Travels in South Africa, undertaken at the request of the London Missionary Society : being a narrative of a second journey in the interior of that country
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© » ) / ; I ; 2 pietons “in a 4 a gaat ~ mi b : yc Hy -irt «<t : <a Y hawks » Ween, ‘ 1, i ‘ a wy ates » + ’ May] ADDRESS OF PELANGYE. 261 SS wrest the regal power from his hands. At this stage of the business, a person brought forward a large wooden dish with some kind of food, and placed it before the Regent. Pelangye, the Matchappee captain who tra- velled with us, rose next, and commenced by giving three howls, pausing about half a minute between each. These Matchappee howls being somewhat different from those of Kurreechane, approaching nearer to yells or shrieks, highly diverted the female spectators, who burst into immoderate fits of laughter. After the howls, three or four of Pelangye’s men rushed forth and danced for a few minutes in front of the assembly, one of these, when imitating an attack upon an enemy, fell flat on the ground, which raised a universal roar of laughter. Pelangye then ad- dressed the meeting, first by taking credit to himself for having brought white men to them; he said we were men of peace, and hated theft. On his saying this, the people turned round and looked at us as if they had not seen us before; undoubtedly they had never till now heard of people of that description. It was a heathen who bore this honorable testimony in our favor and in favor of the truth; and they were heathens who indicated by their conduct their approbation : thus demonstrating that they had the outlines of 262 SPEECH OF MUNAMEETS. [1820. God’s law written on their hearts, and possess excusing and accusing consciences. As soon as Pelangye had concluded, the leader of the singing began a song, in which the whole assembly joined. Their singing between the speeches may be designed to give time for another speaker to come forward. While they were singing, Munameets our guide rose with his usual gravity, wearing one of my pocket hand- kerchiefs on his head. He began by giving three barks like a young dog, when four of his men burst forth from the ranks, and danced lustily, some of them being old, they were rather stiff in their movements, which afforded great amusement. After these had danced a few minutes, and exhi- bited their mode of attacking an enemy, old Munameets, and Pelangye, a man about six feet two or three inches high, stepped out and danced a little, on which Munameets proceeded to his speech. He said, their rain-maker had been at Lattakoo, and had been kindly treated while there, but he was sorry that Salakootoo his relation, who was sent to protect him part of the way, had treated him-ill; on which account the people of Lattakoo had considered the want of rain they had expe- rienced as coming upon them ; but when he came May.) INTRUDERS DRIVEN AWAY. 263 up the country, and found the drought had been general, he saw it was the hand of God, and ex- horted them to seek rain from the Son of God, who could give it. With the approbation of Mateebe he had brought these white men unto them, he now left them to their care, and hoped they would not allow them to starve. They came as friends, and were anxious to establish a friendship with the Marootzee. He assured them the Missionaries had behaved well at Lattakoo, had acted to them as fathers, and loved peace. They had not brought beads, because they were not traders; they came to tell them of the true God, and now that the path from Kurreechane to Lattakoo was opened, he hoped that communications between the two places would be so frequent that the path would never again become invisible. Moeelway, observing a number of people at the gate looking to the meeting, who perhaps accord- ing to their laws had no right to approach so near, rushed towards them with a stick, but they fled with such precipitation that he could not overtake them. In the time of the intervening singing, Sinosee, two of whose daughters were married to the Regent, rose and gave three shrieks, on which, 364 SPEECHES OF THE CHIEFS. [1820. a many of his people ran from the ranks, and danced, &c. for some time, after which he made a most warlike speech, urging them to go quickly against the nation that had stolen their cattle. I was afraid he would propose that we should ac- company them with our muskets. Another captain said they had no King, (al- luding to the government by a Regent, ) to protect the cattle. He did not like to see young kings with thick legs and corpulent bodies, they ought to be kept thin by watching and defending the cattle. A chief from another town, who was very black, and wore a large hairy cap, made a long speech, warmly exhorting them to take vengeance on the Boquains. A blind chief, when exhorting to war, was cheered; on which he remarked, that what they had given was a weak cheer, they must clear their throats, and cheer such things with more force and heart. He laughed while he said this. Another chief said, they could come to the peetso all well powdered; and they could talk much about commandoes, but it was all show, they did nothing. In his young days the captains were men of far more courage and resolution than they were now. 5 ial - it x un 7 (i 2] a : . omen, rot . = E 4 + wah ; Against 2 kes Oe 2 a huey Tras? eid vase ie ee a ~ zi , ere tea By whe hidch : on & yo (plain fe Le a i ee patie, which bn cue! oo i OP ec A dari eat 7 8 | bats TRO Wr wesdec Th Be s fie conde pi - sitar ¥ bya S i besa falta PRN nore cy % . ae ¥ a \% alea y = Ven 7 pl 125 Le } Pa Dek Gree eee FB Oo st i London, Fub* by F, Westley, Stationers Court, 1822. May.] THE REGENT’S ADDRESS. 