A greater number of gardens had been cultivated, the people having begun to shew a partiality for vegetable food. The chief seat of the Mission is on the River Chumie, where Gaika resides. The last intelligence is very encouraging. Mr. Brownlee says Numbers are flocking for instruction; and many of the Neighbouring Chiefs are crying earnestly for Christian Teachers. Several Students at the University of Glasgow are preparing for this Mission. GRIQUA TOWN. North of the Orange River-about 700 miles north- LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Henry Helm, Robert Moffat, Missionaries; Mr. Moffat, after accompanying Mr. Campbell to Lattakoo, stopped, on their return, at this Station, where he was to remain till his future destination should be fixed. Mr. Kay and his party, on their way to Lattakoo, were received here, at the beginning of May, with cordial hospitality; and were accompanied to Lattakoo, as before stated, by Mr. and Mrs. Moffat. In the beginning of last year, there were 103 Scholars, 55 of whom could read, and a few write and cipher. Andrew Waterboer assists in the superintendence of the School. The state of many of the people has long been such, as to occasion grief to the Society. The Directors remark, in the last Report The difficulties with which the Missionaries have to contend, from the irregular habits of many of the people, require the greatest wisdom and firmness, as well as the most persevering efforts. The Church at Griqua Town consists of 200 Members, of whom it would be gratifying to the Directors to speak in language of unmixed commendation. Fidelity, however, requires them to declare, that, among many, a Laodicean Spirit lamentably prevails. Others, however, evince the reality of their Christian Principles, by a correspondent temper and conduct. Much of the evil which has crept into the Church at Griqua Town, is ascribed to a frequent and long absence from the means of religious edification, occasioned by hunting expedi tions. Of the external circumstances of the Mission, the Directors report In consequence of the predilection of the Natives for hunting, and their success in such expeditions, the cultivation of the ground has advanced slowly; as, however, it is now much more difficult than formerly for the people to obtain gunpowder, it is probable that they will be compelled, in future, to pay greater attention to agriculture. Should this be the case, an improvement in their moral and social habits may reasonably be expected. In the course of the last year, the people at Griqua Town built several stone houses; also four extensive stone enclosures, for the protection of their cattle. The number of wagons, belonging to the Settlement, had been increased; eight having been purchased by tire Griquaas, from the Colonists, during the above-mentioned period. The population of Griqualand has been considerably increased; Cornelius Kok, the elder, from Silver Fountain, and Cornelius Kok, the younger, from Bethesda, with part of their people, having taken up their residence in this country. Mr. Helm, under date of July 22, 1820, in his Journal, gives the following affecting instances of the cruelty of the Heathen in these parts toward their Aged Relatives: Andrew Waterboer told me, that some Bosjesmans, who lately removed from Griqua Town, had left their aged Mother, who was very ill, in the following manner. She being unable to move, remained lying on the ground in her hut; when her Children, intending to take the materials of it with them, took it to pieces over her head, and left her in this condition to the mercy of others. She re. mained in this state till next morning, when A. Waterboer hearing of it, took her to his own house; and charged her Daughter, who is in his service, to take care of her Mother; but she refused, saying, that her Mother, being too old to get her living by labour, did not deserve to be taken care of, or to have any more victuals. Andrew provided for her till the 25th of this month, when she died. It is customary among the Namaquas, Corannas, and Bosjesmans, to put an end to the lives of old Namaquas, when removing to another place, put and infirm persons, in a manner equally cruel. The them into a small kraal of bushes, leaving nothing with them but a little water. The Corannas place the woods on the banks of the Great River: the such a person on a wild ox, which is driven into ox, having discharged his rider, returns to the kraal of his master, who does not trouble himself to inquire what is become of the poor person. The Bosjesmans, beside the above method, will drag them into the fields, far from their kraal, and leave them there a prey for wolves: a few weeks ago, at Jan Kaar's place, two days' journey from hence, some of the Bosjesmans dragged an old woman into the fields in the afternoon: Jan Kaar heard of it, but not till next morning, when he went in search of her, and found her destroyed by the wolves! What a comment is this on the Apostle Paul's character of the Heathen-without