Chronicles of Cape commanders : or, An abstract of original manuscripts in the archives of the Cape Colony, dating from 1651 to 1691, compared with printed accounts of the settlement by various visitors during that time. Also four short papers upon subjects connected with the East India company's government at a later period, reprinted from colonial periodicals, and notes on English, Dutch, and French books published before 1796, containing references to South Africa

Front matter

OHRONICLBS

OF

CAPE COMMANDERS,

Preface

The following pages contain an account of tlie origin of the European power in South Africa, of the condition of the Native Eaces when white men first came in contact with them, and of the nature of the intercourse between the Europeans and the Natives during a period of forty years. A statement of the sources from which this account has been derived is given at the close.

The records of the Cape Colony furnish the most complete information that can be needed for the compilation of a history of the country from the middle of the seventeenth century to the present day. That but little use has hitherto been made of them is easily accounted for. Their bulk is so vast that years would be required to examine only the most important of them ; they have until quite recently been scattered about in many buildings, and are not even yet collected in one apartment ; they have not been arranged ; nor has the most trifiing convenience for their study ever been provided. In Cape Town much of what was most valuable in some classes of documents, — the Diary of Events, for instance, — was lost or destroyed through the carelessness and indifference of the Government, and until the appointment of the Archives Commission a few years ago no steps were taken to restore the missing documents from the duplicates in London and the Hague.

There was another cause for the neglect of the Cape Archives. Not only is their volume vast, but in their contents the minutest details of petty and obscure events are mixed up with matter altogether foreign. They are thus intolerably heavy, except to one who has the means of gathering information from words which to ordinary students are meaningless. When, for instance, one meets with relations of the intercourse between Batuas, Obiquas, Chobonas, and many others, if one knows what people these words refer to, a

IV

PEEFACE.

flood of liglit is throTvn upon pages tiiat -would other-wise be very ■wearisome reading. The greater the acquaintance with any of the native races of South Africa that one has, the more information will he be able to extract from the Cape Archives, and the less dull will they appear to him.

These causes combined will serve to explain why so little use has been made of the documents referred to. South Africa has not as yet been proliflc of men possessing leisure, pecuniary means, educational qualifications, and, together with these, inclination for patient research in this or in any other branch of study.

Before my connection with the Cape Archives only two individuals, so far as is known, had done more than examine them in a very cixrsory manner. One of these was Mr D. Moodie, whose valuable work is r^erred to on another page of this volume. His labours were interrupted by the Government of the time -withdra-wing its aid, and though he' was extremely desirous of resuming them he was never in a position to do so. The other was the late Advocate De Wet, who spent the leisure hours of many years in collecting information from the old Dutch Records, with a view of preparing a faithful history of the colony. It is to be hoped that the manuscript which he is kno-wn to have left at his death -will some day be published. I have seen a plan of Cape Town before the close of the seventeenth century’ which was constructed by him solely from the descriptions in the Records, and it is a proof that he studied them deeply and carefully. It shows but little de-vlation from the plan made by order of Commander Simon van der Stel and preserved in the Archives of the Netherlands, which Mr De Wet had never seen. A history of the colony, therefore, from the same hand would certainly be of the utmost value.

The late Judge Watermeyer’s inclinations lay in the same direction, but he had not time to make any thorough researches.

The number of printed books referring to South Africa is very great, but most of them contain nothing of any value in tracing the events of the past. As far as I am aware, the only complete collection of these works in the colony is that in possession of C. A. Fairbridge, Esqre., of Caj>e Town, to whom I am indebted for the use ©f several volumes which I was unable to procure either in London or in Holland.

The chapters on the early Commanders, given in this book, form but a fragment of Cape history. My connection -with the Archives did not last long enough for me to do more. A few months spent at the Hague enabled me merely to examine manuscripts and maps of

PEEFACE.

V the seventeenth century which were wanting here, as it was necessary that I should copy many of them to complete our records.

