The tribes whom he first subjugated are now almost incorporated with his original followers, using their language, and to all appearance holding a rank not far below them; while the tribes more recently conquered occupy a more servile station. Those belonging to the class of his original followers are not very numerous, and a large portion of them are just arrived at maturity, who were children when he commenced his retreat from Chakka to the westward. Having no data on which to calculate with certainty, it is difficult to say what number of souls are subject to Moselekatsi. We probably do not estimate too low, in stating it as our opinion that he has not above 3,000 men who are over eighteen years of age, including all classes. There are comparatively very few old people in the country. Polygamy is practised, and generally marriage is not at a very early age. Name of the People.-The name of this people is not satisfactorily ascertained. By all the tribes lying to the westward of the country from which they emigrated, they are called the Matebele, as are other eastern tribes; the appellation Zoolah, would be unintelligible to all the people of the interior, whom we have seen. Whether they have any strictly national name by which they prefer to be called, is doubtful. Zoolah, (the heavens) and Pezulu, (high,) are indeed applied by the people to their king by way of extolling him, as is every other term which they have, that in any way conveys the idea of greatness. In their pride, to denote their superiority above all around them, this people may sometimes call themselves Bazulu. When asked the name of his people, Moselekatsi replied, "They are the people of Machaubane," who was his father and predecessor. To us it will be most convenient to use the designation Matebele. Government. The government of the country is an absolute monarchy, or rather a military despotism. The king's word is law, and his commands must be promptly executed, be they ever so capricious. Under the king there are a number of officers of different grades, called Zintuna. (Intuna is the singular.) Every town is directly under the control of some Intuna; and the higher Zintuna have charge of the districts of country. The king always has about him a party of his high officers, and they in their own districts have about them a number of subordinate officers, as counsellors. The Zintuna are both civil and military offi cers, and hold the country under a police of the strictest order. The people, as individuals, are restricted froin some crimes which are prevalent among the Bechuana and other tribes, the authority of whose chiefs is comparatively weak. Although this people are accustomed to plundering on a large scale, stealing from a stranger in the community is unheard of. The king's word is law, yet the government is administered with a systematic uniformity, which we infer proceeds from established usages, of which we are yet ignorant. Character of the King.-Moselekatsi is a man of ordinary height, and is rather corpulent. His appearance is rather effeminate, and indicates that he leads a luxurious life, in his way. He is a very heathen. He idolizes himself, and causes himself to be idolized by his people. Consummate vanity seems to be the predominating feeling in his mind. He has men who are his praisers by profession. He pretends to be able, and his flatterers ascribe to him the ability, to extend to his absent servants and friends a protecting providence. Yet he is superstitious. Alas! how ignorant and inconsistent is that wisdom which knows not God? He is not, however, wanting in shrewdness. Moselekatsi's career has been eventful, and marked by a series of successes. For what end he has been raised up, and permitted to run his course, we cannot presume to say. That it will be ultimately over-ruled for the furtherance of the gospel, we would fain hope. The power and grace of God are sufficient to imbue even his dark and vain mind with that wisdom which cometh from above, and to cause his proud heart to bow to the sceptre of Immanuel. Characteristics of the People.-One who has had some acquaintance with the Bechuana tribes, is immediately and forcibly struck with the subordination of this people to their rulers, and the great deference which is paid to rank. An address or answer to an officer is always accompanied with some title of respect, showing his rank or standing in the community. Amongst both the officers and people, who are a good deal about the court, or have seen something of civilized men, there is quite a degree of politeness. Such have learned the Dutch form of salutation, which they use to all foreigners; not, however, with a due regard to the hours of the day, as it is "good morning" with them all day long. Their own mode of salutation is worthy of re mark. On meeting, the person approaching says, "I see you," and is answered in the affirmative. At separating, the party about to leave says to an individual, "May you remain well," or to more than one, "May you remain together well;" and the person remaining says, "May you go well," or "May you go together well," as the case may require. The people are generally cheerful, and have the appearance of living well. They use freely as an article of food, beer, which they make from their corn, and which is exhilarating in its effects. The men being much together as soldiers, and accustomed to feast in company when the king chooses to gratify their appetites with animal food, appear strongly attached to each other. One will divide with half a dozen comrades a small portion of food, with the utmost good nature. In common with other savages, the Matebele are excessively fond of tobacco, which they use only in the form of snuff. They grind their snuff between two smooth stones, and add a portion of ashes to make it more pungent; the taking of which, thus prepared, is attended by a profusion of tears. We are told that