TLCMap Gazetteer of Historical Australian Places

Layer

Name	Humanitarians in the Antipodes: Mauritius and South Africa
Description	A visualisation of the investigative tours of British Quakers, James Backhouse and George Washington Walker, who were 'travelling under concern' in the 1830s. This section relates to the Maurius and South Africa.
Type	Journey
Content Warning
Contributor	Heidi Ing
Entries	64
Allow ANPS?	No
Added to System	2024-09-27 11:24:37
Updated in System	2024-09-27 11:53:06

Subject	colonialism, religious society of friends, quakers, colonial history, james backhouse, george washington walker, transnational human rights activism
Creator	Penny Edmonds
Publisher
Contact	penny.edmonds@flinders.edu.au
Citation
DOI
Source URL	https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/10371634
Linkback
Date From	1838-02-12
Date To	1841-02-21
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Latitude From
Longitude From
Latitude To
Longitude To
Language
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Date Created (externally)

Backhouse and Walker, 'having concluded a visit to the Australian Colonies… sailed from Freemantle in Western Australia' on 12 February 1838 onboard the Abercromby under Captain J B Butcher.

Placename: Fremantle Harbour, Western Australia
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.0588096

Longitude

115.7298618

Start Date

1838-02-12

End Date

1838-02-12

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
People: Captain J B Butcher
Objects: Abercromby
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 1
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c94

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

On 3 March 1838 the ship Abercromby under Captain J B Butcher passed to the northward of the island of Rodrigue.

Placename: Rodrigues, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-19.65688987

Longitude

63.46171677

Start Date

1838-03-03

End Date

1838-03-03

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
People: Captain J B Butcher
Objects: Abercromby
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 2
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c95

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

On 7 March 1838 Ile Rond, or Round Island was 'descried at five or six eagues distance, and soon after the rugged mountains of the Mauritius, or Isle of France'.

Placename: Round Island, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-19.83650912

Longitude

57.80957566

Start Date

1838-03-07

End Date

1838-03-07

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 2
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c96

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Arriving at the harbour at Port Louis, Backhouse and Walker found a considerable number of vessels, with boats manned by a wide variety of 'men of colour' which 'presented a very foreign appearance to an English eye'.

Placename: Port Louis, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-20.14074656

Longitude

57.47649508

Start Date

1838-03-07

End Date

1838-03-07

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 3
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c97

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse described Port Louis as 'beautifully situated on the west side of Mauritius, in a cove formed by a series of basaltic hills' with narrow streets laid out at right angles and basaltic curbstone footpaths.

Placename: Port Louis, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-20.15980489

Longitude

57.50374392

Start Date

1838-03-07

End Date

1838-03-07

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 3
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c98

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker were introduced to the Colonial Secretary of Mauritius, Captain George F Dick, who arranged their visit to the Governor.

Placename
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-20.16318855

Longitude

57.50315722

Start Date

1838-03-09

End Date

1838-03-09

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
People: Captain George F Dick
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 5
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c99

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

George Clark, 'the master of the school of the Mico Charity in Port Louis' invited Backhouse and Walker to join him in a visit to Mapou.

Placename: Mapou, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-20.07218672

Longitude

57.62037501

Start Date

1838-03-24

End Date

1838-03-24

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
People: George Clark
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 16
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c9a

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker 'obtained leave to visit the prisons' in Port Louis, and after 'breakfasting with the Colonial Secretary' they left in company of 'L. Banks, one of the Episcopal Chaplains' to inspect the 'two principal prisons and the Military Hospital'.

Placename: Old Prison Compound, Port Louis, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-20.16507123

Longitude

57.5052074

Start Date

1838-03-28

End Date

1838-03-28

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
People: L Banks
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 19
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c9b

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker accompanied their 'friends George and Jane Clark in a ride to Pamplemousses, and spent a little time in the Botanic Garden'.

Placename: Pamplemousses, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-20.10915605

Longitude

57.58395253

Start Date

1838-04-06

End Date

1838-04-06

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 27
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c9c

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker 'crossed the island to Mahebourg, in company with John le Brun, to visit two more schools of the Mico Charity'.

Placename: Mahebourg, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-20.40611829

Longitude

57.70318187

Start Date

1838-04-07

End Date

1838-04-07

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
People: John le Brun
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 28
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c9d

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Accompanied 'by a young man from one of the Seychelles islands', Backhouse and Walker 'took a walk, crossing the country' from Port Louis to the Grand Riviere.

