of rain in the present season, they lay down
on their mattresses in perfect security and comfort, and did not wake up
the next morning until breakfast was ready. After breakfast they
sallied out with Captain Maxwell to look after waggons and oxen, and as,
on the arrival of the emigrants, a number of waggons had been sent down
to take them to their destinations, Captain Maxwell soon fell in with
some of the Dutch boors of the interior with whom he had been
acquainted, and who had come down with their waggons; but previous to
making any bargains, Alexander went with Captain Maxwell to the
landroost, for whom he had brought a letter from the governor.

This gentleman immediately joined the party, and through his
intervention, before night, four excellent waggons with their tilts and
canvas coverings, and four span of oxen of fourteen each, were bought
and promised to be brought down and delivered up in good order, as soon
as they had carried up the freights with which they were charged.

As these waggons could not return under four days, the next object that
they had in view was to procure some more horses, and here they met with
difficulty; for Major Henderson, who, as an excellent judge of horses,
was requested to select them, would not accept of many that were
offered. Still they had plenty of time, as the waggons would require
fitting out previous to their departure, and this would be a work of
some days; and many articles which they had decided to procure at Algoa
Bay, instead of the Cape, were now to be sought for and selected.

At the time appointed, the waggons and teams were delivered over and
paid for. Carpenters were then engaged, and the waggons were fitted out
with lockers all round them, divided off to contain the luggage
separate, so that they might be able to obtain in a minute anything that
they might require. While this work was proceeding, with the assistance
of the landroost, they were engaging Hottentots and other people to join
the expedition, some as drivers to the waggons, others as huntsmen, and
to perform such duties as might be required of them. Some very steady
brave men were selected, but it was impossible to make up the whole
force which they wished to take of people of known character; many of
them were engaged rather from their appearance, their promises, and the
characters they obtained from others or gave themselves, than from any
positive knowledge of them. This could not be avoide