Explorer, hunter, magistrate and Cape emissary to South West Africa
The journals describe his missions to Namaqualand and Damaraland to ascertain mining potential and possible incorporation into the Cape. As a result of his recommendations Walvis Bay and the surrounding territory was annexed but he was unsuccessful in Great Namaqualand.
Volume 1 contains the original diary from 11 Apr.-20 Dec. 1876 (269p.) and photocopies of the diary kept by his secretary from 5 Dec. 1876-24 Apr. 1877 (125p.)
Volume 2 contains the original diary from 29 July 1878-20 Jan. 1879 (198p.) and photocopies of the diary from 10 Jan.-2 Aug. 1880 (145p.).
Part of the journals was published as Report of W.C. Palgrave, Esq., Special Commissioner to the tribes north of the Orange River, Cape Town, 1877.