280 INSOLENCE OF THE CHIEF CORNELIUS. 



of their evil reputation, and to endeavor to establish friendly 

 relations with them. 



My reception was such as to corroborate the ill reports 

 that had reached my ears. At the first werft we came to 

 they stole a large quantity of clothing belonging to our serv- 

 ants, but, after some trouble, we succeeded in recovering the 

 property. At the next village they threatened to shoot us 

 on the spot if we did not sell our things at their own terms! 

 Three different times their chief sent to say that if we at- 

 tempted to stir without his orders he would fire upon us. To 

 this insolent message we quietly replied that he would have 

 been at liberty to prevent our coming to his werft, but, with 

 regard to our departure, we should consult our own conven- 

 ience. Finding us determined, and that we were preparing 

 to start, he soon came to terms, and in the most humble 

 manner oflTered an explanation and apology-for his rude con- 

 duct, which, under the circumstances, we thought it best to 

 accept. 



We were just about to turn our backs upon the Red Na- 

 tion when a messenger arrived from Cornelius, the chief, 

 with a civil and pressing invitation to visit him at h.is kraal. 

 After some little hesitation, we consented, and speedily fol- 

 lowed the envoy. On arriving at the werft, prettily situated 

 at the foot of a hill near the banks of the Kubakop River, 

 which here forced its passage through a very remarkable 

 range of mountains, I immediately called the tribe together 

 and reproached them for their bad behavior toward strangers. 

 I moreover explained to them the impolicy of such conduct, 

 and how very injurious it would prove to their own interest, 

 since they were entirely dependent on the Cape Colony for 

 their supplies of arms and ammunition, clothing, and other 

 commodities. 



My eflTorts in bringing about a thorough good understand- 

 ing were successful. A short time afterward, indeed, a num- 

 ber of traders, encouraged by my favorable reception, visited 