I have added to the Chronicles a few short papers on occurrences in the eighteenth century, the materials for which I obtained in the records of that period, though I did not enter very deeply into them. I have added further some brief notes on books published during the government of the East India Company and containing references to South Africa, which may be useful to students.

GEO. M. THEAL.

Cape Town, 4th Maj^, 188iJ.

'i j

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 1486-1648.

Discovery of the Cape of Good Hope by Dias. — First Voyage to India faade by Vasco da Gama. — Voyage of Cabral. — Discovery of St Helena by Joan de Nova. — Second voyage of Da Gama. — Delagoa Bay visited by Antonio do Campo. — Table Bay first entered by Antonio de Saldanha. — First Shipwreck on the South African coast. — Inspection of a portion of the South African seaboard, — Tragedy in Delagoa Bay. — Account of the battle in Table Valley on the 1st of March 1610, in which the Viceroy D’ Almeida and over sixty men were killed. — Causes of the scanty information on South Africa obtained by the Portuguese. — The first Voyages of the English to the East. — Resolution of the English East India Company to build a fort at the Cape. — English sovereignty proclaimed over Table Bay and the adjacent country by Captains Fitzherbert and ShiUinge. — First Voyages of Dutch ships to the East. — The Travels of Jan Huyghen van Linschoten. — His description of South Africa, — Visit of Houtman to Mossel Bay. — Mossel, Flesh, and Fish bays named by Paulus van Caerden. — Table Bay named by Joris van Spilbergen. — Formation of the Dutch East India Company. — Visits of Dutch fleets to Table Bay. Page 1.

Chapter II. 1648—1653

Preservation of a document to the Chamber of Amsterdam, setting forth the advantages to be gained by forming a settlement in Table Valley. — Account of the wreck of the Saarleyn. — Deliberations of the Directors of the East India Company. — Decision to form a victualling station at the Cape. — Instructions to the skippers of the Dromedaris, Reiger, and Goede Hoop. — Character and previous occupations of Jan van Riebeek, who is appointed Commander of the Expedition. — Instructions given to the Commander by the Directors. — Departure of the Expedition from Amsterdam. — Events during the passage. — Arrival of the Expedition in Table Bay. — Condition of Table Valley at that time. — Description of natives residing there and roaming about in the neighbourhood. — Selection of a site for a fort. — Description of the ground plan of the fort Good Hope. — Landing of the Expedition. — Quarrels between the Goringhaiquas and Goringhaikonas. — Distress of the Europeans. — Arrival of ships with many sick men who are left at the Cape. — Effects of the winter rains. — The Sick Visitor Willem Barents Wylant. — First birth of a Eru’opean child in South Africa. — Abundance of game. — Projected whale fishery. — Productions of Robben Island. — Inspection of the country back of the Devil’s Peak. — Beautiful forests found there. —Desertion of four workmen and their adventures. — Gardens planted. — Voyage of the Goede Hoop to Saldanha Bay. — Cattle barter with the Goringhaiquas. — The interpreter Harry and his niece Eva. — The Goringhaiquas leave the neighbourhood of the Cape. — Effects of the Southeasters. — Productions of the gardens.— Diet of the workmen. Page 21,

Contents

viii'