265 SE The Regent Liqueling then rose, which caused considerable stir. He remarked, that much had been said about expeditions against those who had stolen their cattle. Though he was not a tall man, yet he considered himself a match for any who had stolen the cattle, and was not afraid of them, but he had his reasons for not attacking them at present. ‘‘ You come before me,” said he, ‘‘ powdered and dressed, and boast about commandoes, but I believe you are unwilling to go on them; you can talk bravely before the women, but I know you too well to take you against those nations.” He added, that he had had various conversations with the strangers, and there was no occasion to fear, and to run from them. They loved peace, he said, and came to make known to them the true God, and his Son, who had come into the world. He then ex- plained the reason why we had no beads, which had caused so much dissatisfaction. His brother concluded the meeting by a long speech, at one part of which both the Regent and Moeelway, followed by many, ran forward and danced for some time. On returning to their seats, he proceeded in his speech, and the instant he concluded, the whole meeting rose as one man, with tumultuous noise, and departed with such speed, that in one minute the square was cleared. The meeting lasted about four hours. CHAP. XXIII. A MESSENGER FROM MAKKABBA—DRESSES AT THE PEETSO—INTERVIEW WITH LIQUELING RESPECT- ING MISSIONARIES—NAMES OF THE NATIONS AROUND, &c.—LIST OF ARTICLES MANUFACTURED BY THEM—TOBACCO. AFTER the peetzo was over, a respectable- looking black man, a messenger from Makkabba, was introduced to us; on which Munameets came forward, and told him, that as Makkabba had not sent the beads as a sign of peace to Mateebe, he would not consent to these friends visiting him. The Wanketzen answered, that Makkabba had twice sent a party with the beads, but they had both times returned for fear of the Bushmen. «© Well,” said Munameets, ‘if Makkabba send the beads, and Missionaries are going up the country, he should go along with them, and in- troduce them to Makkabba. The Wanketzen seemed pleased to hear this. I made him a present of two gilt buttons. He had performed May.] ATTACHMENT OF THE NATIVES. 267 the journey from Melita in one day. He remained in our tent with many others to see us dine, and looked very serious, perhaps having seen poor Cowan and Donovan dining after the same fashion. Hearing of the favorable manner in which the Regent, and, as I was told, almost all the cap- tains spoke of us at the peetso, put all our men into good spirits. They were singing hymns round the fire the whole evening, while many of the Marootzee were listening, and Moeelway was attempting to imitate them. The people would not consent to our leaving them the succeeding day, alleging that they were only now getting acquainted with us, and should feel so dull when we were gone. The Regent said he was pre- paring something for us, and that we should have another ox on the morrow, for he could not think of our undertaking a journey without food. After the peetso the women and children ventured freely into the tent, which they would not do before. Confidence in us seemed only to have now begun, and we had no doubt but they would afterwards commend us to the nations around. One of the Hottentots had some beads, that he exchanged during the day for an elephant’s tusk, which beads the Regent had not previously 268 VARIETY IN THE DRESSES. [1820. seen. Receiving information of it, he ordered the man to bring the beads before him, and the Hot- tentot the tooth, which was instantly done. He inspected both articles, and sharply reproved the man for a breach of the law, in purchasing beads which had not been shown to him. He then gave the man the beads and the Hottentot the tusk. By this transaction he showed himself disposed and able both to claim and to maintain his rights. There were a great diversity of dresses at the peetso. They all rescmbled each other, however, in having their bodies painted with pipe-clay from head to foot, and in wearing a kind of white turban, made from the skin of the wild hog, the bristles of which are as white as the whitest horse-hair. Many wore tigers-skins, and several were ornamented with eight or ten coverings re- sembling fur tippets, hanging from their shoulders, and others wore them depending from the middle of their bodies. There were a great variety of skin cloaks without the hair. Yet, notwith- standing all this finery, few scenes could be con- ceived more completely savage, almost bordering on the frightful; but the tones of voice and the actions of most of the speakers were oratorical and graceful, and they possessed great fluency of ut- terance. None seemed to have the smallest timidity, nor were they reluctant to express their eC by HE CHT7¢ 7s Court, 1822. , Slatione x by F Wes PubZb O72, L 2 Lon: May.] VISIT TO SINOSEE’S SON. 269 —————— — eee minds with freedom. In fact they exhibited a singular compound of barbarism and civilization. The utmost latitude of speech seems to be allowed on such occasions. The women, who stood about twenty yards, distant from the assembly some- times cheered, by pronouncing the letter r in a loud musical tone. An elderly woman very fre- quently applauded in that way, while the Regent was speaking; I concluded she was his mother or sister. 