a party of Bechuanas were once supposed by a good-natured traveler, (whose travels were published,) to be under conviction of their sins, while snuff caused their tears to flow freely. And on another occasion, these wily deceivers, influenced by the desire and prospect of obtaining more snuff, and having their imaginations enlivened by what they were taking, sadly imposed upon the same unsuspecting traveler, by relating deeply interesting narratives of events which never occurred. All classes in this community spend much of their time in idleness. The Matebele are not so far advanced in the arts as some of the other Bechuana tribes. Under this government there is nothing to encourage individual enterprise, and all commerce with foreigners has heretofore been prohibited, unless by special permission from the king. Relation of Moselekatsi to Dingaan. We hear that Dingaan calls Moselekatsi his dog; and the latter acknowledges the superior power of the former, and lives in continual fear of him. This has been among the motives which have induced him to advance so far westward, that he can now go no farther in this direction. It is doubtful whether Moselekatsi's and Dingaan's subjects were originally one people, or speak precisely the same lan guage. Should there be a difference in language, it will probably be found that they are closely affiliated dialects. The story of Moselekatsi's career, as we now have it, and which appears to be the best authenticated, is as follows. Machaubane, his father, was an independent chief, and near twenty years ago, in a conflict with the Suiti, a neighboring tribe, he was slain, and his forces were defeated. Moselekatsi, being then a young man, was made king, and with his people fled to Chakka for protection; by whom he was received as a dependant, and permitted to live on his frontier. Occupying a position, as it is supposed, rather behind Delagoa Bay, Moselekatsi was directed by Chakka to make an excursion and take cattle. Having succeeded, Moselekatsi reserved for himself a part of the booty, of which Chakka got information, and intended to call him to an account. Moselekatsi, being aware of the consequences, resolved to stand his ground till he could collect some other people in addition to his followers, and then to escape from his superior enemy by flight. Preparatory to the execution of his purpose, he placed all the females in what he supposed was a place of security. Chakka sent out a commando, who ascertained where the females were, and fell upon and butchered them in heaps. Learning what had just transpired, Moselekatsi attacked and routed the commando, and then fled. Thus commencing his career, by the superior discipline of his soldiery, he has succeeded in subduing or driving out the tribes before him, until he reached this place. He probably put the Mantetees in motion, who, overrunning this region and that to the southwest, dispersing and weakening the tribes by which they were occupied, rendered his conquests easier as he gradually advanced. Moselekatsi and Dingaan are deadly hostile to each other; and although the former has advanced to the westward as far as he can, he still dreads the power of the latter. Since Moselekatsi conquered this country, Dingaan sent a commando who took some cattle, and defeated a commando of Moselekatsi. Another commando pursued, and a bloody battle was fought, both parties fighting hand to hand with assagais, and alike protected by oxhide shields. Both parties left the battle-ground, and after refreshing themselves, Moselekatsi's men returned to renew the conflict, but Dingaan's retired. While these chiefs retain their hostility towards each other, which is not likely to be removed by any thing unless it be by the grace of God, there can be no direct communication between their countries. It is also represented, that there is a range of mountains this side of Dingaan, over which there is but one pass, which can be traversed by men and cattle, and that too difficult for wagons. The intervening country has not, however, been sufficiently explored, to render it certain that a road, more or less direct, may not yet be found between the territories of these chiefs. Moselekatsi's Relations with other Tribes. On the eastern side of Mosalekatsi, there must be a large extent of unoccupied country. Nearly southeast from this, lies what is called the New Land, which is inhabited principally by Bechuana tribes. The remnant of the Bergenaar party are also now in the New Land. The distance between this and the New Land cannot be so great as from here to Kuruman. In 1830, soon after Mr. Moffat's visit, Berand Berands, the chief of the Bergenaar party, headed a large command against Mosalekatsi, which was made up of Griquas, Corannas, and Bechuanas. This commando, after taking a great number of cattle, and having returned two or three days with their booty, was attacked by that of Moselekatsi at day-dawn, and was almost annihilated. Since that event, Peter David, the son-in-law of Berands, was fallen in with by a commando of Moselekatsi, near the southern border of the latter. A daughter and nephew of David's, and two others, were made prisoners, and four or five wagons were taken, all of which are still in Moselekatsi's possession. Mr. Moffat and Doct. Smith endeavored to prevail on Mosalekatsi to give up the captives and the property, that peace in that quarter might be established. He evaded the request, saying that he must first hear the governor's reply to certain questions he intended to propose, through the Zintuna, who would accompany Dr. Smith to the Cape. These officers have returned, and the governor requested that the captives might be restored to their friends; but Moselekatsi manifests no disposition to comply with the request. More directly to the south of us, and at a greater distance than the New Land, there is a strong party of Korannas, headed by John Bloom, who