178 
LIFE OF MUNAMEETS. 
concerned in any more commandoes. At all their 
public meetings he stated to his countrymen that 
the Maquaina expedition, undertaken contrary to 
the advice of the Missionaries, was wrong. 
About nine or ten years ago, in the latter days 
of Mallayabang, a numerous body of plundering 
Calfres came against the Matchappees, intending 
to steal their cattle. They first attacked Mal- 
layabang's division of the city, when what was 
called the Miray division (consisting of the pre- 
sent inhabitants of Old Lattakoo) seized the op- 
portunity, and fled with their cattle. The CafFres 
observing their flight, took possession of their 
cattle-kraals, or inclosures ; under the shelter of 
which they resisted the assaults made by Mallay- 
abang and the inhabitants. The Caflres were 
possessed of some muskets. After this the Mat- 
chappees placed themselves between the Caflres 
and the water, to prevent their obtaining any re- 
freshment from it. In this they succeeded during 
a great part of the day ; but the Caflres being 
almost overcome by thirst, fought their way 
through the opposing Matchappees, killing and 
wounding many. While the Caflres were obtaining 
a supply of water, some Corannas, who were with 
the Matchappees, advised Mallayabang to retire 
with his cattle from the city to the open field, and 
there stand upon the defensive ; but this advice 
was rejected. The Cafiies did not return to the 
