE OPEN AIR LIEUT. COL. SOMERSET
PRESIDES SPEECHES OF THE CHIEFS GRAHAM'S TOWN BOYCE's
GRAMMAR PRINTING PRESS BOYCE's " NOTES ON SOUTH AFRICAN
AFFAIRS."
ALBANY.
THE following account of the British Settlement in Albany,
and of the progress of Christianity in that part of Southern
Africa, was furnished by the author to the missionary com-
mittee, and appeared in the quarterly paper for December,
1833,
" The district of Albany forms the north-eastern bound-
ary of the colony of the Cape of Good Hope, and is one of
the most thickly-populated, and important of the ten dis-
tricts into which that extensive colony is divided. Its boun-
daries are, the district of Utenhage on the west ; that of
Somerset towards the north; it joins the populous country of
272 MEMORIALS OF
the Kaffirs on the east ; and is washed by the waves of the
Southern Ocean on the south. Its entire surface has been
computed to cover a space of 4800 miles, or 3,072,000
English acres.
"Previously to the year, 1820, this tract of country was
called, by the Dutch colonists, the " Zuur Veldt," or Sour
Grass Country, from the peculiar nature of the pasturage
which prevails in some parts of it. About fifty years ago
this country was occupied by several powerful clans of Hot-
tentot's, especially the Gonakwa or Gonna Tribe, whose
chief, called Ruyter by the Dutch, but known to the Kaffirs
by the name of Kohlo, was a man of such superior tact and
commanding influence, that he preserved his country from
the encroachments of the Dutch colonists on the one hand,
and of the Kaffir tribes on the other. After the death of
this chief, and the dispersion of his clan, which followed
that event, a few Dutch Farmers frequently attempted to
establish themselves in this country; but they were as often
disturbed by the frontier tribes of Kaffirs, who were anxious
to enlarge their borders, and to possess themselves of the
Zuur Veldt.
" These conflicting interests gave rise to that petty but
ruinous warfare which was carried on between them, and
the Dutch colonists for many years; and thus the Zuur
Veldt became the scene of a series of robberies, house-
burnings, and murders, similar to those which, for many
generations, were perpetrated betwixt the Scottish High-
landers and their neighbours. This unhappy state of affairs
was partially changed, after the second capture of the colony
by the English ; and the Kaffirs were ultimately compelled
to retire behind the Great Fish River, which was unquestion-
ably the boundary of their country, previously to the period
to which allusion has been made.
" Albany was not, however, finally settled till the early
part of the year, 1820, when an extensive emigration from
SOUTH AFRICA. 273
England to the Cape Colony took place. The British set-
tlers, amounting to nearly five thousand souls, arrived at the
Cape in April and May of that year. A large parliamentary
grant having been made in aid of emigration, they were sent
out by government, free of expense to themselves; and the
greater portion of them being landed at Algoa Bay, were
ultimately located in the Zuur Veldt, which was formed into
a separate district, and received the name of Albany.
" The general appearance of the country is beautiful and
picturesque : it presents many grand and romantic views,
which are now enlivened, at various points, by the neat
white-washed cottages of the settlers. These, together with
various patches of cultivation, and other signs of improve-
ment, introduced and introducing by a healthy, moral, and
happy population, never fail to inspire the mind of the
traveller with a feeling of indescribable delight, as he rides
through the various parts of the district.
" During the first few years of the settlement, the settlers
endured many privations, and some were reduced to great
straits and necessities, arising from various causes, most of
which have long ceased to exist ; but it may be confidently
affirmed, that no British colony was ever established, in
which the first settlers encountered less difficulties, or sooner
surmounted them, than the British settlers in Albany. Those
of them who are still employed in agriculture and grazing
are perhaps not accumulating wealth, but they all live, not
only above want, but in great comfort ; and since the more
happy arrangements with the Kaffir tribes have introduced
a traffic with the interior, a considerable number of persons
are engaged in commerce, with profit to themselves, and ad-
vantage to the colony.
" It has been thought, that this general outline of the his-
tory and present state of the British settlement in Albany,
would be interesting to the reader; but as a few facts relative
to the religious state of Albany, and its connexion with plans
s
274 MEMORIALS OF
for promoting the spread of the gospel among the native
tribes of Southern Africa, will no doubt be expected, the
lover of Christian missions is earnestly requested to read and
consider the following statement
"When the government issued proposals, in 1819, for
sending settlers to the Cape, it was provided that, in cases
where one hundred families agreed to emigrate in a party,
under one leader, a minister of any religious persuasion which
the party might select, should be supported by the colonial
government In consequence of this arrangement, a number
of pious persons, members of the Wesleyan Methodist Soci-
ety, united in forming a party ; and, as many other families,
who were not Wesleyans, yet readily united with them on
the understanding that a Wesleyan minister should be se-
lected, a company of more than one hundred families was
easily formed ; and through the intervention of some influ-
ential persons, whose sagacity quickly perceived in this
movement, a prospect of much good to Africa, the committee
of the Wesleyan Missionary Society complied with the
request of the people, by appointing the author to accompany
them to the new colony.
" The mission thus established, has been greatly blessed
of the Lord. Effectual provision has been made for the
spiritual necessities of an interesting people, who have not
received the word of God in vain. The missionary lost no
time in establishing an itinerating system, by which the
gospel was preached in nearly all the settlements. As the
work prospered and enlarged, the first missionary was joined
by several zealous coadjutors, who laboured both in Albany
and the regions beyond. The effect of their united labours,
together with those of the missionaries of other societies, has
been that, under the Divine blessing, 'the wilderness and
the solitary place have been glad for them, and the desert
has rejoiced and blossomed as the rose.'
" Graham's Town is the head of the district. A second
SOUTH AFRICA. 275
chapel has been built in that town by the Wesleyan society.
It was opened on the 16th of December, 1832, and is a very
handsome and substantial building, capable of accommoda-
ting more than one thousand hearers. The original chapel,
which will accommodate upwards of four hundred persons,
is now used as a school-house, and also as a place of worship
for the black and coloured population, for whose benefit it
is requisite to hold separate services, as they do not gene-
rally understand the English language.
"Several substantial chapels have been erected in various
parts of the settlement, by the voluntary contributions of the
inhabitants. In many parts of the district, were it not for
these chapels, the settlers would have no facilities whatever
for regularly attending public worship. Sunday-schools
have been established in connexion with these places of
worship ; and in the Wesleyan schools alone, about eight
hundred children and adults, including white and black,
bond and free, are taught to read the word of God, and in-
structed in the principles and morals of the Christian religion.
" By these means, not only has the English population
been preserved from moral degeneracy, but the tone of moral
and religious feeling now existing among them would not
suffer by a comparison with the high standard which pre-
vails in the most enlightened districts of Great Britain. At
the same time, the aborigines have not been neglected.
Many of those who reside within the British settlement have
been brought under the influence of Christianity ; a very en-
couraging number have received baptism, and are now con-
sistent members of the Christian Church."
Since the late Kaffir war, an extensive revival of religion
has taken place at Graham's Town, which has been followed
by important and permanent results, as is evinced by the
subjoined extract from the district report of 1838 :
"The native congregation continues large, and indeed is
so numerous, that the chapel has become too small for their
276 MEMORIALS OF
accommodation. Nothing can be more interesting than to
behold the clean and respectable appearance of this congre-
gation on the sabbath-day. It is composed ef people be-
longing to a great variety of tribes. This circumstance
renders our labours more interesting to ourselves, and per-
haps more important to the general interests of Christianity
in Africa; but from the diversity of language, it occasions
some difficulty in arranging an effective plan of religious
services. However, the English, Dutch, Kaffir, and occa-
sionally the Bechuana languages are used, as the means of
conveying instruction to this people. It is gratifying to
report, that some of them came many miles on the Lord's
day to attend public services. This congregation partook
largely of the late religious revival ; and there are now
nearly one hundred accredited members of society, of various
tribes, connected with it."
The last intelligence from Graham's Town is truly cheer-
ing, as given by the Rev. W. Shaw :
"August 23re?, 1839. I avail myself of the first opportu-
nity of informing you that we have just held our principal
centenary meetings for this district, and that our people,
in this remote corner of the world, have far exceeded my
highest anticipations, not only in the amount of their contri-
butions, but also, in the noble and Christian spirit which
they have universally manifested on the occasion.
" Owing to the non-arrival of the Elizabeth, by which a
supply of the centenary volume, and various centenary papers
and documents, for our guidance and assistance, had been
forwarded, I had not the benefit of those hints and directions
which the matured experience of our friends in England
would have afforded; but, as the most convenient time for
holding our meetings was considered to be the month of
August, I resolved to proceed without waiting for those
documents, and to form a plan for ourselves, upon such
general views of your proceedings, as we had been able to
SOUTH AFRICA. 277
collect from the ample statements contained in the Watch-
man newspaper.
"After holding several preparatory meetings, with most of
our leading friends residing in Graham's Town, at which I
found them unanimously resolved to adopt, in all our cen-
tenary proceedings, the suggestion so happily expressed by
Dr. Bunting, at the great Manchester meeting, namely, that
they would ' agree to agree? they talked with each other
freely as to the benefits received by themselves and families,
through the influence of Wesleyan Methodism, and resolved
to attend the public meeting fully prepared to set the people
a good example of Christian liberality on the occasion.
"On Sunday last, August 18th, Mr. Boyce and myself,
according to the previous arrangement of the provisional
committee, preached sermons with reference to the Centenary
of Methodism, availing ourselves of the opportunity of bring-
ing under review, the personal character and labours of the
Rev. John Wesley, and the rise, progress, and present state
of the Wesleyan Methodist Societies throughout the world.
On Tuesday evening, from four to five hundred members
of our society and congregation sat down to tea in our large
new school-house. You will readily believe, that to me it
was a very interesting sight, to see so large a Methodist
family collected together, when I say, that I distinctly re-
member forming the first class in this town, in 1820, which
consisted of not more than seven members. The number
who would have gladly attended the tea-meeting, would have
been much greater, had it been possible to obtain room for
them within the building. After the tea-meeting we ad-
journed to the chapel, which was crowded by those who
had obtained cards of admission. I need not detail the
manner in which the meeting was conducted. After the
devotional services, and an address from myself, explanatory
of the reasons of this centenary observance, and also of the
manner in which the centenary fund is to be appropriated,
278 MEMORIALS OF
I left the whole affair with the people themselves, and very
soon various respected individuals rose in rapid succession,
and spoke, in a spirit of pious gratitude, of the innumerable
benefits conferred upon themselves and families, by the
Divine blessing on Wesleyan agencies. Blank papers, with
writing materials, were ready to record the thank-offerings of
the people ; these were very freely used ; and I was called
upon to read paper after paper, containing a statement of the
sums intended to be presented to the fund. One highly
respectable friend gave 75, others 30, to 50 or 60
and, at an early period of the meeting, an aged member of
the society, from the West of England, whom, with his
sons, God has greatly prospered since their arrival in this
country, presented, for himself and numerous family, 150
sterling. These good examples were very readily followed ;
and you will, I am persuaded, be surprised to hear, that the
amount contributed, before the close of the first night's meet-
ing, reached the sum of 1884. As it became late, I was
obliged to adjourn the meeting to the next evening, so as to
give further time to some of our friends, who had not had an
opportunity of consulting with their families, as to what
offerings they ought to present. The adjourned meeting was
held last night, (August 22nd,) and was conducted in the
same manner, as on the preceding evening ; and it was
also characterized by the same pious, happy, and harmonious
feeling. The additional amount subscribed at the adjourned
meeting, was about 264; making the total amount con-
tributed at this centenary meeting for Graham's Town, not
less than 2150 sterling. In this sum are included several
handsome donations from country friends residing in the
Fort Beaufort circuit ; but it will yet receive a considerable
addition from the country places, where we design shortly to
hold centenary meetings, which will be attended by several
ministers and other friends, who have been appointed as
deputations for that purpose.
SOUTH AFRICA. 279
" Several of my esteemed brethren from the nearest stations
were present, and rendered valuable assistance in promoting
the good feeling and great success of the meeting ; and the
missionaries in the district have all followed the example of
their fathers and brethren at home, by contributing according
to their ability, yea, and beyond their ability, to the great
cause. But I think you will allow me to boast of our people
in this district: the whole number of our English members
(the only class among us who can give anything beyond very
small sums,) does not exceed six hundred, including many
very young persons. Now I feel that I run no risk in say-
ing, that we shall be able to remit to the centenary fund, not
less than *2500 sterling, for the Albany district; and I
question whether, even in England, any society, comprising
only a similar number of individuals, has made a greater
effort than this, always, of course, excepting the individual
munificent donations of hundreds and thousands, from the
more wealthy members of our United Society. You appear
to have had happy meetings throughout England and Ire-
land, but happy beyond description must they have been, if,
in this respect, they exceeded our meetings here. However,
be^this as it may, I feel confident, that in no place could the
devotional feeling be higher, than it was among the Wesley-
ans of Graham's Town, when, assembled in their chapel,
they sang, as with one great united heart, and mighty voice,
in a fine old psalm tune,
u All hail ' a hundred years ago,'
And when our lips are dumb,
Be millions heard rejoicing so
A hundred years to come ! "
" Believe me, dear fathers and brethren,
" Yours, respectfully and faithfully,
W. SHAW."
280 MEMORIALS OF
KAFFRARIA.
The important mission to Kaffraria was commenced in the
year 1823, by Mr. W. Shaw. He was accompanied by a
pious local preacher and his wife from Albany. The follow-
ing extract of a letter, dated Wesley ville, Kaffraria, Decem-
ber, 1823, states their entrance among the Kaffirs.
" I avail myself of the present opportunity to inform you of
our removal from Albany, and safe arrival at the new station
in Kaffir-land. We were received by Pato, and his brothers
Conga and Kama, with a great number of their people, as
though we had been making a triumphal entry: all was
bustle , and as is usual, where many wild, untutored people
are assembled together, all was noise and clamour. Every
thing about us was wonderful, and excited the greatest as-
tonishment ; our wagons, our wives, our children, all were
examined with attention, and appeared to make the specta-
tors wonderfully loquacious. Our wagons were drawn up
under the shade of one of the beautiful yellow wood trees,
that grow along the side of the river. Here we unyoked the
oxen, pitched our tent, and praised God for having brought
us in safety to the place where we would be.
"The next day, Pato and his brothers, with a number of
their council and inferiour captains, assembled; a variety of
subjects were discussed, connected with my intentions, and
proposed mode of proceedure, &c., and all appeared well
pleased. They said some flattering things, in the true Indian
style, which I should not repeat here, only that it may help
to give you an idea of some parts of their character. Among
other things, the chiefs said, from henceforth I should be
their father, and they would make of me, as the intepreter
rendered it, a ' bescherm bosch,' that is, a bush of defence
from wind and rain ; meaning, T should be their defence in
an evil day. These expressions, beyond doubt, resulted
SOUTH AFRICA. 281
from sincere and honest feelings ; but they could not avoid
tinging them with the flattery and adulation usually employ-
ed, when addressing a chief or headsman."
The mission at Wesleyville having been established,
Messrs. Shaw and Whitworth commenced a journey towards
the Tambookie country, in company with a number of their
native hearers, for the purpose of ascertaining the dispo-
sitions of the different Kaffir and Tambookie chiefs, with
regard to receiving missionaries for their respective tribes.
On the 3rd of April, 1825, they arrived at the temporary
residence of Dooshani, and on riding to his cattle kraal, per-
ceived an elephant's tail hung up, as the symbol of his rank.
They were, soon afterwards, introduced to the chief, and ex-
plained to him the purport of their visit.
" The next morning," observes Mr. Whitworth, " I preach-
ed to Dooshani's counsellors and others, and though one of
the old men said it would ruin them to attend to these
things, as their children would neglect the cattle, the council
met after the sermon, under the shade of a tree ; and after a
deliberation of about four hours, they came in due form to
our hut, with Dooshani at their head. Having seated them-
selves around us, the chief said, f The country is before
you; you must choose a place where you will sit down ; our
manners are so different from yours, that we cannot choose
for you, but you must choose and fix where you please.' "
They next came to the place of Tslambie, father of Doo-
shani, and Mr. W. writes: "We found the old man sitting
at the door of his hut, nearly blind, being supposed to be
eighty years of age. He is said to be a tyrant over his
people, and our interpreters were evidently afraid to talk
with him. After the common introduction, we sat on the
ground, in perfect silence, till a man showed us a hut. Mr.
Shaw sent Kotongo to say, that his son (a familiar mode of
address) asked for sweet milk ; we also sent word, that we
wished to preach God's word in his house. Permission was
282 MEMORIALS OF
x
immediately granted, and the house was soon filled. A
Kaffir hymn being given out, it was observed that Islambie
sung aloud, after which he heard the important truth, that
1 The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which
is lost.' After the service, we gave him our presents, and
told him our errand. Whatever might be the old man's
feelings and motives, we know not; but joy glistened on his
furrowed cheek, and he replied, that the great news which
he had now heard was too great for Kaffirs, who were so
blind, deaf, and stupid, that we could never make them un-
derstand. But after further conversation, he said, 'The
land is all before you, choose for yourselves where you will
live. I am old, but my children are young, and they shall
learn of you ;' and then, with joy beaming in his eyes,
6 Gaika has a school, Enno has a school, Oats has a school,
and now Islambie and Dooshani will have a school, this is
very great ! '
" April 6th. We reached Hintza's place. He was at a
distance, but a messenger was instantly dispatched to inform
him of our arrival. Presently he appeared, shook hands
cheerfully, sat a few minutes, and then walked away. We
took an opportunity of preaching to a large company of Tam-
bookies in the afternoon, and at our evening service, Hintza
was very attentive. We afterwards made him the usual
presents, and explained the object of our visit; but he said,
he could not answer us till he had seen his great men. Hav-
ing consulted concerning the subject, in a council assembled
for the purpose, he waited upon us in due form, and said,
* The word is a great word, and a good word, and I love it,
and I am sure it will be a good thing for my people.' After
some conversation among themselves, he again said, with
evident signs of approbation, that as Gaika, Oats, and Islam-
bie had received missionaries, he would consult them, and
then send us a final answer."
Having left Hintza's place, they entered the Tambookie
SOUTH AFRICA. 283
country, and reached the abode of Vossani. When intro-
duced into his presence, an old man, who seemed to be the
chief counsellor, enquired, observes Mr. Whitworth, "who
we were, whence we came, what news we had to commu-
nicate, and what was the object of our visit ? After receiv-
ing an answer to each of his questions, he proceeded, ' Is
this the news you will teach? and what songs will you sing?
Is the great word you teach, a new or an old one ? Was it
given to you or your fathers? How did you derive it from
them ? How did God give it to them ? Have your great
men sent you ? Have your fathers sent you ? It is a great
word, and we will receive it, when the other great captains
have received it.'
" We again assembled the people for worship, and at sun-
set, Vossani and his principal chiefs visited us in our hut,
and said, they were sure what they had heard must be the
great word of God ; and therefore, if a missionary came,
they would give him a place to sit on among them, and
they would hear his word."
The names of the stations which have since been formed
in Kaffraria, may be seen in the schedule at the end of the
succeeding chapter, whilst a few selections from the most
recent correspondence of the missionaries, written in 1838,
will illustrate the present state of the missions.
1. AMAKOSCE.
" Beka Station. This year has been marked by a more
regular and an increased attendance on the means of grace.
Perhaps much of the improvement, may be traced to ex-
ample, as Pato, the chief, with from twenty to thirty of his
family and establishment, have been regular in their attend-
ance at divine service on the Sabbath, and continue to be
so, though they have to travel a distance of five miles for
284 MEMORIALS OF
this purpose. Although we cannot say that the chief pos-
sesses saving religion, yet no man dares behave improperly
in the house of God.
