354 An Historical Account of the Formation, $c 



increased from 6 to 9 ; but more particularly the diligence 

 with which the work at the Fort and gardens was carried on, 

 comprise the whole of the occurrences. 



October. — October, however, proved more interesting. On 

 the first, the Commander assembled his Council, when it was 

 resolved to send the Galiot Red Fox, with 15 men, supplied 

 with 3 months' provisions for 25, to Saldanha Bay,* for the 

 purpose of commencing a cattle trade with the natives residing 

 there; to catch fish, and cure it with Cape salt; and to return 

 with samples of shark's skin, to see if any profit could be 

 made of that article. On the same day he had the satisfaction 

 to note in the Records, that "As the Fort is in a sufficient 

 state of defence, it shall be understood that, in conformity to 

 the special Resolution taken on the 19th January last, the 

 people on shore shall, for their hard labour, receive a reward 

 of one month's wages." 



The first lime-kiln of shells and Cape wood, was now 

 kindled ; it was 9 fathoms in circumference. 



Immediately afterwards, the interpreter Harry informed 

 binit that two Saldanhians had arrived, stating that a large 

 ship was lying in Saldanha Bay, catching seals, and trading 

 with the natives. Rerhg unable to ascertain if it were the 

 Dutch ship West Fiiesland, or some other vessel, he sent 

 Jacob Ryniersz, in the Galiot, with orders to inquire, and to 

 act in such manner as he might deem most accordant with the 

 interests of the Company ; giving him, at the same time, the 

 support of six able soldiers. On the 11th he learnt it was a 

 French ship, carrying 12 guns, and about 35 men; and Ry- 

 niersz, who arrived the same evening, gave him a circumstan- 

 tial account of every thing relating to this occurrence. By 

 comparing the Records with Van Riebeck's Diary, we find 

 that on the 8th, Ryniersz, accompanied by 8 persons, set out 

 on foot from Saldanha Bay ; when about 24 miles from the 

 Fort, he was prevented by pain in his knee from proceeding 

 further, but a horse was sent to him, and he arrived the same 

 evening. This is, however, not the first time we read of a 

 horse at this place ; as in the Records of the 25th July this 

 year, Ave find it mentioned that the Commander would proceed 

 to Hout Bay either on horseback or foot. J 



We may readily imagine the impression made on Van Rie- 

 beck's susceptible mind by this account of a rival in seal- 

 catching, for late the same day he held a Council, when, 

 amongst other things, it was resolved — " Not only to make 

 every attempt to engage those who offer to quit the French 

 service to enter that of the Company, but also to prevail 



* Records of Council, 1st October, 1(553,— 25th Meeting, 

 •f Records of Council, 3d October, 1653. 

 \ Kccoi ds of Council that date. 