Chapter III. 1653—1657

Receipt of intelligence of ■war between England and the Netliorlands.— Condition of the fort Good Hope. — Arrival of ships. — Trade -with natives. — Damage done by wild animals. — Jacob Ryniers, the first Secnnde. — Dealings 'with a French ship in Saldanha Bay. — Robbery by Harry and the beachrangers of the Company’s cattle, and murder of one of the cattle herds. — Unsuccessful pursuit of the robbers. — Discovery of ore. — Hottentot crucibles. — Return of the Kaapmans and beachrangers. — Anniversary of the arrival of the Europeans. — A gaUot sent to St Helena for provisions. — Frederick Verbm'g, the second Secunde. — Account of the southeast coast by a Jesuit missionary. — A galiot sent to explore the southeast coast. — Trade with Madagascar. — The first Malay banished to the Cape. — ^Day of prayer and thanksgiving. — News of peace between England and the Netherlands. — Treatment of the crews of English ships. — Arrival of a large fleet. — Sealing establishments at Dassen Island and Saldanha Bay. — Introduction of the -vine. — Instructions of the Directors regarding the natives. — The Commander’s ■views as to the best method of dealing ■with them. — Hostile acts of the Goringhaiguas. — Jan Wintervogel, leader of the first exploring expedition inland. — Harry’s return to the fort, which is followed by a renewal of the cattle trade. — The trading expedition of Harry and Corporal MuRer. — Arrival of a large Hottentot horde under the chief Gonnema. — The interpreter Doman. — The first vessel built at the Cape. — Disas^trous expedition to Madagascar. — Garden ground allotted to married servants of the Company. — Annetje de boerin. — Completion of a hospital. — Construction of a jetty. — Project of Ryklof van Goens to convert the Cape peninsula into an island. — Plants and animals introduced. — The first farm at Rondebosch. — Thefts by Hottentots. — Dealings with Harry. — Premiums for the destruction of ravenous animals. — Regulations for the preservation of herbiverous animals. — Sickness. — Day of fasting and prayer. — Constitution of the Council of Policy. — Marriages. — Treatment of Christian blacks. — Instructions regarding the treatment of foreign ships. Page 45.

Chapter IV. 1657—1659

The first South African Colonists. — Conditions under which some of the Company’s servants became colonists. — The Commissioner Ryklof van Goens. — Alterations in the conditions. — The first Biu’gher Councillor. — Names of the first colonists. — Regulations of Commissioner Van Goens. — ^Weights and Measures. — Roelof de Man is appointed Secimde. — Expedition to Hottentots Holland. — Information concerning the natives. — Journey of party under Abraham Gabbema. — The Berg River is discovered and named. — The Paarl Mountain is named. — Public Works. — Journey of party under Jan van Harwarden. — The Little Berg River is discovered and named. — The Tulbagh Basin and valley of the Breede River are seen from the top of the mountain near the Little Berg River. — Importation of slaves from Angola and Guinea. — Desertion of slaves. — Seizure of Hottentots as hostages to be detained until the restoration of the slaves. — General panic. — Arrangements between Europeans and Hottento^ts. — Harry sent to Robbeu Island. — Trade with the Cochoquas under the chief Oedasoa through Eva’s agency. — Remonstrances of the farmers against new restrictions. — Price of wheat. — Vines planted by the Commander at Wynberg. — Introduction of maize.— Two Burgher Councillors are appointed. — Sheep farming. — Instance of great loss of life by scrnwy. — More Colonists. — Unsuccessful attempt to visit the Namaquas. — The first ■wine made in South Africa. — Manufacture of ale. — Enrolment of the burghers as militia. — Constitution of the Council of Militia. — Changes in the Council of Policy. Page 68.

Chapter V. 1659-1662

War ■with the Cape clans. — Conspiracy to seize a vessel. — Peace ■ftdth the Goringhaiquas and Gorachouquas. — Duties of the Secretary. — AVreck of a French ship in Table Bay.— Illicit dealing in cattle. — Manner of conducting trade with the natives. —

CONTENTS.

IX

Traits of native character. — Search for the Island of St Helena Nova. — Expedition under Jan Danckert in search of Mouomotapa. — Exploring Expedition under Pieter Cruythof. — Ricbeek’s Kasteel is named. — The Namaquas are discovered. — Description of the Namaquas. — Exploring Expedition under Pieter van Meerhof. — Pieter van der Stael’s efforts to teach the Cape Hottentots the principles of Christianity. — Exploring Expedition under Pieter Everaert. — Feuds of the Hottentots. — Conflicting accounts of the condition of the settlement. — Appointment of Gerrit van Harn to be Mr Van Riebeek’s successor. — Death of Mr Van Ham at sea. — Appointment of Zacharias Wagenaar. — Mr Van Riebeek’s farm at Wynberg. — Arrival of Mr Wagenaar. — Ceremony of his induction. — Mr Van Riebeek leaves for Batavia. — Condition of the Settlement. — Privileges of the Burghers. — Treatment of foreigners. — Anticipations regarding the olive. — Actual knowledge concerning the natives. — Fabulous accounts of distant tribes still believed in. — Neglect of the Government to keep a record of land grants. — Character of Commander Van Riebeek as delineated in his writings. — Offices which he filled after leaving South Africa. Page 92.

