4th September 1779

transcription

[4th September 1779]
saterdag 4

term 52 - 70 - 60
frisse zuide wind, die eerst sagt oostelyk was, en na sons onder bedaarde.
vertrokken onse vorige weg passeerden na de helft de twe soute valeyen, en arriveerden na 7½ uur rydens aan kouwsi by rhinoster fontein of kop. vindende ik er geen fontein drinkende het rivier water dat soet brak was en weinig dorst versloeg van daag raakte myn vooraat Oranje rivier water op. een van myne ossen wierd flaauw. sukkelden veel

translation

[4th September 1779]
Saturday 4

Thermometer: 52-70-60.
Fresh south wind: at first gently easterly then falling after sunset.

Departed along our former road, passing by the two salt marshes halfway and arrived, after travelling for seven and a half hours, at the Kouwsie’s River at Renosterfontein or -kop. Finding no spring there, drank the river-water which was sweetish-brack and hardly quenched our thirst. My supply of Orange River water came to an end today. One of my oxen collapsed. We are having a hard time of it.