Cape Good Hope 1652-1702

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14 Wouter Schouten

(See also item 7.) He sailed from Batavia on December 24, 1664 in Rysende Son, with Walcheren, Fenix, Amstellandt, Slot Honingen, Jonge Prins, Wapen van Hoorn, Bredero, the flutes* Oijevaer, Diemermeer; and by his text Musschaetboom (actually Notenboom) and Amsterdam (apparently in error, not figuring in Valentyn I nor in the DR). Fleet dispersed by storm.

On the 9th of March, 1665, we had a westerly wind, with which, steering northwards, we came somewhat nearer to the land, and in the evening were below the high and steep hill of Cabo Faco. That night the wind again turned eastwards, and took us at a good pace along the southern coast of Africa, and on the 10th in the afternoon we arrived close below the Lion Hill, and thence (but with a variable breeze) sailed into Table Bay. Meeting there mighty gusts and squalls from over the hills, we anchored 2 miles outside the roads, arriving safely the next day, March the 11th, with 9 ships and in lovely weather, at the Cape de Bon Esperance in the Bay, before the Dutch Castle Good Hope, GOD be praised [dr] ...

Although at this time of the year, in these lands of southern Africa the beloved Summer brings again many fine warm days and delightful sunny weather, yet at times we must endure heavy gales, as happened once (among other times) four days after our arrival, when, the high Table Mountain being covered with misty clouds as often happens, here in the Table Bay so vicious a storm arose that we and all the other ships were compelled to strike our topmasts and yards to give less hold to the wind, so that by so doing we suffered no damage. In the next 5 to 6 days thereafter, when the clouds had been driven from the Table Mountain, we had lovely clear and bright weather with warm sunshine; and now, tired by our dangerous voyages, we went ashore almost every day to amuse ourselves. There we now found everything very changed, and exceedingly pleasant, also the Dutch Fort* Good Hope in better conditions than in the year 1658 when we found ourselves here for the first time, having been markedly enlarged and strengthened, and provided with commodious dwellings for the Commandeur and the Company's Servants, as also with a church* for the preaching of GOD's Word, all built in European fashion of lime and brick, which here are burnt and prepared; and they were still busied every day in further strengthening the said fortress, which was well provided with a good garrison and munitions of war. Behind this fort we found the Company's Garden* also so enlarged and spread out that it now covered a good number of morgen* of land, from whence were gathered all sorts of herbs and fruits for the refreshing of the ships, such as water-lemons, radishes, cabbage, carrots, turnips, lettuce and so on. We also found that around the Dutch Castle the number of houses and dwellings, all built as in the Fatherland, was so increased that this Town* by the blessing of the All-Highest

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[17] Plan of the Settlement, about 1665 An abbreviated translation of the key reads: V.O.C., The Fort; A, Site for houses; B. Cable-store [Van Riebeeck's first Hospital]; C, Gardener's house; D, Watermill; E, Stables; F, Brick-kiln; G, Stall for oxen and sheep; H, Hospital [see DR 6/9/1664, fixing the date of the plan]; I, Plough- and Waggon-building shop; K, Smithy; L, Barracks, Kitchen, Bakehouse; M, Company's gardens; N, Jetty (key-letter omitted on plate]; O, Fresh River; P, ditto; Q, ditto; R, Freeman's Brick-kiln; S, Freeman's Houses [with Olifant, Reiger, and Heere streets named]; T, Hedge protecting the gardens; V, The Company's Garden, ‘nearly 100 [square] roods in extent’; W, Freeman's gardens; X, Freeman's Brick-kiln; Y, Lime kiln; Z, Seashore; a, Cattle-kraal. Note that the letters H, I, K are to the left as the Fort is entered, L to the right.