Chapter VI

Zachari.'IS Wagenaar, installed 6th of May 1662, held office until 27th OF September 1666.

Character of Commander Wagenaar. — Deputation from Hottentot clans. — The Commander’s visit' to the Coehoqu'as. — The Hessequas. — The exploring expedition under Peter Cruythof. — The expedition under Admiral De Lairesse against Mozambique. Intercourse Madagascar. — The exploring expedition under J onas de la Guerre. —

— Occupation of the Island of Mauritius as a dependency of the Cape. — George Frederick Wreede. — ‘Way between^England_and fhe Netherlands. — The Directors of the East India Company resolve to construct a stone fortress in Table VaUey. — The site is selected by the Commissioner Isbrand Goske. — Ceremony of laying the foundation stone. — The church in the castle. — Attempt to capture an English ship in Table Bay. — Succession of Sick Visitors. — The first clergyman of the Cape. — Constitution of the Consistory. — Disputes concerning baptisms. — Scene at an afternoon service. — Subjects taught in the school. — Succession of Schoolmasters. — School fees. — Dealings with Hottentots. — Plague among the Hottentots. — The beachrangers in Table Valley. — Eva’s marriage with a European. — Prices of various lands of grain. — Wages. — Price of horses. — Occupations of burghers in Table Valley. — The Commander desires to be relieved. — A successor is appointed. — Arrival of Mr Van Quaelberg. — His installation. —Officers of the Goverifuent. — ^Departure of Mr Wagenaar for Batavia. — Knowledge of the country at the time of his departure. — Condition of the Colony. — Subsequent visit of Mr Wagenaar to the Cape. — His bequest of a sum of money for the benefit of the poor. Page 122.

Chapter VII

CoRNELis VAN Quaelberg, installed 27th of September 1666, held office UNTIL 18th of June 1668.

Jacob Borghorst, installed 18th of June 1668, held office until 25th of March 1670.

Character of Commander Van Quaslberg. — Greetings from Hottentot chiefs. — Progress in the construction of the castle. — South African forests. — Establishment of a French East India Company. — The first fleet sent out by it. — Arrival of the fleet in Table Bay. — Assistance given to the French by Commander Van Quaelberg. — The French set up marks of possession in Saldanha Bay. — Trading expe^tions. — Corporal Cruse visits the.HesseCLuas. — On a second expedition he visits the Gaunquas and reaches Mossel Bay. — Instructions are received to discontinue the work at the castle. — Expedition to Mauritius and Madagascar. — Murder of Pieter van Meerhof and eight men at the Bay of Antongil. — Intelligence is received of peace with England. — Dealings with the Hottentots. — Harsh regulations of Commander Van Quaelberg. —

X

CONTENTS.

Dismissal of Mr Van Quaelberg from the Company’s service. — Appointment of Jacob Borghorst as his successor. — Arrival of Mr Borghorst and his assumption of the government. — Oflicers in the settlement at this time. — Succession of clergymen. — New free burghers. — Departure of Mr Van Quaelberg for Batavia. — His subsequent career. — lU health of Commander Borghorst. — Cornells de Cretzer. — Removal of the French beacons from Saldanha Bay. — Knowledge of South Africa acquired by this date. — Unsuccessful expedition of the Voerman. — Survey of the coimtry about Mossel Bay by Corporal Cruse. — The Attaquas are visited. — The Outeniquas are heard of. — Adventure of Corporal Cruse with a party of Bushmen. — A cruel custom of the Hottentots. — Rescue of a Hottentot infant by some Dutch women. — Liberty of the Company’s servants to trade to a small extent on their own account. — Incidents in the career of George Frederick Wreede. — Expeditions of the Qrundel along_thejrest and.so.utheast coasts. — Search for metals. — The Commissioner Mattheus van der Broeck at the Cape. — Various regulations. — Hunting parties. — Mr Borghorst’s desire to be relieved. — Appointment of Pieter Hackius as his successor. — Arrival of Mr Hackius and his assumption of the government. — Return of Mr Borghorst to Europe. Page 147.

