Briefwisseling van Hendrik Swellengrebel Jr. oor Kaapse Sake 1779–1792

Uitgegee met inleiding en aantekeninge deur dr. G.J. Schutte.

With an English summary by Dr A.J. Böeseken assisted by Prof. H.M. Robertson.

ISBN: 0-620-06614-8

Hendrik Swellengrebel Jr (1734-1803) was the son of Hendrik Swellengrebel who served as governor for a number of years and retained extensive properties there. The younger Swellengrebel lived a comfortable life in the Netherlands, but visited the Cape between 1776–1777. Thereafter he retained an interest in Cape affairs. He became associated with the rebel Cape Patriot movement and did much to promote its economy. His letters contain much information on the social history of the colony in the last quarter of the 18th century.

Detail of a rhinoceros hunt at the Little Fish River

XXVI. H. CLOETE TO SWELLENGREBEL,

CONSTANTIA, 12.1.1784

In answer to your letter of the 2nd July 1783, I share your grief that the dissatisfaction of the inhabitants of the colony has not abated but grows worse. The latest prospect is a new governor who is proud and poor. You must remember what the burghers are like and we all know that the territory all round where the Caffers live is the most fertile, with forests, large rivers, salt pans and other resources. The burghers in the interior could find a market in Mauritius perhaps more advantageously than at the Cape. The Caffers’ cattle might come in handy. If the rulers make one false move, the burghers, especially those on “loan farms” will turn their back on the Cape. I remember that in the years 1738 and 1739 farmers took up arms against Daniel van den Hengel in such numbers that it was impracticable to oppose them. Those who were listed as his supporters were threatened with death; and it was only when your father took over the government that peace was restored.

People at the Cape trust you, as they did your father, and even if you were merely appointed as one of the Commissioners, it would be better than nothing. To have you as Governor would be the best means of all to restore harmony. I vouch that this opinion will be subscribed to by nearly all the inhabitants.

I have again been attacked by gout, otherwise we are all well. The wheat-harvest has been good, but the grapes have not matured owing to lack of rain.