Tuesday 2 July 1861

ARRIVAL OF THE EMIGRANT SHIP RAJASTHAN
The emigrant ship Rajasthan, 700 tons, Capt. G.M. MAXTED, with 264 emigrants, equal to 229½ statute adults, arrived here on Saturday afternoon, after tedious but fine weather passage of 93 days from Southampton, from which port she sailed on the 28th March. On account of her lengthened voyage considerable anxiety was felt by relatives and friends of those on board, and her appearance in the Bay on Saturday afternoon relieved many an anxious doubt. The Port Captain, accompanied by the District Surgeon, Dr. DAVIES, immediately [went off] and soon returned with the joyful intelligence that all was well on board. There had been four births during the voyage and no deaths, with the exception of that of one child, who was born during the voyage. The immigrants all seem in good health and spirits and are apparently a well selected batch.
Immediately on the return of the port boat, the Immigration Agent, Mr. LONGLANDS, proceeded on board, and though it was much too late to attempt anything like a general disembarkation that evening, yet arrangements were made for many of the permit cases to come ashore, and a great number availed themselves of the opportunity. The remainder were all landed by the Eastern Province Boating Company yesterday morning, and were at once removed to the depot, where everything was in readiness for them.
The Rajasthan is an old vessel, and has the character of being a “slow coach”. In her accommodation she cannot be compared with some other emigrant ships which have been to this port. She is rather low between decks, and the lighting is not the best we have seen, but after all, as a gentleman remarked in our hearing, “what can you say against a ship that makes a passage of 93 days with 264 souls on board and has neither death nor sickness to report.”
Mr. Surgeon Superintendent SMITH, under whose charge the emigrants were placed, reports that their conduct has been good during the voyage, and they in turn speak in high terms of Mr. SMITH, and of the care and attention shown them. A complimentary address signed by all on board, except two, was presented to Mr. SMITH on Saturday afternoon. The provisions were said to have been remarkably good, and indeed, the general appearance of the new arrivals betokens that they have had nothing to complain of since they embarked.
In this vessel are fifty-six emigrants selected by our fellow colonist Mr. B.M. SHEPPERSON, who has just returned from a trip to his native land. They are chiefly if not exclusively, we believe, from the County of Suffolk, and consist of farm labourers and their families. One important fact, we would wish to state, and that is that these fifty-six are to be sent in three batches, to Graham’s Town, to Fort Beaufort, and to Queenstown, and will thus be removed at once from the [..port] where it is too much the fashion of the newcomers quietly to settle down. The thanks of the community are due to Mr. SHEPPERSON, for the interest he has taken in the selection of these immigrants. A further lot from the same county is to be sent out by the next ship.
The following is an alphabetical list of the immigrants by this vessel, showing their names, ages, and occupations, which will prove useful to the immigrants themselves, and to those who require their services:

[Transcriber’s note: This list was very blurred and letters D-F in the first column were totally illegible as the print had rubbed away. I have filled in what I can from Esme Bull’s ‘Aided Immigration from Britain to South Africa 1857-1867]

Friday 5 July 1861

BIRTH at Graaff-Reinet on Saturday 29th June last, Mrs. D’Urban DYASON of a son.

Tuesday 9 July 1861

BIRTH at Port Elizabeth on Sunday the 7th July, Mrs. M.S. BEECH of a son.

BIRTH on the 6th inst, the wife of Mr. John CAMPBELL of a son.
Victoria-street, 6th May 1861 [sic]

[The first and final paragraphs of much longer leading article]
The want of a proper census is beginning to be severely felt. We know nothing of the amount of our population, hardly anything of the value of our property, and little or nothing of the extent of land under cultivation &c. ……
We are glad to observe that the Census Bill, having been considered in committee, has been passed with certain amendments. Should this bill receive the sanction of the Governor, the census will be taken on the 31st March and 15th April 1862. We hope the Honourables in “that other place” will not throw it out, as they did before, but allow it to become law. We can scarcely imagine that anyone will object to it. There is no doubt that the measure is urgently required.

