ffat gave a circumstantial account of the information he had gathered.
The enemy were a numerous and powerful body, they had destroyed many
towns of the Bakone tribes, slaughtered immense numbers of people, laid
Kurrechane in ruins, scattered the Barolongs, and, in addition, were
said to be cannibals.

The alarming tidings produced at first, a gloom on every countenance,
and silence reigned for a few minutes. Then Mothibi, in the name of the
assembly, said he was exceedingly thankful that their missionary had
been "hard-headed" and pursued his journey, thus discovering to them
their danger.

Moffat counselled that as the Bechwanas were quite unable to resist so
savage a force as the Mantatees, they had better either flee to the
Colony or call in the aid of the Griquas, volunteering to proceed to
Griqua Town to give information and procure assistance. The chief at
that place was one Andries Waterboer, who had been educated by the
missionaries, and who, before his election as chief, had been set apart
for a native teacher. Mr. Melville, the Government agent, also resided
in the town.

Moffat reached Griqua Town safely, and Waterboer promised to come to the
assistance of the Bechwanas as soon as he could muster his forces.
Moffat then returned to his station.

Eleven anxious days were passed at Lattakoo, waiting the arrival of the
Griquas. By the time they arrived, the enemy had reached Letakong, only
thirty-six miles away. The Griqua force consisted of about one hundred
horsemen, armed with guns, and it being reported that there were white
men among the invaders, Moffat was asked to accompany the force, as,
having some knowledge of the language, he might be able to bring about a
treaty with them. He agreed to go, and Mr. Melville started with him.

Before leaving, all met to pray for Divine counsel and help. A blessing
on the means of preventing a further effusion of blood was asked, and if
recourse to violent measures became necessary, it was prayed that the
heads of those engaged might be shielded in the day of battle.

The small force pressed forward as far as the Matlaurin River, about
half way, where all bivouacked. Leaving the main body, Waterboer,
Moffat, and a few others, rode onward for about four hours, and then
halted for the night among some trees. At day-light they proceeded until
they came in sight of the enemy. These were divided into two parties,
one holding a town, out of which they had driven the i