24 May, 1812. 
RECEPTION AT KLAARWATER. 
223 
We rode up to the houses, where Gert was hastening to meet 
us ; and my men went forward and unpacked the baggage at my 
waggons, which I rejoiced to behold once again. 
None of the missionaries making themselves visible all this time, 
I knocked at Mr. Anderson's door : he at last came forward, and in 
an admirably calm manner, and without the least expression of any 
emotions, such as worldly men might naturally indulge in, on wit- 
nessing the return of a person whom he might consider as having 
risen from the dead, received me with ; So, you re come hack again. 
It must certainly have been vexatious to him, to find all his predic- 
tions respecting the dangers and difficulties of the journey, and my 
failure in the object of it, falsified in the eyes of those people by 
whom he wished to be thought an unerring example for their imita- 
tion ; and I readily admit this excuse for his feelings. Therefore 
neither he nor his brother missionaries, had any reason for rejoicing 
at my success and safe return ; a sentiment which, if they felt it, never 
once escaped their lips during the whole time I remained at Klaar- 
water ; nor did they ever allow their consistency to be compromised 
by any vain curiosity respecting the occurrences of my journey ; for 
on this head they preserved a silence well becoming men whose minds 
were occupied with better things. Nor was any reason ever given for 
taking no notice of my salute. However ; I met with a civil reception 
from all. I know that it is the doctrine of this sect, to suppress, and 
even destroy, every lively emotion, and to strive to become serious 
people. But for my part, I never could bring my mind to so serious 
a state as to avoid being extremely glad at finding myself, with all my 
men, safely arrived at Klaarwater, or to avoid being equally rejoiced 
at getting away from it. 
After a little time Kramer and Jansz made their appearance. I 
delivered a letter from Mr. Kicherer, and gave them some Cape news- 
papers. In return I received, what was most acceptable, three packets 
of letters, one of which was from England, and brought, as I have 
mentioned, by the men who returned with the horses from the 
Roggeveld. To these I had a fortunate opportunity of replying im- 
mediately, by means of some Hottentots going to Kok's Kraal, a place 
about nine or ten days journey lower down the Gariep. These people 
