26 April 1820 The convoy moved to the Kowie River and the wagons entered the river at the drift. In the passage, Francis, son of Francis STANLEY of Owens' Party, was drowned, the only fatality in what was frequently a hazardous crossing. The length of the convoy resulted in many wagons not enjoying the period of lowest ebb. It then moved on round the head of the next small stream, Rufane River, to prepare for the crossing of the George River at the drift above the tide mark. 30 April 1820 Having crossed the George River at the drift, and passed round the blind mouths of the Lynedoch and Wellington Rivers, Col. Jacob CUYLER's convoy outspanned a mile from the left bank of the Wellington and four miles from the shore, near the site of Cuylerville Church. Here Bailie's Party reached its location after a journey of thirteen days and about 130 miles from Fort Frederick [Port Elizabeth]. Lt. John BAILIE had been allowed to choose this location, which lay near the mouth of the Fish River, where he hoped to be able to investigate the possibility of establish a port. This party's baggage was unloaded and tents were pitched. There were enough of these for one to be shared between women and children of several families until private shelters could be erected. On the east of this location, across the Fish River, were the Xhosa people with whom the Colony had been at war only some seven months earlier. A measure of protection for the Settlement was afforded by patrols along the Fish River Valley, which were being made by men of the Royal African Corps, stationed at Kaffir Drift Post. The population of the Mission at this time was seventeen Europeans, 186 Gonaquas and 120 other Africans. Conclusion of April 1820 entries. SOURCE: The Lower Albany Chronicle Part One 1806-1825 compiled by E. MORSE JONES Best wishes Becky