My Chief and I; Or, Six Months in Natal After the Langalibalele Outbreak (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. OUR JOURNEY ON. On the afternoon of the following day we arrived at Cathkin, a farm occupied by one of the true old colonists, Mr.. This farm is situated at the base of the Draakensberg, close to the location lately inhabited by the Putini tribe, the well-known peak, called Cathkin, or Champagne Castle, towering magnificently above the general line of the mountain range. The Colonel rode on in front of the party to ask the permission of Mr. to camp upon his farm, which the latter accorded; protesting, however, the while that these desperate "rebels" whom we had brought with us would soon be dispersed over the country. Nevertheless to us he showed himself most hospitable, and, only stipulating that the "rebels" should not be allowed to approach the house, he invited us all in, and soon set before us an excellent repast. might be taken as a good type of the hard-working successful colonist. Settling in Natal many years ago he has, by Steady industry and perseverance, realised no inconsiderable fortune, in adding to which he was now assisted by his sons, whom, with excellent common sense, he has brought Up to follow such trades as are useful in a new and sparsely-inhabited country. Of the two at home while we were at Cathkin, one was a good waggonbuilder, the Other we found to be an experienced blacksmith. The house in which the family lived was substantially built, the signs of the times evident in the strong shutters attached to every window, to be closed at sundown, the heavy bars to the doors, the care with which the cattle and horses were kept in their kraals at night, and the guard of armed natives, provided by Government, which was posted every evening in the verandah. I have been told that formerly, that is to say before the expedition ...