Chapter VIII

Pieter Hackius, installed 25th of March 1670, died 30th of November 1671. Interval between the death of Commander Hackius and the arrival of THE Secunde Albert van Breugel, 30th of November 1671 to 25th of March 1672.

Albert van Breugel, Secunde, Acting Commander, from 25th of March to 2nd op October 1672.

lUness of Commander Hackius. — Increase of premiums for the destruction of ravenous animals. — Arrival of a French fleet under Admiral De la Haye. — Hostile conduct of the French at Saldanha Bay. — Regulations of Commissioner Isbrand Goske concerning the slaves. — Misfortunes of the Secunde Cornelis de Cretzer. — Account of the leading servants of the Company at the Cape. — Arrival of a few families of immigrants. — Ideas of that day as to good government. — Cause of so few inunigrants arriving in South Africa. — The clan of the Cochoquas under Gonnema visits the settlement. — War between the Cochoquas and Chainouquas. — Murder of two burghers by Bushmen. — Death of Commander Hackius. — His funeral in the church. — Arrangements of the Council for carrying on the government. — Apprehensions in the Netherlands of war with France and England. — The Directors of the East India Company resolve to complete the castle and strengthen the garrison of the Cape.— Preparation of materials for the completion of the castle. — Its position. — Anecdote of a constable who expressed an opinion that it was commanded by the Devil’s Peak. — Names and qualifications of the officers selected by the Directors to conduct the government of the Cape. — Arrival of the Fiscal De Neyn. — Statistics of ships that put into Table Bay. — Wrecks. — Number of visitors yearly. — Quantity of meat required. — Dealings with Gonnema’s people. — Arrival of the Secunde Van Breugel. — His assumption of the government. —The Commissioner Aemout van Overbeke at the Cape. — Purchase of territory from Schacher. — Particulars of the deed of sale. — Amounts nominally and really paid. — Purchase of territory from the representatives of the Chainouqua chief.— Experiments in the culture of various plants. — Distillation of brandy at the Cape. — InteUigenoe is received from the Netherlands of war with England and France. — Arrangements for defence.— Arrival of Governor Isbrand Goske. — His reception and assumption of the government. Page 165.

Chapter IX

Isbrand Goske, Governor of the Cape and Councillor Extraordinary of India, installed 2nd of October 1672, held office until 14th OF March 1676.

Statistics of population. — Important position occupied by the early colonists. — The Eipopean war. — Its influence upon Cape affairs. — Naval battle off the coast of India.

CONTENTS.

XI

— The work at the castle. — Repair of the old fort. — Establishment of an outpost at Hottentots Holland. — Description given of Hottentots Holland. — Expedition agauist St Helena. — Career of Lieutenant Van Breitenbach. — Trade with the Chainoucxuas. — Account of Captain Klaas. — His attachment to the Europeans. — Account of Captain Gonnema. — How all the Cape Hottentots came to be called' Gmijemans. — Hostile act of Gonnema against some burghers. — Murder of eight burghers and a slave by Gonnema’s people. — An expedition is sent agamst Gomema. — Plunder of the Company’s post at Saldanha Bay and murder of four Europeans. — Account of the expedition against Gonnema. — Hottentot allies. — Execution by Hottentots of four prisoners. — "Wreck of the Grundel and of the Zoetendal. — Method of raising revenue by farming out privileges. — The garrison moves into the castle. — The old fort is broken down. — Intelligence of peace with England. — Sickness among the Hottentots. — Second expedition against Gonnema. — Capture of cattle. — Death of Eva. — Accoimt of her career. — The first baptized Hottentot is buried in the church. — Fate of her children. — Account of the deacon’s fund for the support of the poor. — Estabhshment of an Orphan Chamber. — Its objects and constitution. — Regulations in church matters. — Successful raid by Goimema upon the Cape clans. — The Commissioner Nicholas Verburg. — Petition of the burghers. — Officers of the Cape Government. — Position of the island of Mauritius with regard to the Cape Government. — Administration of Governor Goske. — Johan Bax is appointed to succeed him. — Arrival of Mr Bax. — Mr Goske returns to Em’ope. Page 182.