" There is another circumstance, to which, as one of a
general nature we would allude, viz., the observance of the
Sabbath, to which the chiefs of this tribe pledged them-
selves three or four years ago, and for which they gave a
general command throughout the tribe ; but many disre-
garded it, not supposing the chiefs would enforce the pen-
alty. The chief Pato, however, has this year put that
beyond all doubt, by fining several kraals for working on
the Sabbath, which has had a very general effect throughout
the tribe.
" Fingoe Mission. Notwithstanding the many things this
people have had to endure, arising from the hostile feeling
of some of the Kaffir tribes towards them, by whom they
have often had their cattle stolen during the year, and once
a general attack made, by which many were left entirely
destitute of cattle, and eleven men were killed and many
wounded, they still keep together ; and there is no doubt,
that if government give them any thing like protection, the
location on the Clusie River will soon become a fruitful
village. This people have grown up inured to the hardships
of war, and .are therefore not soon discouraged ; and, by
frequent reverses, they have been taught to depend more on
the cultivation of the soil than on their cattle ; and even
this year, although they cannot say, ( the pastures are cover-
ed with flocks/ they are likely to be able to say ( the valleys
are covered over with corn,' for they are decidedly the most
industrious of the native tribes.
" Their attendance on the means of grace is very regular
and attentive, their chiefs being always present; about two
hundred form -the regular congregation ; more would attend,
had we a proper place of worship; but the building at
present occupied will not admit of more.
SOUTH AFRICA. 285
" Wesleyville. It is a matter of devout thanksgiving to
God that this station has been visited with a gracious in-
fluence during the year; and although it has been limited in
its extent, yet it has afforded encouragement as proving that
the Lord is still with us, prospering the work of our
hand."
Extract of a letter from the Rev. J. Ayliff, dated
March, 2.
" This mission has proved anything but a failure ; for,
besides other fruit, it has produced the Beka Mission, and
the Mission of Newtondale ; and to this I might add, that
from this station, the law affecting the due observance of
the Sabbath was promulgated. From experience I have
found, that this law is a valuable auxiliary to the missionary
in his work. In reference to this subject, I will mention
one circumstance which came under my notice a short time
since. Being out on one of my short Saturday journeys, I
came to a number of women working in a garden, or, as it
might with more propriety be called, a small corn land ;
they were all engaged on one spot, and working unusually
hard. After standing some time looking on, (they paying
very little attention to me, being so intent upon their work,)
at length, in order to try them, I said, ' Which piece of
ground do you intend doing to-morrow ?' They halted,
resting on their spades, looking at me as if astonished, and
exclaimed ' To-morrow ! To-morrow ! Is not the next day
the Sabbath ? Don't you see how hard we are working to
get this piece of ground done before the Sabbath ?' "
"Mount Coke. This station has been but a few months
resumed. The population formely residing here, was scat-
tered during the late war; and some, of whom we had hoped
well, have, there is reason to fear, fallen victims to the des-
tructive moral effects of such a state of things."
286 MEMORIALS OF
Extract of a letter from the Rev. H. D. Dugmore, dated
July 23.
" In the absence of what I would wish to be able to com-
municate, I must content myself with adverting to a few cir-
cumstances, which, if not immediately connected with the
great end of missions, may, perhaps, be considered as aux-
iliary to it.
" The first of these is, the fixing, by Umhala, (the chief,)
of a grazing establishment close to the mission station, and
avowedly connected with it. He has also requested that a
house may be built for him at this place, after the Plnglish
manner, in order that whenever he shall come to spend a
few days in the neighbourhood of the Institution, he may
have a respectable dwelling ; and be rid of the inconveni-
ence of a Kaffir hut, so long as he shall remain.
"Another occurrence which may be noticed is, that a
formal request has been recently made by the chiefs in
council, praying that all matters to be discussed between
the Colonial government and the Slambi tribe, which may
involve the necessity of a meeting of the agents of the two
parties, may, for the future, be discussed at the mission
station.
" I will advert but to one circumstance more. We have
now here eight boys, the fathers of most of whom are the
principal chiefs of the tribe, and who will themselves be
likely to have the greatest authority as the future successors
of their fathers, several of them being the children of the
principal wives. I believe that, would our means allow it,
we might have four times the number ; and that of children
of the chief families of the tribe. I must, however, at
present, restrict myself to ten at furthest ; as I fear that the
expenses incurred in feeding and clothing these will be so
much, that I shall hardly venture to ask the district for
indemnification."
SOUTH AFRICA. 287
" Butterworth. The principal wife of the late chief
Hintza, and several of the principal personages of the tribe,
frequently attend the service ; and two of Hintza's brothers,
who govern the greater part of the tribe, are anxious to have
missionaries residing with them."
2. AMATEMBU.
Clarkebury. Extract of a letter from the Rev. R. Haddy,
dated June 6, 1838.
"The chiefs and influential men have generally evinced
a friendliness toward the mission, which has insured for the
village a degree of tranquillity, as far as the Tambookies are
concerned, which the inhabitants always felt to be a great
advantage. The late Vossani, shortly after our arrival in
1830, and not long before his death, said to me, on one occa-
sion, when I was about to send my wagon to the colony,
' The way is not open yet ; I hear that the chiefs near the
frontier are intending to make war with white men, and they
have sent to me, but I cannot join them ; the wagon must
not go now lest any evil should befal it, and the blame
should come upon me, &c.'
" Clarkebury was greatly distinguished during the war
upon the colony, in 1834-5. It was then the asylum of
several English traders, who were unable to make their way
to the colony ; and also of the mission families and people
that fled from Butterworth, all of whom found a refuge, in
time of great distress, at this establishment.
"But the Tambookie nation, with its thousands, is left
without a missionary. True, there is an excellent catechist,
Mr. Warner; but Clarkebury, that has afforded so much
pleasure to those who have watched the introduction and
establishment of Christianity among the Amatembu; Clarke-
bury, that was the asylum of the distressed, for missionaries
MEMORIALS OP
and traders, in the hour of peril ; Clarkebury, the mission-
ary institution of a powerful tribe that refused to join the
Kaffirs in the late war upon the colony ; Clarkebury, that
was watched with such carefulness by the natives during the
absence of the Missionary, in 1835, as a sacred place, so
that not a single article of property was injured, while But-
terworth, &c., were reduced to ashes ; yes, let the committee,
the Conference, the contributors to our funds know, that
Clarkebury has at present no missionary."
"Morley. The congregations, both on the Sabbath and
week-days, are good. On the Sabbath the chapels are
crowded, and many are compelled to remain outside ; and
it is pleasing to see that the attendance from the neigh-
bouring kraals (or villages) is increasing."
3. AMAPONDO.
Buntinyville. Extract of a letter from the Rev. J. Jen-
kins, dated November 12.
" As Capai is so urgent in his request for a missionary,
and has sent so repeatedly to me to know when he is to
expect one, I have promised him to forward his request to
the committee.
" This large tribe of people are entirely without the means
of religious instruction, and are in the grossest darkness,
( without hope and without God in the world ;' and hundreds
are yearly carried into eternity, while they are as ignorant
of eternal things as the beasts that perish. They are the
most warlike and savage of all the tribes of Kaffraria ; and
are more dreaded by their neighbours than any other peo-
ple ; indeed, they are so intent on war and plunder, that
they are seldom quiet for four months together without
making their savage attacks on other tribes ; in which they
are too often successful, plundering all they meet with,
SOUTH AFRICA. 289
murdering the old people, and taking the young into capti-
vity. Accumulating large herds of cattle by these horrid
means, their conquered and impoverished neighbours go and
unite with them ; when generally, they are well received by
Capai, as he is always ambitious to augment his power.
" Yet under all these circumstances, the door is open for
the gospel of our Redeemer, and the chief is anxiously
waiting to know when and whether he can have a ' teacher,
to teach him and his people the great news from heaven.'
A short time ago, he sent to me in a very formal manner,
saying, ' For a long time I have asked for a teacher, but to
no purpose ; all the other chiefs have teachers, but I have
none. It is true, I know I am born a sinner, and I have a
wicked heart ; but still, only give me a teacher, and I am
sure I will take care of him.' "
The following account of the first missionary meeting
held at Wesleyville, will be interesting to all who are the
friends of missions : Lieut. Colonel Somerset kindly pre-
sided on the occasion.
"The meeting was held in the open air, in consequence
of the chapel not being large enough to contain half the
number who attended, there being from six to eight hundred
persons present. The advice which the commandant gave
them was very seasonable, and will not soon be forgotten
by them. He also remarked that it gave him much pleasure
to see that they were advancing in civilization, as well as
that some of them were regular in their attention to the
means of grace ; and he hoped that they would pay much
attention to what the missionary said, and be sure to keep
holy the Sabbath, and send their children to the school,
that they might learn to read for themselves. Mr. William
Shaw, reminded them of the contrast in their circumstances
now, and when he first came into their country. He was
then obliged to go with them to meet Colonel Somerset, in
order that there might be some understanding between them
290 MEMORIALS OF
and the colonial authorities; at that time every man had his
weapons of war, and the military on the part of the colony
were prepared for battle, should they not understand each
other ; but now they were come together without their assa-
gais, and the English had left their guns, and the comman-
dant had left his soldiers at home, and they were met to speak
respecting the word of God, &c. The following are extracts
from the speeches of the chiefs translated into English :
"Pato. Do you hear that, you people ? You must there-
fore believe. This word informs us, that we are sinners ;
therefore every man must pray for himself, because the im-
port of the word which we hear is very great, therefore pay
particular attention to-day to what you hear. I was myself
in darkness, and did not at all understand. We must take
care and not be ashamed of what we hear.
" Kye. Do you hear now, you Amapakakabi, (Slambie's
tribe of Kaffirs,) and you Gonakwebu, (Pato's tribe of Kaf-
firs.) We are fallen into the clay, and this word is come to
lift us out. This word is a rich word, more so than all
cattle, therefore take hold of it, and hold it fast; pray that
it may prosper, for it is a word that will make us rich. The
same God that helped our fathers in the wars, is the God
who has now sent his great word to us.
" Kama. I am very glad to see you all here to-day, and
especially that we are met to speak and hear God's word. I
am a man who am converted, and belong to a Christian
church. You may laugh at my saying this, but you who
now laugh, will also pray at some future period. We shall
not always live upon earth. I who now speak shall die, but
my soul will not perish, God will preserve it; for he is a
great God. He made Bushmen, Hottentot's, Kaffirs, and
English. Somerset, whom you now see, is a sharp man ;
and sometimes rides about with balls, and he used to drive
us into the bush, but to day he is come to speak God's word
to us. Do then my dear friends think much upon what is
SOUTH AFRICA. 291
said. I speak the more freely, knowing that I am a dying
man.
" Quasana. A son of the late Dooshami. You hear now
that this is a great word, and that it is a word to quicken us,
and raise us ; we must therefore pay much attention to this
word of peace.
" Kobus Congo. This word is very great, I thank the
friends who sent us this word ; for before this word came,
we were enemies, but now we are met in peace. You al-
ways said that I was the man who drunk poison, because I
was always sent to our enemies to make peace. However
we shall all die, even the preachers, Kaffir chiefs, and all
men ; then listen to this word and pray over it.
66 Enoo. You hear now, you Amakakabi, and you Araag-
onakwebi, you ask, how r was Kama converted ? I say ask
then, for you are people that can contend upon all subjects.
Why then do you sit still ? You hear that it was done by
the word of missionaries, which they read from the book ;
the same word informs us that we must not look at our
neighbour's goods, but look at our own. Throw away your
sins to-day.
" Umpelhlo. Thanks, thanks, to the great people, and to
Somerset, for coming here to-day, and many thanks to the
missionaries for bringing this great word. It is truly a
sweet word ; like honey, it is sweet news.
" Abana. What is the word ? It is God's word. Who
brought it ? The missionaries. Who sent them ? God.
Why did they come ? To turn us from our sins. I thank
very much indeed. I thank also that we are come together
to-day without assagais and guns ; they are all left at home ;
I thank Somerset, and the missionaries. I cannot thank
enough.
" The above speeches of the chiefs will not be so inter-
esting in an English dress, as they were to us who were
present, and witnessed the warmth with which they were
29*2 MEMORIALS OF
delivered, and felt the influence they diffused. Contrasting
their present circumstances, arid prospects with their former
warlike dispositions and cruelties, we were constrained to
say, ' What hath God wrought.'
" It is a happy circumstance for South Africa, that the
British settlers are a missionary people ; and from amongst
them school-masters and missionaries, possessing valuable
local knowledge, and a thorough acquaintance with the lan-
.guages spoken by the native tribes, may be expected to
arise. Tf the Christians of Great Britain continue liberally
to support the missions in that direction, the Albany settle-
ment will, under the divine blessing, prove a more power-
ful instrument in promoting the weal of Africa, than has yet
been employed by Divine providence for that purpose.
" But many more missionaries and many more schools are
wanted ; numerous applications from native chiefs for mis-
sionaries cannot be attended to. Men of Israel, help !
Behold a way in the wilderness for the triumphant progress
of the chariot of Christ ! He honours you by calling you
to be e co-workers together with him. 7 By your pity for
poor Africa; by your zeal for the Lord of hosts; you are
intreated to put your shoulders to the wheel. Contribute
the requisite supplies ; offer incessant prayer to God for his
blessing on the labours of his servants ; and most assuredly
that promise shall be fulfilled, ' Ethiopia shall soon stretch
out her hands to God.'
"The Wesleyan Missionaries in Kaffraria, in conjunction
with those of other societies, have succeeded in reducing
the language of the Kaffirs to writing, they have fixed its
orthography, and formed vocabularies. A complete gram-
mar of that difficult language, compiled by the Rev. W. B.
Boyce, Wesleyan Missionary, is now in use. The greater
part of the Scriptures are also translated into the Kaffir
tongue ; and, as the Wesleyan missionary committee recent-
ly sent out a suitable press, which is already fully employed
SOUTH AFRICA. 293
at Graham's Town, in printing portions of Scripture and
elementary works, under the gratuitous superintendence of
a gentleman every way qualified, nothing more is wanting
but a grant of paper from the Bible Society, to cause the
printing of the Scriptures in a language known to be spoken
by considerably more than half a million of people, and who
have not hitherto had access to those sacred writings which
4 testify' of Christ.
" But of what avail will be the translation and printing
of the Scriptures, if the Kaffirs cannot read them. The mis-
sionaries have already taught many of them to read, and
they are extremely anxious to extend their system of schools,
and especially to raise up native schoolmasters; but this
cannot be done unless the British public continue to sup-
port the missions. The English settlers in Albany, who
are well acquainted with the importance of the missions in
Kaffraria, contribute about three hundred pounds sterling
annually towards their support, and surely the more wealthy
inhabitants of England, will regard this fact as the strongest
possible recommendation of the Wesley an mission in South
Africa to their continued and increased support."
I have designedly omitted any account of the late Kaffir
war ; but those who are desirous of information on the sub-
ject, may consult the " Notes on South African Affairs," by
the Rev. W. B. Boyce.
A reviewer of the work has said, ' c This is a work of
great ability and interest ; and its perusal is indeed indis-
pensably necessary to the formation of a correct judgment on
South African affairs. Mr. Boyce displays a great amount
of information, and an intimate acquaintance with the Kaffir
character, and the policy which has been pursued towards
the natives; and throws such a steady light on the whole
question of the Kaffir war, as places the high-sounding pre-
tensions of certain parties in a very questionable view. The
work is not official. As the conduct of some public men is
294 MEMORIALS OF
freely commented upon, Mr. Boyce very properly writes on
his own responsibility, without making any attempt to im-
plicate others in his opinions and views. He displays,
however, admirable temper, and great candour throughout ;
and our only regret is, that we are obliged to delay, to a
future opportunity, that full examination of the book, which
its importance demands. We hope that it will have a very
extensive sale."
SOUTH AFRICA. 295
CHAPTER XX.
BECHUANAS REVDS. S. KAY AND MELVILLE LEETAKOO PROVIDEN-
TIAL OPENINGS REV. S. BROADBENT GRIQUA TOWN REV. T. L.
HODGSON MAKWASSE MOUNTAINS SIFONELL MANTATEES REV. J.
ARCHBELL PLAAT BERG HAPPY DEATH BUCHUAAP THE POT
DANCE MISSIONARY SUCCESS REV. J. EDWARDS DESIRE FOR THE
WORD WANT OF NATURAL AFFECTION THABA UNCHU PROSPERITY
DYING TESTIMONY MR. JENKIN CORANNAS FIELD OF THE SLAIN
UMPUKANI FAMINE MANTATEES PREDICTIONS PIET WITVOET
SEKONYALE SWORD PREPARES THE WAY FOR THE GOSPEL THABA
UNCHU REV. R. GIDDY THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE LISHUANI REV.
W. H. GARNER MPERANI QUICKENING UMPUKANI AGED PERSONS
BAPTIZED POLYGAMY DISCOUNTENANCED MR. ALLISON SONS OF
CHIEFS CONVERTED SEKONGELA SILO WESLEYAN MISSIONARIES AND
THEIR STATIONS IN AFRICA A SHEDULE EXHORTATION,
BECHUANAS.
IN the year 1818, some of our Namacquas of Lily Fountain
went on a visit to their friends in Griqua-land, where they
remained for about twelve months. On their return, several
persons accompanied them, who sojourned at our station
more than half a year. Two or three of these, before their
departure, professed to have received spiritual good, and one
was publicly baptized in the chapel. This individual had
frequently travelled among the different tribes of the Bechu-
anas, and gave us more information respecting them, than
we had received from any other quarter. In addition to this,
he earnestly requested that a missionary might accompany
296 MEMORIALS OF
him homewards, promising to render him every possible
assistance, with wagon and oxen, and to become his guide
and interpreter. Having no missionary at liberty, we could
not, at that time, accede to his request, but engaged, when
we obtained sufficient help, to exert ourselves in behalf of
the multitudes of whom he spake.
A favourable opportunity of commencing that mission was
afforded in 1821, by the animated zeal of the Rev. S. Kay,
who left Cape Town, February 3rd, in company with Mr.
Melville. On the 7th of May, they had the happiness of
attending the missionary prayer-meeting in Griqua Town,
where, Mr. Kay observes, " the poor heathen praised God
for sending them the gospel, and prayed, in their broken
and simple strain, that the world might hear the joyful
sound."
On the 17th, Mr. Kay arrived at Leetakoo, a station of
the London Missionary Society, and experienced abundant
kindness from the resident missionaries. The next day, he
preached to a large congregation, the sight of which filled
him with new ardour, as appears from the account, in which
he says, " The king, with his son at his right hand, sat at
my feet. I was obliged to have two interpreters. It was
delightful work to preach Jesus to a heathen congregation,
with their king sitting below the board which sustained my
Bible. In the afternoon, I went to his house with an inter-
preter, in order to make him the usual presents ; on which
he said, ' My heart is glad that you are come.' " In a sub-
sequent part of the letter, Mr. K. states, " Tuesday %%nd.
After service, a fine looking chief came up, with some of his
people around him, shook hands with us, and, with a pleas-
ing earnestness in his countenance, requested that I would
return with him and reside among his people, who are situ-
ated on the westward of Leetakoo. C I will,' he said, 'let
you have my house to dwell in, till we build you another.'
I returned him no positive answer, but promised that I would
SOUTH AFRICA. -297
visit him and his people shortly if spared. Upon which he
exclaimed, c make haste, make haste ; for we are all strangers
to that Jesus of whom you speak, not knowing what he came
into the world for; but we wish to know, and soon.'
