I 
184 GERT HIRED FOR THE JOURNEY. 27 June-IJuly, 
sent by order of the governor, in consequence of a conversation in 
which it was remarked that, as the small pox had once made its 
appearance a few years ago in the country beyond the Gariep, it 
seemed probable that much good might result from introducing, 
amono; the natives, the art of vaccination. 
In my way back to the village, I met a Hottentot, who, asking 
me if I was not de Engelsche heer (the English gentleman), presented 
a letter from my friend Poleman, informing me that the name of the 
bearer was Gert (Gerrit, pronounced Ghairt) Roodezand: that in 
consequence of my application to the Moravian missionaries at 
Groene-Kloof, this Hottentot had been sent to Cape Town, whence 
he was immediately despatched to Tulbagh. 
The circumstance was the more fortunate, as there appeared 
now but little chance of procuring any men at this village : I 
therefore gladly took him into my service. This man was a Hotten- 
tot of mixed race, as was evident from the greater width of the 
lower part of the face, and from the hair being a little less woolly. 
His figure was stouter than that of Hottentots in general, but, except- 
ing in these particulars, he did not vary from the genuine character. 
His eyes were small and sunken, his nose wide and flattened, and 
lips large and thick. I thought I could perceive in him, sufficient 
indications of willingness and of a tolerably active and acute 
disposition, to make me satisfied with my new servant ; and, to 
ratify our agreement as soon as we got home, I equipped him in 
a new suit of clothes, consisting of jacket, shirt, trowsers, and watch- 
coat. 
29th. Of a waggon-maker named Jacob de Bruyn, in Winter- 
hoek (Winter Corner), I purchased another waggon. It had been 
much used, and was in need of some repairs ; but I had no 
choice, as this was the only one for sale to be met with, not- 
withstanding numberless enquiries had been made every where in 
the neighbourhood. The repairs were instantly begun, under an 
assurance that the waggon would be rendered as strong as a new 
one. It was so much smaller than my own, that it could not carry 