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stands to grow before long to a prosperous city, these Colonies of Dutch families increasing wonderfully. Each breeds cattle and grows fruit and grains in abundance, so that good butter and milk are produced there. The Dutch farmers bring to bearing covetable farms with fields and pastures, since the air at the Cape de Bon Esperance is immeasurably healthy, and the soil has been examined and found very apt to the producing of many European grains, fruits and plants, since although the high hills reach into the clouds and are very rocky and steep, yet the valleys give many lovely large grassy flats, meadows and pastures, set with green herbs and well-smelling flowers, as also here and there with very large forests and whole jungles. Many deer, wild goats, Steendassen and roebucks leap over the wild hills; and it is very notable how they are seen to leap from one stony height to another, as we ourselves observed with wonder. Also the rivers give the Cape de Bon Esperance sweet and delicious water, especially in the Table Bay, this being so named because of the Table Mountain which is very high, steep, and flat on the top, looking like a table. The Bay, lying at fully 24 degrees [sic] south of the Equator, has a good anchorage, where the ships lie in safety shielded from many winds, though often leapt on by the sudden storms across the hills, which however cause no high waves, and produce more noise than danger.

We saw also with amazement the increase in the farms, gardens, orchards and flourishing plantations of the Dutch, where now the same fruits as in the Fatherland were gathered in abundance: also all kinds of trees were advantageously cultivated, such as apples, pears, chestnuts, medlars, cherries, as also vineyards and many East Indian plants, all of which were grown in these parts of Africa both from Dutch and also Batavian plants, roots, seeds, etc.

Here we saw also the life of the Dutch farmers, who around here (and even for a good distance inland) have established themselves and settled down, well knowing how to look after their cattle, by taking them in the morning out into a grassy pasture, or where it may be, and in the evening bringing them into the stables again, which is necessary because of the multitude of wild beasts, although otherwise these folk live in considerable poverty, at least most of those who dwell far inland. I still remember how once the three of us wanderers had gone inland on a certain occasion, and were suddenly overtaken by dusk when we found ourselves near the most distant of the farm-houses, right behind the Table Mountain. Because of the wild beasts we did not dare to go back in the dark of night so long a way as we had come in our wanderings; so we resolved to beg the poor farmer for shelter (but for good payment) and set our course for the solitary farm-house. On coming there we were amicably greeted by the half-naked pregnant wife (from Cologne by birth), since her man was out, and invited into the little glassless house, and brought into the best room, which in this cold night was airy and chilly enough since there was no glass nor any shutters there. And there, when the man came home we ate a truly frugal evening meal, the best the folk could provide. Then (at our request) they made our bed or sleeping-place in the cowshed, where our diligent hostess threw some straw on the floor, and to make all as fine as might be spread over it a little piece of

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sailcloth. This stable was full of oxen and cows, so that the cold, which was by now pretty overpowering, was made the more tolerable by these four-footed companions. Nevertheless we could sleep little for the first part of the night, because of a wanton calf that came into the stable (which was pretty long) and because of the strange visitors began to run about and make gay capers in the darkness, and over and over again was to be heard making for us at full gallop. Thus we had enough to do to turn the calf away in his mad career, by our loud laughter and by all of us stretching out our legs, so as not to be overrun by his helter-skelter leaps. But the diligent stableman was merrily on the go in this night-attack, and called to us reassuringly ‘Be of good cheer, Messieurs*, I will manage to turn the crafty yearling away’. Meanwhile he defended himself with great bravery as a bold soldier in this calf-war, assuring us that a calf can see by night and would know how to avoid us in his scampering calf-leaps, which we also found to be true; yet all the efforts of the stableman were in vain. So we let the calf scamper until it was tired, and in the morning found our bed-place sown with calf-dirt along the foot-end, with which it seemed to have honoured us in the night by way of welcome. Rising, we paid our poor host, and set off again on our trip, and so came aboard, where we often reminded each other of our adventure with the scampering calf in the cowshed.