" Sunday, 27th. I arose this morning in a place, and
among a people, where the sabbath is not known. After
service was concluded, a number of their chiefs assembled
together in a circle, seated on the ground; and before I was
aware of the subject of their conversation, they had passed
a unanimous vote, that I should be invited to come and
reside among them, as they were informed that I was a
missionary. On being asked, why they wished to have a
missionary ? ' Because,' said they, * he brings peace.'
" Thursday, June 14th. I returned this evening, about
sunset, to New Leetakoo, or Krooman, in health and safety,
by the blessing and protection of Almighty God. We have
now been travelling upwards of three months upon this vast
and benighted continent, sowing the seed of life in all places
where we have come. The further the interior of this long
unknown quarter of the globe is penetrated, the greater the
population appears. We are now only at its gates. And
how deplorable is the fact, that tribes, numerous as they
are, have neither a Bible nor a missionary. My very soul
yearns over them while I am writing. Here is heathenism
indeed, without the least mixture. Here the prophet's
words apply in the strictest sense, * Darkness hath covered
the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people.' "
In the month of February, 182*2, the Rev. S. Broadbent
arrived at Griqua Town, for the purpose of assisting in the
Bechuana mission, but while at that station he was taken
ill, and was soon under the painful necessity of returning
to the colony for medical advice. Mr. Kay accompanied
Mr. Broadbent to Graaf Reinet, from w r hich place he pro-
ceeded to Albany, and thenceforth became attached to that
mission. Under these perplexing circumstances the Rev.
298 MEMORIALS OF
T. L. Hodgson then in Cape Town, promptly and cheer-
fully engaged to proceed to the Bechuana field of labour.
The commencement and progress of the mission is given by
Mr. H. in the published memoirs of his late excellent
partner in life.
On the 29th of October, he observes, " we reached Graaf
Reinet, and my mind was greatly relieved, by finding
brother Broadbent in a state of health which admitted of
our prosecuting the mission entrusted to us ; and we were
enabled on the 1st of November, to move towards the
Bechuana country."
After a long and dangerous journey, they reached the
MAKWASSE mountains, on the 8th of April, 1823, and were
heartily welcomed by the chief Sifonell and his people.
From this place, which had been selected as their permanent
residence, Mrs. H. wrote to a beloved friend in England,
" I suppose you will have heard from our friends of our
being in the interior of Africa, endeavouring to establish a
mission amongst the Bechuanas. I am now seated by a
fire made of wood in a small stone house, built by my hus-
band and the wagon driver, with a little assistance from our
native servants. Our appartments are neither spacious nor
elegant, but after being in a wagon eight months, we think
them very comfortable and enjoy them much.
"The Bechuanas among whom we are now living,
appear to have no form of worship, nor indeed any proper
idea of a Supreme Being. Hence, when conversing with
them respecting the deity, their chief enquired if he had
hair, or if he could be seen."
Unhappily after many prospects of usefulness, Makwasse
was destroyed by a tribe of ferocious Mantatees, and the few
buildings which had been erected were demolished.
The health of Mr. Broadbent again failed, and the Rev. J.
Archbell was appointed to the Bechuana mission in his
stead. Makwasse was once more partially occupied ; but
SOUTH AFRICA. 299
for some months, owing to the fickleness of Sifonell, no
certain location was decided upon. At length, in the early
part of 1826, PLAAT BERG, near the Modder River, was
selected, and a station there commenced, from which much
benefit has resulted to the natives.
Early in 1828, Mr. Hodgson having left PlaatBerg, under
the care of Mr. Archbell, established a second station at
BUCHUAAP, among a mixed race of people, consisting of
half-casts, Corannas, Bushmen, Bechuanas, &c. A school
was opened for the instruction of young and old, which
answered well, and was attended with blessed results to
many. A pleasing instance of this was afforded in the death
of a young man who had been one of the scholars. Whilst
prayer was being made with him, he broke out in rapturous
praises ; wishing that his voice was strong, that he might
bless and praise his gracious Redeemer. He said, he knew
Jesus was his Saviour, his God ; and continued to praise
God until his strength was quite exhausted.
Mr. Hodgson, on leaving Buchuaap for England, in
December 1830, writes " While we parted with many with
feelings of pity, from leaving them in their sins ; yet we felt
the yearnings of parents for others, who had set out for the
kingdom of heaven, and were but l babes in Christ,' re-
quiring to be ' fed with milk and not strong meat.'
" Before our departure, the Sacrament of the Lord's Sup-
per was administered to twenty-five members of the society;
and the Lord was graciously present, when we commended
each other to God.
" My first visit to Buchuaap presented my future charge
to me in a truly pitiable state ; for I found them engaged
in what is called a pot dance ; and most of the people were
besotted with honey-beer, a sort of intoxicating mead, or
stupified with gorging a gluttonous feast. Their minds
were so completely sensualized, by dancing and its atten-
dant demoralization, that I could not, on my arrival hold
300 MEMORIALS OF
divine service with them. But we now left them in a
greatly improved state. Their temporal comforts had in-
creased, the population of the place had received consider-
able accessions, from natives who wished to enjoy its
superior advantages ; a society had been formed which now
consisted of twenty-three members, and six on trial ; fifteen
catechumens were also met in two preparatory classes ; and
we had established a school of one hundred and ninety-nine
scholars, twenty -four of whom read the Bible and Testa-
ment, sixteen wrote on slates, twenty on paper, and eleven
were learning arithmetic. The congregation, on Sundays,
averaged from one hundred and fifty to two hundred persons,
exclusive of from forty to sixty Bechuauas, who not under-
standing the Dutch language, did not attend the same
service as the other inhabitants."
In the year 1832, Mr. Archbell, when writing to the
committee, says,
" Allow me again to repeat my entreaties for missionaries
to the Bechuanas. Were I with you, I would lie at. your
feet to entreat for them, and my eyes should run clown with
tears for the slain of this people. As I cannot directly
plead for them, I will do what I can ; I will promise to
secure five thousand people for each missionary to labour
amongst. And I am the more anxious on account of the
Bechuana missions, because I am more immediately con-
nected with them, and have seen their good effects."
The Rev. J. Edwards arrived at Buchuaap in 1832, and
writes,
"July 26#/z. This day we have had our Sacrament and
love-feast. It would rejoice the heart of any pious person
in England to have seen, last evening, nearly twenty wagons,
in a direct line, filled with people, coming up the valley to
the Sacrament and love-feast, and these full of persons, some
of whom came nearly one hundred miles. The people who
attend the preaching are very attentive to the word. Some
SOUTH AFRICA, 301
come to hear upwards of thirty miles. The fields here are,
indeed, white and ready for the harvest. There is a body
of Corannas, upw r ards of five thousand souls, about fifty
miles from hence, to which we sometimes itinerate, that are
ready for the Gospel. They say, 6 Why cannot we have a
missionary ? We will go any where to live where the
missionary would have us, if they will let us have one. We
are perishing for the want of knowledge.' The captain of
them, thinking that a missionary may be had at Graham's
Town, says, { Why, I will send my pack-oxen after him and
fetch him.' "
In 1833, Mr. Archbell observes, that owing to the amaz-
ing increase of the population at Plaat Berg, a hundred
houses having been annually erected, land capable of culti-
vation, and water, had become very scarce. " It is, therefore,
certain," he continues, " that the people will either remove
to some part of the country better watered, where they can
continue together, or they must separate and form two
stations.
" Great changes, with respect to the treatment of females
and infirm persons, have been effected on most of the mission
stations; but in towns w T here the gospel has not been intro-
duced, they remain without natural affection. Even at
Plaat Berg, a few weeks ago, a child was discovered some
hundred yards from the mission-house, which had been cast
out by its mother, who would not take the trouble to inter it.
A short time after, a boy who was a cripple, was discovered
in a trench by the river side, w r here he had been left by a
relation, to die of hunger, or to be killed by the hyaenas.
When she was interrogated as to the reason of leaving the
child in that perilous condition, she replied, ' he was of no
use, he could do nothing ;' and she was surprised that we
should have had him brought to the town, when she had
taken the trouble to remove him so far away, that she
thought no one would find him."
302 MEMORIALS OF
On account of the reasons before stated, Messrs. Archbell
and Edwards, in company with eleven wagons belonging to
the people, left Plaat Berg, on the 4th of May, to fix upon
an additional location. The result of this journey is given
as follows :
" The part chosen for the scene of our future labours, is
six days' journey nearer our Kaffir stations in a direct line,
and is precisely the part to which the district meeting of
1830 directed me to turn my attention. It opens a fine door
to missionary efforts ; and compassion to the local circum-
stances of the inhabitants, as well as mercy to the degraded
and perishing condition of their souls, calls loudly for its
immediate supply with the bread of life. By our removal,
our present strength will be more extensively employed, for
many of the scattered inhabitants of the country will resort
to us, as their only remaining protection."
Arrangements having been made with the chief of the
Bashutas, for the cession of the territory selected, the people
and missionaries, migrated with their flocks and possessions,
to THABA UNCHU. After a three years' residence, Mr. A.
writes ; " Being now favoured with an interval of compa-
rative leisure, I take up my pen to inform you, that we are
situated at- the base of an exceedingly high mountain, called
Thaba Unchu, from which our town derives its name. From
pretty correct observations, we are but one hundred and ten
miles from the eastern coast of Africa, in South latitude, 28
50', and East longitude 28 30'. We have forty-four thou-
sand people who are ready to receive the gospel, and even
anxious to have missionaries. Six sermons are preached by
my assistant, my local brethren, and myself, every sabbath
day ; and these, with the various services of the week, are
gradually effecting a manifest permanent good. Most of the
public superstitions are abolished, or rather dead for want
of support. Rain-making has become the ridicule of the
populace ; and the various chiefs seem now to vie with each
SOUTH AFRICA. 303
other in the reception of our spiritual attentions. My assis-
tant, the other Sunday, being ill, was unable to attend his
appointment, which greatly affected some. On the Monday,
one came to me, and said, his heart was sorry that it had
been left to die yesterday for want of food. Every other
place, said he, had enough and to spare, but they had been
left to hunger. Another said, c Morokos Kotla* had no
attractions yesterday ; we went and sat down in it, but we
could not bear to remain, so we went into the bushes to
pray.' Now this is the general feeling of our people ; and
though our work is but in the bud, with here and there an
opened blossom, and more opening, we are rejoicing in the
prospect of an abundant gathering, perhaps not far distant.
" Shortly after our arrival here, died one of our members.
I visited him during his illness, and invariably received as-
surances of his happy state of mind. A short time previous
to his death, he said to me, ' My beloved teacher, I wish, as
I may not live till morning, to leave this testimony behind
me, that I die in the Lord. Here,' continued he, 'death is
disarmed of his terrors.' As he had made this statement, I
told him 1 should be glad if he would also mention the
ground of his assurance ; when he emphatically replied,
* Jesus died for me ; O yes ! Jesus died for me ; thanks-
giving to his name !' He died December 7th, 1833."
CORANNAS.
Up to the year 1833, the Corannas belonging to the late
Jan Taaibosch, lived on the banks of the Hart River, where
they were visited by the Missionaries from the Buchuaap
station as often as their other engagements would allow.
They did not labour in vain. The blessings of the gospel
* The place where we hold service : it is their council-chamber.
304 MEMORIALS OF
descended upon some hearts as "rain upon the mown grass,
and as showers that water the earth." Some " turned to the
Lord with full purpose of heart,"
In 1833, the Albany district meeting decided that Mr.
Jenkins should go and reside with these people, and form
them into a station. He arrived among them in the
month of July, when the chief and some of his people re-
solved to move with the missionary into a better part of the
country, where they might establish the mission. UMPU-
KANI, was finally fixed upon as the most eligible situation.
Concerning this station Mr. Archbell, writes :
" This country in former years has been exceedingly
populous; large cattle-folds, and extensive old towns, are
to be found near the mission site, which indicate it to be a
very fine country, as the natives are sure to live in the most
fruitful parts. In past times it has been an awful scene of
war and bloodshed ; many places were white with the scull-
bones of the slain, so that it might be emphatically called
Golgotha, ' a place of skulls.' Yet, there, on the ashes of
the slain, and among the skull-bones of those who had been
in their generation men of renown, was the banner of the
cross of Christ erected, and hundreds gathered round to
hear the peaceful tidings thereof.
" War is generally accompanied with its kindred calami-
ties, famine and pestilence; these w r ere felt in an awful
manner at Umpukani and the adjacent parts. The remain-
ing few were driven to desperation by the pressing wants
of hunger, till, at length, man ate his fellow, and the
mother became satisfied with the flesh of her offspring.
Had the friends of Heathens witnessed with what delight
these sons of wretchedness heard the object of the c white
man's' mission, they would have felt themselves a hundred-
fold rewarded for what they had done in sending the gospel
among them. Never will the missionary forget the expres-
sions of joy the natives uttered on his first arrival into the
SOUTH AFRICA. 305
country, Re tla robala yuale, re tla robala yuale : that is,
' Now shall we sleep, now shall we sleep ;' meaning that,
in consequence of the repeated attacks of their enemies,
they scarcely had any rest by day or by night. Fot when
they had carried away cattle, sheep, goats, and corn, they
took their children away to slavery ; and if resistance were
made from an impulse of parental affection by the father or
mother, he immediately received a death-wound from the
assagai or the ball. There are two or three remarkable in-
cidents connected with the arrival of the missionaries and
their people into this country, and in which the good hand
of our God is plainly seen. There was a lad belonging to
Sekonyale, the chief of the Mantatees, who, some time be-
fore the arrival of the missionaries into this country, predicted
that a number of persons would come to the Mantatees
with horses and guns, and would destroy many people, and
take away much cattle.' This prediction he made known to
the old men, who regarded his words as idle tales. Shortly
after came a tribe of Corannas, with a man at their head
named Piet Witvoet, who destroyed many of their people,
and took away the greatest part of their cattle, which attack
brought down the pride of the Mantatees exceedingly. Some
time after, the lad predicted again, ' that a number of per-
sons should come into the country with weapons, &c. ; and
among them there would be some white people who had
black clothing, but they would bring peace into the land.'
This prediction he made known, as in the former instance,
but his words were still unheeded by them. In a short time
after, came the missionaries with their people ; which proved
to the natives that they were peaceable men. The lad was
then sent for by the old men, who said, ' Come, tell us about
something else.' ( No,' says he, * I have told you all, and
you see that what I told you is true ; now, all you have to
do is, to listen to what the white men shall tell you.' An
old man belonging to Sekonyale has said, that it was well
u
306 MEMORIALS OF
that Piet Witvoet with his men had first made an attack on
the Mantatees, and destroyed many of the people ; by it they
were then made afraid and were brought low. Had this not
been the case, the missionary with his people would, in all
probability, have been brought under the point of the assagai.
So that, in some instances, we see the sword makes way for
the gospel. At present, every thing connected with the
spiritual state of this station, is truly encouraging ; we have
plenty of people to hear, and they listen with the most seri-
ous attention; and, what is still better, God is in the midst
of our assemblies, blessing his word to the awakening of
many souls; every thing bids fair for a glorious ingathering
to our Emmanuel. O may the Divine Spirit descend in his
fulness of power ! "
The following extracts will show the present state of
these missions :
Tliaba Unchu : From the Rev. R. Giddy, dated Sept.
12th, 1838. " It is very gratifying here to see small com-
panies of natives sitting down in the open air, out of school-
hours, and poring over the books which have been supplied
to them from our mission press ; and I am happy in saying,
that though I cannot, from the urgency of other matters
connected with the station, pay all the attention to the school
that is desirable, knowledge of the right kind is rapidly in-
fusing itself into this large mass of people. The natives
of Africa are not at all remarkable for diligence in manual
labour, but I have seen very few in England more diligent
in learning than the Bechuanas. Application for books are
exceedingly numerous ; and when sometimes, in answer to
a request for a book, I ask, ' But can you read it ? I have
not seen you at school,' I am answered, ' O yes ! I can read,
I have learned at home from Satlula, or Molema, or Mefuri. 7 "
Lishuani: From the Rev. W. H. Garner, dated Sep. 3rd,
1838. " Through the tender mercies of our heavenly Father,
I still enjoy a measure of health, and find the work of
SOUTH AFRICA. 307
preaching Christ crucified to the perishing heathen, to be a
most delightful, heart-cheering employment; although as
yet I may ask, Who hath believed our report ? Lately I
have been much encouraged in my work, by hearing of the
remarkable outpouring of the Spirit at 'Mperani, and have
seen a desire manifested by several to know how to serve the
Lord ; and frequently, after I have retired to rest, and some-
times before the sun has risen, do I hear the voice of prayer
in the rocks in the neighbourhood of the house."
Umpukani, Mantalee Country: From the Rev. J. Ed-
wards. " July 22//c?. This day I have baptized two very
aged persons, a man and a woman belonging to the 'Mperani
station. They are not much less than eighty years of age
each. Surely the old man can say with Simeon, (for that
was the name given him at his baptism,) c My eyes have
seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face
of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles,' &c.
" Polygamy, which is a great hindrance to the cause of
God, has, in some instances, given way before the power of
the gospel. One of our new converts had two wives; one
of which, being the last he took, he was determined to put
away. This one was a sister to the king, who being an un-
godly man, strongly opposed such a step, as being disgrace-
ful to the royal family. But the man was firm to his pur-
pose ; he told her she must leave him, it being contrary to
the rule of the gospel that they should live together. She
said, 4 1 will not leave ;' then said he, ' I must leave you.'
He then removed his residence from her. Though he has
been threatened with death by the king for this act, yet he
stands fast in the good way.
" May 6th. This day I have had the great honour and
pleasure of initiating into the church of Christ by baptism,
eight Mantatees, belonging to the 'Mperani station. These
are the first of this tribe that have been baptized in the name
of Christ. Among this number, and the first that was bap-
308 MEMORIALS OF
tized, was the son of the chief Sekongela, whose name was
Silo, now David Silo. This lad was taken under the foster-
ing care of Mr. Allison, when he first went to reside among
that tribe, and he has, contrary to his expectations, been
allowed by his ungodly father to remain with him to the
present. It is very remarkable, and very encouraging, that
all the lads whom Mr. Allison has, in his zeal for doing
good, taken into his house to instruct in the doctrines of
Christianity, are converted to God. These lads, being ten
in number, are sons of the principal men in the tribe," and if
spared, may, through grace, become nursing fathers to this
great nation ; and the great good resulting therefrom cannot
now be estimated."
SOUTH AFRICA. 309
List of Wesleyan Missionaries and their stations in 1839.
I THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE DISTRICT.
Cape Town and Wynberg, Thomas L. Hodgson, Richard Haddy, James
Smeeth, James Goodrick.
Somerset, Sfc., Edward Edwards.
Khamies Berg, (Little Namacqua-land,) Joseph Jackson, jun.
Nisbett Bath, (Great Namacqua-land,) Edward Cook. One wanted.
Damaras, Two wanted.
II. THE ALBANY DISTRICT.
Grahams Town and Lower Albany, William Shaw, John Richards,
William Impey.
Salem and Farmerfield, James Archbell.
Port Elizabeth, John Appleyard.
Fort Beaufort, John Smith.
Winterberg, . John Ayliff.
Ill THE KAFFRARIA DISTRICT.
1. AMAKOSJE.
Newton-Dale and Lower- Albany, William B. Boyce.
Beha Station and Fingoo Mission, William Shepstone.
Wesleyville and Mount Coke, James Thomas.
Butterworth, One to be sent.
Amavelelo, William H. Garner.
2. AMATEMBU.
Clarkeberg, Francis Gladwin.
Colosa, George H. Green.
Morley, Samuel Palmer.
