DISCONTENT OF THE SOLDIERS. 503 



and other things which would be lost should really not be 

 considered. 



But it is possible that the dispute now existing may be 

 settled in a very simple manner. I heard by the last post 

 that some soldiers, natives of Makraka, have taken their rifles 

 and gone away, under the pretence that their rations were 

 not sufficient. Such examples are infectious, and as more 

 than half of our soldiers are natives of the same place, I 

 should not wonder if a large part of them follow those who 

 have already gone. Indeed, as a strong party among the 

 officers in Lado, including some who are natives of these dis- 

 tricts, have long been pleading in favour of a retreat to Mak- 

 raka, I should not be at all surprised to hear some day that 

 they had put their heads together and all marched off to 

 Makraka without informing me of their intention. Certainly 

 a struggle would then take place, for I believe that a large 

 number of the older corporals, who are personally attached to 

 me, would not follow without compulsion, and the collision 

 caused by this circumstance might lead to serious results. 

 However that may be, everything must shortly be decided, 

 and should I live I will not fail to send you further reports. 

 At present my aim is to make you acquainted with the situa- 

 tion, even at the risk of wearying you with all my words. So 

 pray excuse and pardon me for taking up your valuable time. 



7. Letters to Dr. K. W. Felkin. 



PROSPECTS OP RELIEF — SUPPRESSION OP THE SLAVE-TRADE — DISCOVERY 

 OP THE DU]ERU RIVER — FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH. 



Wadelat, July 22, 1! 



I AM still waiting and hoping for help, and that from Eng- 

 land, whose philanthropic spirit will, I hope, keep her true to 

 her ancient traditions, notwithstanding the rise and fall of 

 Governments. I still believe that, whether Liberals or Con- 

 servatives are at the helm, the immense importance of aiding 