Placename: Grand River, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-20.22775311

Longitude

57.49020355

Start Date

1838-04-10

End Date

1838-04-10

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 41
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c9e

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

In preparing to leave Mauritius, Backhouse and Walker 'paid a parting visit to the Colonial Secretary and his family' from whom they had received much kind attention durig their stay. There they 'met with Lieutenant George Grey, who had been recently associated with an officer named Lushington in exploring the northwest coast of Australia... from whence they had lately returned after making some interesting discoveries'.

Placename: Port Louis, Mauritius
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-20.15912716

Longitude

57.5021518

Start Date

1838-04-25

End Date

1838-04-25

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to Mauritius
People: George Grey
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 57
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3c9f

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Sailing from Mauritius, Backhouse and Walker 'had a fine view of the French Island of Bourbon, or Mascarenhas, which Backhouse described as very mountainous with an active volcano emitting smoke on the south-east part of the island.

Placename: Reunion Island
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-21.45930314

Longitude

55.78765019

Start Date

1838-05-28

End Date

1838-05-28

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to the Cape of Good Hope
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 59
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca0

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Sailing from Mauritius to Cape Town, Backhouse and Walker sighted the coast of Africa near the mouth of the Keiskamma River.

Placename: Keiskammarivier, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.6921206

Longitude

28.59460747

Start Date

1838-06-16

End Date

1838-06-16

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to the Cape of Good Hope
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 63
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca1

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Sailing from Mauritius to Cape Town, Backhouse and Walker passed the Cape L'Aguilhas, and Backhouse described the 'turning of the Cape of Good Hope and re-entering the Atlantic' to be 'something like turning the comer that opens out the street in which one's own dwelling is situated' which might bring them 'again quickly into an acquaintance with the state of dear connexions, from all tidings of whom had now been cut off for a long season'.

Placename: Cape Agulhas, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-35.6915407

Longitude

20.59818629

Start Date

1838-06-25

End Date

1838-06-25

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to the Cape of Good Hope
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 65
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca2

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

On arrival at Cape Town, Backhouse and Walker 'were greeted on the beach' by an 'old school-fellow, Thomas Laidman Hodgson' whom Backhouse 'had not seen for nearly thirty years' and was now the Superintendent of the Wesleyan Missions in that part of South Africa. The also received a kind welcome from Dr. Philip, of the London Missionary Society before preceding to the post office were they were greeded by fourteen letters.

Placename: Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.92095955

Longitude

18.43957932

Start Date

1838-06-26

End Date

1838-06-26

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to the Cape of Good Hope
People: Thomas Laidman Hodgson; Dr. Philip
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 66
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca3

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

After dining with William Henry Harvey, the Colonial Treasurer, Backhouse and Walker 'walked with him through the Kloof, between Table Mountain and the Lion Hill' where the scenery was very grand.

Placename: Kloof Nek, Cape Town, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.94296835

Longitude

18.3970024

Start Date

1838-07-03

End Date

1838-07-03

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: Voyage to the Cape of Good Hope
People: William Henry Harvey
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 70
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca4

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker 'accompanied Dr and Jane Philip, John Williams and some other persons in a visit to Simons Town' where they found 'little more than a single row of houses, well painted and whitewashed, between the sea and the foot of a steep mountain'. They were accomodated with Richard and Mary Jennings, and visted the Government School and the Wesleyan Chapel.

Placename: Simon's Town, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-34.19348774

Longitude

18.43659856

Start Date

1838-07-16

End Date

1838-07-19

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Dr and Jane Philip; John Williams; Richard and Mary Jennings
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 73-76
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca5

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

After Backhouse and Walker sought advice from Thomas L Hodgson and George Thompson regarding their travel plans within South Africa, they 'spent some time in putting up some Reports of the Aborigines Protection Society, to send to persons of influence in various parts of Australia'.

Placename: Cape Town, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.94082805

Longitude

18.47205578

Start Date

1838-08-01

End Date

1838-08-01

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Thomas L Hodgson; George Thompson
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 80
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca6

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker 'accompanied T.L. Hodgson to a school beloning to the Wesleyans, situated in Sydney-street, a district of the town in which many poor Irish and Coloured people reside'. Hodgson recommended that the Friends 'employ Richard Jennings in a school of this sort in Cape Town' as Jennings intended to 'devote himself to the education of children in Africa'.