AN OLD DELINQUENT
Michael CHANEL, aged about 67 years, an old delinquent, having served nearly the last four years in gaol for numberless thefts, was found lying in a state of destitution, in an old stable: he was crawling alive with vermin, and speechless. He was conveyed to the Pauper Hospital, and the District Surgeon ordered him brandy and water, and a little soup to restore animation. Had he been neglected until the morning the chances are death would have put an end to his sufferings; but […. forbid] that a human being, no matter how depraved, should be allowed to perish in the streets of Port Elizabeth.

DEATHS FROM EATING LUCIFER MATCHES
Two children, a little boy and girl, about three years of age, son and daughter of Mr. [De H…] clerk in the municipality of this town, met their death through eating the [heads] (containing phosphorus) off lucifer matches, which unfortunately had been left within their reach. Dr. RUBIDGE was sent for and afforded all the assistance medical assistance [affords], but, owing to a considerable time having elapsed before the cause of the children’s illness was discovered and medical aid sought, all was in vain. The girl expired on Friday last, lingering some five or six days after the death of the boy.

Friday 12 July 1861

MARRIED at Port Elizabeth July 10th 1861, at the residence of the Mother of the Bride, by the Rev. John Harsant, George Dieppe, only son of the late James SMITH Esq, of Norton Farm, Gamtoos River, to Anne Elizabeth Mary, fourth daughter of the late J.W. FAIRBRIDGE Esq. M.D., of Uitenhage

MARRIED at Port Elizabeth on Monday the 8th July 1861, Mr. George THOMSON, Cashier of the Colesberg Bank, to Ellen Larder GREENWOOD, fourth daughter of Mr. Richard GREENWOOD, of Port Elizabeth.

BIRTH on Saturday evening, the 6th July 1861, the wife of Mr. William DENT, Bookseller, of Queen-street, Port Elizabeth, was safely delivered of a son.

Tuesday 16 July 1861

BIRTH on the morning of the 2nd inst, the wife of M.S. FITZGERALD of twins, son and daughter.
Port Elizabeth, 16th July 1861

MARRIED on the 11th July at the New Church, Port Elizabeth, by the Rev. John Harsant, Charles E. GEARD to Frances Amelia McKENZIE.

BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES
BIRTHS
BEECH, Mrs. M.S., at Port Elizabeth, on the 7th July, of a son.
RICHARDS, Mrs. James, at Port Elizabeth, on the 27th June, of a daughter.
CAMPBELL, the wife of Mr. John, at Port Elizabeth, on the 6th June, of a son.
DENT, the wife of Mr. William, at Port Elizabeth, on the 6th July, of a son.
DYASON, Mrs. D’Urban, at Graaff-Reinet, on the 29th June, of a son.
EVA, the wife of Mr. R.B., at Kamastone, on the 26th May, of a daughter.
COOPER, the wife of Mr. W.J., at Queenstown, on the 14th June, of a daughter.
DISTIN, the wife of John S., at Cradock, on the 11th ult., of a daughter.
MARRIAGES
RICHARDS, Robert Esq., by the Rev. G. Blencowe, on the 16th ult. at Natal, to Miss Sarah Frances CATO.
THOMSON, Mr. George, at Port Elizabeth, on the 8th July, to Ellen Lardner GREENWOOD.
SMITH, G.D., by the Rev. John Harsant, at the residence of the mother of the bride, on the 10th July, to Anne Elizabeth Mary, fourth daughter of the late J.W. FAIRBRIDGE Esq. M.D. of Uitenhage.
HURLY, Michael Robert, at Graham’s Town, by the Rev. Mr. Hay, on the 3rd July, to Mary Elizabeth AMOS, of Mount Remarkable.
LUCAS, W. Syndal J.P., on the 18th April last, at Denham, County Essex, to Miss Matilda Emma AYLES, of Denham. [sic, groom was William Tyndal LUCAS]
DIVINE, William, on the 29th May, by the Rev. J. Delany, to Miss Martha DEACON.
NUGENT, Serj. F.A.M. Police, on the 28th May, by the Rev. P. Hargreaves, at Clarksbury, to Miss Elizabeth CALVERLEY.
GEARD, Chas. E., on the 11th inst, by the Rev. J. Harsant, to Frances Amelia McKENZIE.
DEATHS
FLEMING, William Esq, on the 15th June, at Port Elizabeth.
HEWSON, Mr. Frederick W., on the 16th June, at Graham’s Town.
RICHARDS, Mary Ann, infant daughter of Mr. James, on the 28th June, at Port Elizabeth.
SHORT, the wife of Mr. Joseph, on the 5th June, at Graham’s Town.
CRAWLEY, Mr. E.W., on the 28th June, at Graham’s Town.
CYRUS, Mrs., on the 22nd June, at Graham’s Town.
FOLEY, Mrs., on the 22nd June, at Graham’s Town.
WALKER, J.B. Esq., of Staffordshire, on the 25th June, at Graham’s Town.
RORKE, Charles Forrester, infant son of H. RORKE Esq. C.M.R., on the 8th April, at [Ballingslow].
SMITH, Mr. James, on the 15th June, at Fort Beaufort.
WEAKLEY, Mr. Joseph jun., on the 5th ult., at Queen’s Town.
HOGAN, Mr., on the 22nd June, at Somerset East.
FORRESTER, Kate Cordelia, aged 2 years and 11 months, on the 28th June, at Thorn Flat, district of Fort Peddie.

