1812. INQUIRIES RESPECTING THE FATE OF DR. COWAN. 495 
gain any certain account of their fate, I would engage some of the 
natives to go in search of them, by promising, in his name, an 
adequate reward for their services if they brought back any authentic 
information. His Excellency was pleased to add that, although him- 
self on the point of quitting the Colony, to return to England, he 
should leave instructions for the colonial secretary to fulfil whatever 
promises of this kind, I might find it necessary to make : and con- 
cluded by requesting me to communicate to the secretary, by the 
earliest opportunity, the result of my endeavours, or any intelligence 
respecting this unfortunate party, which I might be able to gain. 
To this request, my own feelings dictated the reply, that 
although His Lordship should not have honoured me with this com- 
mission, I should, for the satisfaction of my own mind as a point of 
duty and common humanity, as well as from natural inclination, have 
neglected no opportunity which circumstances might place within my 
reach, of affording all the aid in my power, to men, and countrymen, 
situated as they were : and that, should I gain such intelligence as 
might induce me to believe that they were still in existence, and 
stood in need of any assistance of mine, or that my presence would 
relieve them from any difficulties, I should not hesitate a moment in 
deviating entirely from my own track, to accomplish so important a 
purpose. 
It now appeared to me, from various reports which I had heard 
since my arrival at Litakun, that there was a probability of gaining at 
this place, if not a satisfactory account of those travellers, at least 
some clue, as a guide to further inquiries : and, being prepared by 
these reports, I sent my interpreter to request Mattivi to come to my 
waggon, as I wished to have some conversation with him. 
He came immediately; and when he had taken his seat and 
the waggon was closed, I informed him that I had been commissioned 
by the Governor of the Cape to ask him if he knew any thing relative 
to the fate of the persons in question. Hitherto, this subject had 
never been mentioned between us, although he had discoursed freely 
on it with my men ; but he now entered upon it with much readiness, 
and seemed desirous of communicating the required information. 