Placename: Sydney Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.89590755

Longitude

18.63238441

Start Date

1838-09-13

End Date

1838-09-13

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Thomas L Hodgson; Richard Jennings
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 85-86
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca7

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker travelled in covered carts yoked to oxen, reaching the village of Somerset at the end of September 1838. There they were hosted by John Edgar, minister of the Dutch Church.

Placename: Somerset West, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-34.08322683

Longitude

18.86970367

Start Date

1838-09-29

End Date

1838-10-01

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: John Edgar
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 90-92
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca8

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker interviewed convicts who were working on the raod at 'Houw Hoek, Cut Corner, contiguous to the village of Houw' and they reported that 'they were lodged in a poor hut, but said they had nothing to complain of in regard to victuals'.

Placename: Houw Hoek, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-34.20622955

Longitude

19.15002641

Start Date

1838-10-02

End Date

1838-10-02

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Convicts
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 97
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ca9

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker visited the Genadendal mission, which they described as 'the oldest in South Africa'. At the time of their visit 1,500 people lived at the mission, supervised by seven missionary couples and an aged widow.

Placename: Genadendal, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-34.03428067

Longitude

19.55810948

Start Date

1838-10-09

End Date

1838-10-11

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Missionaries
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 97-100
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3caa

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

At Zwellendam, which Backhouse described as 'a long straggling village of pretty apprearance with neat, white houses, some English, some Dutch in style', they were visited by Civil Commissioner Harry Rivers and Minister William Robertson. They inspected the school, town library and prison, which they found to be 'clean and tolerably commodious'.

Placename: Swellendam, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-34.01757185

Longitude

20.44881407

Start Date

1838-10-19

End Date

1838-10-19

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Harry Rivers; William Robertson
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 104-106
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cab

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Walker sketched the 'Missionary Station at Zuurbraak' where about 850 Khoikhoi people resided, half of whom were children. They were accompanied by 'two of the sons of Henry Helm, the Missionary of the London Missionary Society's station at Zuurbraak'. They toured the British and Foreign School Society where about 140 male and female students were taught by Daniel Helm and his wife.

Placename: Suurbraak, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-34.00455205

Longitude

20.65303168

Start Date

1838-10-20

End Date

1838-10-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Henry Helm; Daniel Helm
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 107-110
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cac

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

An inspection of the South African Missionary Society at Zoar found three to four hundred Khoikhoi people who were farming 'an extensive tract of land, chiefly rocky, karroo hills' with 200 acres of fertile land by the side of the river.

Placename: Zoar, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.49330873

Longitude

21.44245549

Start Date

1838-10-26

End Date

1838-10-26

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 114-116
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cad

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

On their arrival at Pacaltsdorp, Backhouse & Walker were greeted at the London Missionary Society by Missionary William Anderson, as well as Dr Philip and his wife Jane. School master Thomas Hood provided them with a tour of the Pacaltsdorp estate which was owned and cultivated by about 600 Khoikhoi people.

Placename: Pacaltsdorp, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-34.00993487

Longitude

22.46214979

Start Date

1838-11-06

End Date

1838-11-09

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Dr & Jane Philip; William Anderson; Thomas Hood
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 125-129
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cae

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

While pursuing their 'journey in the Lange Kloof… and extensive valley between ranges of lofty hills with farms at distant intervals' Backhouse & Walker, in the company of a team of men from Pacaltsdorp, were approached by local Afrikaan farmers who fired shots in their direction when provided with religious tracts.

Placename: Langkloof, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.7770394

Longitude

24.00066054

Start Date

1838-11-24

End Date

1838-11-24

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 139
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3caf

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

As they approached the Missionary Station in Hankey Backhouse and Walker were 'cheered by hearing infant voices singing hymns in English'. They had arrived 'in time to join a considerable congregation' who were celebrating 'the memorable day on which slavery ceased in the Cape Colony'. The toured the mission accompanied by Missionary Edward Williams.

Placename: Hankey, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.82688317

Longitude

24.87173154

Start Date

1838-12-01

End Date

1838-12-01

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Edward Williams
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 144-145
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb0

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

In Bethelsdorp Backhouse and Walker found 'a square of whitewashed, red-tiled, stone houses, and several other houses and cottages arranged as little streets' in an area which had 'long suffered severely from droughts'. They inspected a school which conducted lessons in Dutch for adults and in English for children and infants.

