Chapter two: Landfalls 29 September 1854 - 26 October 1854

hapter Two of Robert John Mullins' diary details his arrival in the Cape Colony after a 70-day voyage and his subsequent journey from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, the main port of his new diocese. The entries span September 29 to October 26, 1854, capturing his initial impressions of Southern Africa and his first interactions with the colonial and mission communities. On September 29, 1854, Mullins sighted the distinctive landmarks of the Lion's Head and Table Mountain, finding the view "exceedingly refreshing" after weeks at sea. The anchor dropped in Table Bay, marking the end of his journey on the Cossipore. He noted the presence of the fast-sailing Sutlej and the fear of smallpox. The Bishop of Cape Town, Robert Gray, generously hosted Mullins and his fellow passengers at his residence, Protea, seven miles from the city. Mullins' first drive ashore provided immediate culture shock: a comical but frustrating struggle with Malay boatmen (whom he incorrectly calls "Mahommetans" and "natives of Borneo") carrying luggage, followed by his coach getting stuck in the mud in Claremont. His impressions of the landscape were highly positive, noting the abundance of familiar English-like gardens, beautiful oak trees, and the sight of arum lilies and geraniums growing "like so many weeds." During his stay at Protea, Mullins met Mrs. Gray (Sophie Gray), whom he admired as a "very clever architect" and secretary, and the sons of two Archdeacons. He spent time writing letters, reading, and exploring, and witnessed the Bishop's "black school," where the Lord's Prayer and Creed were taught in Dutch to people, including a Malay woman. Mullins recorded meeting Mrs Seyolo, a wife of the Xhosa chief Siyolo, who was imprisoned at Wynberg, highlighting the immediate political context of his new environment. On October 3rd, Mullins visited Cape Town, which he found "very ugly," to transfer his luggage to the Natal steamer. On Saturday, October 7th, Mullins departed Cape Town on the screw steamer Natal for Algoa Bay (Port Elizabeth). He was tasked with overseeing the luggage, acquiring the nickname "superintendent general," and even caring for the Bishop's children due to the nurses' seasickness. During the voyage, he befriended a Member of the Legislative Council, W.S.G. Meterlerkamp, and heard "interesting information concerning the Kaffirs" from another MP, C.L. Stretch. The Natal arrived in Algoa Bay early on October 11th, the day Mullins officially entered his new Diocese of Grahamstown. He was met by clergy and the church warden, Joseph Graham. Landing was achieved by Fingoes carrying passengers ashore through the surf, an amusing spectacle of "singing, whistling and whooping like so many savages." Mullins and his companions were hosted by Mr. John Owen Smith, a wealthy, hospitable Wesleyan merchant, marking Mullins' integration into the social and commercial life of Port Elizabeth and the beginning of his missionary career.