11th. At break of day, the waggons were sur- rounded by people who were much more open and free ; few of the children, however, had yet over- come their antipathy to our appearance, for, if they met me suddenly in a lane, they fled to the nearest hiding-place. We went again to Sinosee’s district, on a visit to his son. A crowd of people surrounded us the whole time we were there. He treated us, as his father had done, with their liquor resembling beer, but so thick and new that I could do little more than taste it. On walking round his house I was amused to find two of our Hottentots busy in pull- ing off some copper rings from the arm of the captain, which they had bargained for. He had a respectable appearance, though painted red from head to foot. There must have been at least forty rings on the arm at which the Hot- 270 INTERVIEW WITH LIQUELING, &c. [1820. tentots were pulling ; he had also about thirty ear- rings hanging to his ears, made of a metal which much resembled gold, obtained, as I understood, from countries to the north of Kurreechane. He wore also beads, and what appeared to be silver rings, round his legs, obtained from the same quarter. After dinner we had a meeting with Liqueling, in the presence of Moeelway, Munameets, and others, fully to ascertain his sentiments respecting Missionaries residing at Kurreechane, and of their enjoying his countenance and protection, now that he bad heard the sentiments of his chief mea. He said that ever since he had received a message from the Missionaries at Lattakoo, by the rain-maker, with the promise of a visit, he had been desirous of their coming, and he hoped we should diligently seek among the white men for some who would consent to live among them. The Regent's brother then said, they were so happy at our visit, that, were we not so heavy, they would throw us up into the air, and not let us touch the ground again. We informed Liqueling of our intention to depart on the morrow. He said he permitted us May.] VISIT FROM THE WANKETZEN. 271 to depart from Kurreechane while we had flesh to last us till we should come to a place where there was plenty of game. He thus touched upon the very reason we had for departing the next day, viz. while part of the ox he gave us remained, for, had this been consumed, we could not have departed for want of food, the game being very uncertain. The Wanketzen from Makkabba, called in the morning for the present I had promised to send his master. I sent by him a red handkerchief, a looking-glass, scissars, a knife, ear-rings, a snuff- box full of snuff, and various other articles, and hoped the present would make a favorable im- pression. He appeared to have felt anxious about our visit to the Marootzee, as there had been three different parties there, sent by him during our stay, each party returning with two days news. The Regent favered me with the names of upwards of twenty nations around him. Many of the towns, he said, were as large and populous as Kurreechane. He began by naming the Wan- ketzens to the westward. Nerth of Kurreechane, The Moquana, Bameng- watoo. To N.E., The Makallaka. To E., Bapalangye, Massoona. To E. by H., Behatja. 972 LIQUELING’S PRESENT TO MUNAMEETS. [1820. To S.E., Bassetja, Booropolongs, Maribana, Babooklola, Bamoohopa, Bapoohene. To S.S.E., Bapo, Bammatow, Baliciana, Ba- hoba, Bapeeree, Buklokla, Moolehe, Moohoo- beloo, Moomanyanna, Mohawpee, Bammaleetee, Peeree. Liqueling presented to Munameets a large elephant’s tusk, and a bag of copper beads, which might contain about two pints; he likewise sent a present of a similar bag of beads to Mateebe. Thus the connection between the Marootzee and the Matchappees will probably become closer than ever. Munameets was in high spirits in consequence of this. Moeelway said in the tent, that had he plenty of beads, he should cover his whole body with them, and wrap them round his throat till they touched his chin. Though a fine-looking young man, he often in the tent assumed the simplicity of a child, but in his public conduct I observed nothing of the kind. The congregation in the evening was more nu- merous than usual. I addressed them on the redemption of the soul being precious. The people, when speaking of us among themselves, call us Captains of News, having told them so many things which they did not before know. May.] LIQUELING’S REQUEST. 