Placename: Bethelsdorp, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.87419427

Longitude

25.49045059

Start Date

1838-12-09

End Date

1838-12-09

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 155-156
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb1

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Daniel Lindley accompanied Backhouse and Walker to Port Elizabeth, where they 'met a cordial welcome from Adam and Elizabeth Robson of the London Missionary Society' and had their 'horses shod by a pious blacksmith formerly connected with the Madagascar Mission'. Port Elizabeth was described as 'a small, English sea-port town' of about 100 stone or brick, red-tiled English-style houses.

Placename: Gqeberha, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.91364253

Longitude

25.58234537

Start Date

1838-12-10

End Date

1838-12-10

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Daniel Lindley; Adam and Elizabeth Robson
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 157
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb2

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

At Uitenhage, Backhouse and Walker 'called on John George Messer, an aged servant of the London Misaionary Society, and on Alexander Smith, the minister of the Reformed Dutch Church'. Uitenhage was described as 'a pretty, English-looking town, containing about 315 houses, consisting of a few streets crossing at right angles... well watered from a very copious spring, situated on the karroo hills above the town.'

Placename: Kariega, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.75785237

Longitude

25.40681892

Start Date

1838-12-19

End Date

1838-12-19

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: John George Messer; Alexander Smith
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 162
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb3

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

At Uitenhaga, the District Surgeon accompanied Backhouse and Walker on a tour of the jail and hospital. Backhouse reported that the jail 'was an inefficient place, badly ventilated' with 'small yards, unenclosed by any outer wall, and aome grated windows open to the road'. The witnessed one of the prisoners heavily ironed.

Placename: Kariega, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.77741984

Longitude

25.41168252

Start Date

1838-12-24

End Date

1838-12-24

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 170
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb4

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

On approaching Grahams Town, Backhouse and Walker were 'struck with the uninviting appearance of the site' which Backhouse described as 'a naked country at the foot of a low, rocky standstone ridge'. They were cordially welcomed by 'William Wright, a native of Ireland'. Grahams Town at that time had 4000 inhabitants, almost exclusively of English descent.

Placename: Makhanda, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.30241581

Longitude

26.54684376

Start Date

1838-12-29

End Date

1838-12-29

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: William Wright
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 173-174
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb5

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

At Grahams Town Backhouse and Walker inspected the jail which Backhouse described as 'a good looking building externally, but very insufficient, and badly arranged within' with 'several small yards with brick walls; some with day-rooms attached, and othen with cells'. Backhouse reported that the cells were 'all much crowded, except one, in which a man was confined solitarily'. From eight to sixteen persons were lodged in each of the eight cells of one yard. A considerable number of convicts worked in irons on the roads, were lodged in this prison.

Placename: Makhanda, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.31719785

Longitude

26.5192

Start Date

1839-01-05

End Date

1839-01-05

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 177
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb6

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker crossed Great Fish River to arrive at 'Hermanes Kraal or Fort Brown, a small solitary station' where they provided the stationed inhabitants with religious tracts, a Dutch New Testiment and a Dutch language copy of Pilgrim's Progress.

Placename: Fort Brown, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.13000167

Longitude

26.6178995

Start Date

1839-01-09

End Date

1839-01-09

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 179
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb7

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

The Assistant Commissary General, J. J. Smith, greeted Backhouse and Walker when they arrived at Fort Beaufort. Backhouse reported that Fort Beaufort consisted chiefly of 'military barracks, a few cottages occupied by officers, some soldiers' huts, and a few stores'. A Wesleyan chapel was in course of erection and a school house in the mean time accommodated the congregation.

Placename: KwaMaqoma, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.77805998

Longitude

26.62188951

Start Date

1839-01-11

End Date

1839-01-11

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: J. J. Smith
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 181
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb8

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

After crossing Kat River, Backhouse and Walker were escorted to Philipton by 'Joseph Read, a son of James Read, the aged and worthy Missionary, and Richard Birt, a young Missionary'. Philipton was described as consisting of 'a large, plain building used as a chapel and schoolroom, and of humble cottages, occupied by the Missionaries, James Read senior and junior' and of 'humber' huts inhabited by Khoikhoi, Xhosa and other people.

