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Page 18
In March, 1823, a second daughter was born to the Moffats, who was named
Ann. At that time the Batlaping were thoroughly indifferent to the
Gospel, but their hostile spirit to the missionaries had passed away.
Robert Moffat had heard of a powerful Bechwana tribe, named the
Bangwaketsi, whose chief was Makaba, dwelling about two hundred miles to
the north-east. To this chief and people he now contemplated paying a
visit.
Rumours had also been current at intervals, for more than a year past,
of strange and terrible doings by a fierce and numerous people, called
the Mantatees, who were advancing from the eastward. To gain definite
intelligence concerning this people, and also with the view of paying
his contemplated visit to Makaba, Moffat resolved upon undertaking a
journey to that chief. He was also influenced by the desire to open up a
friendly intercourse with so powerful, and it might be dangerous, a
potentate as Makaba; and likewise by the wish of gaining opportunities
of more fully studying the language and becoming acquainted with the
localities of the tribes; the ultimate design of all being the
introduction of the Gospel among them.
An invitation arrived from Makaba, and the way seemed open. Mothibi,
however, the Bechwana chief, was greatly averse to the undertaking, and
threw all possible obstacles in its path, short of actual armed
resistance. His people were forbidden to accompany the missionary, who
was obliged therefore to start with only the few men he had.
As he journeyed forward the reports concerning the Mantatees were again
heard, and on reaching Nokaneng, about twenty miles distant from
Lattakoo, he learned that the invaders had attacked a Bechwana tribe,
the Barolongs, at Kunuana, about one hundred miles off. Spies were sent
out but returned without any definite tidings, and the journey was
resumed.
For four days the party travelled across a dry and trackless country,
when they came to a fine valley, in which were some pools and plenty of
game. Here they remained two days, and then prepared to continue their
journey to the Bangwaketsi. Just as they were about to start, however,
they ascertained from two natives that the Mantatees had attacked the
Barolongs, and were in possession of a village somewhat in the rear of
the missionary's party.
No time was to be lost. The distance was retraced with all speed, and
the alarming news told at Lattakoo. A public meeting was convened, and
Moffat gave a circumstantial account of the information he had gathered.
The enemy were a numerous and powerful body, they had destroyed many
towns of the Bakone tribes, slaughtered immense numbers of people, laid
Kurrechane in ruins, scattered the Barolongs, and, in addition, were
said to be cannibals.
The alarming tidings produced at first, a gloom on every countenance,
and silence reigned for a few minutes. Then Mothibi, in the name of the
assembly, said he was exceedingly thankful that their missionary had
been "hard-headed" and pursued his journey, thus discovering to them
their danger.
Moffat counselled that as the Bechwanas were quite unable to resist so
savage a force as the Mantatees, they had better either flee to the
Colony or call in the aid of the Griquas, volunteering to proceed to
Griqua Town to give information and procure assistance. The chief at
that place was one Andries Waterboer, who had been educated by the
missionaries, and who, before his election as chief, had been set apart
for a native teacher. Mr. Melville, the Government agent, also resided
in the town.
Moffat reached Griqua Town safely, and Waterboer promised to come to the
assistance of the Bechwanas as soon as he could muster his forces.
Moffat then returned to his station.
Eleven anxious days were passed at Lattakoo, waiting the arrival of the
Griquas. By the time they arrived, the enemy had reached Letakong, only
thirty-six miles away. The Griqua force consisted of about one hundred
horsemen, armed with guns, and it being reported that there were white
men among the invaders, Moffat was asked to accompany the force, as,
having some knowledge of the language, he might be able to bring about a
treaty with them. He agreed to go, and Mr. Melville started with him.
Before leaving, all met to pray for Divine counsel and help. A blessing
on the means of preventing a further effusion of blood was asked, and if
recourse to violent measures became necessary, it was prayed that the
heads of those engaged might be shielded in the day of battle.
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