3. AMAPONDO.
Buntingmlle , Thomas Jenkins.
From the Zimvooboo to the Zimkolo, (Faku and CapaVs Tribes,) Henry
H. Dugmore, Horatio Pearse.
4. AMAZULU.
Port Natal, Two are requested
IV THE BECHUANA DISTRICT.
Thaba Unchu, (Barolongs,) James Cameron, Richard Giddy.
Plaat Berg, (Newlanders,) One wanted.
MANTATEE COUNTRY.
Umpukani, John Edwards.
'Mjparani, James Allison, Assistant Missionary.
310
MEMORIALS OF
Mating, Francis Taylor.
Inkatla, Thorneley Smith.
Lishuani, (Basutas,) William C. Holden.
The Corannas, (Hans Kaptein,) J Missionaries wante(L
The Corannas, (Gnyp,)
The Griquas, (Barend,) George Bingham.
1839 SCHEDULE OF THE WESLEYAN MISSIONS IN
SOUTH AFRICA.
m
OB
No. of Missionaries.
Salaried Teachers.
Gratuitous Teachers.
Total Agents.
f
c
S
S
1
8j
**.
R^
B&2
42
1
H
TotaVunder ihe care of
the Society as far as
ascertained.
CAPE or GOOD HOPE.
Cape Town, Wyn-
berg, and Simon's
Town
3
54
/>7
137
610
747
Somerset and Stellen-
i
1
3
,5
17
60
77
i
1
?,
90
160
250
Great Namacqua-land
ALBANY AND KAFFER-
i
1
...
2
32
172
204
Graham's Town and
3
1
80
84
558
955
1513
Fort Beaufort
1
1
47
47
Newton Dale and
Lower Albany ....
Beka Station and
Fingoo Mission....
Wesleyville ,.
1
1
1
2
1
1
13
7
1
16
9
3
135
45
12
183
249
50
318
294
62
Mount Coke (Islam-
bie's Tribe) ..
1
1
2
4
7
118
125
Butterworth (Hint-
1
1
4
6
27
75
102
1
1
7
9
33
100
133
1
a
5
q
38
355
393
1
i
3
5
34
144
178
Thaba Unchu
2
4
4
10
83
100
183
3)
42
50
92
Plaat Berg j
1
3
1}
y
74
131
205
Umpukani & Coranna
1
1
3
* )
2
6
i
60
100
145
65
205
165
SOUTH AFRICA. 311
It will be seen from the above schedule, that many are
running to and fro, and that knowledge is increasing. The
numbers under the immediate care of the missionaries are
considerable, but there are thousands who hear the word of
life from their lips, of whom no accurate statement can be
given. Still, however, there are regions beyond, immense
and unexplored, regions where the foot of a European never
trod, where the sound of salvation has never been heard,
and where multitudes of immortal souls remain in gross
darkness, destitute of the gospel of Christ, and unknown to
the Christian world. It was the opinion of the late W.
Wilberforc.e, Esq., that the interior of Africa would never be
explored, except by the aid of missionary influence, and
matters of fact since his death have proved his sentiments
to be correct. Arise then, ye sons and daughters of the
Centenary year of Wesleyan Methodism: you have acted
nobly in your liberal thank-offerings to raise an Ebenezer.
Then, " be not weary in well doing," but copy the example of
your Founder, who exclaimed, " the world is my parish." A
great part of that parish has not yet been visited, but you are
to go to " all the world." You may not be able to go in
person, but you are to go in your prayers, in your donations,
and in your children ; you are to go onward
u Till the earth be o'erflowed,
And the universe fill'd with the glory of God."
Arise ye Wesleyan youths, whose hearts are warm with
the love of Christ Buckle on your armour and present
yourselves on the missionary altar Go in the name of the
Lord and brave the ocean, face the tempest, and cross the
desert Go and ford the rivers, climb the mountains, and
erect on their summit the standard of the cross Go into the
midst of the savage horde, and with the naming torch of
truth disperse the hellish gloom Go and open the wells of
salvation, and cry to the panting African
312 MEMORIALS OF
" Behold the living waters flow,
Come drink and thirst no more."
Go and plant the tree of life in the wilderness, that the
nations may pluck its leaves and be healed Go and pro-
claim to all, " Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away
the sin of the world" Go and unite with him who so
sweetly sung,
" Waft, waft ye winds the story,
And you, ye waters roll ;
Till, like a sea of glory,
It spread from pole to pole ;
Till o'er our ransom' d nature,
The Lamb for sinners slain,
Redeemer, King, Creator,
Return in bliss to reign."
SOUTH AF1UCA. 313
CHAPTER XXI.
NATIVE CHARACTERS JANTJE WILDSCHOT JOANNES JAAGER
JACOB LINKS ANDRIES ORANG PETER LINKS EVA BARTELS
DIANA.
IN the year 1816, HAAIMAAP, or JANTJE WILDSCHOT, was
the chief of the Little Namacqtias, and lived in the vicinity
of the Khamies Mountains. Having heard that some of the
tribes by the Orange River had received teachers, who told
the people many things respecting God and a Redeemer, he
held a consultation with several of the leading men of his
clan, who resolved with him to set off to Clanwilliam or the
Cape, in search of a missionary. At this time I was on my
way from Cape Town, travelling towards the Great Namac-
qua country, but not knowing to what tribe of people I
should go. In October, we met together in the wilder-
ness, and agreed to go by the way of Khamies Berg,
changing our course for that part of the country. The chief
went on before to prepare the way, and make known his
success. On our arrival at the place of his residence, we
were received with great joy, and to induce me to remain
among them, all expressed their willingness to hear the
Great Word, and the chief said, " The land is before you ;
Live where you please. There are fountains of water ; you
may sow corn and gardens. Take what you require, only
remain with us."
314 MEMORIALS OF
The chief being brought under the sound of the gospel,
soon began to feel its power. I have often seen him sit
and weep during the greatest part of a religious service,
and, on some occasions, fall prostrate on the ground. At
one time, seeing him sitting on a solitary rock, a short dis-
tance from the place where I had preached, I walked to-
wards him and found him mourning and weeping aloud.
On asking him, " Chief, why are you mourning thus ?" He
answered, " Ik ben al te veel zondig, (I am so exceedingly
sinful.) All the sins which I ever committed appear to be
set before my eyes." But he was soon enabled to rejoice,
that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. By
hearing the gospel, he obtained proper views of the way of
salvation, and then said to me, " The gospel is very sweet
for me now, and my burden has fallen off."
It was a great disadvantage to the chief, that he was un-
acquainted with the Dutch language, and he was too far
advanced in life to learn to read ; yet the young people and
children were always ready to become his interpreters.
When I had been preaching at an outpost by the side of a
great rock, which he said should bear the name of Bethel,
we sung the following verse in the Namacqua language :
u Nee kyp oorip Jesop gooaa
Saatsa houwa orre,
Yp aup orrega urns annoo,
Yp aup orreta tea."
" He breaks the power of cancell'd sin,
He sets the prisoner free,
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avail' d for me."
While the children sung this verse, being the first he
had heard in his own language, he appeared to be filled with
delight and joy unspeakable. He could not find language
to express himself, but often repeated " Ja Jesop, ja Jesop,
SOUTH AFRICA. 315
al te lekker, al te lekker," Yes Jesus, yes Jesus, exceedingly
sweet, too sweet. He seemed desirous of exclaiming in the
language of Wesley,
" O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise."
Though Jantje Wiklschot was a chief, he was very poor,
and frequently had but little to eat. He had, however, a
nephew, who was active and industrious ; engaging to per-
form his part in plowing, &c., by which means the circum-
stances of the chief were greatly improved; and he knew by
experience, that, " Godliness is profitable to all things."
He was kind and affectionate to the missionaries and their
families. When I was ill on the station, he was greatly
concerned, and was ready to use all the means in his power
for my recovery. When I was called to leave the Khamies
Mountains, he was swallowed up in sorrow, and thought he
should see my face no more ; but we were spared to meet
again several years afterwards, in which he greatly rejoiced.
I trust that Old Jantje, as he is generally called, will be
faithful unto death, and, with many of his tribe, will finally
join the innumerable multitude before the throne of God.
" O what a mighty change,
Shall these Namacquas know,
While o'er the happy plains they range,
Incapable of woe."
JOANNES JAAGER, was residing among the Karree Moun-
tains, when some of the people of Lily Fountain, on passing
that way, spake to him respecting the great truths of the
gospel. On referring to this circumstance, he said, " I was
living in the Karree country, ignorant of all spiritual things,
and without God in the world. But Delia, (wife of one of
the Namacquas,) came to us. She then told us strange
things, such as we had never before heard of, by which I
was greatly alarmed ; I became so terrified on account of
316 MEMOKIALS OF
rny sins, that I fled to the rocks to hide myself. But I could
find no refuge from the frowning eye of God, which ap-
peared to be every where present." Joannes then resolved
to go to the mission station, which was more than one hun-
dred miles distant, and hear for himself. Some of the
Dutch farmers, who were enemies to our work, raised a
report, and spread it through the land, that those who lived
where the gospel was preached would be seized, and taken
to ships, in which they would be sent as slaves across the
blaauw water, (the sea.) This report, however, did not deter
Joannes from going to hear the w r ord of God. On his arri-
val at Lily Fountain, he heartily embraced the gospel, the
sound of which was so delightful to him, that his joy was as
"the joy of harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide
the spoil." He and others could now say to Delia, their
first teacher, as the men of Sychar said to the woman of
Samaria, " Now we believe not because of thy saying, &c.,"
John iv. 42. Joannes had sought the Lord with many
tears, and went forth weeping, but he found in the gospel
a healing balm, and the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding.
He then resolved to leave the Karree altogether, and take
up his residence where he could be fed with the bread of
life. He was so desirous of learning to read, that he used
to carry his book into the fields with him, and if he met
with any of the school children, he would engage them to
sit down and become his instructors. He was soon able to
read the Scriptures which he greatly loved, and was gener-
ally seen, whether on a journey, or at work, with a leathern
bag under his arm, containing the precious treasure. He
also became so industrious in building and cultivating the
ground, that he excelled many who had been much longer
on the station. Joannes was strongly attached to Jacob
Links, and his zeal in the cause of the Redeemer was vari-
ously manifested. The late Mr. Threlfall, chose him on
SOUTH AFRICA. 317
going to Great Namacqua-land, as one of his companions,
and when on their journey to that country, Mr. T., men-
tions him in connection with the late Jacob Links, as one
who had his full confidence. The letter of Mr. Threlfall,
was written July 4th, 1825, in which he states that some
persons they had met with, gave alarming accounts of the
people and country beyond the Orange River. " They said
all they could to discourage Jacob and Joannes ; but these
two brave fellows, to use a phrase of Ambrose, had their
courage and confidence steeled, and declared themselves
fearless through grace, and that they were not only willing
to suffer, but to die in the cause of their Lord Jesus. I am
sure they had more courage than I had, for my heart fainted
within me ; but seeing their strength of faith, I got the
better of my fears. They are companions to my liking, and
often do my soul good, and put me to the blush for the
weakness of my faith."
About five weeks after the date of this letter, Joannes
and his two companions were cruelly murdered by a Great
Namacqua of the name of Nauwgaap, and some wretched
Bushmen in the vicinity of the Fish River. From the
general deportment of this Namacqua, who was a man of
deep piety, and of fervent zeal for the glory of God, as well
as from the above extract, all who knew him believe that he
is now with the spirits of the just made perfect.
JACOB LINKS, was the youngest son of Kendo Links, a
Namacqua nearly related to the chief, and of considerable
consequence in the tribe. On my arrival at Khamies Berg,
he was about seventeen years of age, and receiving the
truth as it is in Jesus, he began to evince those pleasing
tokens of usefulness which were afterwards so clearly mani-
fested to all who knew him. He soon learnt both to read
and write, after which he addressed a letter to the missionary
committee which gave its members abundant joy, and is
recorded in the tenth chapter.
318 MEMORIALS OF
For several years he was employed as a native school-
master, and assistant missionary, in which capacity he was
extensively useful. A specimen of his manner of preaching
was sent to the committee, being a brief sketch of a dis-
course delivered in Dutch in the chapel at Lily Fountain.
The Namacqua children were strongly attached to Jacob,
on account of his attention to them in the school ; and the
adults who were learning to read, for his work's sake, and
the amazing patience which he exercised in giving them
instruction.
For some time after embracing the gospel, Jacob had his
trials, and found by experience, that " all who will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." But he was
found " stedfast and unmoveable," as will appear from the
following circumstance. Soon after Jacob had openly pro-
fessed Christianity, a Boor, (a farmer,) for whom he had
often laboured, came to the station one Sabbath morning,
and required Jacob to accompany him in search of his
horses. Jacob hesitated in obeying the command, and the
Boor became angry. Jacob quoted the law on the subject,
" Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy ;" the Boor
said, u I dare say you will not object eating on Sunday, and
why not go with me as usual." Jacob then answered with
firmness, " Ik zal niet gaan, (I shall not go,) Master ; we
ought to obey God rather than men. If it were a case of
necessity, I would go immediately, but your horses run for
weeks together without being looked after, and the Sabbath
is the only day you collect them together. Had you come
yesterday, I would have accompanied you. If you will come
to-morrow I will go, but this is the Lord's day, and not
ours. I will not therefore leave the house and worship of
God on this day, for the purpose of seeking horses. How
can I, who profess to believe and revere the command of
God, profane his holy day ? ' How can I do this great
wickedness, and sin against God ?'" The Boor was highly
SOUTH AFRICA. 319
offended with the decision, and left the place in anger, but
he came no more to seduce the Namacquas from the worship
of God 011 the Sabbath.
The zeal of Jacob for the salvation of souls, became in-
creasingly fervent, and he offered to go and reside for a time
with a small horde of Bushmen, in order to endeavour to
teach them the way of salvation. With those children of
the desert he wandered from place to place, till he was
nearly famished with hunger. He lived for some time on
old pieces of hide and goat skins, after which he returned
to Lily Fountain, saying, " Ik kan niet meer," (I can en-
dure no longer,) the Bushmen have worn me out, and I have
been constrained to leave them.
He was desirous of improving his mind, for which pur-
pose he began to learn English, in order that he might be
able to read in that language. I have in my possession
part of a vocabulary written with his own hand, consisting
of English and Dutch in separate columns. He was also
in the habit of making memorandums of discourses which
he heard, several of which are now before me ; and had he
been spared a few years longer, he would have certainly
been one of the brightest native lights, which ever shone
in South Africa.
Jacob was so strongly attached to those who preached the
gospel to the heathen, that he would have undergone any
hardship, and have made any sacrifice, to serve them.
When Mr. Archbell was once about to enter on a post of
difficulty, Jacob unhesitatingly said, "Where you go, Sir,
I will go also." Anxious to preach the pospel in the re-
gions beyond the Garriep, or Great Orange River, he ac-
companied the late beloved Threlfall and Joannes Jaager,
to Great Namacqua-land. On their journey, they met with
discouragements both many and great, but Jacob said, with
the Apostle, " None of these things move me, neither count
I my life dear unto myself." His faith, which had been so
3'20 MEMORIALS OF
greatly strengthened, was very soon put to the severest test,
as he was horridly murdered with his fellow travellers, before
they reached the place of their destination. Jacob was shot
by poisoned arrows, one of which entered his cheek ; and a
youth who was present, declared that he continued for some
time preaching to his murderers, notwithstanding the pain
he had to endure, and then like another Stephen, spent his
last breath in praying for their salvation. Jacob and his
companions have joined the multitude before the throne, and
of them it may now be said, " These are they which came
out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
The following is a free translation of a Dutch hymn, fre-
quently sung by Jacob in times of trial ; and as they had
attended to the duty of public worship just before lying
down to sleep on the night in which they were murdered, it
is not unlikely that they had united in singing these
favourite verses, at the close of their earthly career ;
" The nearest way is known to God,
Which leads to yonder bright abode.
If grief or joy the best will be,
Leave all with him the Lord shall see.
" He leads us through this earthly vale,
His word of truth shall never fail
Secure does ev'ry promise stand,
And we shall reach our Fatherland.
" When creature aid would all be vain,
His presence with us shall remain,
The same through one eternal day,
When earthly joys are fled away.
u When passing through the shades of death,
When yielding up this fleeting breath,
In need, our only Friend is He,
Who gives the final victory."
SOUTH AFRICA. 321
AN DRIES ORANG was a native of Namacqua-land, and
when we arrived in that country, he appeared to be about
fifty years of age. On hearing the glad tidings of salvation,
he embraced the gospel with all his heart, and became an
active member of the church at Lily Fountain. He was a
man of great ingenuity and quickness of apprehension ; both of
which he turned to good account, by endeavouring to make
himself useful to those among whom he resided.
Poor Andries was blind of one eye ; yet he resolved on
learning to read, that he might know how to answer an
important question, which was frequently proposed among
the Namacquas, " hoe zegt het book ?" (what does the book
say?) My colleague, Mr. Edwards, supplied him with a
spelling-book and spectacles ; thus equipped, he began and
continued, till he accomplished the task. Andries was
seldom seen without his spelling-book, which was well
thumbed both by himself and the numerous children who
became his instructors. It was often bound upon his head
during the hours of labour, partly for the purpose of keeping
it clean, and also to be in readiness on finding any person
willing to teach him. Having passed through the small
book, to his great delight he obtained a New Testament,
which became his constant companion, and was carried in a
small leathern bag under his arm. One day, coming to my
house, he, according to custom, sat down on the floor. Not
knowing at the time that he was able to read, I was
astonished to find him ask if I would hear him, and having
consented, he opened on a part which had been folded
down, and began " ziet hoe groote befide, (Behold what
manner of love) the Father hath bestow r ed upon us, that we
should be called the sons of God, &c." He read till he
came to the 8th verse, " For this purpose the Son of God
was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the
Devil :" he then looked earnestly at me, and said, " Myn-
heer kan ik ner niet gaan en prediken ?" (Can I not now
x
322 MEMORIALS OF
go and preach, Sir ?) I enquired, " what would you preach,
Andries ?" He answered, " there are many among whom I
go, who never heard such beautiful words as those I have
read, and they know not that Jesus Christ came into the
world, ' to destroy the works of the Devil.' Can I not go
and uitleggen (explain) to them that Jesus Christ came to
save sinners." As no one could forbid or discourage him in
such a work, Andries went forth with the Testament under
his arm, and the love of souls in his heart, and preached
Christ crucified to those who were sitting in darkness, and
in the valley of the shadow of death.
Some years after Andries had learned to read, I was on a
journey from Cape Town to Namacqua-land, and the day
being exceedingly hot, we remained by a place called Rim-
hoogte till nearly sun-set, before we commenced travelling.
It is thus related in my journal of October 16, 1823. During
the day an old Mosambique slave came up to our wagon,
and asked for a Dutch hymn-book. On asking if he could
read, he took a small school book out of his leathern sack,
and read, " For God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life." This circumstance
being very surprising to me, I enquired by whom he had
been taught to read ? He said, " My master, some time
ago, hired one of your Namacquas to take care of the sheep.
When he came among us, we knew nothing of God, or
prayer ; but he commenced singing hymns and praying with
us every evening. He then read out of the book, and told
us of Jesus Christ. The words which he preached w r ere so
good for me, that I longed to read them myself. He was
willing to teach me, and gave me his books ; but the hymn-
book is old and shattered, so that I can scarcely read it.