Placename: Katriver, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.7767818

Longitude

26.66546777

Start Date

1839-01-12

End Date

1839-01-12

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Joseph Read; James Read; Richard Birt
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 183-184
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cb9

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker 'met a kind reception' at Igquibigha Station from Robert Niven who resided there in a 'stone house consisting of a few plain rooms, one of which was used for a school'.

Placename: Dikeni, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.79020249

Longitude

26.83446886

Start Date

1839-01-15

End Date

1839-01-15

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Robert Niven
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 224-226
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cba

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Robert Niven accompanied Backhouse and Walker to 'Burns Hill, another station of the Glasgow Missionary Society, which was under the direction of James Laing, who was assisted by Alexander McDarmid, a pious artizan'.

Placename: Burnshill, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.76626056

Longitude

27.05919806

Start Date

1839-02-18

End Date

1839-02-18

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Robert Niven; James Laing; Alexander McDarmid
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 229
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cbb

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

James Laing accompanied Backhouse and Walker to Pirie, 'another Station of the Glasgow Missionary Society'. Backhouse described Pirie as consisting of 'a plain house of unhewn basalt and a little mud-walled chapel'. They were welcomed at Pirie by 'John and Ellen Ross, who were worthy Scotch people with four children of their own, and performing the part of foster-parents to the motherless son of James Laing'.

Placename: Pirie Mission, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.79289062

Longitude

27.24911969

Start Date

1839-02-21

End Date

1839-02-21

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: James Laing; John and Ellen Ross
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 234
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cbc

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse reported that Bethal was a station of the Berlin Missionary Society, and was situated in the territory of the Caffer Chief, Gacela, who had ceded a considerable piece of land to it. Bethal consisted of a cottage 'built'of sods and plastered' by the 'Missionary's own hands', as well as 'several outbuildings, one of which served for a chapel'. Backhouse and Walker were accompanied by J.L. Doehne to 'Itemba, another station of the Berlin Society', ten miles away from Bethal, where Missionary Julius Schuldheis and his assistant were erecting a house.

Placename: Stutterheim, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.56973827

Longitude

27.4274911

Start Date

1839-02-27

End Date

1839-02-27

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: J.L. Doehne; Julius Schuldheis
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 242
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cbd

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

On their way to Butterworth, Backhouse and Walker apprehensively crossed the Great Kei River. At Butterworth they were very kindly received 'by William McDowell Fynn, a Diplomatic Agent of the Colonial Government, and Elizabeth Ann Weeks, a widow' who resided there with two of her children and was 'engaged by the Wesleyan Missionary Society as a nurse.' Butterworth was in the country of 'the Chief Rhili, a son of the late Hintza' and consisted of 'a commodious mission-house, a few cottages, and several huts'.

Placename: Gcuwa, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.33272493

Longitude

28.14707934

Start Date

1839-03-03

End Date

1839-03-03

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: William McDowell Fynn; Elizabeth Ann Weeks; Chief Rhili
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 250-255
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cbe

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

At Butterworth William Fynn interpreting the service into Dutch, and a man named Jabez Bunting translated out of Dutch into Bantu. Backhouse reported that 'William Fynn had lately visited the Fitkani Chiefs, N'capai and Faku, accompanied by one of the Wesleyan Missionaries' with the errand 'to obtain a promise of peace for the land; and in this object they succeeded'.

Placename: Gcuwa, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.33071901

Longitude

28.1409643

Start Date

1839-03-03

End Date

1839-03-03

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Fitkani Chiefs, N'capai and Faku; William Fynn; Jabez Bunting
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 255
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cbf

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Jabez Bunting and Richard Watson escorted Backhouse and Walker to Clarkbury, passing through the 'territory of the Chief of the Amatembu' Tambookie, and were greeted at Clarkbury by 'Joseph Warner the catechist who was in charge of the Station'. Backhouse reported that Clarkbury had commenced about 1831 and 'consisted of a decent, brick Mission-house with a colonnade in front, a chapel, also of brick, but plastered with mud, and ... a paper-felt roof, two or three rude cottages, and huts'.

Placename: Clarkbury, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-31.78785769

Longitude

28.28799026

Start Date

1839-03-05

End Date

1839-03-06

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Jabez Bunting; Richard Watson; Chief of the Amatembu Tambookie
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 256-257
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc0

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Tambookie from Clarkbury escorted Backhouse and Walker to the mission at Morley with a population of about 300 people. Backhouse described Morley as a 'flourishing Station' comprising of a brick mission house and chapel, two wattle-and-daub cottages, and numberous huts.

