Although the Kafirs occupy a fertile territory, which is capable of great improvement, yet it is found, even at the present period, that the habits and propensities of the male population are more suited to depredation and warfare, than to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, the females being employed in all the offices of labour; their frequent incursions on the lands and property of the settlers on the British frontier; their constant state of preparation for aggression and acts of hostility, and the treacherous and, in some instances, barbarous practices to which they have recourse, prove them to be very dangerous neighbours; and until civilization, and the principles of Christianity shall have been diffused in that very extensive territory, it may be apprehended that these people will continue their ravages, particularly if the corps on the frontier should be reduced, or should relax in their responsible duties for the protection of the colony.
Hence the importance of an active and well-disciplined body of troops on the frontier, in which the confidence of the Government can be placed, and which are prepared, on every occasion, to defend the property of the settlers, and to follow up any acts of aggression on the part of their predatory neighbours.
[3] Now Commandant of the Garrison of Chatham.
[4] Lieut.-Colonel Somerset had been appointed Commandant of Caffraria from 25th September, 1825, having been previously employed as Commandant at Simon’s Town and Graham’s Town, from June, 1821.
West Strand, April, 1842.
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