iS TRAVELS IN 
During that interval, I learned that our vefTel 
was an ex-voto of the Eaft-India Company, in 
commemoration of a gallant a£lion performed 
by an inhabitant of the Cape, named Wolte^ 
fnaade^ who during a dreadful ftorm had been, 
able, with the afliilance of his horfe, to favc 
fourteen feamen belonging to a veflel fhip- 
wrecked in Table Bay ; but that he himfelf, 
the vidim of his generous eiiorts, had perifhed 
in his laft attempt, owing to his own fatigue, 
and that of his horfe, added to the weight of 
the unfortunate men who crowded upon him, 
from a dread that the vefiel might fink before 
he could be again able to return. A particu- 
lar account of this very affefting cataftrophe 
may be feen in Dr. Sparmann's Voyage to 
the Cape. 
The Vvdnd at length becoming favourable, 
we unmoored, at eleven o'clock in the morn- 
ing, on the 19th of December 1781, the 
very day before the Englifh commenced hofli- 
lilies againft the Dutch. Had we remained 
twenty -four hours longer, the Company would 
not have permitted us to depart ; which would 
have diiconcerted me very unfeafonably, and 
Blight have perhaps ruined my plan, and even 
4 T^J 
