330 MUTUAL DECLARATION. 20 Sept. 
with me till we arrived at Klaarwater ; and afterwards of eno-amno- 
himself for the journey onwards. 
20tJi. With respect to the long journey before us, none of the 
men were acquainted with my intentions ; and I now thought it 
time to ascertain the degree of willingness with which they would 
enter into my plan. Without being directly informed of this, they 
were told that my object was to penetrate far into the interior of the 
country, and that we should, most probably, be a long time absent. 
To this none made the least objection ; but, seemingly pleased at 
the idea of a rambling life, and in high spirits at finding themselves 
now in the midst of a hraal of people of their own nation, they 
declared that even a twelvemonth's journey would not exhaust either 
their patience or their strength. This declaration was most agree- 
able and satisfactory, as I had calculated that it would be possible to 
reach the Portuguese settlements on the western coast, m nearly that 
time. 
I distributed amongst them various useful articles, and assured 
them that whatever could be supplied for their comfort should 
always be freely given, as long as our stores lasted ; and that they 
would never be put forward into hardships which I would not myself 
participate in. I thought it proper, while we were on such good 
terms with each other, to state, without reserve, that, although they 
might confidently depend on my never feeling dissatisfied with any 
of them, so long as he conducted himself to the best of his ability 
and judgment ; yet, as it was indispensably necessary for the general 
safety, that each one should zealously do that part of the duty which 
had been allotted to him, that they might feel equally certain that 
I should not overlook any wilful neglect. 
This mutual declaration created a perfect confidence on both 
sides ; and there appeared to be established betwixt us, a correct 
understanding, and cordial good-will. To confirm and strengthen 
this, I permitted them, without restraint, to visit their new friends 
at the kraal during our stay. 
My work confined me the whole day to the waggon, but I 
received innumerable visits from the Hottentots of the village. 
