Chap. XX. DEATH OF MRS. LIVINGSTONE. 417 







before he met the slave-hunters, as any man in England. 

 In the course he pursued he may have made a mistake, 

 but it is a mistake which very few Englishmen on meeting 

 bands of helpless captives, or members of his family in bonds, 

 would have failed to commit likewise. 



During unhealthy April, the fever was more severe in 

 Shupanga and Mazaro than usual. We had several cases 

 on board — they were quickly cured, but, from our being in 

 the Delta, as quickly returned. About the middle of the 

 month Mrs. Livingstone was prostrated by this disease ; and 

 it was accompanied 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 unconscious, and her eyes were closed 

 in the sleep of death as the sun set on the evening of 

 the Christian Sabbath, the 27th 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 sym- 

 pathizing hearts the little band of his countrymen 

 assisted the bereaved husband in burying his dead. At 

 his request, the Rev. James Stewart 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 Kolobeng, a thousand miles inland from 

 the Cape, and as the daughter of Moffat and a Christian lady 

 exercised most beneficial influence 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 labours, was called to her rest instead. " Fiat, 

 Domine, voluntas tua ! " 



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