acknowledges Berands as his chief. Bloom is notorious for his evil doings, and for his expertness in retreating and continuing to load and fire. He has made several incursions to steal Moselekatsi's cattle, and is beginning to be regarded by this people as a rather formidable enemy, on account of his horses and muskets. Bloom is on the Muddy river, a branch of the Orange. Tanani, the chief of the Baralongs, who was expelled by Moselekatsi from the country about mid-way from this to Kuruman, now resides on the Fall river, another and more western branch of the Orange. He is on the south, and probably within 150 miles of this. Mokatla, chief of the Baharutsi, who held this district six years ago, is on the Haut river, another branch of the Orange, which is west of the Fall. Mahura, brother of Motibi, the king of the Battapi tribe, is also on the Haut river. Although Motibi is the acknowledged king, Mahura is the actual ruler of a large portion of the Battapi. Within the last year, Mahura emigrated from old Latakoo, (more properly Litaku,) in an eastern direction to the place where he now resides. It so happened, that some years ago, some of Moselekatsi's cattle fell into Mahura's hands, for which he feels that he has a just right to call him to account, whenever it may be convenient. Mr. Moffat's visits have secured friendly relations between Moselekatsi and Kuruman; and from this to that station the country is depopulated, with the exception of a handful of people at Motito, and a few Balala, (poor,) in the wilderness. Moselekatsi professes great friendship for Waterboer. But having heard something of that chief's conflict with the Mantetees, he probably fears him, as much as he loves him. Such is a view of Moselekatsi's relations with the people to the south of him. And while the present state of things continues, we shall probably communicate with the colony, only by way of Ku ruman. The Kalihari in southern, corresponds in some measure to the Sahara in northern Africa. This is the name of a great desert, commencing westward of Kuruman, and extending so far north, as to form the western and northwestern boundary of Moselekatsi's country. Attempts have been made to explore this desert, but without success. It has a few scattered inhabitants, who refuse to make known to strangers their wateringplaces. Sebekui, (Sebecque) chief of the Wankets, after Moselekatsi had taken a part of his cattle, fled with the remnant from his own country, which lies west of north from this, so far into the desert, that he cannot now be reach- || courage us in this country, comparatively speaking. Where there are means of living, there will be a population, sooner or later. Without the king's permission we can do nothing. Whether he will allow us to establish schools and instruct his people, is a question yet to be determined, and to which we cannot turn our minds without serious apprehension. Moselekatsi has repeatedly expressed a wish to have teachers, and has indeed told us that we must build him a ed by his enemy's commandoes, who are unacquainted with the wilderness. Dr. Smith found the country on the north of Moselekatsi badly watered. He reached the southern tropic, but was compelled by drought to suspend his researches. Beyond Moselekatsi's towns, he found only a few poor tribes, who were leading a trembling existence, being constantly under apprehension of destruction from Moselekatsi's soldiers, who make prisoners of the young, and butcher those ad-church, and that we may have schools; vanced in life. We are told that traders have visited a fierce people, who reside far to the north of this. Moselekatsi has attempted to conquer this people; but as they occupy a strong-hold on a mountain, he has not succeeded. We are also informed that rather to the northeast there are tribes by which some of Moselekatsi's commandoes have been almost destroyed. These are probably not far from Delagoa Bay. Last April, when on a visit to the king, two of us saw chickens, which had a short time before been brought by a commando from that quarter. There is a report, which appears to be generally credited, of a large lake, bordered by a fertile and populous country. This lake is represented as being situated to the north or northwest of us. It has never been visited by traders from the colony. but from our knowledge of his character, we can attach no consequence to such declarations. Should he perceive that the light of truth will disclose to his people his and their deeds of iniquity in their proper colors, so despotic is the government, and so adroit is the king in the practice of deception, that he may thwart all our plans, while he professes great friendship for us. But the heart of Moselekatsi is in the hands of God. Were the weapons of our warfare carnal, we should have little to hope; but they are spiritual, and mighty through God to the pulling down the strongholds of the kingdom of darkness. Under this head we should mention, that the removal of Moselekatsi from this country is at least a possible event. It would be in entire keeping with his proceedings for many years past. Were there yet a country on which he could The representation given of Mosele- seize, from his dread of Dingaan, and katsi's relations with other tribes, though the hostility of the people to the south, not flattering, is according to the infor- his removal might be expected almost as mation we have been able to collect. a matter of course. It is rumored that Such a representation shews this people there is a people far to the north, who to be insulated, and leaves no prospect have much cattle and a fine country; and of reaching other tribes from this as a that Moselekatsi has sent out his spies, radiating point, in any moderate period. with a view of attempting their conquest. Tribes to the eastward must be more ac- The country is always full of rumors, cessible from the sea-board, than from || and to such a report, unless attended by this quarter. The country to the south corroborating circumstances, we would of this is already occupied by brethren not attach so much importance as to who have been sent out by other socie- think it worthy to be mentioned. There ties. On the west there lies an immense has recently been a migration of a numdesert. And northward a miserable ber of people further north, and the king country must be traversed for a long has been absent from the Basin in that distance before other tribes can be direction an unusually long time. Our reached. prayer to the great Head of the Church is, that now this people have the gospel brought nigh to them, they may not slight the message of salvation by turning away from it. Prospects of our Mission.