Chapter seven: Founding a new station 29 July 1857 - 31 December 1857

Chapter Seven, covering the latter half of 1857, details the establishment of a new mission station, St. Peter's Mission, Gwtyu, by R.J. Mullins. This period is dominated by logistical challenges, the effects of continued violence following the Cattle-Killing, and Mullins' involvement in a dangerous patrol. Mullins, assisted by fellow University man Mr Hutt (and later by Turpin), focused on founding a permanent mission, moving from the overcrowded St. John's station: · Site Selection: A suitable site was chosen near a waterfall on the river. The aim was to build new huts for the missionaries and to isolate the children from their culture, much like at St. Mark's. · Logistics and Loneliness: Mullins experienced the "loneliness, distress, and work altogether" of setting up. He had to board Turpin at a high rate (£50 per annum) and faced high costs for provisions due to the lack of a wagon. He spent time marking out hut sites, clearing ground, and supervising men (like Klass) cutting wattles and poles. · Interpersonal Strain: Mullins felt Mr Waters (his superior at St. Mark's) was becoming "much more distant" and "very suspicious." He also noted a "row" between "Lady Prin[cipaless]" (Mrs Waters) and Turpin over a borrowed horse. The latter part of August was dominated by the military action against the Gcaleka chief Fadana, who had been attacking Thembu people allied with the Colony (like Dahralla). · Local Warfare: News arrived of fighting near Bolotwa, resulting in 5 of Dahralla's men being killed by Fadana's forces, who had "cleared out nearly every kraal." The conflict was so close that Mullins and Hutt were ready with their guns. Dahralla was forced to move for refuge. · The Patrol: On August 25th, heavy firing was heard, indicating a colonial patrol led by Walter Currie was punishing Fadana. Mullins, along with Gordon and Reynolds, volunteered to ride with the patrol. · Scene of Desolation: Crossing the Indwe and Kei rivers, the party entered a scene of "desolation"—all the huts were burnt, and the smoke went up like the smoke of a furnace. They found only an old woman and dogs in the ruins, suggesting many had perished from the cold. · Narrow Escape: While riding back, Mullins and the others were ambushed by a large party of Galekas (or armed natives). After the first shot was fired, they managed to negotiate their way out, with Mullins thanking God for a "wonderful escape," estimating the hostile party to be about 80 men. His horse, Stallmaster/Doleraine, performed well despite the heavy weight of Mullins and his saturated garments. The patrol had a lasting impact on Mullins: · Fires and Persecution: The fires in Fadana's country continued, and Chief Quesha wandered about fearing the impi (armed group), with his family following. Riba and Vezi attempted to drive Quesha out of the area. · Accidental Shooting: Mullins had a second, non-combat-related near-death experience when he attempted to fire a gun to check if it was wet. The gun's cock and nipple broke off, striking him on the nose and sending the ball "whistling across the valley," rendering one barrel useless. · Waning Famine: Despite the violence, he was pleased to see people, including Yoliswa, "busy ploughing" in their gardens, suggesting the agricultural cycle was restarting after the height of the Famine. He also recorded a slight increase in school attendance.