I long for another. Our teacher has now gone away from
us to the station, yet we still sing and pray together with
our fellow-slaves every evening ; and whilst I am watching
SOUTH AFRICA. 323
the sheep in the day, I try to improve myself. Others of
the slaves have begun to pray, and long to be taught." This
Namacqua was none other than Andries Orang, of Lily
Fountain. How various are the instruments employed in
spreading the savour of divine truth ! The poor Namacqua
leaves Lily Fountain : he commences a journey of at least
one hundred and sixty miles, in order to become shepherd
to a farmer by the Elephant Hiver. Surrounded in his new
situation with a number of slaves, almost as ignorant of God
as the beasts which perish, he commences praying with
them, and for them. Seeing them far from God, he begins
to prophecy according to his ability ; and, from the fruits of
his labour, it is evident he speaks to edification, and exhor-
tation, and comfort.
Andries was always delighted when he could add to his
stock of knowledge; and to this end, requested that he
might have a Bible, with which he was soon provided.
Knowing that I was about to proceed one Saturday evening,
to a farm at the distance of several miles, to hold divine
service, he procured a horse and rode after me. It was the
latter end of summer, and the grass was scorched up ; yet on
passing through a valley near the station, I was astonished
to see a part of it covered with flowers, more beautifully
adorned than any of the princes of this world, when in the
midst of all their glory. I alighted from my horse, and
stood to admire the scene before me, when Andries came
up, and was equally as much astonished at my attention, as
I was with the richness of the colours of those " Lilies of
the valley." He immediately enquired, " Why do you look
so earnestly, Sir ?" He was told to take out the Bible, of
which he had lately become possessed; arid finding him
Sol. Song, ii. 1. he read, "I am the rose of Sharon, and
the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my
love among the daughters." His eye now sparkled with
joy, and he began to make enquiries, and look for some
324 MEMORIALS OF
observations. To the remarks made, he was exceedingly
attentive. He gazed on the thorns and straggling bushes,
which were withered and leafless. He looked on the lilies
with an interest he had never before felt, and frequently
used the Namacqua exclamation, " Eisey eisey !" On
mounting my horse to ride onward, he lingered and appeared
sorrowful to leave the place, and we had not been long at
the farm, before I saw him surrounded with a company of
people, to whom he was reading. When he had read a little,
he became exceedingly animated, and spoke to them with
delight respecting the "lily among thorns." For many
years after this occurrence, he would frequently allude to the
circumstance, and gratefully exclaim, " Eisey, eisey, de
old Mynheer and the lilies."
By means of Andries, several farmers, as well as Namac-
quas, occasionally heard the truth. At one time, he was at
the house of a farmer, where several other Boors were also
present, some of whom were prejudiced against missionary
stations among the heathen. One of them intimated, that
as many of the Namacquas had been baptized, and were
now members of the church at Lily Fountain, they might
live as they pleased. Andries took out his Bible, which he
knew by experience to be the " Sword of the Spirit," and
contended for the faith. He opened on Romans, vi. 1, 2.
and read, " What shall we say then ? Shall we continue in
sin, that grace may abound. God forbid. How shall we
that are dead to sin live any longer therein." Seeing them
put to silence, and knowing that some of them were hoping
for heaven, because they were baptized, he became bold in
the cause of his Master, and opening on John, iii ; he read,
and spoke of the new-birth, declaring that they must "be
born again," or they could not be saved. The master of the
house now became uneasy, and threatened to take the
Sambok (a kind of whip) to Andries. Andries depending on
the goodness of his cause, presented the old gentleman with
SOUTH AFRICA. 3*25
his book, saying, " Shew me master where it is written that
you are to flog me, and I will immediately submit." The
farmer could find no such direction, and Andries escaped.
In the year 1833, I was on my way to visit Lily Fountain,
when on approaching the Elephant River, a slave ran after
the wagon, calling aloud to the driver, and enquiring if it
were not the wagon of old Mynheer. It was nearly mid-
night when this circumstance occurred, for the weather being
hot and the sands deep, we could not travel far by day. I
enquired, on hearing the voice of a stranger, " Who are you ?
what do you want ?" &c. The poor slave immediately an-
swered. " I am one of Andries' s children ; do you not know
me, sir ? I saw the wagon when you were far away, and
have come to ask for a Testament. Andries, Myn Leeraan
(my teacher) is dead ; he died on a journey through the
Karree Mountains. I have his Bible in my possession, but
his widow will not allow me to keep it ; when this shall be
returned to her, then I shall be destitute of the word of God.
From further conversation, I found this slave to be the iden-
tical person to whom a spelling-book was given about ten
years before, as related in my journal of October 16, 1823.
I felt thankful for the noble institution of the Bible Society,
from which, by means of the late Rev. R. Watson, I had
received a supply of Bibles and Testaments for gratuitous
distribution. To my great joy, I was enabled to furnish
him with a copy of the New Testsment, of which a proper
use would be made by the poor Mosambiques, as he still
continued to assemble the people together for divine ser-
vice.
Andries Orang died while passing through the wilderness,
in the presence of his wife, who was on the same journey
towards Lily Fountain. He longed to arrive at the station,
but this was not permitted. I have no doubt, however, but
Andries felt the truth of that promise, " My grace is suf-
ficient for thee." Had he belonged to the Roman Catholic
3*26 MEMORIALS OF
Church, he would doubtless have been cannonized as an
Apostle of the desert. But,
" Him the Spirit hath declared,
Blest, unutterably blest :
Jesus is his great reward,
Jesus his eternal rest."
PETER LINKS, was a brother of Jacob, but several years
older. He was one of the persons who accompanied the
chief on going to search for a teacher, and often referred to
the day of our meeting in the desert, as the happiest one
which had ever dawned upon him. It was Peter, who said,
when speaking of his conversion, " I wandered on the
mountains seeking rest but finding none. I ate all kinds
of bitter bushes in order to atone for my sins, but I never
found peace, till I heard of Jesus, and believed in him."
Then, with inexpressible feeling, he would quote some lines
of the following favourite hymn :
" Liefste Hieland, uw genade,
Is veel grooter dan men denkt,
Wanneer gy aan, een arme made,
Uw verdienst, en vriendschap schenkt."
lt Blessed Saviour ! thy free mercy,
Far exceeds my scanty thought ;
When poor Gentiles, vile and guilty,
Unto union sweet are brought.
Long oppress' d I sought to anchor,
On a sure and certain ground,
But had no man to instruct,
Where a Saviour might be found.
Unexpectedly one told me,
Jesus, Jesus, is the man :
This affected me so deeply,
That I to his mercy ran.
Then did plenteous grace come streaming,
On my soul from Jesu's heart ;
Jesu's blood, for me atoning,
Made an end of all my smart."
SOUTH AFRICA. 327
At another time, he said, " I first began to seek for wisdom,
instead of salvation. The wisdom I could not find, as I am
still very ignorant, but the salvation I obtained through the
grace of God, and I live in the enjoyment of it."
Peter being a strong and active man, soon learned to do
many things at the station, in a way far superior to any of
the other Namacquas. He became a mason, and thatcher,
a carpenter and smith, and thus by his labour, was of great
importance to our new institution. Indeed his profiting
appeared to all, and his conduct and superior abilities, every
where commanded respect. On account of his knowledge
and piety, he was consulted by the missionaries on all mat-
ters of importance, and several Dutch farmers were often
glad of his advice.
At our monthly meetings, respecting the temporal affairs
of the station, he always took an active part, and was by far
the best speaker in the council. His speeches were on
some occasions exceedingly powerful, and they were listen-
ed to with great attention. The following may serve as a
specimen. Having some difficulty respecting the school
children, in consequence of their parents sending them to
take care of their cattle, rather than assist in providing
general watchers, the subject was brought before the meet-
ing. Previously to their having any gardens, or corn-fields,
the cattle were accustomed to go for days and weeks with
very little attention, but now they could not be allowed to
roam at large. Having pointed out the evil of keeping the
children from school, T stated in conclusion, that if they
really persisted in it, we might see it to be our duty to leave
them, and proceed yet further into the interior of the country.
At this instant Peter rose, and demanded a hearing, when
he spoke as follows :
" Brothers, hear me ! I know you of old. It is not the
first time that I have heard complaints respecting the chil-
dren. Many of them are watching the calves in the field,
328 MEMORIALS OF
instead of being in the school. Brothers, hear me ! I know
you often sit with only one ear open, but now open them
both. I know you soon forget what you hear, and when
reproved for doing wrong, you say, we did not know it.
Hear me, then, and to-day let your attention be fixed, for the
subject is a great one. Brothers, let me question you. What
were we before we received the gospel ? You know you
were blind and stupid heathens. Brothers, what did you
know of God, what of Christ Jesus, and what of the way
of salvation ? You knew nothing, you were in thick dark-
ness. Brothers, let me ask again ; Before you had the gos-
pel, what did you know of plowing and sowing ? what of
making gardens, and partaking of the fruit of them ? What
did you know of reaping corn-fields, of thrashing the sheaves,
of baking cakes, and of eating loaves of bread ? What did
you know of religious teaching, of the holy scriptures, and
of schools for your children ? You knew nothing of them ;
but we see great things to-day, we have our teachers, we
have the great word, and we have a school for our children.
" Brothers, hear me ! After all these things, will you be in-
different ? will you make your children go after the lambs,
and the calves, instead of sending them to school ? Has not
the council appointed general watchers ? (herders.) Is there
any necessity for your children running after the calves ?
You know there is not. Brothers, hear me! Has not our
teacher hinted, that if we refuse to obey the light, that light
may be taken from us. But that time must never come ; we
must not again be without the gospel, without teachers to
proclaim it, without Sabbath-days, without the sound of the
bell, and without a school for our children. Whatever may
be done to remedy the evil complained of, such a step must
never be taken. Take the gospel from us, and what should
we be? Brothers, hear me ! I say for myself, I say for my
part, that I had much rather, that a kogel (bullet) should
now be shot through my head, and my soul launched into
SOUTH AFRICA. 329
eternity, than that I should live to see the day, when the
gospel shall be removed from our land."
This speech, the substance of which I have given, was
delivered with great energy and warmth. It had, also, the
desired effect, and the people responded to it, " Dat is
waar, dat is waar," (It is true, it is true,) and sent their
children to be instructed.
In our religious assemblies, Peter was likewise an ex-
horter. He was frequently called upon, especially when
strangers were present, to address them in the Namacqua
language. On November 20th, 1825, I had preached from
Luke xxiv. 46, 47, in the morning of the day, and in the
afternoon, Peter was requested to speak to the people. After
I had commenced the service, he rose up, and deliberately
referred to the great truths they had heard in the morning,
by which he gained the marked attention of his audience,
when he commenced the application of them to their hearts.
Almost immediately, one individual began to mourn, and
soon several others wept aloud. Peter went on with his
discourse, till it appeared as if Sinai were on a blaze, and its
thunders were rolling all around ; as if the gloomy cloud were
descending, and the lightning of divine justice flashing con-
viction into every conscience ; as if the waves of divine
indignation were rising, and the people, just about to be
swallowed up in blackness and darkness, began each to cry,
" God be merciful to me a sinner." Peter stood in the midst
of the assembly, like the watchful pilot of a ship in the
height of a storm. As the people mourned, he became more
and more animated ; he preached " repentance and the re-
mission of sins;" he pointed his hearers to the Lamb of
God, and spoke of his atonement. He spoke so delightfully
of the Saviour suffering, bleeding, and dying, so appropri-
ately of his invitation, " Come unto me, come unto me,"
so seasonably of his ability to save, that the storm began to
abate in its fury, and he proclaimed, " Jesus neemt de zon-
330 MEMORIALS OF
daars aan," (Jesus receiv r eth sinners still.) Jesus receiving
sinners, was now the theme on which he dwelt; and while
he was thus preaching Christ, the clouds appeared to dis-
perse, the thunder ceased to roar, the winds were hushed,
and a peaceful calm ensued. It seemed as if he had brought
the people within sight of the haven, when he set them to
spread their sails, and they rejoiced in hope of being for
ver with the Lord. The address was certainly a piece of
the finest natural eloquence I had ever heard. The emotions
of Peter gave pathos to his words, and the people felt that
the " power of the Lord was present to heal."
Peter was not only of essential service at Lily Fountain,
but also in other parts of the mission field. He willingly
went to the Bechuana country, to assist Messrs. Hodgson
and Broadbent, and by them he was held in great estimation.
In many things, Mr. H. depended on Peter's judgment, and
loved him as a brother. He went also, to Great Namacqua-
land, to assist Mr. Cook in the mission at Nisbett Bath,
where he was employed as an artisan and school-master.
Several years ago, he fell under the paw of a lion, by which
he was greatly lacerated, and for many months was incapa-
ble of labour ; he, however, gradually recovered strength,
though severely maimed for life. On account of our mis-
sions, Peter Links, travelled thousands of miles, endured
innumerable hardships, and went through all kinds of
dangers.
When Peter heard that I was about to leave South Africa,
he desired greatly to come and see me ; but being unable,
on account of the distance from Cape Town, he sent one of
his best oxen as a present. I could not keep the animal as
a token of remembrance, but have preserved the horns, as a
memento of this excellent man. My opinion of Peter is,
that he would lay down his life for a missionary, if requisite ;
and were I going to labour in Great Namacqua-land, I
would prefer him as an assistant, to any man in the world.
SOUTH AFRICA. 331
EVA BARTELS is a mulatto woman, who was living in Cape
Town, when we commenced our school for the heathen.
Two little slave girls, who were residing in the same house,
first brought her to our religious services. She appeared to
be about fifty years of age, and was exceedingly desirous of
learning to read the Holy Scriptures. I procured her spec-
tacles, which she greatly needed ; and placing herself among
the little children, she willingly submitted to be taught by
any of them. The children finding her make rapid pro-
gress in learning to read, were quite delighted with Tante
Eva, (Aunt Eve,) as they always addressed her, and she
became a great favourite among them. She often attended
the day, as w^ell as the evening school ; and being thus dili-
gent, was soon enabled to read the Bible, for which she had
the greatest possible reverence.
She not merely learned to read, however, but the Divine
Spirit so wrought upon her heart, that of her real conversion
to God, there was not the shadow of a doubt. She became
humble and lowly, and was regular in her attendance on all
the means of grace, and her conduct was most circumspect.
She was an example of piety to all around her, and was
zealous in inviting and bringing others to the means of
grace.
Going to visit her on one occasion, when in affliction, I
found her engaged in prayer. She knew not that I was
present, and prayed thus: "Oh ! how I have sinned ! Oh !
how I have sinned ! but thou, Lord, hast had mercy. Thou
hast had mercy upon me ; thou hast given me the joy of thy
salvation. Lord Jesus Christ, thou hast shed thy precious
blood for me." When told that I was present, she said,
" Mynheer, I was almost in despair for a time, for I have
been a great sinner. I therefore requested that I might be
left alone, in order that I might wrestle with the Lord, and
cry to him for help. I took up the Book to see if there was
anything for me, and as I continued in prayer, those sweet
332 MEMORIALS OF
words fell upon my heart, ' Ho, every one that thirsteth,
come ye to the waters.' This invitation brought me such
peace and joy, that all my sorrows departed, and I have now
strong consolation. I have been thinking of the great love
of God in giving his Son. We are debtors, and have nothing
wherewith to pay our debt; but Jesus Christ came and dis-
charged it by the shedding of his blood. While thus medi-
tating, I shed many tears ; but they were tears of joy, on
account of the great love of God to sinners."
On another occasion, when several persons were in the
room, who were expecting that the time of her departure was
at hand, she desired them to raise her up on the bed, and
support her with pillows. This being done, she began to
address those around her, exhorting them to come to the
Redeemer. She spoke to the children, telling them to seek
the Lord in their youth. She addressed her mistress, and
some ladies who were present, on the importance of salvation,
inviting them to come to Jesus. To a sister she said, "Re-
pent, and turn to the Lord, and do not live as I formerly
did." She then said, " To all my friends, and to all the
world, I would say, if they could hear me, bekeert u, (turn
ye,) why will ye die ? "
From this sickness she was mercifully raised to her for-
mer state of health, and became a " living epistle " to all
who knew her. She w r as so much beloved by her mistress,
that w r hen Eva requested that I might be allowed to preach
in the house, she readily gave her consent. Through her
exertions, there was a crowded assembly, many of whom
were respectable Dutch inhabitants, and they were seriously
attentive to the word of life.
On our going to Namacqua-land, in the year 1826, she
accompanied us, taking charge of our infant Jane. She was
so attentive to the child, when sitting among the wild bushes
of the desert, that she would always contrive some method
of making a shade to screen her from the rays of a scorching
SOUTH AFRICA. 333
sun. At Lily Fountain, Eva became the Leader of a female
class, in which office she was exceedingly useful. She is
mentioned by Mr. Edwards, in his journal of Dec. 31st,
18*27: "About three o'clock this morning, we were awoke
by a company of our people, who were singing the praises
of God. At length they advanced to my door, and Eva
said, ' Sir, you must pray.' Having done so, they went to
another part of the village, singing most delightfully the
songs of the Lord."
In the year 1828, Mr. Edwards says to the committee,
" Several females came to me, expressing their desire to be
baptized. Their leader strongly recommended them as
suitable persons for admittance into the Church of Christ.
On speaking to the leader, she said, ' I would rather have
Christ than de Kaap Stad.' " (Cape Town.)
Eva continued to adorn her profession, by a holy walk
and conversation ; and on our leaving the Cape, she was
residing with Mr. Hodgson, and was still useful to many of
the coloured population. She has become a mother in our
Israel , and though often afflicted, she is like a tree planted
by the rivers of water, and brings forth fruit in old age.
Her confidence is in Him who will be the strength of her
heart, and her portion for ever.
DIANA resides in Cape Downs, and the following is part
of a narrative which she gave me of herself, some years ago.
She was born at Bruin tjes Hoogte, far distant from Cape
Town. Her mother was a Hottentot, and died while
residing with a colonist, leaving her child, together with the
sheep and oxen in her possession, to the care of her master.
Though born free, Diana was unjustly held as a slave, and
while young, being ignorant of her freedom, submitted her-
self to the yoke, and was highly approved of by those who
knew her. The parents of her master being pleased with
her conduct, gave to their son, in exchange for Diana, a
334 MEMORIALS OF
team of oxen, (ten or twelve in number) and a female
slave.
Some time after her arrival at the house of her new
master, he took a journey to the village of Tulbach, in order
that his child might be presented for baptism. Diana had
to go likewise, for the purpose of taking charge of the child.
On entering the church, she was greatly astonished, and
somewhat afraid, never having before been in a place of
worship. But when the minister rose, and read his text
aloud, " I know thy works," she endeavoured to hide her-
self behind one of the large pillars in the body of the church,
imagining that he especially fixed his eyes upon her. She
was so ignorant, that she thought him more than human,
and supposed that he was acquainted with all her ways,
and every secret of her heart.
"The words of the wise are as goads," and so did they
prove in the case of Diana ; she became truly sorrowful on
account of her sinful state, and feared to sleep, lest she
should awake in endless torment. After her return to her
master's house, a Hottentot happened to come that way,
whose name was David. She found that he had been to
church, and anxiously enquired of him, " What shall I do,
whither shall I go ? &c." He exhorted her to pray; but she
knew nothing of prayer, and asked what he meant. He
said, " Go and kneel down among the bushes, and say, O
God ! help me ! Look up to heaven, and say, O God ! teach
me ! and he will hear you." Such was the anxiety of her
mind, that she immediately ran to the bushes, and said, O
God ! help me ! O God ! teach me ! for David says, thou
wilt hear me."