Chapter X

Johan Bax, entitled van Hekentals, Installed as Govehnok 14th of Makch 1676, Died 29th of June 1678.

Hendme Crudop, Secunde, Acting Commander, 29th of June 1678 to 12th of October 1679.

Measures for the protection of the farmers. — Murder of three biu’ghers by Bushmen. — Condition of Hottentot clans when the Dutch settled in South Africa. — Condition of the Bushmen. — Unsuccessful expedition against the murderers of the burghers. — Captain Jacob acts as a spy. — Unsuccessful expedition agamst Gonnema. — Punishment of Captain Kees. — Peace overtures from Gonnema. — Conclusion and conditions of peace. — Stringent regulations concerning intercourse between burghers and Hottentots.— Causes for such regulations. — Account of "VViUem’Willems. — Condition of the beachrangers. — Robberies and measures adopted for their suppression. — Execution of five Bushmen. — Principles upon which the government acted towards the natives. — Establishment of a Matrimonial Court. — Its constitution and object. — Account of the slaves. — Exploration of the west coast by the Bode, and of the coast of Zululand by the Voorliout and Quartel. — Whimsical plan to expedite the completion of the castle. — Resolution to build a new church. — A site is selected.— The foundation stone is laid. — Death of the Rev Mr Hulsenaar. — The first interment in the new churchyard. — Removal of bodies from the old church to the site of the new one. — Account of the first colonists beyond the Cape Peninsula. — Customs duties. — Arrival of a few families of immigrants. — Death of the Governor- General, who is succeeded by Ryklof van Goens the elder. — Death of Governor Bax. — Funeral of the late Governor. — The Secretary Hendrik Crudop administers the government as Acting Commander. — The Rev Johannes Overney is appointed clergyman of the Cape. — Intelligence is received of peace with France. — Naming of the five bastions of the castle. — Position of the burghers beyond the Cape Peninsula. — The census of 1679. — The Directors of the East India Company appoint Simon van der Stel Commander of the Cape. — Arrival of Jlr "Van der Stel, and his assumption of the government. Page 200.

CHAPTER XL

Simon van der Stel, Commander from 12th of October 1679 to 1st of June 1691.

1679—1685.

Character of Simon van der Stel. — His family. — Condition of the settlement at the date of his arrival. — The Commander visits Hottentots Holland. — He makes a tour to

XU

CONTENTS.