273 aeneerr ere reer aSLAGSOOOO They have a public inclosure appropriated for the slaughtering of cattle, a convenience which I did not hear of at any other town. This day, in which we finally settled with the Regent about Missionaries coming to the Ma- rootzee nation, (we recollected in the evening,) was the day of the Annual Meeting of the Mis- sionary Society at home. Liqueling expressed a strong desire to have one of our pewter plates, [or covers,] a spoon, anda fork. He urged his request, by saying, that people from other nations would not believe him, when he should tell them he had received a visit from white men; but if they saw him eating out of such a dish, they would then believe him. Some nations beyond Kurreechane are reported to be very kind to strangers, considering them- selves under an obligation to support them as long as they remain in their territories. Perhaps, however, they might act differently to white strangers, whom they saw possessing many things which they coveted. The Regent said, if you come again, bring food with you, for you see how hungy we are. He meant beads, on which their whole souls, and all their affections are placed. WORT T Q74 INVITATION FROM MAKKABBA. _[820. ate CES They have a custom of forming what are called, at Lattakoo, Marts; that is, a particular con- nection with a person belonging to another nation, so that they reside at each other’s houses, when visiting the place, and make mutual presents, &c. Their method of forming this connection at Kur- reechane is by taking each other by the nose, e.g. When we were walking across the public place, an old captain asked Mr. R. if he would take him by the nose, which was tantamount to asking if he would consent to be his mart. A man, said to be Makkabba’s principal mes- senger, who, though very black, had a most respectable appearance, arrived early in the morn- ing with an invitation to visit his master. We consulted Munameets and Liqueling at the gate. The former said we might go, but he would by no means accompany us. The latter said, if we went, we ought to prepare for going on a com- mando with him, as that was his design in invit- ing us. We concluded that his object in sending for us, must either have been to obtain beads, or to take us with him on a predatory expedition. Of the first we had none, to the latter we were indisposed, wherefore we informed the messenger, that we left Lattakoo with the intention of visiting the Ma- rootzee, and could not alter our plan at present, May.] MAROOTZEE FURNACES. 275 but when Missionaries should come and settle among the Tammahas, Mashows, and Marootzees, we had no doubt but they would visit him also. We gave him presents, after which he went away, but he rather appeared dissatisfied.* A great concourse of people surrounded the waggons from break of day. At nine a.M., every thing being ready, we departed, followed by many persons. The Regent and Moeelway walked with us to the foot of the hill, on which the town stood, when they took leave and returned home. The Marootzee are confidently reported by other nations to smelt copper; they profess the same themselves, and they abound in copper articles more than the other nations. They asserted also that copper furnaces were behind the houses of some of their captains, but we never could obtain a sight of them. They did not flatly refuse, but put it off from time to time. Perhaps they acted thus on the principle of the Bir- oa ee SS ee * I observed five cuts across his left side, a proof he had killed five men. How many were on his right side could not be seen, being hid by his cloak. These scars are made for the same purpose that stars are worn on the breasts of European conquerors. They are marks of distinction, which reflect honor upon them among their countrymen, though the sight of the sears shocks the feelings of Europeans. a 276 MANUFACTURES. [1830. mingham and Sheffield manufacturers, being jealous lest others should obtain a knowledge of the art. Moeelway married one of his father’s widows, who is a clever, good-looking woman, about ten or twelve years older than himself. The following articles of trade are manufactured at Kurreechane : Of Iron.—Pick-axes, adzes, battle-axes, knives, assagais, razors, awls, drill-bores, or bits, smith- tongs, hammers, rings, beads. Of Ivory.—Knife-handles, whistles, arm and leg rings. Of Copper.—Neck, arm, leg and ear rings, beads. Of Rushes. — Baskets, bonnets. Of Leather.—Cloaks, caps, sandals, shields. Of Wood.—Various kinds of dishes, spoons. Of Clay, §c.—Various sizes and patterns of pots, jars, goblets. Of Stone.—Pipes. They grow much tobacco, both for their own consumption and as an article of trade. In pre- paring it they boil the leaves, which greatly re- duces its strength, and renders it insipid to those accustomed to tobacco otherwise prepared, yet | cara ell ab a a 1. House at Hurreechane lo protect Children during the Night trom Lions. 2. Tammaha House at Meribohwhey. 3. Furnace tor Smelting at Kurreechane. 4&5. Fottery tor containing Milk made at Kurreechane. 