Placename: Mzanduli, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-31.80993902

Longitude

28.7641565

Start Date

1839-03-08

End Date

1839-03-08

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Chief of the Amatembu Tambookie
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 260-261
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc1

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Thomas and Jemima Wakeford welcomed Backhouse and Walker to the Buntingville mission, with a population of about 500 people. The school at Buntingville 'had about eighty pupils, eighteen of whom were able to red the Scriptues in their own tongue.'

Placename: Buntingville, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-31.64015725

Longitude

28.86937191

Start Date

1839-03-10

End Date

1839-03-10

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: Thomas and Jemima Wakeford
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 263-265
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc2

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker returned to Cape Town via Morley, Clarkbury, Butterworth, Grahams Town, Glen Avon, Jammerberg, Platberg. Philippolis, Beaufort, and Ebenezer.

Placename: Mzanduli, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-31.81424968

Longitude

28.76533749

Start Date

1839-03-12

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 268-627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc3

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker returned to Cape Town via Morley, Clarkbury, Butterworth, Grahams Town, Glen Avon, Jammerberg, Platberg. Philippolis, Beaufort, and Ebenezer.

Placename: Clarkbury, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-31.78921586

Longitude

28.28251368

Start Date

1839-03-12

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 268-627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc4

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker returned to Cape Town via Morley, Clarkbury, Butterworth, Grahams Town, Glen Avon, Jammerberg, Platberg. Philippolis, Beaufort, and Ebenezer.

Placename: Gcuwa, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.32325717

Longitude

28.14864458

Start Date

1839-03-12

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 268-627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc5

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker returned to Cape Town via Morley, Clarkbury, Butterworth, Grahams Town, Glen Avon, Jammerberg, Platberg. Philippolis, Beaufort, and Ebenezer.

Placename: Makhanda, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.31503433

Longitude

26.50817478

Start Date

1839-03-12

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 268-627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc6

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker returned to Cape Town via Morley, Clarkbury, Butterworth, Grahams Town, Glen Avon, Jammerberg, Platberg. Philippolis, Beaufort, and Ebenezer.

Placename: Glen Avon, KwaNojoli, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.67047127

Longitude

25.91667784

Start Date

1839-03-12

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 268-627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc7

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker returned to Cape Town via Morley, Clarkbury, Butterworth, Grahams Town, Glen Avon, Jammerberg, Platberg. Philippolis, Beaufort, and Ebenezer.

Placename: Jammerberg, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-29.64813073

Longitude

26.29310737

Start Date

1839-03-12

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 268-627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc8

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker returned to Cape Town via Morley, Clarkbury, Butterworth, Grahams Town, Glen Avon, Jammerberg, Platberg. Philippolis, Beaufort, and Ebenezer.

Placename: Platberg, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-30.74706337

Longitude

24.97939595

Start Date

1839-03-12

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 268-627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cc9

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker returned to Cape Town via Morley, Clarkbury, Butterworth, Grahams Town, Glen Avon, Jammerberg, Platberg. Philippolis, Beaufort, and Ebenezer.

Placename: Beaufort West, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-32.3538644

Longitude

22.58074463

Start Date

1839-03-12

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 268-627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cca

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse and Walker returned to Cape Town via Morley, Clarkbury, Butterworth, Grahams Town, Glen Avon, Jammerberg, Platberg. Philippolis, Beaufort, and Ebenezer.

Placename: Ebenhaeser, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-31.58653287

Longitude

18.24419721

Start Date

1839-03-12

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, pp. 268-627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ccb

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Upon returning to Cape Town, Backhouse and Walker 'were so much exhausted as to not be equal to great exertio for several weeks'. Backhouse 'purchased a house which had been erected for a school-house, near the junction of Buiten Street with Long Street'.

Placename: Buiten Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.92611902

Longitude

18.41509862

Start Date

1840-05-22

End Date

1840-05-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 627
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ccc

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

As Backhouse made preparations to leave Cape Town to return to England after nine years of travelling, Walker 'thought it might be the right time for him to look out for a vessel bound for Hobart Town, as he had a view of returning thither to settle'. Walker found that the Hamilton Ross was at the Cape preparing to sail for Hobart, and Walker 'engaged a passage on board this vessel'.

