VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 221 
ceived and treated by the farmer, Mr. Osterhuysen, and by the 
officers of a detachment of infantry stationed here, who had in- 
vited them to dinner, and were waiting for our arrival, to treat as 
with coffee. But as Captain Terry was much fatigued by a ride 
from Graham's tov/n, we only paid a complimentary visit, and 
went to the farmer's house, where we spent a very pleasant even- 
ing. Mr. Osterhuysen is a man upwards of seventy years of age, 
but remarkably lively, and full of anecdotes, which he relates with 
great spirit. There is something uncommonly benevolent and 
good-humoured in his countenance, and whole manner. After 
supper, Brother Schmitt was desired to read and pray with the 
family, all the slaves and Hottentots b^eing admitted. When 
he had read the lesson of the day, as prescribed in our Church, he 
addressed them in a short discourse, which, as we afterwards 
heard, made a salutary impression iipon several of the audience. 
Many expressed a wish, that we would form a settlement in this 
country. 
Before we went to rest, a wolf, prowling about the farm, set up 
a dreadful howl. The cattle had just been secured in ditlerent 
kraals; but one unfortunate young cow had strayed and could not 
be found. During the night,, the bellowing of the poor beast proved, 
that she was suffering from the jaws of the ferocious monster. 
Brother Stein, who slept, as usual, in the tent, with the Hottentot 
soldiers and some others, set out for her rescue; but as the cries be- 
came fainter, and at length ceased, they returned. In the morn- 
ing, the mangled and gutted carcase was found among the bushes. 
11th. I wrote a letter to the landdrost, and sent it by the Hot- 
tentot soldiers, who returned with the guides, horses, and oxen, 
to Uitenhagen. Mr. Osterhuysen having provided us with two 
spanns, we set out about nine o'clock, and arrived by an uninter- 
esting road, at Sand Vlachte, a farm in a dreary flat, with mean- 
looking cottages, out-houses, and Hottentots' huts. Soldiers were 
quartered here, as security against the Caftres, whose depredations 
were conducted at this time with great boldness. The military 