a place which he names Stellenbosch.— Plan of colonization.— Occupation of the Stellenbosch valley.— Condition of land grants there.— Improvement of the Company’s garden in Table Valley. — Hendrik Bernard Oldenland. — Friendly intercourse with the Hottentots.— Some Namaquas visit the Cape.— Their method of travelling.— They bring specimens of copper ore.— They give the first information received of the Orange River. — Their account of other tribes. — They return to their own country with presents. —Treatment of foreigners calling at the Cape.— Method of taxing foreigners.— Number of ships that called between 1671 and 1682.— Growth .of Stellenbosch. — Destruction of crops by insects.— Establishment of a court of heemraad at Stellenbosch.— Establishment of a school there. — Subjects taught in the school. — Various duties of Dominie Mankadan. — The Cape is made a place of banishment for Indian prisoners of state. — Visit of the late Governor- General Ryklof van Goens. — Instructions issued by him. — Wreck of the English ship Joanna. — Establishment of a court for the adjudication of petty cases. — Unsuccessful exploring expeditions of 1682 and 1683. — More copper ore is received from Namaqualand. — Discharged servants of the Company. — New cattle stations. — Visit of Ryldof van Goens the younger. — His transactions at the Cape. — First exportation of grain. — The High Commissioner Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Drakenstein. — His powers. — He arrives at the Cape. — He reconstructs the Council of Policy and the High Court of Justice. — Appoints a Landdrost to Stellenbosch. — Construction and powers of the court of Landdrost and Heemraad. — The High Commissioner’s instructions concerning the emancipation, education, and treatment of slaves. — His instructions concerning the Hottentots. — He grants land in fidl property to officers of the ^vernment. — He grants the farm Constantia to Commander Van der Stel. — Mining operations. — Imposition of transfer dues on sales of fixed property. — Price of grain.— Departure of the High Commissioner. Page 214.

Explokations and Discoveeies in South Aprica.

Commander Van der Stel’s journey to Namaqualand. — Description of the train.— Hottentot custom of treating visitors of rank. — Description of the country along the vaUey of the Berg River. — Bushmen only inhabitants of the mountains. — Bushmen huts.— Description of Bushmen met with.— Adventure of the Commander with a viii'nnppTos. — Occim-enoes on the march. — Favourable season. — Hottentot method of quas are met at the Elephant River. — Desolate country beyond the Elephant River. — Bushmen met with. — Some Namaqua kraals are reached. — Namaqua guides are obtained. — Friendly intercourse between the Europeans and the Natives. — Celebration of the Commander’s birthday. — Namaqua music and dancing. — Reports are received of the great riverTcrfEeMorlh. — The Copper Mountain is reached,jrJhe-ca!intry around is found to be desolate.— Difficulty of tiWeUing.^^^^Srcity of water.— The expedition reaches the coast.— Driftwood found from the great nver.-^xamination oUthejiQast. — SiSenn^ffom mnt of fresh water.— The return march to the Elephant River. — Meeting with the Cochoquas. — Death of Gonnema. — Hottentot mark of mourning. — Gonnema’s son is confirmed as liis successor by the Commander.— Arrival of the expedition at the castle.— Knowledge obtained by this expedition.

The wreck of the Stavenisse on the Kaffir coast.— Forty-seven of the crew leave the wreck and attempt to march overland to the Cape. — The remainder repair a boat and endeavom’ to get away in her, but the boat is lost in the smT. — Natives in great numbers flock to the scene of the wreck. — Two Englishmen visit the wreck and invite the Dutch to return with them to Natal where they have been living in plenty since the loss of their vessel nearly a year before.— Skipper Knyf and his party gratefully accept the invitation. — Account of the loss of the Good Hope at the Bay of Natal.— The Dutch and English set to work to build a small vessel.— Native labourers are employed. — Arrival of another party of wrecked men.— Account of the loss of the Bona VenUvra at St Lucia Bay.— The little vessel is finished and named

Chapter XII. Contents

xiii

the Centaurus. — She is provisioned for sea. — She sails from Natal, leaving four Englishmen and one Frenchman behind, and arrives safely in Table Bay.

The Voyage of the Centaurus. — The Centaurus is refitted at the Cape and sent along the coast to look for the forty-seven missing men of the Stavenisse. — She recovers eighteen of them at Cove Rock. — She anchors at the mouth of the Buffalo River. — She returns to Table Bay.

The First Voyage of the NoorA. — The galiot Noord is sent from Table Bay along the east coast. — Delagoa Bay is surveyed. — The Bay of Natal is entered. — Two seamen of the Stavenisse are recovered there. — Food is purchased from the natives. — At the mouth of the Buffalo another seaman of the Stavenisse is recovered. — Return of the galiot to Table Bay.