Upon the return of the Rev. J. Campbell and Mr. Read, after an absence
of two months, and a short rest at Lattakoo, all the missionaries,
excepting Mr. Hamilton, set off westward along the bed of the Kuruman
River to visit several of the Bechwana tribes which were scattered about
that region. The natives of these parts, never having seen white people
before evinced much curiosity concerning their visitors; especially
about Mrs. Moffat and her dress. To see the missionaries sitting at
table dining and using knives and forks, plates, and different dishes,
was wonderful to them, and for hours they would sit and gaze upon such
scenes. The Word of Life was preached to these natives by either Mr.
Campbell or Robert Moffat as the party journeyed along.

Their absence from Lattakoo extended to a little over a fortnight, and
on their return, finding, by intelligence received from Dr. Philip, that
permission had not as yet been obtained from the Governor for the
Moffats to settle at that place, Robert and his partner had to return,
much cast down, to Griqua Town, there to commit the matter into the hand
of God, and patiently await the time when He should open the way for
them to commence the work they had so much at heart. Mr. Hamilton was
therefore again left alone with simply a Griqua assistant and a few
Hottentots.

Just before leaving Lattakoo, Robert Moffat met Africaner, who had
safely brought from Vreede Berg the cattle and property belonging to the
missionary, and also the books and articles of furniture which had been
intrusted to his care when leaving Cape Town. All were in good order,
particular attention having been paid to the missionary's cattle and
sheep during his long absence. This was the last meeting between Moffat
and Africaner.