2                            TEN  WEEKS  IN  NATAL.

character of the native population, of which I have
spoken more fully in the Appeal, which is appended
to this Journal. I could get no certain information
on the subject from any one in England; and felt
that it was necessary that I should see with my own
eyes and hear with my own ears, if I would realize
the actual condition of the country, and form prudent
and comprehensive plans for our future operations.
My intention, therefore, was to visit rapidly the dif¬
ferent parts of the district, and make acquaintance
with the inhabitants, of all classes, Christian and Hea¬
then, whether resident in European towns, villages,
or farm-houses, or collected in Kafir kraals j and as
the country in extent is only 18,000 square miles,
(about a third of that of England and Wales,) 1 had
calculated that, with God's blessing, the whole might
be done effectually within three months Thus, allow¬
ing six weeks for the voyage each way, I might hope
to return to England before the end of June 1854, in
order to collect the funds and engage the labourers, of
different classes, who might be needed for the work.
We had a speedy and pleasant voyage of only
thirty-five days and a half^ and dropped anchor in
Table Bay early on Friday morning, Jan. 20, 1854.
And here I cannot help bearing my testimony to
the kindness and ability of the excellent Captain
Goodall, who, on his return from India, was pro¬
moted to the command of the Prince, Screw-steamer,
and was lost in her in the dreadful storm in the Black
Sea; and upon whose character, as an officer, some
very harsh and unjust remarks were recently made