226 JOURNAL OF A 
River, the bouudary between the colony and Caffraria. Having 
pitched our tent not far from the kraal, we spent the night quietly, 
though we afterwards heard, that, on that very day, the CatFres 
liad stolen fifty head of cattle from the neighbouring farm, and 
that several boors and soldiers were in pursuit of the thieves. 
Report added, that being overtaken, they quitted their prey, but 
wounded a boor in the neck with an assagay, and carried off the 
fire-arms of two others. 
Some Hottentots from the kraal, visited us late in the evening, 
among whom were two women belonging to Gnadenthal, whose 
husbands were soldiers. Brother Schmitt had some conversation 
with them, admonishing them, so to conduct themselves in this 
strange country, that the cause of the gospel might be honoured, 
and not disgraced. 
13th. Rising at day-break, we heard some people singing hymns 
in one of the Hottentots' huts, near the farm. They belonged to Mr. 
Vanderhagen's congregation, at Grahamstown. Meanwhile Mr. 
Melville on foot, and Brother Schmitt on horseback, had set out for 
the river, being determined to cross it, if only for a few moments, to 
set foot on Caffre ground. Thither we followed them with Brother 
Stein. They had found the ford very bad, the bed of tiie river be- 
ing full of sharp rocks. However, both gained their point, and 
stood sometime on the opposite bank. The rest of our party were 
satisfied to get upon a sand-bank in the middle of the river, which 
was here no wider than a large brook. 
This part of Caffraria presents itself with hills of moderate height, 
and a smooth outline. The plain next the river, and ascent towaids 
the hills, are studded with the mimosa, and seem to be good grazing 
ground. The road on the Caffre side was blocked up with thorn- 
bushes, as a signal that none are allowed to j ,hs that way. On 
returning. Brother Schmitt found some difficuhy in remounting 
his horse, and we felt rather in fear, lest the frightened anim..l 
should do some harm either to his rider or himself. 
Our prayers, this morning, were offered up with peculiar fer- 
