Memoir of Sir Andrew Smith, by Alex. Michie. 37 



on the Umslatosi river. While there, many opportunities were 

 afforded of witnessing- the galling- nature of Dingaan's rule ; 

 death being the penalty for many offences, which in less barbar- 

 ous communities would not have been regarded as crimes. Dr 

 Smith, one morning, saw the lifeless bodies of thirteen women, 

 who had been killed by order of the king, and whose only fault 

 had been, that they had reminded him of a promise made to 

 them, the fulfilment of which they considered had been too long 

 deferred. To impress his visitors with his power, he reviewed 

 several of his favourite regiments, each about a thousand strong, 

 all well drilled, well armed, and active men. To honour them, 

 he had an exhibition of war and other dances, &c. On the other 

 hand, he sought information regarding the white king and his 

 soldiers, the arts and usages of civilized society, and other 

 matters of interest to him. Having fully attained the objects for 

 which the journey was undertaken they set out on their return to 

 the colony. On the way, Dr Smith was attacked by a sudden 

 and serious illness, but had the good fortune to experience the 

 tender and unwearied care of Mrs Shepstone, wife of the Rev. 

 Mr Shepstone, Wesleyan Missionary in Kaffirland. In due time 

 they arrived in safety at the Cape, having been absent about six 

 months. Dr Smith's report, which was characterized as "an 

 able, comprehensive, and statesmanlike document," strongly re- 

 commended that the depopulated district should be opened for 

 colonization. The Governor highly ajDproved of this being done, 

 while a former Governor, who had previously disapproved of the 

 scheme, united in urging its adoption. But the policy of the 

 Home Government at the time was to curtail rather than to ex- 

 tend the boundaries of our colonial empire. On this account, the 

 recommendation was not carried out till circumstances arose in 

 1842, which compelled the colonial office to take action, and led 

 ultimately to the formation of the colony of Natal. Having 

 arrived at this decision, the position of Lieut. -Governor was 

 offered in the first instance to Dr Smith, which honour, however, 

 he deemed it to be his duty to decline. 



In 1829, a small party of traders* having penetrated into the 

 interior till they reached the Matabeli territory, ruled by Umsilli- 

 gas, better known by his Sechuana cognomen of Moselekatse, 



* One of these traders was a man from the neighbourhood of Hawick, named 

 Scoone. 



