256 An Historical Account of the Formation, fyc. 



" intrusted 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 has taught and 

 " commanded us to say, — Our Father, which art in heaven, 

 •■ hallowed be thy name, &c." 



In this manner was the Settlement commenced ; and on the 

 1 9th of April, Van Riebeck, in compliance with the Resolution 

 of the second Council held on board the Dromedary after their 

 arrival at this place, informed the Directors of these proceed- 

 ings, by the homeward bound ship Salamander. The last 

 meeting of Council on board the Dromedary took place on 

 the 11th May, 1652. 



From such small beginnings has this extensive Colony risen. 

 The population, which in the commencement only consisted 

 of 100 persons, has, in about 175 years, increased in different 

 ways, to more than as many thousands, and the pious prayer 

 of our forefathers, with respect to Religion, has been visibly 

 fulfilled. 



Chap. II. 



April, 1652. — Amongst the documents which have been 

 preserved relative to this Settlement, the Instructions for the 

 Officers who were to proceed hither first, merit consideration.* 



This document comprises, principally, the following direc- 

 tions and remarks : 



That the Board of XVII, representing the whole of tin 

 General Chartered Dutch East India Company, had, for 

 the benefit and protection of their trade, resolved to form, 

 at the (.'ape of Good Hope, an establishment for the refresh- 

 ment of their ships. 



That on the arrival of the expedition, a part of the people 

 should land and erect a temporary building of wood, for 

 shelter ; and wherein they might deposit their tools. 



That they should, further, construct a small defensive fort 

 at the Sweet River, t according to a plan already prepared. 

 That it should be called the Good Hope ; and should be suffi- 

 ciently extensive to lodge from 70 to 80 Men. 



That this being effected, they should select the best grounds 

 for gardens, and the land most adapted to pasture, for the 

 purpose of breeding cattle. 



That each individual should consider himself called upon, in 

 the most impressive manner, not to molest the natives, nor 



• These Instructions are referred to in the preceding Chapter, p. 5>, but 

 are here more fully considered. 



\ What is here called the Sweet or Fresh River, is the stream flowing 

 from the Table Mountain, from which, the Town, is livw supplied with \\ ater 



H ran into the sea near the wharf. 