natural affection! The three following Stations are under the inspection of the Missionaries at Griqua Town. HARDCASTLE. P. David, Native Teacher. This Native Teacher, who is well acquainted with the Coranna Language, labours among the Griquaas at this place, and among the Corannas in the vicinity. The people were building a stone house at Hardcastle; where several houses, which the Natives call round houses, consisting of stone, had been already erected. KONNAH. On the Cradock River. mans. RAMA. On the Cradock River, higher up than Konnah. Piet Sabba, Andrew Pretorius, Native Teachers. These Native Teachers have laboured, for some time, among the Bosjesmans at this place. The people have built a neat row of houses, in the European manner. They cultivate a considerable piece of land, and have a small stock of cattle. Bosjesmans residing at a distance frequently visit Bama, and obtain religious instruction by means of this occasional in tercourse. CAMPBELL. About 40 miles eastward of Griqua Town. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Christopher Sass, Missionary. Mr. Sass, whose constitution is unable, || during the summer months, to bear the excessive heat on the Orange River, has The King of the Mashows sent to Mateebe (King of the Matchappees) to assist him in making a Commando against a nation to the eastward; but Mateebe and his Captains all replied, that they had done with Commandoes now-that God's Word said it was not good! On success with individuals, the Report states Many have confessed their ignorance, and solicited further instruction. Some have appeared to be seri ously impressed by what they have heard, and many have acknowledged their conviction of the necessity for a change of heart. Some are known to pray in private; and some, when on journeys, to keep up social worship. A native female, who lived in the habit of prayer, appears to have died happily, in the hope of the Gospel. The Missionaries endeavour to conciliate the Natives, by all acts of kindness, in assisting their labours, and healing their diseases. Mr. Kay and his companions arrived, as before stated, on the 17th of May, and were cordially welcomed. MOBATEE. removed from Bethesda to this Station. The most northerly Coranna Town in the Bootsuanna His labours are divided between the Gri-Country-about five days' journey north-east of quaas, and several kraals of Corannas on the Great River. The Mission at Bethesda is closed: the Griquaas who resided there have followed Mr. Sass to Campbell. Robert Hamilton, Missionary. Jan Hendrick, Native Teacher. The Natives are instructed at Morning and Evening Prayer. Many of them attend Public Service. A Chapel has been built. The neighbouring villages, and the towns lower down the river, are visited. A School has been established. Irregularity of attendance hinders the progress of the Children. Much indifference on religion prevails among the Natives. Valuable effects have, notwithstanding, arisen from the Mission : many of the people have acquired more just ideas on religious subjects, and no longer confide in their pretended "Rainmakers:" a degree of respect is shewn, very generally, to the Sabbath: pernicious amusements have been abandoned by some, and many seem to practise them with hesitation and reluctance. The King and Chiefs have formally renounced "Commandoes," or expeditions, which went out for plunder. Mr. Hamilton gives an instance of this : New Lattakoo. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY, Cupido Kakkalah, Native Teacher. The inhabitants of Malapeetzee, mentioned in the last Survey, being compelled to remove by a scarcity of grass, part of them were accompanied to Mobatee by Cupido, the Hottentot Teacher: the others settled about 20 miles from that place, and are still considered as attached to the Mission, and are frequently visited by him. He assembles the people, at Mobatee, morning and evening, for instruction and prayer, and three times on Sundays. Of the effect of his labours, the Directors say Cupido has not sufficient evidence, that any of the people here are subjects of a real conversion to God. He has not, however, laboured in vain. Many of them appear more thoughtful than formerly, and have relinquished their hurtful amusements: such has been the impression of this step on others, that they assemble, for these purposes, much less frequently. Another important effect of the labours of Cupido is, that, like the Matchappees at New Lattakoo, the people of Mobatee have abandoned all expeditions for plunder. From this distant Station, in the northeast, returning to the Cape by the westward coast, we came to Gammap and Bethany, among the Great Namaquas, north of the Orange River; and thence completed the Survey by Steinkopff, Lele Fontein, and Rede Fontein, among the Little Namaquas, south of the Orange River, and Clan William within the Colony. GAMMAP. The Village of a Chief of that name, in Great Na ני maqualand, about 18 days' journey northward of the Orange River, WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1821. James Archbell, Missionary. James Links (Hottentot), Assistant. This Mission has been entered on, in consequence of the visit of Mr. Barnabas Shaw and his companions to this place, some account of which was given at p. 24 of the last Survey. The latest accounts left Mr. Archbell on his journey: he had crossed the Orange River, and had learnt that the Natives were earnestly looking out for his arrival. In addition to this Station, it has been determined to establish one further eastward, in the vicinity of the Great Fish River, which runs from the north-east into the Orange River. Mr. Edward Edwards has been appointed to begin this Mission, as soon as he can be relieved from his present Station. Mr.Shaw's account of the country promises well, as to external advantages. He visited it on their return from Gammap. Of this visit he says in his Journal On the 25th of May we changed our course; and, in company with two of our people, went to visit the Great Fish River. Before noon, we reached the river: on each side are large trees of the camelthora species, which extend to a considerable distance, and give the whole vicinity a park-like appearance. Plenty of land, possessing every appear. ance of fruitfulness, was seen on both sides of the river; and from the various small gardens in which the tobacco plants were evidently in a very flourishing state, we judged the soil to be of excellent quality. At present the river does not flow; but the large pools or reservoirs which are constantly found therein, afford a sufficiency of water for thousands of cattle. In times of great drought, this is the general rendezvous of the various tribes of Namaquas, who never fail in finding abundant supplies. The majestic trees, clothed with a beautiful foliage, afforded a delightful shade; and formed a striking contrast to the many sandy deserts and scorched wastes through which we had toiled: and, while regaling ourselves with the cooling draughts, we almost supposed that we were sitting on enchanted ground. BETHANY. a salute, which put all the people at the Settlement in motion. On hearing the first report of our muskets, Br. Schmelen and his people were in the Church, offering their morning sacrifice of prayer and praise. No Christian Missionary hav. ing before visited him, he was almost overcome with joy at our arrival; and when we came to bow at his family altar, he seemed indeed lost in love and praise. It is now thirty [not forty, as printed, by mistake, in the Journal] days since we left Steinkopff: during which we have not seen a sinmuch as one inhabited hovel. The country over gle dwelling-house of any description, nor even so which we have travelled is a complete wilderness, in every sense of the word: and, with the exception of a few Bosjesmans and Namaquas by the Orange River, is entirely destitute of inhabitants. None but he who has travelled through such a desert can form a correct idea of our joy, on arriving at this Station; which led to reflections on that better country, where the followers of Jesus, from every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, shall meet together; "Where all their toils are o'er, May 6.-About seven, this morning, the trumpet (a beast's horn) was sounded, and the people as sembled in the Church. Mr. Schmelen having read a few verses from the New Testament, proceeded to ask questions on each subject contained appropriate answer, he assisted them, lest they therein: when any seemed at a loss to give an should be discouraged. spacious, but in a state of decay; in consequence The place in which religious worship is held, is of which a new one has been proposed, the walls of which are already about two feet in height. The new dwelling-house lately completed is built of stone and is a very strong, substantial building. The fountain is by far the strongest which we have seen either in Great or Little Namaqualand; and its streams are led over a considerable piece of ground, which has been cultivated for gardens. Around the place, and in its vicinity, there is plenty of grass; and the people are possessed of numerous herds of cattle, on which they chiefly subsist. Two solid masses of iron were brought to the Institution, by one of the old Namaquas: the least of the pieces might be reckoned at six or eight hundred weight; the other almost twice as heavy: with chissels; and it being perfectly malleable they the Namaquas cut off such pieces as they need work it up according to their proficiency in the smith's business, of which most of them are re. markably fond. The Station among the Great Namaquas, called Africaner's Kraal, and sometimes Jerusalem or Peace Mountain, oc In Great Namaqualaud-about eight days' travel. cupied by the London Missionary Society, or 250 miles, northward of the Orange River; as stated by Mr. Shaw, in his Journal. