238 Life and Letters of Francis Galton 



thus fairly made out a road perfectly practicable in the rainy season from Waltiseh Bay 

 to the Lake, and what is more I have thoroughly identified the river that runs to the 

 North of the Ovampo with one that runs out of the west corner of the Lake, and which 

 very likely will before long, prove a highway to the interior. — Andersson will go to the 

 Lake next April. A posse of missionaries will go to the North about the same time, so 

 that discovery hereabouts will still be going on. Tliis coast is the only one by which 

 a practicable communication with the interior can be made— and I expect that before 

 long it will prove of much importance. I have got a little ivory, about 300 lbs. weight. 

 It will depend a good deal on the letters I receive, whether I go straight home hence or 

 not. But I have had almost enough of knocking al)out, and should much like a little 

 civilized life and a bed to sleep in. We have all had excellent health. It is now nearly 

 two years since I have heard anything of any description whatever from home, so that 

 I am getting very anxious for my letters. I wonder if you have received any of mine. 

 I wrote in Feby. and in Augst. 1851. St Helena is now my first point, it may be even 

 3 months before I am there, though I hope it will be much sooner. I will write my 

 next letter from thence. Goodbye now, with my best love or regards to every relation, 

 connection or friend. Believe me ever Yr. Affectionate son, F. Galton. 



Emma Schoonek, en koute to St Helena. Janry. 9>lh, 18.52. 

 Dearest Mother, Thank Heavens I am safe away from the Savages, in better 

 health and all that, than I think I have ever been. We are just half way from Africa 

 to St Helena where I trust that we shall arrive in less than 5 days. I write this to be 

 posted as soon as I land there, though I myself shall stop a little to get what information 

 I can upon some points that interest me a great deal from the niggers. I was most 

 delighted when this vessel hove in sight at Walfisch Bay where I had been stopping for 

 a month waiting here, and considerably in doubt whether or no, she would have brought 

 me my letters &c. from Cape Town. All however turned out right, and a fine packet of 

 letters and newspapers made their appearance, being the first news of any description 

 that I had received from home since leaving Plymouth Dockyard, and most thankful 

 was I, that all of you at home were in the same good health as when I left you. Many 

 happy new years to you all. Poor Hallam ' ! I feel as much grieved at his death as if 

 I had lost a near relation, it makes a sad blank among my oldest friends. Walfisch 

 Bay usually quite deserted, has been thrown into the greatest excitement by no less 

 than 5 Vessels — 3 of which where Whalers and one a man of War brig, coming in 

 whilst I was there. I was in a nicely ragged state to pay my respects on board the 

 Brig, but was most hospitably received. It was the "Grecian," Captn. Keane, who knew 

 all the Howards and who was most civil. There had been a rumour that gunpowder 

 was intended to be taken overland to the Kaffirs from there and she came down to 

 reconnoitre I of course was able to give all information as to how it could be stop|)ed, 

 Ac, if any arrived, and sent letters to the Native Chiefs telling them to stop the 

 waggons if any came itc. I have brought these gentlemen into a considerable fear of 

 me, Heaven knows how, but principally by bullying them. They made me their umpire 

 in all weighty questions and do anything for me. Only think of the Chief one amongst 



' Galton's friend Henry Hallam had died. 



