36 Memoir of Sir Andrew Smith, by Alex. Michie. 



Natal, by a chief who had fled from the yoke of Dingaan. Not- 

 withstanding these and other discouraging influences, Dr Smith, 

 accompanied by his friend Lieut. Edie, and a Dutch farmer, set 

 out on the mission. They proceeded on their way till they 

 reached the Umzimvubu, where their passage to the river was 

 stoutly opposed by the inhabitants of an Amaponda kraal situated 

 near its banks. Neither the tact nor persuasive powers of Dr 

 Smith, nor his offer of valuable presents could conciliate the 

 people ; so nothing remained for the party but to force its way. 

 All efforts having failed, it was intimated that, at sunrise on the 

 morrow, they would proceed on their journey. Accordingly, all 

 were early astir, making preparations for departure ; the Ama- 

 ponda gathering round and sullenly looking on. At the ap- 

 pointed time when all was ready for the advance, Dr Smith, 

 Lieut. Edie, and the farmer, well mounted and armed, led the 

 way, the wagons followed, while the rear was formed by the ser- 

 vants of the party. The Amaponda, with threats, accompanied 

 them to the river, but the opposite bank was reached in safety. 

 When all were over, Dr Smith intimated that the presents were 

 still available, and sent them to a small island in the middle of 

 the stream. After much hesitation, one man ventured to meet 

 the messengers. The people on recovering the gifts were wild 

 with delight, loudly proclaiming their friendship, and invited the 

 party to return home the same way. 



The Umzimvubu was the eastern boundary of the country 

 which had been devastated by Chaka. Erom this river to the 

 Tugela, a distance of about 240 miles, it had been utterly 

 ravaged ; so much so, that not more than fifty persons were seen 

 in the whole territory ; except in the immediate vicinity of Port 

 Natal, where a lxumber of natives, the remains of the original in- 

 habitants, having left their hiding places, had gathered for pro- 

 tection around the English traders and hunters, settled there. 

 The party having reached the Tugela, the southern boundary 

 of the Zulu dominion, it became necessary to proceed with the 

 utmost circumspection, as two years had only elapsed since Chaka 

 had been assassinated at the instigation of Dingaan ; which deed, 

 had been followed by the slaughter of all, who, in any degree, 

 had been suspected of having disapproved of the policy of the 

 new king. Dr Smith advanced with caution, and was favourably 

 received by the savage monarch at his principal kraal, situated 