Friday 19 July 1861

MARRIED on the 16th July at St.Mary’s Church, Port Elizabeth, by the Rev. E. Pickering, Samuel RIGG to Honora Clara, youngest daughter of William GIBBONS of Port Elizabeth.

Friday 26 July 1861

BIRTH at Port Elizabeth on Wednesday the 24th July, Mrs. G. Martin MILLER of a daughter.

MARRIED at Port Elizabeth on the 23rd July, by the Rev. W. Robinson, Trinity Church, James CAUGHLIN, eldest son of J. CAUGHLIN Esq, Burris-n-Ca’n County Tipperary, to Miss Catherine WHEELER, second daughter of I. WHEELER Esq, County Cork, Ireland.
[Transcriber’s note: Borrisokane is a townland of Tipperary]

Friday 2 August 1861

BIRTH on the 29th inst, the wife of Joseph TIBBETTS of a daughter.

REMOVAL
Thomas BARTLETT, Pork Butcher, Poulterer, Bacon and Cheese Factor, begs to inform his Customers and the Public in general that he has removed from the Premises lately occupied by him (opposite REED & EASTES) to those opposite Mr. GRUBER, where he has constantly on hand every article in the above line of the best description. Family orders punctually attended to.

A child of Hermanus PRETORIUS, residing at Klipfontein, on the road to Fauresmith, was killed last week from an explosion of a 5lb bag of gunpowder; and the mother (Mrs. PRETORIUS) was at the same time so severely burnt that she is not expected to survive.

J. JOHNSON
Tailor and Clothes Cleaner, Speedwell Cottage, at the back of Mr. CAWOOD’s residence, Queen-street, Port Elizabeth.
Ladies’ Silk Dresses, Riding Habits, Cloaks and Gents’ Clothing cleaned in the most superior style.
NB. Orders will be received, and punctually attended to, if left with Mr. BARTLETT, Upholsterer, Main-street, Port Elizabeth.

W. BROWNING
Painter, Glazier, Paper Hanger &c, Port Elizabeth, at the back of the Scotch Church. Orders executed at the shortest notice, and on the most reasonable terms.

Friday 9 August 1861

BIRTH on Wednesday the 7th inst, Mrs. G.M. COLE of a daughter.
Port Elizabeth 7th August 1861

BIRTH at Wittebergen Wesleyan Mission Station, on the 1st inst, the wife of the Rev. Arthur BRIGG of a daughter.

ALLEGED MURDER AT BENNETSDORP
There has been a rumour flying about the city for the last two or three days of a woman, the wife of a man living near Muller’s Vley, having been murdered by navvies. The circumstances, as far as known, are these: A navy, named PEARSON, lived with his wife in the village of Bennetsdorp, and on Tuesday evening last he turned his wife out of doors, and would not permit her to come back to the house. The weather was very severe, it was cold and rainy; and whilst she was standing shivering in the cold at some distance from the house, six or seven navies came up to her and commenced handling her in an unseemly manner, and concluded by every one of them committing a foul assault on her. The poor creature screamed for help until she was quite exhausted, but nothing deterred the unmanly brutes from accomplishing their foul purpose. Whilst this was going on, a man who knew both the woman and the men came up, but he was afraid to interfere by himself and went off and fetched the husband, who came to her rescue. When he came he found one of the men still struggling with her on the ground, but the fellow made off. PEARSON found that his wife had been so maltreated that she was completely exhausted and could hardly speak. She was carried into the house, and died shortly after. One of the fellows was captured next day by Mr. Robert HARE of Groenfontein. He is now in jail at the Paarl. Dr. REDDERBERG, who examined the corpse, is opinion [sic], we are informed, that although the woman was dreadfully maltreated, the immediate cause of death is more attributable to exposure to the severity of the weather than anything else.
The police of Cape Town have been exceedingly active since the rumour reached them, in order to prevent the guilty parties from leaving the colony, but up to this time they have received no official report of the occurrence. This is exceedingly remiss of the Paarl magistrate. – Argus.