-We are amongst a people in many respects highly interesting. If we can have access to the people, and are permitted to instruct them, there is a field here for doing good. The want of physical resources, where stations have been established heretofore, has been one of the greatest impediments to missionary operations in southern Africa. As to physical resources, we have much to en Necessary Employments of Missionaries in this Country.-The only assistance which missionaries beginning a station in this country can calculate upon, is that of natives from some other station; and consequently we must calculate on executing with our own hands a part of the work in every building or improvement that may be necessary. The native assistants whom we employ are neither skilful nor efficient workmen. It would be in vain to attempt getting a mechanic of suitable character to come from the colony; and were it practicable to obtain such an one, it would be at great expense. Two of us, with three months labor, and the native assistance referred to, prepared a comfortable dwelling for our families, at comparatively a small expense. Remotely situated as we are from any civilized community, to procure the means of living, we must cultivate the soil. We are not allowed to trade with the people, and it would not do to be dependent on Moselekatsi. In exchanging commodities he shews himself independent of all equitable rules of dealing; and never fails to set a high value on whatever belongs to himself, while he cannot be taught the value of what belongs to others. The Language-We hardly need say to you that the acquisition of an uncultivated language is not the work of a day. It is our purpose to prosecute the study of the language as well as we can in our circumstances, and with our means. The knowledge of the Sichuan which we possess, and the vocabulary of it which we obtained at Griqua Town, will be of essential service to us. The affinity of the Sichuan and Sitebele languages does not appear to be closer than that of the English and French. There are one or two sounds in the Sitebele not found in Sichuan, and it has not the guttural, which occurs frequently in Sichuan. In common with the Hottentot, Bushman, and Caffre languages, the Sitebele has that grievous annoyance to Europeans, the cliks; though not so frequent as in those languages. The more advanced in life among the subjugated people understand the Sitebele imperfectly, but the younger people seem all to be familiar with it; and it may be said to be the prevailing language of the country. Few of the Matebele understand much that is spoken in Sichuan; yet we must be able to speak it before we can make known the way of salvation to those of the poor and oppressed people who are imperfectly acquainted with the Sitebele. In concluding, permit us to say that in our situation we must live by faith, having little that is obvious to human sight to encourage our hopes. We need your prayers, and those of the churches, that our faith be not weak, and that we faint not in our work. We are far reVOL. XXXIII. moved from the assemblies of God's children, with whom we were once wont to worship; but we believe that from many hearts, touched with sympathy for Africa's woes, fervent supplications rise to the mercy seat, for the salvation of this people. Two of us expect to visit the king in a short time, and press the point of establishing schools. We have some printed sheets, which were prepared at Kuruman, from the collection of Sitebele words which we obtained from a man at Griqua Town. With these sheets we may commence schools. West Africa. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF MR. WILSON. THE last volume of this work, p. 312, contained extracts from Doct. Hall's account of a tour made by him to a large native town about fifty miles up the Cavally river. Mr. Wilson has penetrated to the same town by land, keeping near the river, and passing through the villages and fields of the natives It would seem that which lay on his way. there is free access at Cape Palmas, from the low grounds which skirt the sea-shore, to the more elevated and healthful country of the interior; and no formidable obstacles appear to be in the way of extending missionary stations and schools in that direction. Country, Productions, and Towns on the Cavally River. June 6, 1836. This morning, at eight o'clock, we left home, our company consisting of four native men, two boys, and one American, and myself. The day was favorable for walking, although cloudy. Our course lay east of northeast. After crossing the little river which runs into the sea near the cape, about two miles from its mouth, we passed over a rolling hilly country for several miles, and entered the rice-fields of the native people of Cape Palmas. in passing through these, we were not a little surprised both at the extent of cultivation and the quality of the rice. Portions of the rice through which our path lay had attained its full growth, and was quite as good as any that I had ever seen in the rice country of South Carolina or Georgia. After we left these, we commenced what may be regarded as a 25 |