But more wonderful was to see the wild nature of the people of the Cabo de Bon Esperance, who because of their beastliness bear no resemblance to mankind. They are truly the most miserable folk that I have seen on the earth. Because of their wildness and clucking speech (which seems to come forth with a stuttering from deep in their throats) they are commonly called Hottentots [see Hottentots, Name*]. They are somewhat yellowish, in general thin, scrawny and badly made, and short of stature, especially the women. Their hair is black, almost like that of the Kaffers, being closely crinkled together, but as much by dirt as by nature. They are unusually fast runners, and great thieves, stealing and robbing whatever they can: to overtake them our folk need to be well mounted and good riders. They continually bring all sorts of beasts, principally oxen, cows and sheep, which they know how to get from their neighbours in the Sardaigne-Bay and from the southerly regions of Monomotapa*, for sale to our people in the Table Bay, who get them by barter for a little copper, tin, beads, tobacco and other trifles. By this the Bay is of necessity recognised to be a very good revictualling-place, since on the ships we had daily abundance of all sorts of refreshing and tasty food: oxen- sheep- and other flesh, as also abundance of potherbs, fish, fruit, and whatever we could now wish for. On the arrival of our return-fleet the savages came down with women and children, from the regions around to the Table Bay and watering-places, and chose their shelters and abodes under the open sky around the Dutch Castle, in hopes of gaining some tobacco and other trifles. They still go with only a dirty and greasy seal- or other beast-skin around the body, which, hanging from their necks, barely covers their upper bodies. Some have as ornaments the black dried stomach and the guts* of a slaughtered beast around their necks, which also serves some females instead of bracelets, golden jewels and armrings, so that being thus decked out they smelt horribly. Some had

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also little Bengal shells which are called Couris* in their hair, or a small copper plate round the neck, and bands of thin copper, tin, iron or other materials on the arms; and those who were distinguished by such pomp always were accustomed to smear their dirty hides with the fat of slaughtered beasts, or the oil from dead whales which had been washed ashore. They were also very pleased with the rinds of water-lemons and other fruits, with dead and stinking fish that are washed ashore, and with the dirty paunches and other entrails of the beasts we slaughtered, daily seeking out all such treasures from the rubbish-heaps, and sling around their necks the stomachs and guts of the oxen, cows and sheep which had been killed by us, and tearing such apart with their teeth (except for a few who roasted it a little).

They knew nothing of the preparing of food, of agriculture or fishing, of houses or vehicles, and ate no grain but what had been brought here by our folk, since when they are given such, or any other well-cooked foods they gulp it down as greedily as savages. For the most part they live as aforesaid, and from some sorts of roots* that grow wild and which they eat raw. Both women and men go (as I have said) almost naked, but for the stinking beast-skin over their shoulders, with which they can partly cover themselves by night in winter, or when the weather is cold and windy, and when lying or squatting they press and creep close together. The women often hang their small children on their backs, and if they wish to take suck, they throw over the shoulder to the innocent child one of their breasts, which are so long, that some of them hang down to the navel.

I could notice little or no signs of religion among them, except that indeed sometimes a whole assembly of men, women and children, each clad in a stinking beast-skin, appear in a large pit, cave or other terrifying place, where these wild people make many strange antics, with singing, leaping and dancing, as also with continual hand-clapping. Meanwhile they sometimes turn their eyes to heaven, and then with a red stone write stripes and crosses on each others' foreheads, after which each of this lovely brotherhood goes his way. At night they creep together in whole troops, men, women and children, in places where horrible caves, valleys or pits are to be found, thus seeking the warmest hiding-places under the open sky, without shelter or any covering but the hills, the rocks, and the wild growths, since I have seen no houses or huts among them. Some however indeed spread out a few beast-skins on sticks, thus to be a little protected from the cold, hail, snow, rain, and winter squalls, thus creeping by night close together without fear of the wild beasts. I have repeatedly seen them in this condition, lying like beasts of the field almost naked together on the grass, where each nevertheless knows to find his own (I believe) in the dark by smell and touch, thus existing like animals without any houses, clothes, furniture, bedding or other necessities of life. At times also they now and then indeed make large fires by night, against the wild beasts. Many of these savage women lack a joint or two of their little fingers, or sometimes more parts of their fingers [see Hottentots, Finger-mutilation*] are cut off, and I was told (but what of this is true I do not know) that such is done when they re-marry, so that they lack as many joints of their fingers as they have had new husbands. Some are to be seen also with one breast quite

