The Latham-Diary

Read here about the diary of Jane Latham (nee Dixon), daughter of one of my forebears, Benjamin Dixon, my mother, Dinah Dixon's great-great-grandfather - she was thus the 5th generation. The diary is about their "great trek" to Walvisbay in Southwest-Africa (Namibia). Their trek with ox wagons took place between 1843 and 1844. Roaming between Walvisbay and the Cape continued until about 1861. What a wonderful privilege to know what happened in the lives of my forebears, 170 years ago!
[21] Mr. Lawton : the third partner with Dixon and Morris who got the contract from the British Government to supply meat to the garrison on St. Helena which remained there after Napoleon died in 1821.
[22] Windhoek.
[23] Approximately February/March 1844.
[24] Tom.
[25] Jonker Afrikaner had requested traders to come and open up the country, so he assisted in road-making.
[26] Kuiseb River.
[27] Colquhoun now Rössing.
[28] June 1844.
[29] Rebecca or “Becky”.
[30] Dixon.
[31] June 1844.
[32] Swakop River.
[33] Kudu
Extract from “Lake Ngami” by Charles John Andersson – page 15 : “This lagoon teems with various kinds of fish; and, at low water, many, that have lingered behind, are left sprawling helplessly in the mud. At such times, the natives are frequently seen approaching; and, with a gemsbok’s horn, affixed to a slender stick, they transfix their finny prey at leisure”.
[34] Expecting !?



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