In her master's house, the Bible was sometimes read, but
never in the presence of the coloured people. Diana,
however, contrived a method, whereby she occasionally
heard words of salvation. The ancient custom of washing
the feet in the evening of the day, is still practised in the
SOUTH AFRICA. 335
interior of Africa, by many of the colonists ; it was so in the
family among whom Diana resided, and she being the per-
son employed for that purpose, as frequently as possible
carried in the water, whilst the Holy Scriptures were being
read. The truths which, by this means she heard, often
deeply affected her heart; and as she related the circum-
stances to me, the tears rolled at intervals down her sable
cheeks, especially when she said with deep emotion, u vele
traanen hebben van myne oogen gelopen, en in het waater
baaley gevallen, &c." (Many were the tears which I shed,
and which fell into the water vessel while I was thus em-
ployed.) But this scheme was, after some time, detected ;
and Diana was forbidden to enter the room again during
the reading of the Bible. She was hereby driven to
another expedient; perceiving that the threshold of the door
between the kitchen and the hall, had been partly
worn away, she crept gently to the spot, and applying
her attentive ear to it, eagerly listened, in order to
catch any part of the joyful sound. On one occasion,
while she was engaged in churning, her mistress sat near,
reading a part of the New Testament. Diana paid all atten-
tion, and hearing the words, " Ask, and it shall be given
you ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened
unto you ;" she could not refrain from exclaiming, " What
is that ? Whose words are these ? Can they be true ? "
But, to her anxious enquiries, she obtained no reply ; for her
mistress, frowning, bid her attend to her work, saying, "they
are not for you." The words she had heard, confirmed the
truth of what the old Hottentot had said, and she prayed
more fervently, " O God ! help me ! for David says thou
wilt." Her distress of soul considerably increased, so that
she could scarcely attend to her regular labour. Her master
and mistress discovered her condition, by whom she was
sometimes pitied, and at others treated with the utmost
severity'.
336 MEMORIALS OF
From different quarters, Diana had learned something of
her history, and ascertained that, as she was born free, her
bondage was illegal. She was one day strongly impressed
with these words. " Go out of this place, and 1 will go
with thee." She knew not whence they came, but con-
sidered them to be from God, and immediately left the
place, not knowing whither she was going. As Diana pur-
sued her solitary course, she was overtaken by a wagon, the
driver of which allowed her to ride, and after several days
journey, they arrived at Stellenbosch on a Saturday evening.
This village was favoured with the labours of a missionary,
whom Diana heard the following day. He took for his text,
" Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out,"
and so preached Christ, that the poor fugitive was enabled
humbly and penitently to believe the record true. She
found by happy experience, that Jesus Christ came into the
world to save sinners; and through him, she obtained the
peace of God which passeth understanding.
On the following day, her master arrived at the village,
and took her before the magistrate, that she might be pun-
ished for leaving his service ; but the account which Diana
furnished in proof of her right to freedom was so correct,
so true, and so affecting, that she was immediately libera-
ted.
She had now the opportunity of regularly hearing the
word of God ; and, under the instructions of the missionary,
which were accompanied by a holy influence, she grew in
knowledge and piety. For several years she lived in the
enjoyment of the Divine favour, when through un watchful-
ness she fell from her stedfastness, and made " shipwreck
of faith and a good conscience." In this fallen state she
remained three or four years, when it pleased the Lord, in
mercy to lay her on a bed of affliction. She then began
seriously to bemoan her folly, but for four months remained
a prey to the most horrid temptations, and on the borders of
SOUTH AFRICA. 3-37
despair. She feared that God's mercy was clean gone, and
roared by reason of the disquietude of her heart. She
feared that her revolt from that God who had so signally
blessed her, was the unpardonable sin, and said, when
speaking of it, " The pains of hell gat hold upon me." As
she sat, one morning sorrowing over her lost condition, the
word of God was powerfully applied to her mind, " Return
ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings ;
I will love them freely, for mine anger is turned away." She
was enabled by faith to lay hold of the promise, and again
she rejoiced in the God of her salvation.
While standing at the door of her hut, filled with astonish-
ment at the divine mercy, a person came up with a dejected
countenance, and begged for a drink of water. On giving
him the water, Diana said, " It is so much troubled, (the
Dutch expression for muddy,) that it is almost unfit to
drink." The person replied, " It is not so much troubled as
my sor.l is." " Is your soul troubled," said Diana, " then
go to the Saviour, I found him this morning, and you may
find him, for he is ready to pardon and bless you also."
The words were seasonable ; and the man began to seek with
all his heart, and found that " Jesus receiveth sinners still."
Diana, being restored to the joys of God's salvation, be-
came the humble instrument of teaching transgressors the
way of life; and many, in the sphere in which she moved,
were converted to God. Her husband was engaged in cutting
reeds, and working for the surrounding farmers, by which
their increasing family was supported ; yet, on some occa-
sions, they were reduced very low. At one time, Diana
knew not whence the next meal for her children was to
come ; but a farmer's wife brought a sealed packet to her,
saying, " I dreamed of you last night, and God has sent me
to relieve you ; take this, and buy bread for your little ones."
She acknowledged the providence of God in the supply, and
learned more implicitly to confide in him.
Y
338 MEMORIALS OF
Diana and her husband subsequently obtained a piece of
land for themselves ; which, by their industrious labours,
though in the midst of a desert, became exceedingly produc-
tive. The blessing of God attended their exertions, and
they were soon able to raise a team of oxen and a wagon,
with which the productions of their land were conveyed to
the Cape market. Indeed in various ways they experi-
enced that, " Godliness is profitable to all things." Though
residing more than twelve miles from the house of God, the
seat of Diana, on the Sabbath, was rarely vacant. She
loved the sanctuary of the Lord, and could say with the
Psalmist, " How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of
hosts."
After the family was comfortably settled, the father was
taken from this vale of tears, but both widow and children
relied upon the promises of Jehovah, which had never failed
them. Diana's dwelling is the widow's cottage in the
wilderness, but it is also a house of prayer. The mission-
ary, passing that way, finds a pilgrim's resting place, and
soon after his arrival, a congregation ready to hear his
message. The widow cannot read herself, but the word of
God dwells in her richly, in all wisdom. How she has
been able to treasure up so much of divine truth, I cannot
tell, but, I scarcely ever heard a person more familiar w T ith
the Scriptures. Sacred truth appears in her, as a fountain
ever springing up, by which her own soul is refreshed, and
the souls of others residing around her.
She has lived down all opposition, and those who were
wont to persecute, now revere her as a mother in Israel.
Often is she sent for by members of Christian families, to
console the afflicted, instruct the ignorant, and pray with
the dying. Her daughters, after the labours of the day,
devote the evening to the instruction of children and young
persons, some of whom walk a considerable distance in the
sands for the purpose. Diana is advancing towards her
SOUTH AFRICA. 339
end, and time has shed its snows on her head; but she is
ripening, as a shock of corn, for the garner. At the last in-
terview which I had with her, she expressed a belief that
the time of her departure was at no great distance. She
thanked God for His goodness towards her, and trusted
solely in the atonement of Christ for present and eternal
salvation. She delighted to talk of " Him who, by the grace
of God, tasted death for every man," and fervently prayed
that the gospel might be preached to all nations. Very
soon will this redeemed African widow exchange the desert
for the paradise of God, and unite with the multitudes be-
fore the throne. She was the means of the conversion of
the mistress with whom she resided in bondage, and many
others who will eternally unite with her in ascribing all
honour and glory, to the Lamb that sitteth upon the
throne !
May you and I be there ! Amen.
310 MEMORIALS OP
CHAPTER XXII.
NATURAL HISTORY -LIONS TIGERS WOLVES SERPENTS
CAMELOPARDS SPRINGBOKA GEMSBOKA ZEBRAS HIPPOPOTAMI
RHINOCEROSES BABOONS PORC UPINES LOCUSTS BEES OS-
TRICHES.
LIONS.
AT the commencement of the colony, in the year 1652, con-
siderable annoyance was experienced by the settlers, from
the incursions of the numerous wild beasts then infesting
Table valley, and its vicinity, the very spot on which Cape
Town now stands. These have been driven back to a con-
siderable distance, and but few are to be seen within the
limits of the colony.
The lion, however, is still found in many parts of
Southern Africa, and especially in the Bushman country,
beyond the colonial boundary, where he is exceedingly
fierce and dangerous. Of this noble animal, aptly desig-
nated the monarch of the forest, two varieties are to be met
with, the yellow and the brown, of which the latter is con-
sidered the stronger.
The prodigious strength of the lion does not appear to
have been over-rated. It is stated by a respectable settler,
who had lived some time on the frontier, that he had seen
a very young lion convey a horse about a mile from the
place where he had killed it. We are likewise informed by
SOUTH AFRICA. 341
Kolbe, that in the year 1707, a lion, after having killed a
middle sized ox, dragged it over a wall, and escaped with
the spoil. Many examples, not less remarkable, might be
added, which tend to shew that the lion is by far the strong-
est and most active animal, in proportion to his size, known
to exit.
The circumstance of his lurking in the coverts for prey,
should not be ascribed to the cowardice of the lion, as it
has been by some travellers, but rather to his contrivance.
He springs from nine to twelve yards at a single leap, and,
for a brief space, can repeat these bounds, with such activity
and speed, as to outstrip the swiftest horse in the chase ;
but he cannot hold out at this rate in a long pursuit, and
seldom attempts it. He appears to have the impression,
that man is not his natural prey ; and though he does not
always give place to him, yet in almost every case, he will
abstain from attacking him, if he observe in his deport-
ment, neither terror nor hostility. It is stated, that when
the lion has once tasted human flesh, he thenceforth en-
tirely loses his natural awe of human superiority. When
he has succeeded -in snatching some unhappy wretch, from
a kraal, especially among the unprotected Bushmen, he
never fails to return regularly till all are destroyed, and
often harasses them so dreadfully, as to force the horde to
desert their station. The following anecdotes, several of
which are original, and have not been previously published
to the world, may be entertaining and instructive to the
reader.
" A few days," says Barrow, in a published account, " be-
fore our arrival at the foot of the Khamies Mountain, a lion
had occasioned some little stir in the country, which had not
yet entirely subsided. A Hottentot driving his master's cattle
to water, perceived a lion in the pool, and being pursued,
breathless and half-dead with terror, scrambled into a tree.
At the same moment the lion made a spring at him, but missing
342 MEMORIALS OF
his aim, fell upon the ground. In surly silence he walked round
the tree, casting every now and then a dreadful look towards the
poor Hottentot. After four and twenty hours, during which
time he stirred not from the place, he returned to the
spring to quench his thirst, and in the mean time the Hot-
tentot descended the tree, and scampered to his home, not
more than a mile distant, as fast as his feet could carry him.
The perseverance of the lion was such, that it appeared
afterwards, he had returned to the tree, and from thence
had hunted the Hottentot by the scent, within three hun-
dred paces of the house." To the truth of this statement,
I can attest, as several of our Namacquas at Lily Fountain
knew the Hottentot, and lived in the vicinity of the place
where the circumstance occurred.
A Hottentot, on another occasion, at Jackal's Fountain,
on the skirts of the great Karree, had a narrow, though ludic-
rous escape. He was sleeping a few yards from his mas-
ter, in the usual mode of his nation, wrapped up in his sheep
skin carose, with his face to the ground. A lion came
softly up, and seizing him by the thick folds of his greasy
mantle, began to trot away with him, counting securely, no
doubt, upon a satisfactory and savoury meal. But the Hot-
tentot, on awaking, being quite unhurt, though sufficiently
astonished, contrived slowly to wriggle himself out of his
wrapper, and scrambled off, while the disappointed lion
walked simply away with the empty integument.
Kolbe states, that, when he was on a visit to one of the
warm baths of the colony, eleven lions approached his tent
during the night season, and roared so loudly, that he
could not sleep, but was in the most extreme anxiety. Fortu-
nately, however, the Hottentots by keeping the fires con-
tinually blazing, and throwing out fire-brands, were enabled
to prevent them from approaching nearer until day break,
when they retired.
A similar occurrence is mentioned by Mr. Frier, an
SOUTH AFRICA. 343
English gentleman, settled on the Hantam. While he
was travelling with a party through some portion of the
Bushman country with wagons, they were attacked, when
outspanned, by several lions ; and though the Hottentots
fired at the ravenous beasts, and threw forth pieces of burn-
ing wood, one of them audaciously tore away a horse which
had been tied to the wagon wheel, and afterwards a second.
These he carried off with the greatest apparent ease, and
placed in triumph before his companions, which were at a
little distance.
I have often travelled in the Bushman country myself,
and on one occasion, night coming on, and being alone, I
lost my way. The rain began to descend, and a dense
darkness closed upon me. So dark was it, that I could
perceive no description of path, but in a state of uncertainty
wandered among the wild bushes, and the straggling rocks
of the desert. Thus circumstanced, I thought of halting,
and began to search for a stone whereon to lay my head,
designing to fasten the horse to my foot. The thought,
however, struck me, that I had better keep in motion, as
lying asleep in the rain, would neither benefit myself, nor
the horse. I accordingly mounted again, and rode slowly,
I knew not whither ; but to my great joy, I soon descried
a light, and found a native hut into which I crept, and re-
mained till daylight. On arriving at the place of my desti-
nation, I was informed that only a few days before, a farmer,
while crossing the same part of the country, was much
terrified by a lion. When outspanned, the monster ap-
proached, and without ceremony, took away one of his
wheelers or shaft oxen, which had been made fast to the
pole of the wagon. He dragged his prey to a short distance,
and there sat feeding on the carcase, and cracking the bones
of the bullock till the sun arose. The farmer and his peo-
ple remained in the greatest suspense, during the whole
night. They watched from the wagon the movements of
344 MEMORIALS OF
the animal, but only having one gun, durst not encounter
him ; since the lion, if not shot in " de dood plaats," the
death place, that is, either the head or heart, is only enraged
by his wounds, and becomes ten-fold more furious. At sun-
rise the lion departed, and they were released from suspense.
Lions frequently visit the vicinity of the Khamies Moun-
tains, to which parts they come out of the Bushman-land,
in pursuit of what are called the springboka. When these
antelopes leave the country for the Orange River, the lions
sometimes remain behind, and devour the cattle of the na-
tives, many of whom have frequently been engaged in con-
flict with them.
Keudo Links, the father of the late Jacob, went with
some other Namacquas to hunt a lion, which had taken up
his abode near their place of residence. They had but one
musket, which Keudo took himself, his companions being
armed with their assagais and keeries. On drawing near the
place, they discovered the lion sooner than they had antici-
pated ; his eyes instantly glared with fury, and he began to
chase them with all that rapidity for which he is so remark-
able. Keudo had often heard that the lion would crouch,
previously to making a spring, and therefore waited for the
favourable moment. But on this occasion, that compliment
was dispensed with, and Keudo, though he fired his piece,
was instantaneously under the paw of his adversary. The
lion stood majestically on his prey, while the other Namac-
quas, one excepted, made their escape. He began to gnaw
one of the arms of the prostrate Namacqua, who, with the
other, boldly seizing the monster's beard, cried out to his
faithful companion, " breng uw mess," bring your knife.
Jantje resolutely drew his knife, and with an arm nerved for
the conflict, rushing upon their assailant, succeeded in
cutting his throat. The blood gushed from the wound. The
lion became faint, and fell powerless on the ground, leaving
the two Namacquas to hear his last tremendous groan. I
SOUTH AFRICA. 3J5
knew the two men well, and have frequently heard Keudo
relate the circumstance, and shew his lacerated arm.
Bucas and Brand, two natives residing on the borders of
the Bushman country, went in search of a lion, which had
killed some of their cattle. They were both mounted and
well armed, with their huge firelocks for the attack. While
riding onward at a short distance from each other, un-
expectedly a lion sprang upon Bucas, and bore both man
and horse to the ground. Bucas immediately took to his
heels, supposing that his horse might satisfy the monster ;
but in this he was mistaken, for the lion left the horse and
pounced upon the man. Instantly he began to lacerate one
of the legs of Bucas in a most voracious manner, and would
soon have finished him, had not his faithful companion
come to his assistance. Brand, with all the nerve of a lion-
hunter, loaded his piece, took his aim with coolness and
deliberation, and shot the ball through the monster's head.
Thus- was Bucas delivered, but his knee was torn in such a
manner, that for more than twelve months it could not be
healed; and, to the present day, the joint is stiff and useless.
Bucas, was at one time the driver of my wagon, and I found
him, though lame, exceedingly clever.
About fifteen years ago, Peter Links and several of his
brothers, sallied forth into the desert, on a similar work. It
was not their intention \o load their pieces, till they should
come near the spot, where they expected to find the lion ;
but before they had proceeded thus far, he appeared in full
view, and gave them chase.
Peter, while running, was led to think, "he must have one
of us," and I may as well be the individual ; so he halted,
and stood still. The lion came up, seized the gun with his
teeth, and began to play with it, as would a whelp with a
walking-stick. Hereupon, Peter thought, that he would
choke the animal, by thrusting the gun down his throat, and
made the attempt, but failed in it. In a moment, the lion
346 MEMORIALS OF
laid him on the ground with his paw, and began to gnaw
his arm, not tearing off the flesh, but apparently designing to
crack the bones. His companions were now at a distance,
not knowing that Peter had remained behind, till they
looked back, and perceived him in this unenviable position.
One of them instantly ran with his assagai, and throwing it
with all his might, wounded the lion, which only rendered
him more ferocious. Jan Links, seeing his brother in a
state so dangerous, leaped on the lion's back, and took hold
of the large whiskers on each side of his face, hoping by
this means to do something towards saving Peter from
death. Another, for the same purpose, seized his tail ; and
a third, Timotheus, more deliberate than the rest, loaded his
piece, ran up to the animal, and putting the muzzle of his gun
close to the lion, fired a ball through his head, on which he
fell and expired.* The indentions made by his teeth on the
butt end of the gun, I saw many months afterwards ; and
Peter informed me, his opinion was, that had he allowed the
lion to continue playing with the gun, keeping it closely in
his hand, sufficient time would have been given to his com-
panions, to charge and fire ; without himself having sustained
injury.
Jan Kapitein, a Coranna chief, in an account given
by Mr. Archbell, set off on a hunting expedition, in the
month of June, 1836. When at a considerable distance
from the mission station, they came just before sun-set
to some old cattle-folds, which they thought was a pro-
* The skin of this lion was sent to England, and is now in the pos-
session of Mrs. Bealey, of Ratcliffe Close, near Bury, Lancashire ;
preserved as a memento of the mercy of God towards this excellent
man ; as the two horns of the bullock which he sent to the author,
as noticed, page 300, are also preserved as a memento of his friend-
ship the one in the possession of the author himself, and the other in
the possession of the Rev. James Everett, converted into drinking horns
for the table, and tipped with silver.
SOUTH AFRICA. 347
per place to unpack their oxen, and tarry for the night ;
just on the spot, they saw an enormous lion, which
they determined to despatch, knowing that if he were to
remain there during the night unmolested, their lives would
be in danger. Accordingly, Jan, with a number of his
people, armed with guns, mounted their horses, and ap-
proached near the animal. Jan, who was always noted for
extraordinary courage, dismounted, and gave the reins of his
bridle to his brother Jacob, who, with all the others, sat still
on their horses. He fired at the lion, but missed him ;
immediately the animal made a bound towards him. His
brother Jacob seeing that, said, "Spring upon your horse;
he is coming on." Before Jan could get fairly mounted, the
lion sprang upon his horse, and with his left paw fastened
upon the thigh of the docile animal, and his right paw on
the saddle. Immediately the horse gave a tremendous kick,
extricated himself from the hold of the lion, as in a fright ;
while Jan was precipitated to the ground. The lion then laid
hold of his powder-horn, which, according to native custom,
was buckled around his loins ; after that, the lion attempted
to grasp his head, which he defended with his left arm, the
sinews and arteries of which were bitten through by his
tremendous grasp ; his hat lay in one place, and his gun
lay in another. His brother Jacob could afford him no
assistance, for his horse ran away with him at the sight of
the animal ; the other part of the company made off, being
intimidated at the first approach of the lion ; and, had it
not been for the conduct of an intrepid youth, who ran to
Jan's assistance, and on whose approach the lion left him,
he would in all probability have been torn to pieces on the
spot. As soon as he was a little recovered, he expressed
himself as having received a death- wound. No medical aid
was near; he had to subsist wholly on animal food, and
being exposed with his wounds to very severe frost, a
mortification took place, which ended his earthly career ;
348 MEMORIALS OF
nor was the report of the accident brought to any of the
mission stations, until the help afforded arrived too late.
