266 An Historical Account of the Formation, $r. 



about this time, in his diary, — " If the Lord God be not pleased 

 to grant soon some relief, either by the Saldanhians bringing 

 their cattle, or by the arrival of ships from the mother-country, 

 vre have little hope of being able to proceed with our work ;" 

 but, that they did not, however, entirely despair. 



In the midst of these pressing circumstances, Van Riebeck 

 continued to extend his local knowledge, which he felt to be of 

 so muob importance. He conversed, at meals, with the Hot- 

 tentot Harry, respecting the nature and situation of the counrry ; 

 and learned from him, that there were three sorts of natives, 

 which he described in his broken English, as the Watermen, 

 the Saldanha-men, and the Fishmen. The Commander also 

 obtained information respecting their numbers, manner of liv- 

 ing, and whatever else might assist his views; but as he looked 

 upon this man as a necessary, although a deceitful and danger- 

 ous instrument, he kept him in doubt, by evasive answers, 

 whenever he suggested any treacherous, bloody, or violent 

 measures, for obtaining possession of their persons or property. 



About the middle of this month, the yacht returned with a 

 cargo of 2700 seal skins; and the captain gave him a written 

 report <>f every thing observed during the voyage. The most 

 remarkable circumstances in this report are, an account of his 

 having discovered that a French ship had been sealing there, 

 ami a description of the islands and bavs which he had visited, 

 together with some insignificant meetings with the natives, who 

 had shewn themselves here and there on the coast. It is also 

 mentioned, on this occasion, that Joris Spelbergen, a Dutch 

 admiral, had visited the coast in the year 1601, and had given 

 the '<ame of Elizabeth Isle to what is now called Dassen Island. 



At this time the Saldanhians began again to bring their cat- 

 tle, and Van Riebeck had hopes of being more successful in 

 his trade with them. He endeavoured, by friendly treatment, 

 to increase'their attachment towards his people; and observed 

 their manners and dispositions They carried their milk in 

 large leathern bags, and caused their children to suck the 

 udders of the sheep, the mothers laying them between the hind 

 legs for that purpose. Upon the whole, they found this tribe to 

 be naturally kind and timorous. 



Harry's suspicious conduct increased, and Van Riebeck was 

 inclined to send him and the otherwatermen to Robben Island. 

 He, however, postponed his intentions till he had obtained 

 further proof. Before the end of this month, he possessed se- 

 veral cows and sheep. 



December.— The last month of the first and most remarkable 

 year of Van Riebeck's government, now commenced. His cir- 

 cumstances began to imp: ove; and the cattle trade and good 

 understanding with the Saldanhians, continued to increase. 

 He also received from them 12 ducks and 42 other beautiful 



