Notice respecting the expedition overland from the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope to the Portuguese settlement at De la Goa Bay, by Messrs. Cowie and Green, in 1929

Abstract

This text details the overland expedition undertaken by Messrs. Cowie and Green in 1829, traversing the previously unmapped country between the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope and the Portuguese settlement at Delagoa Bay. The narrative begins by acknowledging earlier, less documented connections to the region, notably by John Cane. The expedition itself faced initial delays due to military actions against the Zulu king Shaka, which prevented the collection of Natural History specimens, including hippopotamus skeletons. Key geographical features described include the precipitous descent to the Omzimvoolwo (St. John's River), traversing lands devastated by Chaka's conquests, and noting the beautiful, fertile, yet dangerous coastal regions. The party reached Port Natal, gathered intelligence on Chaka and his successor, Dingaan, and proceeded inland, describing the topography, rivers (such as the Zimtlaflga and Pongola), and meeting with various tribes. Despite warnings about the Delagoa fever, the travellers pressed on. Upon reaching Delagoa Bay, they experienced hostile and exploitative treatment from the Portuguese Governor. The abstract concludes with the fatal outcome of the journey: both Cowie and Green died shortly after reaching their destination due to illness and exhaustion, though Green's final letter expressed extreme disgust with the settlement. The piece serves as a record of early exploration, the gathering of geographical and botanical details, and a memorial to the adventurers' premature demise.