6. A Mashow Razor made of Steel. London, Lub? by F, Westley, Stationers Court, 1822. May.] A CUTLER AT KURREECHANE., Q77 ESO such is the power of habit that they preferred it greatly to our’s, though much stronger. They have iron, found to be equal to any steel. A cutler at Kurreechane would be able to support the mission almost without any expense to the Society, if a disinterested man. Every knife he manufactured, though without being made to shut, would be worth a sheep, and many of these he could make in a day. He would instantly find customers among the inhabitants of the town, and those from other nations. A rough-made axe is worth an ox. It was impossible to number the houses in Kur- reechane, but probably the population may amount to sixteen thousand, it being at least four times the size of New Lattakoo. nee CHAP. XXIV. RETURN FROM KURREECHANE TO MASHOW. Tue day of our departure from Kurreechane was delightful, though it was winter. We were advised to cross the mountains by a different route from that by which we came. It was about six miles more to the westward, and though not so full of fine scenery, was much better for the waggons. At four p.m. we halted by the side of the river, which we had passed the day before our arrival at Kurreechane. About sunset a large male rhinoceros was ob- served by one of the Hottentots approaching the water to drink. After drinking he came towards thevery bush in which the Hottentot was conceal- ed; this allowed him to take a good aim, and he shot the animal through the heart. The rhino- ceros ran under a tree, and, after standing a little May.] CUTTING UP OF A RHINOCEROS. 979 —— SS time, fell down and expired. The carcase was left to be cut up in the morning, but the intelligence gave general satisfaction to all the people who followed us. 13th. In the morning I went to the place where the carcase of the rhinoceros lay, and reached it about half past eight. The oxen grazed around during the process of cutting up the animal. Much blood was lying about, and a quacha that had been wounded was found dead near it. Though a male rhinoceros it was not so large as they generally are. It measured in length ten feet and a half, the circumference of the body was twelve feet, the eyes were placed about fourteen inches before the ears. At eleven a.m. the carcase being cut up and fastened on the backs of oxen, we went forward to get over a second row of hills. Thunder and rain came on while we were ascending the pass, and increased as we approached the summit; the heavy fall of rain obliged us twice to halt, but the ground being rocky did net become slippery, else our oxen could not have proceeded. At four p.m. we entered upon our former track, and halted near Philip Fountain. The rain fell in torrents, and the thunder rolled from one end of the heavens to the other. Happily there was an old Ma- rootzee cattle-place, and a few low huts left stand- ing, which afforded some shelter. A rhinoceros 9890 EFFECTS OF RAIN ON THE NATIVES. [1820 EE eee reese erasers eee rac cas was wounded not far from the waggons, but got off. It was as dark, cold and gloomy as any winter night in Britain, and torrents of rain continued to fall till about nine p. m. when the clouds began to break and the stars to appear. Our Matchappees and Mashows, though they had plenty of flesh, were very dull, not a whisper was to be heard among them. No kind of weather is more de- pressing to this people than rain. The sight of them excited pity ; they reminded me of the ap- pearance of the poultry in England during rain. Pelangye having rather recommended our going to Makkabba, in consequence of his invita- tion, had been teazed by Munameets and others, as a friend of what they called the rogwe Mak- kabba. Perceiving that his conduct affected his political character as a captain of the Matchap- pees, he had been trying to regain it ever since, by telling us, in the hearing of the others, that Makkabba was a great rogue, and every thing that was bad. I believe his only reason for wish- ing us to comply with Makkabba’s invitation was his expectation that he would give us an ox to kill, and he should have a share of it. Though the journey should have cost ws our lives, never- theless I believe he would have enjoyed the flesh, and not have regretted bringing us there, espe- May:] | CONTRIVANCE FOR SMOKING. asl ———— SSSI cially if the Hottentots had survived to shoot game on the way home. Two of the Matchappees, not having tobacco- pipes, adopted a curious contrivance for smoking. They dug a hole in the ground the shape of a basin, in which they formed, with their fingers, a round passage, down one side and up the other, in the shape of an inverted bow, this they arched over with clay, and filled up the whole with earth, leaving open the two ends of the passage ; then placing their tobacco, [or rather wild hemp] with a lighted cinder at one end, and putting their mouths close to the other, they sucked out the smoke. Necessity is the mother of invention in all lands. 14th. The rain having subsided, and the morn- ing pleasant, we went forward at nine a.m. Therm. at noon 56. A flock of several hundred quachas,* travelling towards the south, passed on our left, with their leader about a hundred yards a-head of them, whom they implicitly followed. Those who hunt the quacha generally endeavor first to kill their leader, which puts all the rest into such confusion that they know not what course to pursue. A Marootzee from Kurree- * Or wild asses, with striped skins like the zebra. 