VISIT TO SOUTIE ATRICA. 
105 
journey to Groote-Post, near Groenekloof,and my visit to Newlands 
was likewise shortened. I employed my time in writing several 
letters to England. 
18th. His Excellency having suffered me to claim his attentiori 
to some business this morning, I had the satisfaction of much 
private conversation with him, both before and during breakfast, 
and experienced every mark of goodwill in his approbation of the 
subjects I laid before him, both relating to the building of a new 
church at Groenekloof, the possession of land belonging to our 
settlements, the objects of my intended expedition, and the gift of 
such unoccupied land, as I might find suitable for a third settle- 
ment. He promised, that letters should be directed to the land- 
drosts of Zwellendam, George, and Uitenhagen, to afford me every 
facility in my search, which, in the sequel, proved of the most es- 
sential service to me. On this occasion, I became better than ever 
acquainted with his Excellency's favourable disposition towards 
the Missions of our Church, as they contribute to further the pro- 
pagation of Christianity, and to introduce industry and civiliza- 
tion among a nation, hitherto considered as the most abject and 
degraded part of the human race, but whose improvement and 
welfare he seemed eager to promote; and I could ever after feel 
full confidence in proposing to him any plan, having these benefits 
for its object. 
As he went to town to meet the Dutch Governor, he proposed 
to send word, whether he should stay or return, and kindly detain- 
ed me. My time was well spent in writing and completing my 
journal and memorandums, till his return. 
19th. The Governor, attended by his son and two dragoons, 
went to town. Captain Cloete with myself followed in his^ 
coach. Brother Lemmerz having arrived in town from Groene- 
kloof, we resolved to set out on our return to Gnadenthal in the 
afternoon. It turned out a windy evening. After about two 
hours' ride through the sands, or Cape Downs, we hoped to find 
shelter v/ith a farmer; but as he had no stable for our horses, we 
