Excerpt from The British Empire in the Nineteenth Century, Vol. 5: Its Progress and Expansion at Home and Abroad; Comprising a Description and History of the British Colonies and Dependencies

Diaz, and the landing of Vasco da Gama, in November, 1487, at St. Helena Bay (120 miles north of the Cape), which he quitted within a few days after a skirmish with natives whom he describes as small in stature, clothed in the skins of animals, and armed with weapons formed of wood hardened in fire and pointed with horn. Thenceforward, different harbours on the south African coast were frequently Visited by Portuguese fleets bound to or from the East. In 1503, Antonio de Saldanha, on his way to India, anchored in Table Bay, and ascended the flat-topped mountain to which he gave its name. Seven years later, Francisco d'almeida, first Governor and Viceroy of the Portuguese possessions in India, landed in Table Bay on his return to Europe, and was killed, with many of his men, in a conflict with the natives. In 1522, the Bay was entered by the Vittoria, the first ship that ever sailed round the world, commanded by Sebastian del Cano, whose vessel alone returned to Europe after completing the voyage begun by a squad ron Of five under Magellan (magalhaens). The first account of the Cape written in English by an actual Observer was that of Thomas Stevens, a priest in the service of Portugal, wrecked near Table Bay, in 1579, on his way to Goa. In the following year, on June i8th, Francis Drake, returning home on the first British circum navigation of the world, Sighted the headland, which he describes as a most stately thing, and the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth. In 1591, the first expedition that left England for the East Indies sailed from Plymouth in three ships under the command of Admiral George Raymond, and put into Table Bay at the end of July. Only one Of these first English vessels that ever reached the South African coast arrived at her final destination. The Mere/2am Royal, in August, was sent back as too short-handed for a continuance Of her voyage. The Penelope, with Raymond on board, foundered at sea on September i2th, four days after leaving Table Bay. The Ea'wara' Bonaventure, com manded by Captain James Lancaster, made her way to India. This notable navigator and merchant-prince afterwards became one of the twenty-four first directors of the East India Company, and General of the first fleet sent out, with John Davis as chief pilot.

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