CHAPTER XXXVI - SIMON VAN DER STEL'S ADMINISTRATION—(Continued)

Summary

On the 13th of April 1688 the Voorschoten arrived in Saldanha Bay, having put into that harbour on account of a strong south-east wind, against which she could not beat up to Table Bay. The rocky islands covered with sea-birds and the desolate country around formed a striking contrast to the beautiful France which the emigrants had left. Yet they would be cheered by the knowledge that in this secluded wilderness there was at any rate freedom to worship God in the manner their consciences approved of. From the Company's outpost at Saldanha Bay a message was sent overland to the castle reporting the Voorschoten's arrival, and stating that as the ship needed some repairs her officers thought it would be advisable to remain there to effect them. The cutter Jupiter was therefore sent from Table Bay with fresh provisions, and when she returned she brought the immigrants to the Cape.

On the 26th of April the Oosterland cast anchor in Table Bay, having made the passage from Middelburg in eighty-seven days, then one of the quickest runs on record. She was followed on the 12th of May by the Borssenburg.

On the 4th of August the China reached Table Bay, after a disastrous run of seven months from Rotterdam. Her crew and passengers were nearly all sick, and twenty individuals, twelve of whom were French refugees, had died during the passage.

Fifteen days later the Zuid Beveland cast anchor in Table Bay.