Tuesday 13 August 1861

BIRTH on the 8th August 1861, the wife of E. HANCOCK, of Graham’s Town, of a daughter.

FRIGHTFUL MURDER AT TULBAGH
Murder, Rape, House-Breaking and Robbery committed by One Man.
The quiet village of Tulbagh has been painfully startled by one of the most terrible tragedies it has ever fallen our lot to record.
During the night of Friday week, though at what hour is not exactly known, a coloured man named Andries PATIS, called at the house of Mr. C.J. BOTMA, who resided on some property belonging to the Independent Dutch Reformed Church, and had charge of a water mill, also the property of the Church. It appears that Mr. BOTMA, his wife and their only child, an infant of seventeen months, had retired to rest some time before PATIS called. The man, however, roused Mr. BOTMA and informed him that Mr. MARAIS (who owns the adjoining farm, and in whose employ PATIS had been for some time) had sent him to request Mr. BOTMA to go for a doctor, as Mr. MARAIS’ child was ill. Mr. BOTMA, who bore the reputation of being exceedingly good-natured, and who was on friendly terms with Mr. MARAIS. without pausing to consider the matter at once dressed himself and proceeded on his mission. PATIS accompanied him. It was arranged before starting that they should go to Mr. MARAIS’ farm to procure horses, and in the direction of the farm they accordingly proceeded.
The exact particulars of what occurred in that short but dark and lonely midnight walk will, probably, never transpire; but it would seem that when they had proceeded about fifty yards and had reached a gloomy part of the road, surrounded by trees and shrubs, PATIS, who would have been walking behind Mr. BOTMA, dealt his unsuspecting companion a blow with a [….] stick on the side of the head, and right across the temple. That one blow probably did the murderous work too well, for a surgical examination of the body favours the supposition that the murderer dealt but one.
Leaving his first victim weltering in his blood, PATIS returned to the house that he had rendered desolate, and having obtained admittance fastened the door on the inside, so that he might be secure] from molestation while completing his fiendish purpose. But, indeed, there was little fear, or rather little hope, that the wretch would be interrupted. No one had been aroused by the fearful crime that had already been perpetuated, and the house was some distance away from any other habitation, so cries of terror and screams for assistance stood little chance of reaching those who might have rendered help. Over the scene that followed we draw a veil. Happily the great mass of humanity revolt and shudder at the enormities of which a few low monsters, themselves bearing the outward semblance of men, can sometimes be guilty. We need only hint that the murderer of the husband was (with the exception of an infant of seventeen months) alone in the house with the wife – a young and comely woman, on whom it seems the wretch had [cast] a longing eye. Resistance was useless, the poor woman was overpowered, and twice did the murderer commit a frightful outrage. He then demanded the money that was in the house, and his trembling victim pointed to the wooden box in which her husband, of whose death she was of course unconscious, kept his cash. PATIS broke open the box and abstracted the money, and then left the house. He still remained close to the door, however, and when the unfortunate woman attempted to fly to the protection of a neighbour, the brute kicked her back. Ultimately she did succeed in getting away, and fled, clasping her infant in her arms, and closely pursued by PATIS, towards the next house. Before she reached it, however, the murderer came up with her, threw her and the infant to the ground, and then inflicted on her two fearful wounds, the one being a cut on the back of the neck, from ear to ear, and the other from the breast to the left ear. Mrs. BOTMA’s arm was also fractured, though whether this was done during the struggle in the house, or when the last deadly attack was made on her, it is, of course, impossible to say. Loss of blood, fright, or exhaustion, or probably all these causes combined, rendered the poor creature insensible, and the murderer, no doubt believing her to be dead, took his departure. Our correspondent informs us that once in the course of that fearful night the sufferer revived, and saw her child playing with its mother’s blood. She was, however, too weak to call for assistance, even if her screams could have been heard, and so in this sad plight she lay till daybreak, her child, dabbled and splashed with blood, crying itself to sleep in the meanwhile. Soon after daybreak, Mrs. BOTMA was discovered by some boys, lying insensible and frightfully mutilated. They at once gave the alarm, and the Rev. Mr. MORREES, the minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, and his lady, promptly rendered all possible assistance. Mrs. BOTMA was removed to her own house, and her infant taken care of, and when the poor woman recovered consciousness, she was interrogated as to the perpetrator of the outrage. She stated that it was PATIS, and a number of persons at once proceeded to Mr. MARAIS’ farm and arrested the ruffian, who had as usual gone quietly about his work. Mrs. BOTMA’s statement was amply corroborated by marks of blood upon the prisoner’s garments. A clasp knife, known to be his property, was found in his victim’s house, and it was stained with blood. PATIS’ pipe was also found on Mr. BOTMA’s premises, and the latter’s money box was found broken open near Mr. MARAIS’ vineyard. It had been rifled of the contents, with the exception of a cheque for £5, and some loose papers. The money had not been discovered when our dispatch was sent off.
Information was at once given to the authorities, and by 8 o’clock the resident magistrate, Mr. MUNNIK, was on the spot, and took the dying woman’s deposition. [Transcriber’s note: two further lengthy paragraphs follow, basically repeating the above, but giving the perpetrator’s full name of Adrian PATIS}
The funeral of the murdered man took place at 3 o’clock in the afternoon of Saturday week. The scene was most painfully affecting, the deceased having been much respected, and his grey-headed father, who was present, being overwhelmed with grief. The Rev. Mr. MORREES preached a touching and impressive service on the occasion.
Between two and three hours after the remains of her husband had been consigned to their last resting place, poor Mrs. BOTMA also breathed her last. Her case was, from the first, hopeless, and considering the accumulated horrors of the fearful night she had gone through, death cannot but be looked upon as in this instance a glad and welcome release from suffering.
The murderer, PATIS, is described as a Mozambique, about 21 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches in height, and of robust appearance. He is now in gaol, and, let us hope, well secured. – Argus
(The unfortunate victims of this fiend’s brutality were respectively 24 and 23 years of age.)