282 TRAVELLERS FROM MASHOW. [1820. chane, who joined us, said he passed as many in the morning, travelling in the same direction. They thus migrate every winter, from the high lands in the north to the neighbourhood of the Malalareen, where the land is lower and the winter milder. We met a party of poor people from Mashow, both men and women, with four pack-oxen. They were travelling to the nations in the north, seeking for employment in thrashing out their corn. They travelled in the track of our wag- gons, when going up the country, which would in time become a beaten path, and save much in- convenience to succeeding travellers. We passed two rhinoceroses, feeding on the side of a low hill to the right, the same probably we had seen in that place when going up. The one was a huge animal, the other considerably smaller. Some of our people approached very near to them with their muskets, but the animals retired. Though the rhinoceros be one of the most fero- cious of animals, it possesses some fear of man. There is a brown bird, about the size of a thrush, called the rhinoceros’ bird, from its perching upon those animals and picking off the bush- lice which fix on him, and from which he has no means to extricate himself. This little crea- ture performs the same kind service to the elephant. May.] INGENUITY OF THE MATCHAPPEES. 99 Se he te ts cenp at At three p.m. we reached the banks of the Moloppo, where we intended halting until Monday. All were soon employed in felling young trees for making inclosures round the fires to protect themselves from the cold night-winds. In little more than an hour the place assumed the appear- ance of a village, from the temporary huts as well as the inclosures they had erected, and from the number of fires they had kindled. The Hot- tentots having caught the spirit of the Matchap- pees, also erected fences around them to increase their comfort, a custom unknown to their nation, and never before done by those who journeyed with me. A Hottentot would creep under a bush to sleep in a cold night, but to cut down bushes to render himself comfortable either never oc- cured to his mind, or else was an effort which he had not sufficient resolution to make, rather pre- ferring to endure cold or wet the whole night, 15th. Being the Sabbath we rested and had different meetings with the people for worship. Having gone down to the river to drink of its pure water, a lion shortly afterwards occupied the same ground I had left. 16th. Pelangye, Munameets and Maketzee came for the first time into the tent, to ask a few questions, in order to obtain information, but the Bootshuana interpreter being out of the way, 284 INQUIRIES ABOUT ENGLAND. _[1820. we could only understand a few of their inquiries. They asked what my name was, as they had forgotten it, being accustomed always to call me Moonaree, a corruption of the Dutch word Mynheer. They could not repeat my name in any other way than Camelo. MHaving no word in their language ending in 7, they could not pro- nounce it without the addition of another letter. All of them attempted it several times, but each added either o oru. We mentioned to them Mr. Philip’s name, which they pronounced Sip, having no sound of the f in their language. They then inquired if the King of England kept cattle, if there was much game in England, and plenty of rhinoceroses, elephants, cameleopards, quachas, knoos, &c. They were surprised to hear there were none of these, and that the only animals hunted were hares and foxes. It must have appeared inconceivable to them,’ how the inhabitants could subsist in such a land, for huge animals, in their estimation, form the glory of a country. Yesterday, in the morning, Munameets told us there would be a new moon that day, and we saw it immediately after sunset, but how he knew it we could not learn from him. It is said that all the nations known in South Africa, when travelling, perform much longer May.] WOLVES AND JACKALS. 285 stages in a day on their returning than when going from home, a good criterion for judging of the state of their feelings. Munameets inquired if beads came out of the Great Water? If many kept slaves? If the king of England’s town was as large as Kurree- chane? If the person who ruled at the fair, where Jan Hendric and Malalla went for clothes and beads, was the king of England? meaning either Mr. Stockingstrome or Mr. Baird (the landdrost and deputy landdrost). If the people of England wore skin cloaks ? Being awake part of the night, I heard wolves and jackals all around, but our dogs had got so accustomed to them that they did not bark. We left the banks of the Moloppo at seven, and at eleven a.m. halted near the Musaree River, where our people wounded a rhinoceros, which was pursued and stabbed by the Matchappees. This greatly increased their stock of provisions, and caused a merry day. We departed again at five, and halted at seven P.M. 17th. We saved two legs of the rhinoceros that had been killed the preceding day, to present to the King of Mashow and his principal chiefs. Maketzee complained, in the evening, that, in con- sequence of our doing so, he had hardly got any 986 THREE LIONS AND A SNAKE SEEN. [1820. flesh; but this morning, a little after sunrise, some of his servants passed, so loaded with its flesh, that they were bending under the weight. Maketzee did not expect we should have seen this. They had staid behind, and meant to have passed us with it to his wife before daylight. He was evidently ashamed at the discovery. We departed at eleven a.m., and travelled among long grass, where there is seldom small game, because in such situations they cannot readily see the approach of their enemies. Three lions were seen near the waggons. Therm. 