ns CROSSING THE GREAT RIVER. [isia 
8th. Now arrived the time for crossing the formi- 
dable river. The morning was providentially fine. 
Soon after day-break, one of our people entered the 
river on horseback, to ascertain its depth, and got 
across without much difficulty. Eleven Griquaas 
returned with our Hottentot on horseback, to assist 
us in crossing. All were employed in elevating the 
baggage in our waggoiis as high as possible, by means 
of stones and timber put under them, to prevent the 
water reaching them. At ten A.M. every thing being 
in readiness, we advanced towards the river, and went 
over in the following order : — 
1st. Part of our loose oxen driven by three Hot- 
tentots on horseback. 
2d. My waggon with three mounted Griquaas on 
each side, to prevent the oxen turning out of the 
right way. 
3d. More loose oxen driven by two mounted Gri- 
quaas. 
4th. The second waggon with two Griquaas on 
each side. 
5th. The baggage waggon with three Griquaas on 
each side. 
6th. Hottentot on horseback, carrying a parcel. 
7th. Four of our dogs driven down by the current. 
8th. Stieep and goats driven by three Griquaas 
swimming on wooden horses. They also kept up the 
heads of three goats which were bad swimmers. 
9th. More oxen driven by three Griquaas on wooden 
horses. 