He was not permitted to see his family, to whom he had an
uncommon attachment; but died and was buried in the
wilderness. A pious uncle of his, being one of the company,
frequently interrogated him as to the state of his soul in the
approach of death ; to which he received answers the most
satisfactory. The same pious uncle states, that " from the
time of the accident to that of his death, he gave himself
wholly to prayer." His firm and constant reliance was on
the blood of the atonement ; and his last words were, " All
is peace, all is peace, all is peace."
Jan Kapitein was about thirty-three years of age ; five
feet nine inches in height, well formed, of an open counte-
nance, sprightly and intrepid in his manner, kind in his
disposition. When he had tasted the pardoning love of
God, its effects were seen in his conduct ; he was affec-
tionate to his missionary, conscientious in his regard of the
Sabbath, opposed to every thing immoral, regular in family
prayer; he was constant in devotional exercises; and he
was never absent from the public means of grace, but
through indisposition of body.
Thus lived and thus died, Jan Kapitein, a converted
Coranna, the fruit of missionary labour, and a crown of
rejoicing to the friends of missions in the day of the Lord.
The ways of Providence are always wise, but they are
frequently to us very mysterious. We are sometimes
afflicted with the intelligence of the death of missionaries in
early years, and in the midst of their usefulness ; and it is
our duty to pray for the preservation of the valuable lives of
those who devote themselves to the cause of God, to bear
the glad tidings of salvation to heathen lands.
Here we have an instance of divine Providence equally
inscrutable. Jan Kapitein was one whose life appeared in
every respect most desirable. He was a converted character,
SOUTH AFRICA. 349
adorning his profession of Christianity among a heathen
people ; he was a chief, having great influence among a
numerous tribe, and exerting his influence in favour of
Christianity ; he was young, and in the ordinary course of
events might have been expected to live many years, a stay
to the mission, an example to his people, and a blessing to
the part of Africa where he resided. But God's thoughts
are not as our thoughts ; and it becomes us to bow with
submissive resignation to the counsels of his wisdom. "Will
not the Judge of all the earth do right ?"
It is encouraging to be acquainted with such instances of
missionary success as that now recorded ; whilst we con-
template them, we feel that our labour has not been in vain
in the Lord. The termination of Jan's life was indeed
afflictive ; but we sorrow not as those who have no hope.
Many African hunters have shared a similar fate ; they are
unavoidably exposed to great danger; but how few have
been able to say, when expiring in consequence of their
wounds, " All is peace, all is peace !" This is the triumph
of Christianity.
This narrative illustrates the character of the people, and
the nature of the country visited by the missionaries. The
desultory habits of a tribe of hunters are very unfavourable
to Christian instruction, and conversion to God ; and yet
with these disadvantages the gospel has prevailed. It is
suited to the " Jew and to the Greek, the barbarian and
Scythian, the bond and free." However unfavourable the
mode of life of any people may be, the gospel can reach
them, and it is the duty of the Christian church to send it.
At the same time, our sympathies and prayers should follow
those who go as our representatives to heathen tribes. Let
us not forget their difficulties, trials, discouragements, and
dangers. Let them have our prayers and our support; and
let us labour for the increase of their number, until every
nation, and kindred, and people, and tongue shall have
350 MEMORIALS OF
heard the gospel ; and the Son " shall have the heathen for
his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his
possession."
TIGERS.
The tigers of South Africa, differing but little from the
leopards, are small when compared with the Royal Bengal
tigers, but they are numerous, and exceedingly troublesome
to the farmers. Their places of abode, are in the ravines of
the mountains, and the clefts of the rocks, whence they go
forth early in the morning, or late in the evening, in search
of prey. They are still found in the vicinity of Cape Town,
especially from Newlands to Hout Bay. One of these
animals was destroyed in that neighbourhood, not long
before my departure, and being neatly stuffed, a gentleman
brought it on board the Duke of Northumberland, to
England, where it arrived together with us in June, 1837.
Kolbe mentions a person who was suddenly attacked
with a tiger, during his residence in the colony. The tiger
struck his claws into the man's head, aiming at his throat,
in order that he might first suck out the blood of his victim.
Bouman (for that was his name) being athletic and powerful,
wrestled hard with his antagonist, and succeeded in throw-
ing him on the ground, where, for a time he held him down.
He found, however, that the animal would be too strong for
him, but when ready to give up himself as lost, recollected
the knife which he had in his pocket. Immediately he
grasped it, and resolutely pressing the tiger to the ground,
succeeded in cutting his throat. Bouman was covered with
wounds, from which the blood was copiously flowing, so
that he became weak and languid, and for a considerable
time did not regain his former strength.
Vaillant, who is not always erroneous, when on his jour-
ney to Namacqua-land, halted for a time by de Keere
SOUTH AFRICA. 351
Lodgement, where, with his attendants, he engaged in
hunting the dassen of the mountains. He observes, "I
had already killed a few; when, on turning a rock, I
roused a panther or tiger, which I fired at, but the
shot being too small to strike it instantly dead, it es-
caped. I searched the environs with my dogs, and suc-
ceeded in finding its usual place of retreat, where I saw
several heaps of bones ; but though I spent two wearisome
hours of the night waiting for it in ambush, it did not appear,
which induced me to believe that I had really wounded
it, and that it had probably gone elsewhere to die."
On the Khamies Mountains, and in their vicinity, the
tigers are most destructive to the cattle, and especially to
the young horses and foals. On a farm, near Lily Foun-
tain, more than twenty foals were devoured by these ani-
mals during one rainy season. In the year 1817, I was
present at a tiger hunt, a short distance from the station, the
detail of which is as follows:
News was brought one evening, that a horse had been
laid hold of by a tiger, at a short distance from the station,
and partly devoured. The chief gave orders that the hun-
ters should be on the spot at sunrise the next morning. I
engaged to accompany them, and took my dog and gun,
the Namacquas had their kirries or clubs, and all the dogs
which they were able to procure. A little terrier having
obtained the scent, ran forward till it came to the cavern,
where the tiger had taken up his abode. It stood at the
entrance and barked, not being aware of what kind of game
it had been pursuing. The tiger rose, and fixing his eyes on
the little dog, the terrier scampered away at full speed. The
voracious animal now stood on the surface of a large sloping
rock, and on seeing the other dogs, he looked angrily at
them, and began to grumble, as though he would challenge
them to an attack. My own dog and two others instantly
accepted the challenge, and a furious contest ensued. It
352 MEMORIALS OF
was impossible for me to make use of my gun ; but at this
crisis, a native, on seeing that the dogs were faithful to each
other, ran and seized the animal's tail, which he held with
all his might The tiger roared, the dogs became more
furious, the men with their clubs approached, and beat him
on the head ; and thus assailed, he soon groaned his last.
It is a law among the Namacquas, that the man who
seizes the tail, shall have the skin, but on this occasion it
was given to me, and sent to England.
The jackals and tigers had made such great depredations
on the sheep and poultry of Lily Fountain, that we were
apprehensive at one period, lest they should take the whole
of our stock. The reader may judge of our fears, from the
following circumstance. About eight o'clock one evening,
a messenger came in haste to the chapel, where I was
preaching, saying that I must go to the house without
delay. Under serious apprehension of danger, I immedi-
ately complied, and while repairing thither was informed
that a tiger was sitting on a wall, near the door of our
kitchen. The old man who accompanied me, went behind
the house, and I entered the front door, where was Mrs. S.
quite pale with terror, and my colleague in a state of con-
siderable perturbation. He had loaded his gun, and was
approaching the kitchen door, saying every now and then
as he looked round, " Don't be afraid Mrs. Shaw, don't be
afraid Mrs. Shaw;" when, just as he was in the act of stoop-
ing to take aim, the native entered the door, and bid him
desist. A candle was then brought, and the much dreaded
tiger, upon examination, proved to be a harmless turkey,
which had perched on the wall for the night. Without
doubt, had not the native come in when he did, the poor
turkey, which was a favourite bird, being the only one we
had, would have been shot.
SOUTH AFRICA. 353
WOLVES.
Mr. Shepstone states, in 1830, that in Kaffir-land, the
nightly visits of the wolves, have been so destructive a-
mong the children and youth, as to form an anomaly in
the history of that animal ; for, within a few months, not
fewer than forty instances came to my own knowledge,
in which this beast had made most dreadful havock.
To shew clearly the preference of the wolf for human
flesh, it will be necessary to notice, that, when the Mam-
bookies build their houses, which are in form like bee-hives,
and tolerably large, (often eighteen or tweenty feet in diam-
eter,) the floor is raised at the higher or back part of the
house, until within three or four feet of the front, where it
suddenly terminates, leaving an area from thence to the
wall, in which every night the calves are tied to protect
them from the storm or wild beasts.
Now it would be natural to suppose, that should the wolf
enter, he would seize the first object for his prey, especially
as the natives always lie with the fire at their feet. But not-
withstanding this, the constant practice of this animal has
been, in every instance, to pass by the calves in the area, and
even by the fire, and to take the children from under the
mothers' caross, and that in such a gentle and cautious man-
ner, that the poor parent has been unconscious of her loss,
until the cries of her little innocent have reached her from
without, when a close prisoner in the jaws of the monster.
To give all the instances I could adduce, would tire your
patience, I will therefore only give two, with which we have
been more immediately concerned, and which, while they
show how much they want, who want the Gospel, will also
show that the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
The first I shall mention is that of Dapa's great grandson,
about ten years of age. The wolf had previously seized a
z
354 MEMORIALS OF
younger brother, and torn away a part of his face. Another
night he came into the house and took a second, and carried
him completely off, of whom nothing more than a fragment
was found. On his third visit he seized the lad first men-
tioned by the left shoulder. The little fellow awakened by
the grasp, struck him with his hand; the wolf let go his
hold, and, grasping him on the opposite side, broke his
collar bone. The poor boy still fought with his left hand ;
and his antagonist letting go his hold a second time, seized
him by the fleshy part of his thigh, and ran off with his
prey ; nor was it till he had carried him a quarter of a mile
that he could be made to drop him, when, biting away the
precious mouthful, he left the little sufferer with his thigh
half severed ; but fortunately the bone was not broken. In
this state he was brought to us for help, and by daily atten-
tion he is perfectly restored.
The second instance is of a little girl, about eight years
of age, who was reclining on the ground in the cool of the
day, when four of these monsters rushed upon the place.
One of them seized the little creature by the head, a second
by the shoulder, and the other two by the thighs. The
people of the kraal, with all possible speed, flew to her help,
and succeeded in releasing her, but apparently too late.
They tried for a few days to help her with their medicines ;
but finding all hope fail, and as from the heat and flies she
had now become loathsome, they gave her her choice, either
to be put to death by the youths of the place, or go to the
woods to die, or be farther devoured as might happen ! The
little girl chose the woods. In this forlorn condition, she
determined to 'cast herself on the mercy of this institution ;
and although she had never been on the station, she believ-
ed from what she had heard, that could she reach the place,
she should receive that protection and help, which he who
claimed the endearing appellation of father had longer re-
fused to give, and which she had no right anywhere else to
SOUTH AFRICA. 355
expect among her own nation. With this resolution she
set out, and, although she had to travel several miles,
through deep glens, succeeded in reaching the station, an
awful picture of deformity and suffering, all but in a state of
nudity, covered with large wounds to the number of four-
teen, among the most ghastly of which was that of the head
and face, where the wolf, having endeavoured to grasp the
whole head, had torn the mouth open to the ear, and strip-
ped the head of the upper part of its covering, and made a
ghastly wound of eight inches. Through the mercy of God,
she is quite recovered, and scarcely at all deformed ; but
refuses ever to return to those who forced her to the w r oods
to die. I am happy to add, that a few days since, as I was
walking a little distance from the house, I heard some one
as in fervent prayer ; and as I could discover it was the
voice of a child, I made towards it, and found in a little
secluded spot among the weeds, my little patient, who was
earnestly pouring out her soul to the God of her mercies,
where she thought no eye saw or ear heard her, but God.
This boldness in the wolf, as also his passing by every
other sort of prey, for a human body, must, I think, be at-
tributed in the first place, to the horrible custom of leaving
their dead unburied ; and, in the second place, to the fre-
quent wars in this part of Kaffraria, by which these monsters
have been fed to the full; and the late Chaka scarcely
deserves a better appellation than that of caterer to the wol-
fish tribe. Since his death, these animals, instead of feed-
ing, as in his day, on bodies plentifully provided for them,
are (with a few exceptions) obliged to take them while
alive. I am, however, happy to be able to add, that within
the last two or three months, there has scarcely an instance
of the wolfs ravages been heard of.
356 MEMORIALS OF
SERPENTS.
Of several kinds of snakes, which are found in South
Africa, one only is considered as unnoxious. This is the
boomslang or tree-snake, so called from its being found
coiled round the branches of trees : it is from six to ten feet
in length, and approaching in colour to black. The first I
saw of this description, was making its way towards the top
of a tree : the Namacquas said, it was going thither for the
purpose of caching birds, over which they believe it has a
fascinating power. The hooded snake, or what is called the
cobra capella, is one of the most formidable species of this
venomous tribe of animals. It was doubtless one of these
which alarmed the servant of Sir James Alexander, by glar-
ing at him with his fiery eyes, and made him declare its
hooded head to be as big as a tea-pot. The last time of my
crossing that country, a serpent of the same kind terrified
Mrs. Shaw, at a short distance from our wagon ; it hissed
horribly through its fanged mouth, and appeared as if it
would immediately pursue her, upon which she hastened to
the place of our encampment ; the Namacquas soon killed it,
and its length was about eight feet. At another time, while
riding through the sands, I saw two of the cobra capellas at
no great distance from each other, and pursued one of them :
I got several strokes upon its tail with my horse-whip, with
which it became so enraged that its head became twice the
usual size. At length it suddenly reared up itself towards
me, and with eyes of flame, which so horrified my horse,
that he suddenly wheeled about, and set off at full speed.
The puff-adder one of which was found under our mat-
tress as mentioned in the tenth chapter, is perhaps equal-
ly as dangerous as the former. It is distinguished by a dis-
proportionate thickness ; its body is handsomely spotted,
black and white on a brownish ground, and when enraged
SOUTH AFRICA. 357
it swells out its neck to a great size. Lichtenstien says, on
one of his journeys, "all on a sudden the van of our troop,
who were armed with fowling-pieces, were alarmed with
the writhings of a frightful serpent upon the ledge of a crag,
which raised up its crest, swelling and puffing itself out.
One of the men aimed his piece at it, and instantly shot it
dead." It was about four feet in length, and six inches in
circumference. A Namacqua who was sleeping on the
ground, a few years ago in the open air, was bitten by a
serpent of this description. It would appear that the puff-
adder was near the spot on which he lay down to sleep, and the
Namacqua turning himself during the night, rolled upon the
serpent, when it immediately seized his breast with its poi-
sonous fangs, and in the course of a few hours he was a
corpse. Every traveller in the interior of Africa, who has
to sleep on the ground, should always take the precaution
of making a fire on the spot, which would drive away the
serpents, and other noxious reptiles from its vicinity.
The nachtslang, or night- serpent, is a dangerous one,
because of its going out by night, when it may be trod upon.
Of the cerastus or horned snakes, there are many about a
foot and a half long ; they are of a light brown colour, and
lie coiled among the stones, whose colour they much resem-
ble. The traveller last mentioned, says, while in Great
Namacqua-land, "a large black snake was seen, ten feet long,
steering towards some rocks, with a hare in its mouth. The
guides were disturbed at seeing this snake. 'That is the
komakasip,' said they, it is the most dangerous snake in this
land. A man runs but a short distance after he is bitten by
it. Some time ago, a Bushman was creeping into a hole
to rob a bees-nest, when a komakasip bit him in the face.
He ran home as fast as he could, but he fell dead before his
own door.' "
358 MEMORIALS OF
CAMELEOPAUDS.
The giraffe or cameleopard, is found in Great Namacqua-
land. On passing through that country we saw numbers of
them, with their heads elevated far above the brushwood
and low trees. On perceiving us, they moved off apparently
at a very slow rate, sawing the air with their long necks,
but were soon out of sight. Our people would have been
glad of a hunt after them, as the flesh is in high repute with
the natives, and their hides made excellent sandals ; but
being on a journey, we had no time to lose. The most
approved method of hunting them is on horseback, and the
natives watch for the time of their sleeping, when they get
as near to them as possible before they fire. When the
cameleopard is mortally wounded, its long neck begins
gradually to droop, till at length the inoffensive animal falls
on the ground. It is said, however, that sometimes, an old
giraffe, when pursued, will stop short in his flight, and allow
the hunter to pass close to him ; then rearing up, it will
overwhelm both horse and rider, and make off with all speed.
Namacquas state, that the lion lies in wait for this animal
among the reeds, by the side of a water, and when he stoops
to drink, the lion springs upon him. The affrighted giraffe
immediately runs off, carrying his destroyer, who is biting
the flesh and sucking the blood, till exhausted, he droops, and
falls on the plain. I obtained a part of the hide of a camel-
eopard, when north of the Orange River, which was not only
good for sole-leather, but also for making samboks, or
hand-whips.
SPRINGBOKA.
The antelope, called the springbok^, is frequently to be
met with in the Bushman-land. I have seen thousands of
SOUTH AFRICA. 359
them together, when crossing that country, and it was im-
possible to form any correct idea of their number. Mr.
Thompson, the traveller, says, " I passed through prodigious
flocks of springboka, spread over the plains as far as the eye
could reach ; the number it is impossible to estimate with
any nicety, but T suppose, I saw at least, one hundred
thousand in the course of fifty miles. They were migrating
from the great desert, towards the colony." The springboka
is of light and airy form, and of delicate proportions. Its
general colour is cinnamon on the back, the breast and belly
white, with a broad longitudinal band, on each side, of
deep red, approaching to black. When the antelope springs,
it shows a broad disk of white on the croup, owing to the
expansion of a folding skin behind. The small lirated horns
rise perpendicularly from its brows, diverge, and then
incline inwards. I saw one some years ago, at the Elephant
River, which had been canght when young, and was reared
with a large flock of sheep. It went with them to the field
in the morning, remained grazing with the flock through
the day, and returned to the fold with them at night. I
went with Mr. Van Zeyl, to see this beautiful creature, as
the flock was approaching the fold. When at a considerable
distance, we perceived the springboka leaping perpendicularly
in the air, in the midst of the sheep and lambs, as if to shew
its superiority over them, in quick and graceful movements.
It then bounded from among them towards home, till it
came near the spot where we stood, pausing for a short time,
and looking at us ; then it made the most strange and perpen-
dicular leaps, of five or six feet in the air, as if designing to
astonish and delight us with its agility, when, putting its head
to the ground, it began to run and leap, till again it appeard
in the midst of the flock. I never saw any creature leap so high,
or move with such rapidity. The prophet Isaiah, doubtless
refers to this antelope, when describing the effects of the
gospel, he says, "Then shall the lame man leap as an hart,
360 MEMORIALS OF
and the tongue of the dumb sing." At certain seasons of
the year, the frontier farmers hunt them, as the meat
is excellent. They salt the best part of it, and leave the
remainder for the Bushmen, who are glad to accompany
them on such excursions.
