The colony was then given up to the Dutch, and remained with them until the year 1806, when it was finally annexed to the British empire.

The Dutch had not learned wisdom from what had occurred; they treated the Hottentots worse than before, maiming them and even murdering them in their resentment, and appeared to defy the British government; but a change was soon to take place." "Not before it was necessary, at all events," said Alexander.
"It was by the missionaries chiefly that this change was brought about; they had penetrated into the interior, and saw with their own eyes the system of cruelty and rapine that was carried on; they wrote home accounts, which were credited, and which produced a great alteration.

To the astonishment and indignation of the boors, law was introduced where it had always been set at defiance; they were told that the life of a Hottentot was as important in the eye of God, and in the eye of the law, as that of a Dutch boor, and that the government would hold it as such.
Thus was the first blow struck; but another and a heavier was soon to fall upon those who had so long sported with the lives of their fellow-creatures.

The press was called to the aid of the Hottentot, and a work published by a missionary roused the attention of the public at home to their situation.

Their cause was pleaded in the House of Commons, and the Hottentot was emancipated forever." "Thank God!" exclaimed Alexander; "my blood has been boiling at the description which you have been giving.