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dried up, the reason of which is unknown to me. They are avid, both men and women, for old iron, copper, tin, beads and glass rings, but above all for tobacco, for which the women will even willingly let their privy parts (which sometimes they cover a little) be seen by our coarse seamen who dare to demand such of them. Truly these sailors show by this, that they are even more lewd and beastly than these wild Hottentots, who usually when our folk go ashore greet them with a helter-skelter cabriole, even the women begging for a little scrap of tobacco in return for the showing of such a compliment. These savages very well know how to revenge themselves on our seamen in their fashion, if these do them any harm, and greet their insulters with stones in such a way that they are forced to keep their distance, and even in spite of much resistance to take to flight, where some of our crew (while we lay here) were gravely wounded and one killed. The savages on hearing this went away inland with their wives and children, but after some days came again in whole troops, without fearing anything evil.

It is said that inland a more civilised sort of people dwell, since to the northwards from here lies the Kingdom of Monomotapa*. It is lamentable that among mankind such folk (as we have now told of) are to be found, who, although descended from our father Adam, yet show so little of humanity that truly they more resemble the unreasoning beasts than reasonable man, living on earth such a miserable and pitiful life, having no knowledge of GOD nor of what leads to their Salvation. Miserable folk, how lamentable is your pitiful condition! And Oh Christians, how blessed is ours! if we are true Christians. GOD be eternally thanked therefor, honoured and exalted, in that He has called us from this abyss of miserable darkness to His wonderful light, Who has so loved us that He gave His only-begotten Son that we, believing in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. Oh unspeakable grace! for which GOD the Father, Son and Holy Ghost in the true Trinity of His Persons, must be thanked, praised and exalted by us for ever. Amen.

Wild beasts are daily met with here, and sometimes captured and brought to the Dutch fort, so that there various kinds of wild beasts can be seen, such as lions, lionesses, tigers, rhinoceroses, snakes and wolves, but all dead and mounted [see Museum*] as in life, which being captured now and then serve the Dutch as a good warning not to wander too far inland, so as not to fall the prey of the wild beasts.

Our crew here bore witness that they had again seen a comet, which soon afterwards disappeared, such signs serving as forewarnings of so many calamities and difficulties, as also came upon us during this journey to the Fatherland.

On the 22nd and 23rd of March we again had sudden storms from over the hills, but lay here in good safety and thus suffered no damage to the ship thereby.

While we were refreshing ourselves here and delaying for the two after-ships* that were to follow from Batavia, all the ships were daily supplied with whatever was necessary and those that were damaged were most rapidly repaired. On the first of April at break of dawn we saw a large whale near our ship, which seemed to enjoy itself in the glitter of the waves before sunrise, whereby it showed itself (thus sparkling) perfectly to us.

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Two high hills are to be seen in the Table Bay, namely the Lion Hill and the Table Mountain, which are indeed thus called on account of their shapes. We had visited the Lion Hill in 1658, and we were told wonderful things of the Table Mountain; but it was mighty high, and therefore I had difficulty in finding companions to satisfy my curiosity by making a trip thither. But at last, having won over to my proposal the Mate and a Carpenter, on the aforesaid first of April we three wanderers left the ship early in the morning, after we had watched the jolly whale to our content, and went ashore, to climb (if it were possible) the very high Table Mountain. Having walked thither we found ourselves at seven o'clock at the foot of this mountain, and then set our course upwards, climbing over a narrow ridge of the hill, which running upwards came to an end at about half the height, against the vertically-rising steep of the Table Mountain. On each side of the ridge we had a downwards slope, and to the right also a stream flowing rapidly downwards in a valley set everywhere with rocks, caves and thick groves, which could make most convenient hiding-places for wild beasts such as lions, tigers, leopards and wolves. Nevertheless we must at times descend into this low valley, because the multitude of rocks made our path impassable, and after going somewhat further in it, again climb up, which indeed was pretty toilsome for us. So we passed many rocks and cliffs, which we must sometimes climb through, sometimes over; but we had come barely half-way up the height of the Table Mountain, when the Mate suddenly lost the courage to go higher. We therefore left him there after giving him a part of the food we had brought, on his promise to await us there for two hours, and then, if he had no news of us, he could be free to return down again, naming to each other a lodging in the town where we hoped to meet in the evening. So we left the Mate half-way up the hill, where he took his place of rest under a shady tree.

