296 JOURNAL OF A 
before the missionaries were put in possession of the premises by 
the Ear] of Caledon. Sister Schmitt had, at her own expense, 
fitted up one end of it for a school-room, but now the increase of 
the establishment rendered more dwellings necessary. I likewise 
resolved to accompany my Gnadenthal friends to Capetown, with 
a view to transact some business relating to this settlement, with 
His Excellency, the Governor. 
•20th. We set out after dinner, and arrived, about seven, at Blau- 
berg, Mr. Kotzee's house, where we spent the night. We soon 
perceived, that our visit was not very agreeable, for Mr. Kotzee's 
mother-in-law being so ill, that her death was shortly expected, and 
his wife likewise unwell, it was no wonder, that such intrusion was 
not well-timed. Not every man has the gift of immediately smother- 
ing unpleasant feelings, when strangers interrupt the usual course 
of the family, by coming unannounced, and demanding quarters for 
the night. Nor can the inmate know, whether these intruders may 
not, as is sometimes the case, fill the house with noise and restless- 
ness. Had the slave, whom we first accosted, informed us of the 
state of the family, we should have quietly remained in our wag- 
gons, notwithstanding the general invitation formerly given by Mr. 
Kotzee to the missionaries at Groenekloof, when he visited that 
place. However, after the first expressions of displeasure had 
passed by, he behaved towards us with the greatest civility, and 
hospitality. His house is one of the best in the country, and elegant 
in its arrangements and furniture. Every thing in it is conducted 
with great order. 
21st. After breakfasting with the family, we left Blauberg at 
eight o'clock. Tliis being the shortest day, we were glad, that the 
weather turned out fine, and had as pleasant a ride to Capetown, 
as the dreary country and sandy road would allow. The tedious- 
ness of the journey around the bay is considerably relieved by the 
magnificent view of the Table-Mountain and its associates, on a 
fine day. 
VCe arrived at Mrs. Disandt's house about two o'clock, and sooii 
