460 
DISOBEDIENCE AND INSOLENCE OF 
23 July, 
was very strange that Andries could not take care of the oxen ; as 
the new ones were not so unruly as he had represented them to be. 
Cornells uncalled for, came up at the same moment, and with 
equal insolence, told me that if the ox-leaders did not take proper 
care of the cattle, it was the duty of the drivers to attend to them. 
On this, they both with a step very expressive of defiance to my 
authority, marched away. 
When I called the latter back, to ask him what meaning he had 
in making that remark, he replied with an intolerably disrespectful 
manner, that if I would appoint them to be the waggon-drivers, they 
would look after the oxen ; otherwise, they would not go out with 
them again. Having said this, they turned their back, and in open 
contempt walked out of the enclosure. 
Much as I had hitherto borne, of these worthless Hottentots' 
laziness, this behaviour, in the presence of all the rest and of the 
Chief and a large party of chieftains who were at that time assembled 
in the mootsi, was not to be endured ; as the certain consequences 
would have been, the total want of subordination of all my men and 
some serious liberties on the part of the natives, who would now be 
convinced that I was unable to check even the disobedience of my own 
servants. But knowing that the safety of all depended on unanimity, 
or, if that was inattainable, at least, on due subordination, I resolved 
at all hazards to maintain my authority ; and, buckling on my pistols 
and cutlass, I hastily followed Cornelis, with Speelman and Platje 
whom I ordered to bring him back. But as he was the tallest and 
stoutest man of our party, they declared that they were afraid to 
approach him. 
I was obliged therefore, to support the step which I had taken, by 
hastening alone towards him ; and on overtaking him, commanded 
him instantly to return to the waggons. He was at the first moment, 
on the point of refusing obedience ; but observing me to be armed, 
and seeing me determined on enforcing my words, he thought it 
more advisable to obey ; and with a slow and reluctant pace, walked 
before me to the enclosure. 
