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Page 20
After the battle was over, Mr. Melville and Robert Moffat collected many
of the Mantatee women and children, who were taken to the missionary
station. Alarm prevailed there for some days, it being feared that the
Mantatees might make a descent upon the place after the Griquas had
left. At one time the prospect was so ominous that the missionary band,
with their wives and children, after burying their property, left
Lattakoo for a short time, and sought shelter at Griqua Town. The
threatened attack not being made, and as it was found that the Mantatees
had left the neighbourhood, the station was again occupied.
The Bechwanas were deeply sensible of the interest the missionaries had
shown in their welfare, at a time when they might with ease and little
loss of property have retired in safety to the Colony, leaving them to
be destroyed by the fierce invaders.
For a long time past, it had been evident to Moffat that the site upon
which they dwelt at Lattakoo was altogether unsuitable for missionary
purposes. The great scarcity of water, especially in dry seasons,
rendered any attempt at raising crops most difficult, and even water for
drinking purposes could only be obtained in small quantity. Advantage
was therefore taken of the present favourable impression, made upon the
minds of Mothibi and his people, to obtain a site for a new station. A
place eight miles distant, about three miles below the Kuruman fountain,
where the river of that name had its source, was examined and found to
offer better advantages for a missionary station than any other for
hundreds of miles round. Arrangements were made with the Bechwana chiefs
so that about two miles of the Kuruman valley should henceforth be the
property of the London Missionary Society, proper remuneration being
given as soon as Moffat returned from Cape Town, to which place he
contemplated paying a visit shortly.
This new station will be known in the further chronicle of events, by
the name of Kuruman.
At the beginning of 1824, the Moffats were in Cape Town. They had gone
there to obtain supplies, to seek medical aid for Mrs. Moffat, who had
suffered in health considerably, and to confer personally with Dr.
Philip about the removal of the station. Mothibi having been anxious
that his son, Peclu, should see the country of the white people, had
sent him, accompanied by Taisho, one of the principal chiefs, to Cape
Town with the missionaries.
The young prince and his companion were astonished at what they saw.
With difficulty they were persuaded to go along with Robert Moffat on
board one of the ships in the bay. The enormous size of the hull, the
height of the masts, the splendid cabin and the deep hold, were each and
all objects of wonder; and when they saw a boy mount the rigging and
ascend to the masthead, their astonishment was complete. Turning to the
young prince, Taisho whispered, "Ah ga si khatla?" (Is it not an ape?)
"Do these water-houses (ships) unyoke like waggon-oxen every night?"
they inquired; and also; "Do they graze in the sea to keep them alive?"
Being asked what they thought of a ship in full sail, which was then
entering the harbour, they replied, "We have no thoughts here, we hope
to think again when we get on shore."
Upon the same day that the Moffats reached Cape Town, a ship arrived
from England, bringing three new missionaries intended for the Bechwana
station. Of these, however, one only and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes,
were able to accompany the older missionary upon his return to his post.
Mrs. Moffat's health being somewhat improved, the party left Cape Town,
and after a tedious and monotonous journey of two months, Robert and
Mary Moffat reached Lattakoo in safety. They had left Mr. and Mrs.
Hughes at Griqua Town, where they were to remain for a season. Upon
reaching home Mr. Hamilton was found pursuing his lonely labours with
that quiet patience so characteristic of him.
[Illustration]
CHAPTER VI.
VISIT TO MAKABA.
Shortly after his return, and pending the final arrangements for the
removal of the missionary station, it was considered advisable that
Robert Moffat should pay his long promised visit to Makaba, the chief of
the Bangwaketsi. He left on the 1st of July, 1824, and was accompanied
by a large party of Griquas, who were going into that region to hunt
elephants.
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