We two then climbed upwards from thence, coming to a passage [Platteklip Gorge] which we found to be barely 4 feet wide, set and walled on the left with an overhanging precipice which because of its vertical upwards slope seemed to reach the sky, and on the right falling very steeply downwards from this dangerous path to a terrifying abyss. Also on this narrow footpath we found that we must continually secure ourselves by our hands in the grass or other scrub in our climb, so steeply did it ascend, or else we could readily have fallen into this dangerous abyss and broken neck and limbs. We found the path beset everywhere with vertical cliffs and rocks, but we climbed and clambered upwards with hands and feet, and thereby came between the two huge rocky overhanging steeps into the ascending gorge of this wonderful Table Mountain, which here presents a narrow cleft from above to below. This narrow gorge was enjoyably set with sweet-smelling flowers and herbs, as also with pleasant grass; and this now formed our path upwards. Here we found an exceptionally clear echo, and could still hear the calling of the Mate whom we had left half-way up the hill because of the triple and quadruple resounding of this echo, although we could no longer see each other owing to the wonderful height. We had brought some Batavian home-made arrack with us, as also biscuit and Dutch cheese, which served us well, since because of our mighty thirst (no fresh

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water being found) we sometimes took a little of this arrack, and partook of some biscuit therewith, which greatly served to our refreshment. We climbed on thence between steep and overhanging cliffs on both sides, and sometimes over large stony cliffs, finding here rocks as large as whole buildings which hung out from the precipices in such a manner that they seemed nowhere to be fastened, so that we were amazed that these suspended rocks did not fall down by their great weight. Also once we heard a terrifying noise and wonderful din not far from us on this steep mountain, and perceived that a huge rock had begun to roll, and came crashing down from above. But we climbed onwards up this narrow gorge of the Table Mountain, which higher up became so narrow that we found it only six or seven feet wide, with steep or overhanging walls rising upwards on both sides. Thus steadily going onwards, we at last reached the top of the flat Table Mountain, where by the clear sunlight we found that it was already fully one o'clock in the afternoon, we having been busied since 7 in the morning with climbing upwards.

The first thing that occupied us on this mountain was the search for fresh water, to quench our thirst (which was mighty great): this also we soon found in the hollows of some flat rocks with which this hill was as if floored, which water seemed to have gathered from the abundant dew of the thick clouds (which so often cover the whole upper surface of the mountain) in the said hollow rocks. We found it quite sweet and exceptionally pleasant in taste, the more so from our almost unbearable thirst, of which I can truly say that it was never greater in all my travels. Our heavenly liquid now tasted better than ordinarily does the most exquisite drink of the world. Having carefully cooled, refreshed and entertained our very heated entrails with this clear liquid, we went on further, to the front of this mountain, to look at the surrounding country from its wonderful height as if from the air; but it is impossible to describe in words in what a small compass all the nearest landscapes and hills now showed themselves to us: the large Table Bay and all the mighty hills that descend to it from the inland North seemed to be of small extent and importance; we could hardly recognise the Dutch ships lying at anchor within this Table Bay, these looking only like little dots; also in the same way the Dutch Castle of Good Hope and all the houses, farms and green meadows lying around it were, because of the distant and down-sloping depth, seen as if they were in the extreme distance, few details being properly distinguishable. Even the high Lion Hill and the other hills showed themselves to us from here (except for their most highest tops) as nothing more than uniform flats. Further off, we could see the very high African hills to the north, at a guess fully 40 miles away. The Table Mountain was covered with no clouds this day but entirely clear, since we had again chanced on a lovely day with clear and bright sunshine: otherwise this mountain projects into the clouds (as we have said previously) for half of its height, and often even shows its uppermost flat surface a good way above them, and when this is the case, in general a sudden storm blows in the Table Bay so that no sail can be hoisted there, and for the same reason the Table Mountain is then sufficiently unreachable.

