VISIT TO SOUTH AFRICA. 243 
compromise the affair, and pay for the bull. He spoke as a friend 
to the English, but regretted, that they were losing their popula- 
rity in the colony, by taxation, and the mode of settling the quit- 
rents. He thought it hard, that when a man had done every 
thing in his power to improve his farm, by making water-courses 
for irrigation, clearing land, &c. that those very improvements 
should tell against him, and he be charged a higher rent than his 
neighbour, who was an indolent man, suffering his estate to go to 
decay, when, in fact, it was better land, and more productive, 
and therefore more able to bear the burden; " But," added he, 
" we would bear taxation, if the English would only keep a large 
military force in the country, as by that means, we should ob- 
" tain a ready sale for our corn and other produce, and have 
" wherewith to pay. But now they are withdrawing their 
" troops." As staunch friends to our country and its Govern- 
ment, we heard this man's very sensible remarks with concern, and 
wished, that means might be devised, consistent with the just and 
benevolent disposition of our present administration, to grant re- 
lief, and make the occupation of this land by the British, consi- 
dered a blessing, and not a curse, as we have sometimes heard it 
called. 
We now returned to our encampment on the river, and found 
that Brother Schmitt had meanwhile proceeded with the baggage- 
waggon to the Chamtoos Wagendrift on Klein Revier, whither 
we immediately followed, and reached the ford about sun-set. 
The farm-house was a miserable hovel, and could not afford a 
lodging to our party; yet, as it lightened much, and threatened to 
rain, we were desirous of obtaining better shelter than the tent. 
After some search, we fixed upon a forsaken blacksmith's shop, 
consisting of two small rooms, one containing the forge and anvil, 
the other empty. We got them well SY/ept, and put down our 
mattrasses. 
Not feeling much disposed to sleep, I placed my desk upon 
the anvil, and, seated upon a wooden block, continued writing, 