60. At four p. m. we halted at the same place we had done the evening after leaving Mashow, where we had so much rain. The spot on which our waggons had stood appeared like a quagmire newly dried up. 18th. The Matchappees, on taking up the skins on which they had slept during the night, found a snake, which they instantly killed. Se- veral of our followers, with their pack-oxen loaded with rhinoceros’ flesh, went forward, before us during the night, towards Mashow, as it is not customary to carry provisions into the towns in the day-time, because the applications for a share of them would be far too numerous to be complied with. For the same reason, they seldom take a meal till it is dark, so that a stranger coming May.] CONCERNING MAKKABBA. 287 among them would almost suppose that they lived without eating. Conversing in the tent with Munameets, Pe- langye, Maketzee, &c. about Makkabba, the king of the Wanketzens, they mentioned, as a won- derful trait in his character, that he never slept in the day-time. When I told them that the people in my country did not sleep in the day- time either, they laughed, and said they had ob- served me several times a-day, at Kurreechane, go to my waggon, as they supposed to sleep. When I retired from the bustle to write in my journal, I was obliged to make every thing as close as possible, to prevent molestation from the spec- tators, who constantly beset the waggons; and probably it was owing to this mistake, which generally prevailed, that I enjoyed so much quiet when I withdrew to the waggon. At seven we went forward, and soon travelled among the trees which we had found so com- pletely stript of their leaves by a hail-storm. Though it was winter, they were again sprouting, which considerably removed the gloomy appear- ance they made when we were going up the country. The young grass was also shooting up, which gave the country the appearance of spring. On viewing this scene, Cornelius, my Hottentot driver, told me that once, on the confines of 288 BOOTSHUANA BUSHMEN. [1820. (pa a EE ERO Caffreland, he had seen a shower of hail-stones, many of which were larger than a pigeon’s egg. These not only injured the trees, but killed many of the ostriches, which were found dead after the shower had passed over. About ten a. m. we passed two villages belong- ing to the Bootshuana Bushmen; at the last of them we halted for a short time. There were about seventy huts, but only nine women and a few children at home, all of whom, except three women, concealed themselves at first. These stood leaning with their backs against a hut, si- lently viewing us. They were complete exhibi- tions of starvation, and seemed to be under con- siderable apprehensions for their safety. One of our people asked if he might brine them a little rhinoceros’ flesh ; we immediately dispatched him for some to the waggons. On cutting off two or three pounds to each of the three women, I never witnessed so sudden a change from the lowest depth of depression and agitation to the most ex- travagant joy. A criminal receiving a pardon under the gallows could not have expressed his delight in a more animated manner. The sound which they made immediately brought the others from their concealment, who rushed towards us and begged some flesh also. We gave to each a piece of flesh and a little tobacco. They danced for a few minutes, and then proceeded to light May. | A NATION OF BUSHMEN. 989 their fires, in order to cook the flesh they had so unexpectedly received. Their black fingers ap- peared as hard as bones, and were probably ren- dered so by digging roots out of the ground for food. Their men had been absent on a hunt for three weeks, and of course the situation of these poor females must have been very dis- tressing. It is very probable that a Missionary sent to this scattered people would be able to collect them together, form them into a nation, and teach them to cultivate a portion of those milhons of rich acres by which they are sur- rounded ; a deed which would deserve the thanks of the whole human race. The Tammahas were once in the same slate; but by some means or other, which I could not learn, they were col- lected into a nation, and now their land abounds both in corn and cattle. These Bootshuana Bushmen must be very numerous, from the numbers I fell in with where there was no beaten track, and because from hence it may be inferred that, in whatever direction we had chosen to tra- vel, we should have found an equal portion of their villages. They speak the same language with the surrounding nations, by whom they are de- spised merely on account of their poverty. Having been so long dispersed, and living in a straggling way, they must be destitute of those VOLe0 1 U 2900 ATTACK OF THE BOQUAINS [ 1820. national prejudices against the