DEATH OF MRS. LIVINGSTONE. 407 



within their territory as would make it impossible for the 

 expedition to pursue their work at all peacefully, and their at- 

 tention was again turned to the Rovuma, and they landed at 

 Shupanga, with a view of perfecting such preparation as the ex- 

 ploration of that river might call for. The fever was prevailing 

 considerably at the time, and about the middle of April Mrs. 

 Livingstone was prostrated by this disease; and it was accom- 

 panied by obstinate vomiting. Nothing is yet known that can 

 allay this distressing symptom, which of course renders medicine 

 of no avail, as it is instantly rejected. She received whatever 

 medical aid could be rendered from Dr. Kirk, but became un- 

 conscious, and her eyes were closed in the sleep of death as the 

 sun set on the evening of the Christian Sabbath, the 27th of 

 April, 1862. A coffin was made during the night, a grave was 

 dug next day under the branches of the great baobab tree, and 

 with sympathizing hearts the little band of his countrymen as- 

 sisted the bereaved husband in burying his dead. At his re- 

 quest, the Rev. James Stewart, who had come out as the agent 

 of the Free Church of Scotland to view the country before at- 

 tempting a mission, read the burial service; and the seamen 

 kindly volunteered to mount guard for some nights at the spot 

 where her body rests in hope. Those who are not aware how 

 this brave, good, English wife made a delightful home at Kolo- 

 beng, a thousand miles inland from the Cape, and as the daughter 

 of Moffat and a Christian lady exercised most beneficial influ- 

 ence over the rude tribes of the interior, may wonder that she 

 should have braved the dangers and toils of this down-trodden 

 land. She knew them all, and, in the disinterested and dutiful 

 attempt to renew her labors, was called to her rest instead. 



The expedition had worked under many disadvantages, and 

 in the face of difficulties which would have discouraged less 

 resolute men. They had been generously treated by their 

 government, but unfortunately their first boat was a burlesque 

 on the name, and the " Pioneer " was unadapted to the waters 

 on which she was to sail. Besides the delays and embarrass- 

 ments growing out of their equipment, the Portuguese jealousy 

 found expression in many discouragements, and the vigorous 

 revival of the slave-trade more than neutralized their influence 

 on the natives over whom its degrading influence extended. 



