 In 1811, the Xhosa occupied the area, and flashpoint conflicts with the settlers followed.A mixed force under Colonel John Graham that included British soldiers drove the Xhosa back beyond the Fish River in an effort that the first Governor of the Cape Colony, Lt-General John Cradock, characterized as involving no more bloodshed "than was necessary to impress on the minds of these savages a proper degree of terror and respect".About four thousand British immigrants subsequently (after the fifth war) settled on the Fish River.