5 April 1820 A hundred men of the Cape Regiment left the Mission for the Kowie River. 25 April 1820 A convoy of ninety-six wagons, hired from Dutch farmers, came over Bushman's River at Jager's Drift, passed Theopolis Mission, and outspanned at Reed River Post. They carried the baggage of some four hundred settlers walking beside them, together with rations, tents to be employed until dwellings could be erected, and other gear. In charge was Col. Jacob CUYLER, accompanied by Johan KNOEBEL. These settlers comprised a number of parties, which had been recruited separately in the United Kingdom, each party under an appointed leader who was responsible for it. They had disembarked at Fort Frederick out of the first of over twenty transporters which were to arrive there. The party at the head of this column was one of over two hundred from London under Lt. John BAILIE, R.N., placed in the lead as it was to be the first to unload on its appointed location. The parties had undergone change enrolment, in numbers and in composition. Some of those listed had failed to embark for various reasons, some previously unlisted persons had taken up vacancies, people had died at sea, and children had been born and, after disembarkation, others had left their Party, losing their rights as settlers, and had failed to travel to the Settlement at all. Other parties travelling were those under Lt. Charles CRAUSE, R.N., Thomas OWEN, John MANDY, Thomas ROWLES and George SCOTT. More to follow. SOURCE: The Lower Albany Chronicle Part One 1806-1825 compiled by E. MORSE JONES Best wishes Becky