278 JOURNAL OF A 
and that even the severest reproofs proceed from the sincerest 
regard for their welfare. We now obtained a true account of the 
transaction, which, though in itself of small consequence, I relate, 
as an instance of the manner, in which affairs of this nature are 
treated in our settlements. 
By a rule long established, every inhabitant is bound to make 
good the damage done by his cattle in his neighbour's grounds. 
To prevent such mischief, they are continually exhorted to keep 
their hedges and other fences in repair; the neglect of which ope- 
rates against the complainant in awarding damages. The husband 
of this woman had suffered his horse to enter Francis's garden, and 
do considerable mischief. Francis complained, and the man 
agreed, that, to compensate for the damage done, he should have 
twenty or thirty cabbages, with which he was satisfied. On com- 
ing to claim them, he found the best of them cut off and carried 
away. He entered the house, and found only the wife at home, 
who answered to his remonstrance, in a manner so aftVonting, that 
he gave the woman a push, not a blow, according to her own 
admission, when some high words passed between them. On 
cross-examination, the woman confessed, that, hearinop the baro;ain 
made between her husband and Francis, she had thought it no 
harm, to save as much of her husband's property as she could, and 
therefore secured the best cabbages. The injustice of such de- 
ceitful conduct being represented to her, and that she deserved to 
be excluded, as well as Francis, she seemed terrified, and offered 
to make any reparation in her power. They were then, after some 
further exhortation, asked, whether they could heartily forgive 
each other. This they did with great sincerity, shaking hands, 
promising never more to remember the offence given. The sen- 
tence, passed on Francis yesterday, was now revoked, and both ex- 
pressed their thanks with great humility. 
2d. Whitsunday. The services usual on this festival-day, were at- 
tended by the families of some farmers in the neighbourhood, and 
a large audience of Hottentots and slaves. In the evening, the 
