ed
slaves that year. During this foray the Makololo met some Arabs from
Zanzibar, who presented them with three English muskets, and in return
received about thirty of their captives.

In talking with my companions over these matters, the idea was suggested
that, if the slave-market were supplied with articles of European
manufacture by legitimate commerce, the trade in slaves would become
impossible. It seemed more feasible to give the goods, for which the
people now part with their servants, in exchange for ivory and other
products of the country, and thus prevent the trade at the beginning,
than to try to put a stop to it at any of the subsequent steps. This
could only be effected by establishing a highway from the coast into the
centre of the country.

As there was no hope of the Boers allowing the peaceable instruction
of the natives at Kolobeng, I at once resolved to save my family from
exposure to this unhealthy region by sending them to England, and
to return alone, with a view to exploring the country in search of a
healthy district that might prove a centre of civilization, and open up
the interior by a path to either the east or west coast. This resolution
led me down to the Cape in April, 1852, being the first time during
eleven years that I had visited the scenes of civilization. Our route
to Cape Town led us to pass through the centre of the colony during
the twentieth month of a Caffre war; and if those who periodically pay
enormous sums for these inglorious affairs wish to know how our little
unprotected party could quietly travel through the heart of the colony
to the capital with as little sense or sign of danger as if we had been
in England, they must engage a "'Times' Special Correspondent" for
the next outbreak to explain where the money goes, and who have been
benefited by the blood and treasure expended.

Having placed my family on board a homeward-bound ship, and promised
to rejoin them in two years, we parted, for, as it subsequently proved,
nearly five years. The Directors of the London Missionary Society
signified their cordial approval of my project by leaving the matter
entirely to my own discretion; and I have much pleasure in acknowledging
my obligations to the gentlemen composing that body for always acting in
an enlightened spirit, and with as much liberality as their constitution
would allow.

I have the like pleasure in confessing my thankfulness to the Astronomer
Royal at the Cap