68 
JOURNEY TO BETHELSDORP. [1815. 
I felt much as in a calm at sea, when the ship lies 
like a log in the water. Cupido preached at seven 
A,M. and seven P.M. 
8th, The rain continuing the whole night, I awoke 
at four in the morning, by the drops falling upon my 
pillow. At seven, the clouds began to disperse, and 
the rain to cease — at nine, the sun began to shine, and 
we had soon what is called a fine day. Three per- 
sons were dispatched to examine the state of the river 
and kloof On returning, they reported it would be 
passable the next day, if there were no more rain. 
There are three female slaves here, who come from 
very different countries ; one from the East Indies, the 
second from Madagascar, and the third from Mo- 
sambique, yet they seem cheerful and happy ; but 
no man, unless he view them with an adamantine 
heart, can observe them without pity. They are re- 
moved for ever from the place that gave them birth, 
from parents, brothers, sisters, all their relations, and 
all the companions of their youth. In retirement, 
reflection on these deprivations must frequently occa- 
sion the most pungent sorrow. The original captors 
and the holders of slaves are not aware of the misery 
they are entailing upon that part of the human species. 
The reason why they are not aware of it is, because 
it adds to the riches of the one and the convenience 
of the other; but certainly both are guilty of far 
greater crimes than many in England who are punished 
by transportation or death, such as shoplifting and 