Gospel, arising from bigotted customs, and sanctioned by the approbation or compliance of their forefathers. They would probably consider it as a favor if a Missionary were appointed to reside among them. ‘“ Unto the poor,” it is said in the Scriptures, “the Gospel was of old preached;” unto a poorer race of men than these, in every sense of the word, it never was preached. Like most of the Bushmen to the south, they literally possess nothing. But the man who could cheerfully submit to live among them, however beautiful their country, must have this qnalification---“‘ The joyful hope of a blessed immortality,” which makes a man happy anywhere. About a mile and a half beyond the village we came to a pool of water, which would, at least, afford drink to our oxen, where we _ halted. While at breakfast a Mashow man who had travelled with us to Kurreechane, but had re- mained behind, passed in a violent hurry with some pack-oxen. From his account it appeared that the Boquain nation were on their way to attack Kurreechane at the time we left it. On the plain to the east- ward of the town they were arrested in their march by the same rain we had experienced the day after our departure from the city. During May.] ON KURREECHANE. 901 this halt they were discovered by Kassanna, king of Doughooboone, whom we saw at Kurreechane, on his way back to it, and who is united in a league of friendship with the Marootzee. On making the discovery, he immediately hastened to the Marootzee cattle-posts, and spread the alarm, and then proceeded to Kurreechane, where he gave information of the approaching enemy. On which all was alarm, bustle, and confusion. In the mean time the Mashow very prudently loaded his pack-oxen and fled. Such was his speed, that he had travelled at the rate of fifty miles a-day, and so great the dread which he felt of the Boquain nation, that he would not even halt and proceed to Mashow with us, but after telling his story, went forward as fast as he could. These Boquains, in consequence of their having possessed much cattle, have been so often at- tacked by the covetous nations around, that they must have become a warlike people, and may in their turn be a scourge to others. All the interior nations are so dependent on their cattle for subsistence, that to deprive them of either the whole or a part must make them almost desperate, and render them formidable enemies. It is scarcely necessary to observe, vu 2 292 LATE HARVEST AT MASHOW. [1820. aS SS a SE SSE EG DIE LL ALLEL IIL LEI, that they never trouble their heads about the morality of things. We departed at noon, (Therm. 68,) and, on ap- proaching Mashow, were surprised to find none of the corn cut down, as the Marootzee had begun their harvest before otr arrival at Kurree- chane, this perhaps might be owing to some difference in the soil and climate, or to a greater quantity of rain having fallen towards the end of the season in the Mashow than in the Marootzee country. CHAP. XXV. RECEPTION FROM THE KING AND HIS PEOPLE— DISCOVERY OF A PECULIAR SPECIES OF RHI- NOCEROS—CONVERSATION WITH THE KING ABOUT RECEIVING A MISSIONARY—ROBBERY BY THE WANKETZEN AMBASSADORS. WeE entered Mashow at five p.m. The Hotten- tot Jager, having remained behind with some of the natives to search for game, arrived a little after us, with the pleasing intelligence that he had shot two rhinoceroses and wounded two. Kossie the king and several of his chief captains gave us a friendly reception, as did many of the inhabitants, who soon encircled our waggons. The first inquiry of many of them was, whether the Marootzee had given us any oxen for our sup- port while at Kurreechane? When Kossie was in the tent in the evening, Pelangye told him that Makkabba had sent us an invitation to visit him, but that we had not gone: on which he turned 294 DISCOVERY OF A PECULIAR [1820. to us and said, it was well that we did not go. Several of the people brought us milk, others a little corn, and Munameet’s people some rich honey-comb which they had found in the field. The King was present at the evening worship. 19th. A Mashow rain-maker had just returned from the Wanketzen country, where he had been for some time. While there he saw two expedi- tions go out against some neighbouring nations, in both of which they were successful in capturing cattle. On the first they killed nine men, and on the last three. Two messengers had also arrived to invite Kossie to join Makkabba on a new expe- dition, which he declined. During our absence from Mashow two rhinoce- roses came into the town during the night, when the inhabitants assembled and killed them both. The rhinoceroses, shot by Jager, on the preceding day, having been cut up, were brought, the one in a waggon, the other on pack-oxen. We divided one among Kossie, Munameets, and Pelangye. They brought also the heaa of one of them, which was different from all the others that had been killed. The common African rhinoceros has a crooked horn resembling a cock’s spur, which rises about nine or ten inches above the nose and inclines backward ; immediately behind this is a short thick horn; but the head they brought had Hed of anion, el nse eCity eft London, Pubs by EF, Westley, Stationers Court, 1822. 