Friday 16 August 1861

IMMIGRATION
In another part of this paper will be found an interesting tabular statement, showing the number of emigrant vessels that have arrived in the Western and Eastern Province, respectively, since the commencement of the scheme in 1858; and also the number of immigrants, and their cost of introduction to this colony – together with other useful information. Since this table was compiled, the “Sedgemoor”, Capt. KETT, has arrived at Table Bay, bringing in addition 250 souls. We regret to observe that the whole of these have not readily met with employment. According to the last accounts, there were still unengaged, at the Immigration Depot in Cape Town, the following immigrants: Agricultural laborers and farm servants, 16; general laborers, 3; house servant (male), 1; blacksmiths, 4; carpenters and joiners, 13; cooper, 1; curriers and leather-dressers, 2; gardeners, 2; sawyer, 1; wheelwrights, 2; Total, 45. This is the more extraordinary, as both Mr. HOPKIRK, and Captain SAMPSON, report that these men are of the very highest character in every respect. Among the agricultural laborers are several of the best possible character, and are very intelligent and well educated besides. As the demand for agricultural laborers and skilled artisans is far from being supplied in this Province, the Immigration Board, at a meeting held here on Tuesday last, resolved upon requesting that these men might be sent round to this port without further delay. They will find work rapidly either in Graham’s Town or the inland districts. The last arrivals in this Province by the “Rajasthan” were speedily engaged; and in a few days the depot was entirely cleared. …
[Transcriber’s note: The table referred to in the first sentence appears on the back page of the newspaper, but consists purely of figures which are too small to read.]

Tuesday 20 August 1861

DIED on the 24th March last, in the Parish Workhouse of St.George’s in the East, at the advanced age of 83, Margaret SHIRLING, mother of the late Capt. SHIRLING, commander of the brig “Packet”. Relations and friends in this colony will please to accept this notice.
Port Elizabeth, August 17th 1861.