Placename: Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-33.91426794

Longitude

18.44920587

Start Date

1840-09-01

End Date

1840-09-01

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 637
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ccd

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

After 'taking leave of many kind friends in Cape Town' Backhouse 'embarked on board the schooner Invoice, laden with coffee from the West Indies'. William Proudfoot, Richard Jennings, Daniel Steedman, and James Thwaits accompanied Backhouse on board the Invoice and remained for some time to see him off. The Invoice 'made sail about noon, and left Table Mountain far behind before night'.

Placename: Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-29.37775463

Longitude

10.8241726

Start Date

1840-12-09

End Date

1840-12-09

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: William Proudfoot; Richard Jennings; Daniel Steedman; James Thwaits
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 645
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cce

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

On 21 December 1840, Backhouse reported that the 'island called St. Helena was in view… steep and mountainous'. Here they 'transferred a few letters to a Dutch ship which was making for the port' before continuing on their journey back to England.

Placename: St Helena
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

-15.8701551

Longitude

-5.553804087

Start Date

1840-12-21

End Date

1840-12-21

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 645
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3ccf

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

When crossing the Equator, Backhouse reported that the weather was extremely hot. The deck was so dry that the 'pitch was softened in the seams between the planks, and the wood was too hot to allow of persona walking upon it without shoes'.

Placename: Atlantic Ocean
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

Longitude

-24.04063668

Start Date

1840-12-29

End Date

1840-12-29

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 646
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cd0

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

As the schooner Invoice 'passed between the islands of Fayal and Flores among the Azores' the islands were not visible 'in consequence of a fog'.

Placename
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

39.17891579

Longitude

-28.94633721

Start Date

1841-01-22

End Date

1841-01-22

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 646
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cd1

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

After losing a man overboard near the Scilly Islands, the schooner Invoice entered the English Channel on the 12 February 1841, soon sighting land off Bolt Head.

Placename: English Channel
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

48.67561973

Longitude

-8.544818197

Start Date

1841-02-12

End Date

1841-02-12

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 647
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cd2

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Backhouse 'went on board of a steamer and landed at London Bridge after an absence of nine years and five months from my native land'. He made his way to the house of his friends John and Isabel Kitching at Stamford Hill, where he was soon joined by one of his sisters. Six days later Backhouse was reunited with his children, whom he 'had left young' and found that they 'were so much grown and altered' that he 'could not have identified them'.

Placename: London Bridge, London, United Kingdom
Type: Other

Details

Latitude

51.50812511145766

Longitude

-0.08677199989758809

Start Date

1841-02-15

End Date

1841-02-21

Description

Extended Data

Journey_Title: South Africa
People: John and Isabel Kitching
Source: Backhouse, Narrative of a Visit, p. 648
Link: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/906512

Sources

TLCMap ID

td3cd3

Created At

2024-09-27 11:25:19

Updated At

2024-09-27 11:53:06

All Layers

Layer

C Backhouse and Walker, 'having concluded a visit to the Australian Colonies… sailed from Freemantle in Western Australia' on 12 February 1838 onboard the Abercromby under Captain J B Butcher.

Details

Description

Extended Data

Sources

C On 3 March 1838 the ship Abercromby under Captain J B Butcher passed to the northward of the island of Rodrigue.

Details

Description

Extended Data

Sources

C On 7 March 1838 Ile Rond, or Round Island was 'descried at five or six eagues distance, and soon after the rugged mountains of the Mauritius, or Isle of France'.

Details

Description

Extended Data

Sources

C Arriving at the harbour at Port Louis, Backhouse and Walker found a considerable number of vessels, with boats manned by a wide variety of 'men of colour' which 'presented a very foreign appearance to an English eye'.

Details

Description

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C Backhouse described Port Louis as 'beautifully situated on the west side of Mauritius, in a cove formed by a series of basaltic hills' with narrow streets laid out at right angles and basaltic curbstone footpaths.

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C Backhouse and Walker were introduced to the Colonial Secretary of Mauritius, Captain George F Dick, who arranged their visit to the Governor.

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C George Clark, 'the master of the school of the Mico Charity in Port Louis' invited Backhouse and Walker to join him in a visit to Mapou.

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C Backhouse and Walker 'obtained leave to visit the prisons' in Port Louis, and after 'breakfasting with the Colonial Secretary' they left in company of 'L. Banks, one of the Episcopal Chaplains' to inspect the 'two principal prisons and the Military Hospital'.

