23a. David Livingston [Livingstone], Kuruman, to D. G. Watt, Benares, India

Discusses his most recent journey northward (see letter 23 for detailed account); notes massacre of the people of Sebegoe [Sebegwe], chief of the Bangwaketze [baNgwaketse], by Mahura and suspicion attached to Livingstone by the presence of several converts from Kuruman at the time preceeding the mas...

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Order number: CWM/LMS/Africa/Odds/Livingstone, Box 2, 1C
Date(s) of creation: 18 Jun 1843
Level: Item
Format: Archive           

Order number: CWM/LMS/Africa/Odds/Livingstone, Box 2, 1C
Summary: Discusses his most recent journey northward (see letter 23 for detailed account); notes massacre of the people of Sebegoe [Sebegwe], chief of the Bangwaketze [baNgwaketse], by Mahura and suspicion attached to Livingstone by the presence of several converts from Kuruman at the time preceeding the massacre and the accidental firing of a gun, which was interpreted as a sign to the attackers; account of Livingstone's subsequent visit to Sebegoe and their conversation about this episode and Livingstone's earlier warnings that his people should leave the desert to avoid the possibility of attack; gives account of practice amongst people involved with iron smelting to prohibit those who have had recent sexual intercourse from approaching the area where the smelting takes place as this was believed to bewitch and therefore spoil the process; detailed account of the experience of travelling with African companions (baKwena), including the food eaten and shelter found; describes encounters with the Bakalahari [baKgalagadi], their experiences at the hands of other Bechuanas, and the help offered when he became separated from his companions for several days; gives news of the missionary personnel in the region, including Mr Williams of Hankey, Inglis & Aston who have been directed to proceed to the Interior, "poor Giles" and Mr Wright of Philippolis; gives his objections to the proposed new District Committee.
Extent: 6pp
Admin history: David Gilkinson Watt served with the London Missionary Society in Benares [Varanasi], North India, 1841-1848.
Access status: Open
User restrictions: For permission to publish, please contact Archives & Special Collections, SOAS Library in the first instance
Format: Archive