LETTER FROM DR. LA WS. 817 



of the party enjoyed good health. Now three have a slight touch of fever, 

 but no doubt they will soon get over it. Under God's blessing we shall, I 

 trust, steam into Nyassa in about fourteen days. Hitherto your mission has 

 met with great success, considering the many difficulties we had to contend 

 with. 



" The Zambesi men whom I brought with me are now eager to return 

 to-night, so I am obliged to send this hurried report. There are no natives 

 hereabouts, but the Lower Shire is now thickly inhabited for forty miles, 

 and all eager to be taught. They love and reverence the very name of the 

 English. We have received no letters or news from England since leaving 

 Algoa Bay, but are endeavouring to get natives from the Zambesi to bring 

 up despatches as soon as they arrive. The expense will be trifling. There 

 is no war, or even a rumour of war, in the country, as far as we have been 

 able to learn. Everything appears peaceful and quiet. Unfortunately we 

 have no natives here to assist us up, so must get on as quickly as possible 

 ourselves. As I have walked over a difficult part to-day, I am sure you will 

 excuse my writing more this time. I will endeavour to report again as 

 quickly as possible. The native carriers cannot be persuaded to stop any 

 longer." 



LETTER FROM REV. DR. LAWS. 



" Cape Maclear, Lake Nyassa, 19th October, 1875. 



"Another stage of our journey has been reached, and for the time being, 

 I suppose I may say Livingstonia is begun, though at present a piece of can- 

 vass stretched between two trees, forming a sort of tent, is all that stands for 

 the future city of that name. I do not say that it will be on this particular 

 spot, or any other within thirty miles of it, but, till this rainy season is over, 

 this is fixed on as our place of abode. I am glad to say that only one more of 

 our party had fever — Baker, our seaman. And since the recovery of the 

 others, good health has been the order of the day. Several days I felt feeble 

 enough, and my companions said I looked pale enough, as also did Mr. Young 

 and Mr. Johnstone ; but the work had to be done, and we stuck to it. We 

 did not get all the rivetting done that was intended, because it would have 

 taken so much time, and kept us so long amid the horrid marsh ; but the 

 keel we rivetted from stem to stern, and the plates below the engine- 

 room. 



" On Wednesday, 6th October, the 'Ilala' was launched once more, aftei 

 her name had been well painted on her bows. ' God speed you !' said Mr. 

 Young, and a hearty Amen was echoed by the whole of us. On the morning 

 d4 



