15^ 
JOURNEY IN ALBANY. [1813. 
tent, where we partook of an early dinner, and he 
kindly wished our stay to be protracted as long as 
possible. The place appeared well suited for a sta- 
tion, though the water is not very abundant. Mr. 
Lydenham very politely accompanied us half a mile 
from his post, when we took leave, for Graham's 
town. About three miles forward we looked down 
from the edge of an extensive plain upon a valley that 
appeared to have been excavated from the plain and 
the hills to the eastward, and likely always to have 
plenty of grass and water. Darkness came upon us 
before we could reach Graham s town ; however, we 
were satisfied that we were not far distant, first by hear- 
ing the sound of a trumpet, then by observing lights, 
and soon after by the arrival of a Hottentot on horse- 
back to be our guide into the town ; he was sent by 
the Rev. Mr. Vanderlingen, chaplain to the Cape 
regiment of Hottentots, who was formerly one of our 
missionaries. Without the assistance of this guide we 
certainly should have found difficulty in getting for- 
ward in the dark, the road being rather intricate. At 
eight, P.M. we reached Mr. Vanderlingen s, and were 
hospitably received. 
21st. Graham's town is named after Colonel 
Graham, who commanded the troops sent against 
the Caffires, when they were driven beyond the Great 
Fish River. The situation is pleasant and healthy, 
and enjoys sufficient water all the year. The houses 
are built of mud and reeds. It is the residence of 
the deputy Landdrost, and the head-quarters of the 
