Chapter six: The hungry months 1 April 1857 - 28 July 1857

Chapter Six of Robert John Mullins' journal, covering April to July 1857, details his life at St. John's, Bolotwa, during the peak of the Cattle-Killing Famine among the Xhosa and Thembu. The period is marked by widespread hunger, continued missionary effort, logistical challenges, and the palpable tension between the non-believing Xhosa who were starving and those (like Chief Dahralla) who had begun to adapt. Mullins' primary focus shifted to administrative work and famine relief, often intertwined with his missionary duties: Relief Work: The mission station, particularly St. Mark's (Mr Waters' station), became a centre for relief. Mullins was heavily involved in managing the distribution of corn/mealies (maize) and paying large numbers of men (up to 70 at a time) in money or corn for labour, frequently running out of cash. This relief effort involved buying goods from Krili's former store. Hunger and Stealing: The famine was "very bad." Mullins recorded that Xhosa were "trecking" (moving) out, often completely destitute, and theft was rampant. Faku's men went on patrol after stolen cattle and found the thieves "quietly eating the slaughtered animal." Logistics and Travel: Mullins made frequent trips to Queenstown for administrative tasks, including getting change and managing accounts. He described long, cold, and damp rides. He also travelled his circuit to Yoliswa's, Riba's, and Faku's kraals, often facing difficulty securing horses and struggling with bad drifts. Mullins continued his efforts to teach, finding a mixed response due to the famine: Attendance: School attendance was volatile, particularly at outstations like Yoliswa's, where children were often away "getting food" or guarding cattle from thieves. Mullins noted that the lack of food was a "great hindrance." Progress: Despite the challenges, Mullins saw success. His total number of students increased to 328 during the month. He found that a Hottentot helper, Willy, was a "very great assistance" in teaching the alphabet, allowing Mullins to focus on higher subjects like Greek, Latin, and Cicero. Resistance to Education: A headman named Mieko flatly refused to allow his children to attend school, stating he was "a man of few words, my children shall never come." He based his refusal on a past grievance where he claimed his possessions were taken by a mission station during the "war of the axe." The effects of the Cattle-Killing (known as "The hungry months") created social and political volatility: Chief Dahralla: Dahralla, who had started ploughing (unlike most believers), was experiencing internal conflict. His people had 10 head of their followers' cattle stolen and killed, and he vowed to seize the thieves' horses for compensation. Dahralla also believed the Xhosa were planning to "kill again". Hottentot Adaptation: Mullins was "surprised and grieved" to find the Hottentots at the mission, who called themselves Christians, joining the Xhosa in their disgusting dances on skins. He threatened to expel his helper, Poppy, if she participated again. Hope for Peace: Mullins concluded the chapter with cautious optimism, hoping that "war has been averted" and that "peace and plenty smile," though he still felt the need for more labourers, noting the "harvest is very plenteous" for the "3 poor labourers."