On this high table we made our frugal yet pleasant meal of cheese, biscuit, home-

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[18] Plan of the Outworks on the North side of the Fort of Good Hope About 1665: compare with plate 17. The captions read, in abbreviated translation: (Top): The Fort; Walvisch bastion; Reyger bastion; The Drawbridge; Moat, 2 roods wide, to be 3 roods 3 feet. (Key on left): A, Entrance; B, C, Batteries; D, Hospital; E, Kitchen for sick and Company's slaves, together with brewery and bakery; F, G, H, Sickvisitor's quarters [here more probably a Surgeon); I, Smithy; K, Swordmaker, locksmith, coppersmith; L, Store for nails and iron; M. Kitchen for workmen, soldiers and sailors; N, Carpenters; O, Head carpenter; P, Waggon-builder, cooper, blockmaker; Q, Stairways; R, Gangways, 6 feet wide; S, Latrines. Scale of Rhineland Roods.

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made arrack, together with a little drink of the clear water: our table-top and table-cloth were the pleasant grass, our chairs two stones, and our hands served us as goblets: in short, we had here more pleasure than comfort, and thanked the Almighty Creator for all our enjoyment here, and for His manifold wonders here showed to us, after our meal making a trial of walking so that no stiffness should come into our limbs by sitting still, which would have greatly hindered us in our downward climb. We now set our course for the other side of the Table Mountain, from whence we looked our full at the near-by parts of the sea towards Cabo Faco, with its high hills (which however from here looked very low). But nowhere was it more terrifying to look down at the lowlands than towards the Table Bay, where this Table Mountain falls with an overhanging precipice like a wall, straight downwards from above to the flat below, so that from the edge where we now stood we could look down as if to a most dangerous abyss. We also found this mountain ornamented up here with a lovely landscape, which pleasing and agreeable field was set with long grass and a few small trees; and the grass and undergrowth were not beaten down by the strong winds here as down below, but stood upright with lovely sweet-smelling flowers and herbs, and pretty high, from which we were compelled to believe that the winds here do not blow so violently as below. We noticed here no beasts other than the birds in the air, but saw the dung of roebucks, steenboks and such four-footed beasts; but no large lake* or standing water, and far less any of the fish said to dwell therein, as some boldly dare to assert. Such water as is found up on the Table Mountain is only in the pools lying in the hollows of the flat rocks with which the mountain in some places seems to be floored, and this gathers here from the dew of the clouds driving around there, and not (we believe) from rain; and in it there is no fish or other life.

But at last, seeing from the sinking of the sun that it was already about 3 in the afternoon, and therefore high time to return down again, we wrote our names on rocks that were found by the sides of the gorge through which we came, and then returned again to the lowland by the same route we had taken in climbing up. But there, because of the slipperiness of the long grass, we found ourselves compelled to slide downwards sitting, being forced continually to secure ourselves with our hands because of the mighty steepness; and in this downwards climb it was awful always to have to look down into the terrifying depths. However, we came safe to the place where we had left our third companion, the Mate, that morning, and found there his handkerchief tied to a tree as a sign that he had gone back down. We then climbed further down to the lowland, but not so quickly as we had expected, since from the untimely setting of the sun we found ourselves in an entirely horrible valley and terrifying jungle, where we discovered a brook flowing downwards, surrounded with many dark hollows, caves and rocks. Here we found ourselves surrounded by the steep mountain-sides, and sought for a better footpath; but before long found ourselves beset in the thick jungle by stinging nettles, caves, rocks and holes, to such an extent that we did not know whither to make our way, since we found that the path by which we had descended was too steep for us to climb up it again. Also the dusk was now at hand, and it was already so dark that we could see