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. H. Schmelen, Missionary. Despatches from this Station have been forwarded, but had not arrived. In the last Survey, we quoted Mr.Shaw's testimony to Mr. Schmelen's labours: from his Journal, which has since appeared, we extract a few passages in reference to this Mission: May 5, 1820.--At eight this morning, we beheld the Institution called Bethany. When two or three furlongs off, our people fired Jan. 1822. is, at present, vacant. STEINKOPFF. In Little Namaqualand-eleven or twelve days' journey south of the Orange River. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY, 1817. A Catechist. Mr. Kitchingman having removed from this Station, a Catechist has been sent from the Colony to take charge of the School. F LELE FONTEIN. In Little Namaqualand-six or seven days' journey southward of Steinkopff, near the Khamies Berg. REDE FONTEIN. In Little Namaqualand-about two days' journey from Lele Fontein. WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Edward Edwards, Missionary. In reference to these two Stations, which are both, at present, under the charge of the same Missionary, the Committee state The long drought, with which Southern Africa has been afflicted, has not been favourable to the improvement of the people on these Stations: as it obliged them to disperse, in search of grass and water for their cattle; and the regular services, and instruction of children, have both suffered considerable interruption. With a part of the people, Mr. Edwards has travelled from place to place, and among them the ordinances of religion have been kept up. He speaks favourably of the progress of religious principles in their minds, and of the religious experience of those who have been admitted Members. The number thus rescued from Hottentot Degradation and Pagan Vices, was, at the last account, 67; while an improvement in the morals of the Tribe generally was manifest. Nor have the arts of civilized life been introduced among them in vain. As far as their peculiar circumstances and that of the country would allow, they have been benefited thereby in their outward condition. CLAN WILLIAM. About 250 miles north of Cape Town. NETHERLANDS MISSIONARY SOCIETY. L, Marquard, Missionary. Mr. Marquard preaches to both Colonists and Slaves. African Islands. THOUGH the chief seat of that Traffic, which is the bane of Africa, is on the Western Coast of the Continent, it has prevailed, in no small degree, on the Eastern Coast, and among the Islands in these Seas. Governor Farquhar has successfully exerted himself against this Trade, both at Mauritius and at Madagascar; and has been cordially supported in his endeavours by General Mylius, Governor of Bourbon. Our Readers will have seen, with pleasure, the account of the Abolition of the Slave Trade in Madagascar, given at pp. 343 & 344 of the last Volume; with the measures adopted for its suppression at the Island of Zanzebar, reported at pp. 415-420. ship was much wanted. An Auxiliary Missionary Society has been formed, in support, more particularly, of the Madagascar Mission. While Mr. Jones was staying at Belle Ombre, as stated in the last Survey, he instructed the Slaves and superintended a School of 60 Children. His Scholars made good progress, particularly in the knowledge of religion. Mr. Telfair, under whose patronage he acted, reports that he never witnessed, even in Europe, such rapid progress; and that Mr. Jones so won the attention of his Scholars, that they preferred School to indolence. Of the collateral effects of this instruction, Mr. Telfair writes The example has extended from the Children to their Parents and older relations; so that a general spirit of religious feeling pervades all clasees of the numerous population employed on my plantations; and the improvement of their conduct and industry has been in proportion. Some of my Slaves, who had absconded during my absence in England, and have been away for three years, have returned to their duty, and become quiet and well behaved. I trust these palpable good consequences will have their effect, in inducing others to follow the example of educating their Slaves. MADAGASCAR. A very large Island, off the Eastern Coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, about 800 miles by 120 to 200; in a partial state of civilization, and said to contain 4,000,000 of inhabitants. The wide opening for Christian Teachers, in consequence of the Treaty for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, entered into between Governor Farquhar on the part of this country, and Radama King of 345 of our last Volume. Madagascar, was stated at pp. 344 and Of this Treaty, it was a special constructed in the most useful arts; half of dition, that twenty Natives should be inthem at Mauritius, and the other half in England. Nine Youths accordingly accompanied Prince Rataffe, brother-in-law of the King, on a visit paid by him to this devolving on Government, a proposal was country. The expense of these Youths made to the Church Missionary Society to take the charge of them. The Committee expressed their readiness to accept the charge; and to