LAST MISSION TO AFRICA. 
87 
that the sentry cut at one of them with his sword, but did 
not dare to fire for fear of killing the asses. Neglected to 
wind up the watch. 
July 3d. — Departed from Koeena, and halted during the 
heat of the day at Koombandi, distant six miles. Here ' 
the guides that I had hired from Kandy, were to return ; 
and I had agreed with them to carry back M'Millan's 
knapsack, and some amber and beads to purchase provi- 
sions for him ; but three people came up to us with two 
asses for sale, and they informed me that they left Sanjee- 
kotta early in the morning ; that the soldier who was left 
there, had died during the night, and the natives had buried 
him in a corn field near the town. Purchased the asses in 
order to carry forwards the sick. 
About three o'clock left Koombandi. Mr. Anderson 
and Mr. Scott were so sick, that they wished to remain 
here for the niglit : with much entreating, persuaded them 
to mount their horses and go on. Three miles east of the 
village, William Alston, one of the seamen whom I received 
from His Majesty's ship Squirrel, became so faint that 
he fell from his ass, and allowed the ass to run away. Set 
him on my horse, but found he could not sit without 
holding bim. Replaced him on the ass, but he still tum- 
bled off : put him again on the horse, and made one man 
keep him upright, while I led the horse. But as he made 
