402 TRAVELS IN 
British service, and to increase tbeir numbers. He con- 
sidered in the first place, that, from their rooted antipathy to 
the boors, they could always be emplo3'ed as useful agents 
to quell any disturbances that might arise in the distant dis- 
tricts. He saw, also, that they were capable of being 
formed into excellent soldiers. In short, after an experience 
of near two years, the character he gave them was that of an 
orderly, tractable, and faithful body of men ; ready on all 
occasions to obey the orders of their officers with cheerfulness 
and alacrity. And they have since shewn themselves highly 
deserving of the favorable testimony of Sir James Craig. 
During three 3^ears' service in the distant district of Graaf 
Reynet, in the course of which time they were required, by 
an unfortunate and unavoidable train of events, to act against 
their own countrymen and comrades, they never shrunk from 
their duty, and, if I recollect rightly, one single man only 
deserted in the whole corps. 
A Hottentot is capable of strong attachments ; with a 
readiness to acknowledge, he possesses the mind to feel, the 
force of a benevolent action. I never found that any little 
act of kindness or attention was thrown away upon a Hot- 
tentot ; but, on the contrary, I have frequently had occasion 
to remark the joy that sparkled on his countenance, whenever 
an opportunity occurred to enable him to discharge his debt 
of gratitude. I give full credit to all that Monsieur Le 
Vaillant has said with regard to the fidelity and attachment 
he experienced from this race of men ; of Avhom the natural 
character and disposition seem to approach nearer to those 
of the Hindtls than of any other nation. 
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