SUPREME COURT
Charles DICKENS versus The Eastern Province Herald
DICKENS against the Editor and Proprietors of the Eastern Province Herald for a rule nisi, calling upon the respondents to show cause why they should not be restrained from printing, and publishing in that newspaper, a certain work of fiction called “Great Expectations”, the copyright of which was the property of the applicant.
[Description of proceedings taking up a full column]..
The rule nisi was then granted..

Friday 30 August 1861

BIRTH on the 28th inst, Mrs. Clement FRAMES of a son.

BIRTH at Port Elizabeth on the 29th August, Mrs. P.W. COURT of a daughter.

DIED at Port Elizabeth on Wednesday the 28th inst, Matilda Freeland, beloved wife of George Montague COLE.
Port Elizabeth, 31st August 1861.

Friday 6 September 1861

MARRIED on the 3rd instant at the Residence of the Bride, by the Rev. Mr. Hepburn, Mr. J.S. DYCE to E.B. SYMS, Widow of the late E.F. SYMS, of the Stock Exchange, London.

CHRISTENED on Monday 2nd instant, by the Rev. E.D. Hepburn, of the Wesleyan Mission, the twin children, son and daughter, of M.S. FITZGERALD, Charles Edward and Emily Jane.
Port Elizabeth, Sept. 5 1861.

DIED at Victoria West on the 31st August, Robert Lecky Phelps, youngest son of Henry and A.A. WILLIAMS, aged two years and one month.

DIED at Doorn Kloof, District of Alexandria, on the 1st September 1861, Mr. Samuel EARL, Architect, born July 9 1809 at Leicester, England. His end was peace with God. The remains were interred on the Farm of Mr. NEWCOMBE, Nanaga, on the 3rd instant.
Port Elizabeth, 6th Sept. 1861.

Tuesday 10 September 1861

DIED of Croup at Vygen Kraal, Great Winter Hoek, on the morning of the 21st August 1861, Martha Elizabeth, aged 2 years 10 months and 17 days; and on the morning of the 22nd August, Donald Henry, aged 5 years and 11 days, son and daughter of J.D. GRAHAM Esq, of that place, greatly lamented by their parents.
Vygen Kraal, Great Winter Hoek
22nd August 1861.

Tuesday 17 September 1861

The Phoenix Hotel, at this place, has been taken over by M. BERRY, late of Cathcart Vale.

George Townshend KEMP Esq. has been elected a director of the Port Elizabeth Boating Company in the room of J.W. KEMP Esq., who has resigned, and left the colony for a sojourn in the old country.

Friday 20 September 1861

NOTICE
I hereby give notice that I do not hold myself responsible for any debts my wife, Rebecca ADCOCK, may contract after this date.
Thomas ADCOCK
September 19 1861

BIRTH this morning, the wife of T. Melville DE TOIT Esq. J.P. of a son.

DIED at Devonport Street West, London, on the 8th July last, the beloved wife of Joseph SIMPSON Esq, of the firm of Thomson, Watson, Simpson & Co.

DIED at Beaufort West on the 20th ult, of diphtheria, the beloved infant son of L.C. ANDERSON, aged 9 months.

DIED on the 1st inst, L.C. ANDERSON, General Agent, of thee above disease, aged 29 years, deeply lamented by his surviving widow and relatives, and by an extensive circle of acquaintances.

DIED on the 16th inst, the beloved daughter of the late L.C. ANDERSON, of the same epidemic, aged 2 years.
Beaufort, 16th September1861.

Tuesday 24 September 1861

I, Joseph SONGA, hereby give notice that I am not responsible for any debt or debts contracted by my wife (Ann Maria de SONGA) from this date.
Port Elizabeth
23rd September 1861.

The “Coldstream”, Capt. W.Q. KENNEDY, with emigrants, left Southampton 15th July. She is therefore 74 days out, and may be hourly expected. On her arrival we shall publish the names of the emigrants with their trades, callings &c.

MARRIED at Port Elizabeth by the Rev. Edw. Pickering BA, Colonial Chaplain, on Saturday the 21st instant, Francis SKEAD, Master Royal Navy, to Laura, second daughter of Rice SMITH Esq, of Cradock Villa.