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C Backhouse and Walker accompanied their 'friends George and Jane Clark in a ride to Pamplemousses, and spent a little time in the Botanic Garden'.

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C Backhouse and Walker 'crossed the island to Mahebourg, in company with John le Brun, to visit two more schools of the Mico Charity'.

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C Accompanied 'by a young man from one of the Seychelles islands', Backhouse and Walker 'took a walk, crossing the country' from Port Louis to the Grand Riviere.

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C Sailing from Mauritius, Backhouse and Walker 'had a fine view of the French Island of Bourbon, or Mascarenhas, which Backhouse described as very mountainous with an active volcano emitting smoke on the south-east part of the island.

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C Sailing from Mauritius to Cape Town, Backhouse and Walker sighted the coast of Africa near the mouth of the Keiskamma River.

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C After dining with William Henry Harvey, the Colonial Treasurer, Backhouse and Walker 'walked with him through the Kloof, between Table Mountain and the Lion Hill' where the scenery was very grand.

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Backhouse and Walker, 'having concluded a visit to the Australian Colonies… sailed from Freemantle in Western Australia' on 12 February 1838 onboard the Abercromby under Captain J B Butcher.

On 3 March 1838 the ship Abercromby under Captain J B Butcher passed to the northward of the island of Rodrigue.

On 7 March 1838 Ile Rond, or Round Island was 'descried at five or six eagues distance, and soon after the rugged mountains of the Mauritius, or Isle of France'.

Arriving at the harbour at Port Louis, Backhouse and Walker found a considerable number of vessels, with boats manned by a wide variety of 'men of colour' which 'presented a very foreign appearance to an English eye'.

Backhouse described Port Louis as 'beautifully situated on the west side of Mauritius, in a cove formed by a series of basaltic hills' with narrow streets laid out at right angles and basaltic curbstone footpaths.

Backhouse and Walker were introduced to the Colonial Secretary of Mauritius, Captain George F Dick, who arranged their visit to the Governor.

George Clark, 'the master of the school of the Mico Charity in Port Louis' invited Backhouse and Walker to join him in a visit to Mapou.

Backhouse and Walker 'obtained leave to visit the prisons' in Port Louis, and after 'breakfasting with the Colonial Secretary' they left in company of 'L. Banks, one of the Episcopal Chaplains' to inspect the 'two principal prisons and the Military Hospital'.

Backhouse and Walker accompanied their 'friends George and Jane Clark in a ride to Pamplemousses, and spent a little time in the Botanic Garden'.

Backhouse and Walker 'crossed the island to Mahebourg, in company with John le Brun, to visit two more schools of the Mico Charity'.

Accompanied 'by a young man from one of the Seychelles islands', Backhouse and Walker 'took a walk, crossing the country' from Port Louis to the Grand Riviere.

Sailing from Mauritius, Backhouse and Walker 'had a fine view of the French Island of Bourbon, or Mascarenhas, which Backhouse described as very mountainous with an active volcano emitting smoke on the south-east part of the island.

Sailing from Mauritius to Cape Town, Backhouse and Walker sighted the coast of Africa near the mouth of the Keiskamma River.

After dining with William Henry Harvey, the Colonial Treasurer, Backhouse and Walker 'walked with him through the Kloof, between Table Mountain and the Lion Hill' where the scenery was very grand.

After Backhouse and Walker sought advice from Thomas L Hodgson and George Thompson regarding their travel plans within South Africa, they 'spent some time in putting up some Reports of the Aborigines Protection Society, to send to persons of influence in various parts of Australia'.

Backhouse and Walker travelled in covered carts yoked to oxen, reaching the village of Somerset at the end of September 1838. There they were hosted by John Edgar, minister of the Dutch Church.

Backhouse and Walker interviewed convicts who were working on the raod at 'Houw Hoek, Cut Corner, contiguous to the village of Houw' and they reported that 'they were lodged in a poor hut, but said they had nothing to complain of in regard to victuals'.

Backhouse and Walker visited the Genadendal mission, which they described as 'the oldest in South Africa'. At the time of their visit 1,500 people lived at the mission, supervised by seven missionary couples and an aged widow.

An inspection of the South African Missionary Society at Zoar found three to four hundred Khoikhoi people who were farming 'an extensive tract of land, chiefly rocky, karroo hills' with 200 acres of fertile land by the side of the river.