' AFRICA. i6i 
ordered them to be loaded, though I had no 
intention of being the firft to commence hof- 
tilities : but, as I propofed to wait refolutely 
for the enemy, I was determined alfo to make 
every refiftance in my power 5 and it was 
proper that I fhould be prepared for fuch an 
event. 
I confefs that I was not free fi-om urleafi- 
nefs : not that I dreaded the event of a battle, 
for my arms gave me too much confidence 
in my fuperiority; but I fliould have been 
extremely forry to have been under the ne- 
ceflity of engaging before we had come to art 
explanation. By fuch a ftep I fhould have 
ruined all my hopes: the paciiic intentions 
which I had always profeffed, and which 
alone could have entitled me to the privilege 
of traverfing all Caffraria in liberty, being 
belied by fuch afts of hoftility, I fhould have 
been ranked with the planters^ thofe barba- 
rous afTafTms of the favages, and muft have 
been confidered as an enemy whofe whole 
caravan deferved to be exterminated; 
Whilfl I was making all my preparations, 
my mind was agitated by a variety of reflec- 
tions ; from which I was hovv'ever fuddeoly 
freed, by a difcharge that was a lignal of joy 
Vol. II. M to 