GEMSJBOKA.
About the middle of the month of October, the people of
Lily Fountain, generally went for two or three weeks into
the Bushman-land, for the purpose of hunting the gemsboka.
I have known them return with a wagon or two, laden with
the fruits of their labour. The height of the gemsboka, is
about three feet and a half at the shoulder ; the horns two
feet and a half, and the tail is a black switch. The white
face is crossed with two bands of black ; its general colour
is iron-grey, which is separated from the white belly, by a
black band. The gemsboka, with their long straight horns,
are said to be great antagonists of the lion, and they are so
war-like in appearance, that only young lions will venture
to attack them. Every part of this animal is valuable. The
hide is good for various kinds of thongs and harness, the
horns are valuable for several purposes, and when polished,
the hand of many a gentleman is graced with it, as a
walking-stick. The flesh may be salted and preserved for
future use, or it may be eaten immediately ; we procured a
large one when travelling north of the Garriep, and the
natives were roasting and eating most of the night.
ZEBRAS.
Zebras were formerly plentiful in different parts of the
colony, but are now become more scarce, being chiefly found
SOUTH AFRICA. 361
beyond the frontier. I have seen a troop of six or eight
stand at a distance, gazing on our wagon as it moved slowly
onward ; when, startled by the sound of the whip, they set
off scampering over stones and bushes, and leaving behind
them a thick cloud of dust. This animal is in high estima-
tion with the. natives, and from his bones the hungry
traveller has cut many a tasty steak. Thus George Thomp-
son, Esq., says, on one of his journies : "The pangs of
hunger pressed sore upon us, and our only relief was to
draw our ' girdles of famine' still tighter round our bodies.
At length we descried Witteboy, and his followers loaded
with flesh. A zebra had been shot, and each was carrying
a piece of it for immediate consumption. We had now been
nearly four days without food, and but very ill supplied
with brackish water. Without questioning Witteboy how,
or where he had killed the zebra, we all commenced roasting
and eating. In a short time I had picked several of his
ribs. As for the Hottentots, I do not exaggerate, when I
say, that each of them had devoured eight pounds of meat
within an hour, and an additional allowance of three or
four pounds more before they slept. The sudden change in
the appearance of my Hottentots this evening, after their
hunger was assuaged was remarkable. Hope and happiness
again reanimated them, and that haggard and horrid
appearance which had invested their visages began to dis-
appear. So voracious was their appetite, that I became
apprehensive they would kill themselves by repletion; and
in the middle of the night when I awoke, I again found
them eating and smoking by turns. We found the zebra
flesh sweet and good ; yet, it never seemed, somehow,
sufficiently to satisfy our hunger, and we had scarcely
finished one meal, before we found ourselves ready for
another."
The zebra is beautfully striped with dark bands on every
part of its body except the legs, which are white, and is
362 MEMORIALS OF
usually seen on extensive plains. Very similar in appearance
are the wild horse, and the guagga. The former is furnished
with small compact hoofs, peculiarly adapted to the moun-
tain heights, its usual resort, and is striped on every part ;
whilst of the latter, the head and neck only are striped.
HIPPOPOTAMI.
The Hippopotamus, River Horse, or Sea Cow, is found
in the rivers of South Africa, and chiefly in the Gariep.
The description of the behemoth, in the book of Job, is
strikingly applicable to the habits of this animal. " Behold
now behemoth which 1 made with thee ; he eateth grass as
an ox : his bones are as strong pieces of brass ; his bones
are as strong bars of iron ; he lieth under the shady trees in
the covert of the reed and fens. The shady trees cover him
with their shadow ; the willows of the brook compass him
about. Behold he drinketh up a river ; he trusteth that he
can draw up Jordan into his mouth. He taketh it with his
eyes ; his nose pierceth through snares."
Barrow writes, when at the Gariep : "Vast numbers of the
Hippopotamus were snorting and blowing in every part of
the river, endeavouring, as it were, to emulate the torrent
that roared among the rocks. These animals are captured
by deep pits being dug in the paths which they frequent,
between the river and the wooded banks, whereon they
browse by night. The more certain method, however, is,
to lie concealed in their usual tract, and when a hippo-
potamus is passing, to wound him on the tendons of the
knee joint, when he becomes an easy prey to his numerous
assailants. On land, the boldness of the hippopotamus is
not proportioned to his prodigious size and strength, but in
the water, he sometimes proves an extremely dangerous
opponent." Thompson, in his travels, adduces an instance
SOUTH AFRICA. 363
of a Hottentot having been bitten in two by this monstrous
animal. In size, the hippopotamus is not at all inferior to
the rhinoceros ; his body is more bulky, his legs are shorter,
and he has no horns, neither on the nose nor on the head.
When at the Orange River, we saw along its banks, in
several places, the spoon or feet marks of hippopotami, at
which our little Namacqua attendants were greatly terrified,
but happily, none of them made their appearance during our
stay in the vicinity.
RHINOCEROSES.
The rhinoceros is to be met with in Great Namacqua-
land ; and for a piece of its hide the Little Namacquas were
always glad to barter, in order to make samboks with it.
The white species is more rarely found, and differs some-
what from the other in the conformation of its parts. The
black rhinoceros is very minutely described by Sir James
Alexander, who met with several during the course of his
expedition. " It resembles, in general appearance, an im-
mense hog ; twelve feet and a half long, six feet and a half
high, girth eight feet and a half, and of the weight of half
a dozen bullocks ; its body is smooth, and there is no hair
seen, except at the tips of the ears, and the extremity of the
tail. The horns of concreted hair, the foremost curved like
a sabre, and the second resembling a flattened cone, stand
on the nose and above the eye." The sight of the rhinoceros
is as defective, as his hearing and smell are good ; so that he
is seldom pursued in the open field ; but the wary hunter
steals into a thicket, and approaching on the leeward side,
gets so near, that a ball may be expected to take effect,
before he fires. If the aim be missed, and the offender
perceived, " the enraged monster, occasionally uttering a
short fiendish scream of rage, bears down in a cloud of dust,
364 MEMORIALS OF
tearing up the ground with his curved plowshare, kicking
out his hind legs in a paroxysm of passion, and thrusting
his horns between the trembling legs of his flying victim, he
hurls into the air as if he were a rag. The brute now looks
about for him, and if there be the least movement of life,
he again rushes at him, tears him open, and tramples him to
a mummy."
On one occasion, this adventurous traveller remarks ; " I
was enjoying this most romantic scene, gleaming in the
mid-day sun, when I observed Kuisip, Henrick, and one or
two more a little in advance of me, and looking earnestly
towards the river. I cleared the bushes, and saw rushing
towards the hunters, from the trees, two rhinoceroses, a
female and a young male. The female appeared to have
been wounded, for she snorted furiously, and driving her
horns under a bush, she tore it up and threw 7 it in the air,
covering herself with dust and gravel, and then came on,
closely followed by her offspring, occasionally plowing up
the ground before her, and bent on destruction. The
hunters now separated and ran off 1 as fast as they could, to
shelter themselves behind the rocks and bushes, whilst the
monsters bore right down upon me. Fortunately old * Night'
was not paralyzed with terror, as some horses would have
been. Wheeling him, therefore, to the right, I doubled the
rhinoceros, which with their deep seated eyes and limited
field of view, cannot see except right before them, and
pulling up, I gave the dam a ball behind, as she passed,
which made her drop her tail, and the two then, tearing
their way through a large bush, disappeared. e Secouant la
terre sons eux.' "
Lichenstein met with rhinoceros hunters, who assured
him that in a somewhat similar way to the above, they had
contended with one of these monsters for four hours together,
till his rage was at last quite spent, and he was easily killed.
The most particular attention is needful, on such occasions,
SOUTH AFRICA. 365
to keep on the side against the wind, so that the animal
may not catch the scent.
BABOONS.
It is impossible to travel far in the interior of S. Africa,
without meeting with large companies of these ridiculous
animals. Though they never returned to the mountain
on which they were seen the first morning after our arrival at
Lily Fountain, yet they proved very unwelcome visitors at
the time of harvest, and effected so much destruction
among the corn, that w r e were necessitated to send out
hunting parties, to drive them from the neighbourhood.
The late Rev. Mr. Barcherds, minister of Stellenbosch,
relates the following fact, which is to be found in the South
African " Tydschrift :" A party of about twenty persons
went to visit the waterfall, by Jonkers Hoek. When they
arrived at the grotto, the young people brought grass and
flowers of great variety, to form a comfortable place on
which the minister might sit, or lie down in the shade, while
they scrambled over the rocks. During this time, Mr. B.
had often cast his eye to the projecting edge of a rock,
which stood four or five hundred feet perpendicularly above
his head. He saw there an exceedingly large baboon,
walking to and fro, which was roaring very loudly, as if
chagrined at the intrusion of the party. Near to the
minister stood a person who had often hunted on the
mountain, and who advised him not to remain on the spot,
as apparently the baboon was planning some hostile move-
ment. At first, Mr. B. conceived that his friend was merely
joking, but on seeing some who were near him hastily
dispersing, he rose and was scarcely upon his feet, when
the baboon, emitting a terrific roar, detached, and rolled
down a piece of rock upwards of a foot square. This in
366 MEMORIALS OF
descending loosened many other large stones, which fell on
the very place where the company had been standing. Such
was the suddenness of the manoeuvre, that several of the
party fell in the flight, while others received fragments of
the stones in their faces. Providentially all escaped the
large stones, and none were seriously injured.
A farmer residing about one hundred and fifty miles from
Cape Town, kept a baboon on his place. I knew a person
who, upon one occasion, threw a stone at him, when the
cunning animal, returning the compliment, hit him with the
same upon the mouth, and thereby deprived him of two
front teeth.
Another farmer had one made fast to a high pole, which
Kees* ascended and descended at pleasure, by means of
an iron ring. A piece of plank was attached to the top of
the pole, on which he frequently perched, and in apparent
contemplation, viewed the beauties of the scenery around.
The farmer's wife having one day left her infant child at
the foot of the pale, Kees came down, and taking the child
ascended to his perch, where he sat nursing it. The mother
alarmed at the situation of her babe, brought out all the
beds, pillows, and clothing from the house, that in case of
Kees losing his hold, it migdt fall as softly as possible.
There she stood with maternal anxiety, not daring to allow
any one to ascend the pole, or chide the baboon, lest he
should throw down his charge. After awhile he carefully
descended, evidently enjoying the joke, and placed the
infant at the feet of its delighted mother.
We had, for some time, a tame baboon at our station,
which we took with us to Cape Town. On the road thither,
at one of our halting places, were swarms of scorpions,
upon which we let him loose. He ate them most greedily,
but always took care first, to break off and throw away, the
tail, in whick the poison is lodged. His sagacity was
* A general name given by the farmers to their tame baboons.
SOUTH AFRICA. 367
evinced in various ways, during the time that we had him.
On a cold evening he would sit near the fire, among the
Namacquas, and warm himself, and at night he put on his
sheep skin caross, drawing it over his head, and sitting
upon his heels, after the manner of the natives. If, at any
time, this was not forthcoming at the proper hour, he would
cry like a child till it was obtained. Never did an injury
pass tmrevenged, for he always, soon or late, by some
means or other, took occasion to repay those who gave him
offence.
PORCUPINES.
Porcupines inhabit Khamies Berg, and materially injure
the corn by rolling among it, when standing in the field
ready for the sickle. The Namacquas were accustomed to
hunt them by moonlight, and often returned with a large
supply of flesh. The dogs, however, which are brought in
contact with the pointed quills of the porcupine, are the
greatest sufferers, and pay dearly for their sport. For al-
though he does not shoot his quills as some have said ; yet,
when the dogs are near, having set himself in battle array,
he throws the whole weight of his body sidelong upon the
unfortunate cur, which is nearest to him in that direction,
leaving several of the quills sticking in its body. Consci-
ousness of this, renders old hunting dogs very cautious in
approaching the porcupine.
LOCUSTS.
The swarms of locusts, which, at times, visit the South
of Africa, prove a most terrific scourge to the agriculturalist,
the effects of which appear to be altogether unavoidable.
368 MEMORIALS OF
These diminutive animals, (the locust is about three inches
long,) flock together in such innumerable multitudes, that no
adequate idea can be formed of their number, except by
those who have witnessed them. Their appearance, when
alighting, is somewhat like a dense crimson cloud, resting
upon the land, and when they rise up to proceed onward,
the air is literally darkened beneath. Every green herb,
yea every blade of grass is destroyed in their course, and
nothing but barrenness and desolation remain in their track.
Happily their visits are but seldom, otherwise the whole
country must inevitably be deserted. Yet, even the locusts
are not prejudicial to the interests of all parties, for while
their appearance is dreaded by the civilized part of the
community, it is hailed with delight by the wild Bushmen,
and Corannas with whom the locust is an article of food.
In the song of the wild Bushman, he says,
" I plant no herb nor pleasant fruits,
I toil not for my cheer,
The desert yields me juicy roots,
And herds of bounding deer.
" Yea, even the wasting locusts' swarm,
Which mighty nations dread,
To me nor terror brings nor harm,
I make of them my bread."
BEES.
The bees in Namacqua-laud make their nests in the clefts
of the rocks, and the natives are exceedingly expert in
finding them and extracting the honey, which they keep in
leather bags made for the purpose. I was one day travel-
ling with old Keudo Links, and remarked, that he frequently
held up his hand above his eyes, and looked towards the
the sun, which was then descending near the horizon.
SOUTH AFRICA. 369
Being astonished at the repetition of the same act, so many
times, I enquired of him at what he was looking, when he
replied, that he had seen some bees flying in the air, and
that they were going to their nests as it was almost sunset.
He continued to watch them, and eventually led me to the
very place where they deposited their honey. He then lighted
his pipe and smoked a little, putting it to the hole at which
the bees had entered. On interrogating him, as to his reason
for so doing, he said, " Ik zal haar dronken maken, &c." I
will make them a little drunk, and then they will not sting. By
this simple process, he obtained the honey, and presenting
me with the most delicious part, retained for himself the
comb containing the young bees, which he ate with high
relish, pronouncing it at the same time, exceedingly rich.
The Namacquas are often led to the nests of the bees
by the honey-bird ; as soon as it has discovered a nest,
it looks out for some one to attack it. It is known by its
piercing notes, and will fly before the person, and rest at
intervals, waiting for his companion in the chase. By fresh
notes, it prompts him to follow, shortening its stations as
they approach the nest. If the person lags behind, it ap-
pears by its redoubled cries, to reproach him for his slowness.
Having arrived at the nest, it rests quietly on a bush or
rock, till the honey has been taken out, and the comb which
contains the young bees is generally left as its portion.
Sparrman, offered the natives who attended him, an ample
recompense, if they would assist him in catching a honey-
guide, but they rejected the proposal, saying, "the bird is
our friend," and thus refused to have it betrayed.
OSTRICHES.
Often has the author, while travelling in Southern Africa,
seen this gigantic bird, scouring along the plains, and as
often has he wished himself upon its back. " It is commonly
A2
370 MEMORIALS OF
supposed," remarks Sir Jamas Alexander, " that the ostrich is
a very stupid bird ; that when hard pressed, it conceals its
head in a bush, and because it cannot see the hunters, it
imagines they cannot see it ; that it is careless about its eggs,
&c ; but it appeared to me, that the ostrich has quite as
much intelligence, and, with the exception of its leaving its
eggs for some hours in the heat of the day, for the purpose of
feeding, has as much care for its offspring as others of the
feathered tribe. What befell Elliott, (one of his party)
about this time proves all this. One evening, he came to
me with his face flushed and out of breath. ' What is the
matter now ?' ' Sir, I've had a chase after a sick ostrich, and
the beast got away from me after all ; it got out of a bush,
and ran off lame of a leg, and with its wings flapping, for
it was mortal sick, or badly wounded : I did not stop to fire
till I got close to it ; two of my dogs and myself chased it,
to make sure of it ; it lay down sometimes, and the dogs
could make no hand of it ; then it got up again, but so bad
was it, that I thought it would tumble over and break its
long neck every minute; but I ran three miles after the
thief of the world, and it bothered me entirely. 7
" t told him it might have been playing the same trick,
which partridges practice at home, when they have eggs or
young, viz : going off as if crippled, to allure the foot of the
stranger from their charge. But Elliot, maintained that the
ostrich was sick or wounded, and could not help its limping
off; till Henrick, the hunter came up, carrying half a dozen
eggs, and reported that he had shot the ostrich which we
were talking about.
" I saw it start,' said he, ' and Elliott after it; I looked
about and found the nest, with fifteen eggs in it ; as it was
near sun-down, I knew it would soon come back to the nest
after decoying Elliot to a distance, so I made a screen of
bushes near the nest. I sat down behind it for half an
hour, and shot the ostrich on the eggs.' "
SOUTH AFRICA. 371
a
Confirmatory of the same remarks, the Rev. S. Broadbent,
gives a similar account : " On approaching an ostrich nest,
we saw the female sitting upon it ; and though she had been
disturbed before by a Hottentot, she remained till we were
very near, and then ran off at the report of two guns which
were fired. The ground was sandy for several miles round,
and covered with thinly scattered bushes. There lay a
great number of loose ostrich feathers about the nest, which
appeared to have come off the female while sitting, and she
had the naked appearance, which domestic fowls have at such
times. The eggs were forty-two in number, including the
two which had been taken away before ; and were arranged
with great apparent exactness. Sixteen were close together
in the middle of the nest; and on these the ostrich was
sitting when we arrived ; they were as many as she could
cover. The remaining twenty-six were placed very uni-
formly in a circle, about three or four feet from those in the
middle. The eggs which were in the circle, we found to be
quite fresh, at which 1 expressed my surprize. The Hot-
tentots informed me, that these had been provided by the
ostrich against the hatching of those in the middle, when
she would break them one after another, and give to her
young ones for food ; and that by the time they were all
disposed of in this manner, the young ostriches would be
able to go abroad with their mother, and provide for them-
selves such things as the desert afforded."
P. S. Just as the proof of this sheet was going to press,
the author received intelligence of the death of Peter Links,
of whom a brief notice is given at page 326, which appears
to have taken place in the begining of November, 1839 ;
and was succeeded by that of his son Jacob, a fine youth,
who entered the invisible world about a week after.
YORK : J. COULTAS, PRINTER.
ERRATA.
The Reader will be pleased to correct the following errors of the Press,
occasioned, not unfrequently, by the peculiarity of the autograph.
Page.
Line.
44 ....
32 For wyntjes,
read uyntjes.
76 ....
5 For were,
read was.
82 ....
32 For Evan,
read Evans.
83 ....
2 For sloop,
read slaap.
86 . . ; .
5 For Tryl,
read Zeyl.
84 ....
14 For spar,
read span.
85 ....
2 For mer,
read met.
89 ....
10 For Juffroun,
read Juffrouw.
94 ....
14 For lekkige,
read lekker.
99 ....
1 1 For uur,
read uwe.
106 ....
26 For lengens,
read leugens.
107 ....
26 For Frooi,
read Troai.
112 ....
27 For xxi,
read xx. ,
122 ....
13 Foralva,
read aloe.
136 ....
6 For harn,
read horn.
166 ....
5 For fathers,
read farmers.
167 ....
32 For duck,
read lark.
215 ....
23 For Beaver,
read Beavan.
242 ....
10 For Pedler,
read Pedder.
242 ....
27 For Inhambar,
read Inhamban.
271 ....
3 For the author,
read The Rev. W. Shaw.
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