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nowhere to make our way up. We had however little wish to pass all that night in this dangerous hollow, or soon to become the prey of the wild beasts which we believed would find this a convenient and suitable dwelling-place. We were indeed in considerable peril here, having strayed from the right path. To quench our mighty thirst we took a cool drink from the pleasant water of this stream, but dared not delay longer in so doing, since we had no desire to pass the night in the company of the lions, tigers and snakes. We therefore with greater zeal climbed like cats with hands and feet, up the steep slope again, whereby we indeed were not a little afflicted by the stinging nettles. Thus having again come up with much toil, we then climbed further down the downwards-sloping ridge of the mountain until we reached the real lowland, and made our way onwards, in the dark and by guesswork, towards the shore. Now we again came into an awkward plight, up to our ankles in a marsh and up to our necks in the scrub, where in breaking through we disturbed a nest of large birds: these in flying up all together made such a sudden noise that my good companion, the Carpenter, who was leading the way, gave a terrible shriek, thinking he had been attacked by a tiger or lion. But his fright soon passed when he saw that it was nothing but these large birds. Finally we again reached the Dutch Fortress and came with joy into the Dutch Town, where we found our third companion, the Mate, who had turned back because of his great thirst. We told him and the others of our adventurous journey, and stayed the night on land, and next morning went aboard again without stockings or shoes, since they were mostly ruined, and with torn clothes, having seen in the journey no wild beasts except a few snakes.

We celebrated the memory of the holy Easter Feast here at the Cape, on the 5th and 6th of April; and on the 10th the fine ship Zuyd Polsbroek arrived [dr] at the roads to us, coming from the Fatherland, having left there in November with the ship Amersfoort, and having sailed with her northabout* behind England, Scotland and Ireland; and after turning southwards the Amersfoort was separated in storm and incessant darkness from this ship Zuyd Polsbroek, and since then they had not seen each other again. From our compatriots we had the following news:

That a severe plague raged in the Fatherland; that the English in enmity towards us had already taken New Holland [renamed New England], Gunee [Dutch Guiana] and other places; that in Holland and England they were strongly equipping themselves for war against each other; that a disastrous breach of the peace was to be feared ...; that also the return-fleet of the previous year had arrived very late, and almost disabled by the quantity of sick and dead; and other such bad news more, which truly did not sound very pleasing to our ears, fearing as we did that if there were to be war between us and the English, we should have to endure many more adversities and difficulties before we could come to land in the Fatherland, which also we found to be the case. Now we found ourselves compelled, in accordance with the orders of TT.EE. in Batavia to await here the two after-ships* which were to follow us from Batavia, so that we then might leave all together with our rich fleet for Patria. The first of these two ships, Koge, came from Batavia safely to us on the 14th of April [dr], having left there on the 1st of

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[19] From Dapper's Description de l'Afrique. The flower on the left is Stapelia variegata, from a drawing by Justus Heurnius: the rest is from the artist's imagination.

February in company with the ship Nieuwenhoven, but having become separated from her on the way. They had seen two ships near the land here, but as these did not arrive it was to be believed that they were English. So we now awaited the other ship, which two days later came safely to anchor, to everyone's joy [dr]. Then all the longboats of the ships rapidly brought them fresh water aboard, as also refreshing, firewood, and whatever else was needed, the topmasts and yards were sent up and our farewells taken of our friends ashore, since we were now entirely ready to continue the long voyage to the Fatherland.

Having now refreshed ourselves in the lovely and healthy Table Bay for six weeks, still lying there with the return-fleet, our crews with joy raised the anchors, so that with our rich fleet of 12 ships (since the Musschaetboom was still missing) we set sail on the 22nd of April [dr], and setting out to sea met the ship Amersfoort coming (as said above) from the Fatherland; but we somewhat avoided her, although we drifted quietly for an hour or two close to her near the Robben Island, since we understand (but I do not know if it were true) that the plague raged not a little in that ship, about 60 men lying sick in their berths, and that the thirty-eighth man had been buried that day on the Robben Island, so that it was high time that her folk reached land and this healthy Table Bay. We prayed to Almighty GOD for a fortunate voyage to our Fatherland, and that we might arrive there safely with our valuable return-fleet; and then, being come into the open sea, set our course northwestwards....

A terrible journey: six ships lost touch in a storm: bad news of the war: Northabout*: refuge at Bergen from English fleet: escorted by Dutch war-fleet: continual dangers, but at last home to Haerlem in October 1665.