I 
1811. DECISION RESPECTING THE GAFFRES. 235 
pleasing ; but of such, during the five years I was in Africa, many 
might be recorded. 
In addition to the lamb, which constituted the principal dish ot 
the feast, my people received extra rations of tobacco, flour, and 
potatoes, and also of wine and brandy, with which they regaled 
themselves ; and, by an extra degree of talkativeness, evinced their 
exhilarating power. 
At noon, an observation of the sun proved that we were in the 
latitude of 32' 45 18".* 
The Hottentot captain, Berends, with all his people, was lying at 
an outspan-place, only a few miles off, and came to consult with the 
missionaries respecting the measures to be adopted for our defence 
against the Caffres in the Karreebergen. All the Hottentots of his 
party had manfully come to the decision, rather to take the hazards 
of fighting their way, than be prevented from returning to their 
homes and families; a decision, with which he coincided. But the 
missionaries hesitated in adopting Berends's proposal, on account of 
its exposing their wives and children to danger, or at least to great 
alarm ; and these, on the matter being referred to them, expressed a 
disinclination to advance beyond the borders of the colony, if it 
should then appear that any danger of this kind awaited them. 
As to my little band, no such impediments detained them ; and, 
being well armed, and having plenty of ammunition, there was not 
much to fear, provided their resolution was to be depended on : for, 
on sounding their courage, the whole expressed themselves, not only 
ready, but very desirous of pushing forward ; and boldly declared 
that every man of them would fight to the last. 
It was therefore settled, that captain Berends's party and mine, 
would advance, notwithstanding these reports, and stand by each 
other till we reached Klaarwater. He then left us and returned to 
his people ; promising to wait for us at the Riet (Reed) River, it being 
* 23rd July 1811, at Wind-heuvel station, the observed meridional altitude of tlje 
Sun's centre, was 37^ 0' 44". 
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