avail themselves of the facilities thereby offered, of prosecuting their purpose of establishing a Mission in Madagascar, which had been for some time in contemplation: but it being understood by them that the Directors of the London Missionary Society were willing to take on them this charge, and that these Youths had a natural connection with the Mission of that Society already begun in Madagascar, it was judged preferable, on these grounds, that they should be committed to the care of that body; and this arrangement was accordingly adopted. These Youths are under instruction, in the House of the British and Foreign School Society, in the Borough Road, for the purpose of learning to read and write English; after which they will be placed under proper Masters for instruction in various trades. while at Mauritius, of the information afforded by the manuscripts of the Catholic Missionaries and agents of the Government in former times, respecting the manners, language, rites, and customs of the Natives of Madagascar. The Rev. David Griffiths, with Mrs. Griffiths, sailed from the Downs on the 30th of April, 1820-arrived at Mauritius on the 23d of January last-and embarked for Madagascar on the 23d of April, Reaching Tamatave on the 27th, he set forward for the capital on the 15th of May. Mrs. Griffiths was to follow from Mauritius, in September. The Rev. John Jeffreys, with Mrs. Jeffreys and the Four Artisans, embarked, on the 6th of August, at Gravesend, on board the Colombo, Captain Richardson; in company of Prince Rataffe, on his return to Madagascar. They were heard of from || Madeira; where they arrived, on the 8th of September, after a tedious passage of thirty-three days. The general prospects of the Mission, the visit of Prince Rataffe to this country, and the Letter of King Radama, were noticed at pp. 193 and 194 of our last Volume. The attention of the public has been lately called to this great Island, by the "Narrative of the Loss of the Winterton East Indiaman: by a Passenger in the Ship." The Winterton was wrecked on the southwest coast of Madagascar, in the year 1792, near St. Augustine's Bay. The survivors were treated with great kind. ness by the Natives. The Author has given some interesting information re- In a Letter from Mr. Jones, of May 3, specting them. He afterward resumed 1821, he states, that he has 16 Children his voyage to India, and arrived at Madras committed to his care by the King, to rein the beginning of 1794. After spending ceive an English Education; three of many years, and rising high, in the service whom are the Children of his Sisters, and of the Company, he has returned to his one of them Heir to the Crown: the native country. Having himself felt the others are Children of the Chiefs: they power of the Gospel of the Grace of God, possess good talents, and are of quick he is anxious to make the best possible re- understanding. Some of them had learnturn to the Natives of Madagascar fored, since the November preceding, to read their former kindness to him and his companions, by sending to them Ministers of that Gospel. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1818-renewed 1820. portions of Scripture with considerable fluency. They can answer many questions on topics of religion: but it is very difficult to convey to their minds ideas on spiritual subjects; and this difficulty is increased by the want of suitable words David Jones, David Griffiths, John Jef- for this end, which prevails, more or less, freys, Missionaries. T. Brookes, John Canham, G. Chick, in all the languages of the Heathen. On the arrival of more Missionaries, he proposed to establish a School, in a different part of the town, on a more extensive scale, for children of all classes. Mr. Jones, having accompanied from Mauritius Mr. Hastie the Commissioner to Radama from Governor Farquhar, ar- In a Postscript, Mr. Jones says— rived with him at Tananarive, the residence Since I began to write this Letter, I have scen of the King, nearly 300 miles inland the greatest assembly that I ever beheld. On one from Tamatave, on the 3d of October, day, nearly 30,000 people were convened, though the greatest part of the women were absent; and 1820; as was stated in the pages of our in about a week afterward, about 50,000 assembled last Volume above referred to. It was together on the same spot; a great part of whom Mr. Jones's intention to return with Mr. were the King's Generals, Captains, and Heads of Hastie to Mauritius; but, in compliance with an invitation from the King, he remained at Tananarive; where he had a house assigned to him, with good teachers army of 100,000 men, to reduce them to subjection; of the language. He had availed himself, Villages under his dominion in Ova, not including more distant provinces which are subject to him. He intends, in about two months, to take the field against the Sakalaves, in the south-west, with an and, at the same time, to leave an immense number at home to defend his territories from invasion. |