360 CONSULTATION OF THE COMMISSIONERS. 
all such invalids as the surgeon might think it desirable 
to remove. 
H.M.S.V. ‘ Soudan’ was therefore prepared hastily 
for this service ; and, as the sendees of Commander B. 
Allen, as Commissioner, could not be dispensed with, 
Mr. Fishbourne, then first-lieutenant of the ‘Albert,’ 
now commander,was appointed to take temporary charge 
of that vessel. 
A meeting of the Commissioners was held, at which 
Captain Trotter informed them of the determination he 
had come to in this respect, as naval Commander of 
the Expedition, with whom such power and responsibility 
necessarily rested. Commander W. Allen and Mr. Cook 
thought that the reduced state of the Expedition, ren- 
dered it advisable for all the vessels to return to the sea. 
Mr. Commissioner Cook said, that if he were to consult 
his own feelings, he would say, decidedly, proceed ; but 
from the observations which had been made, he was of 
opinion, that to ascend the river now, would paralyze 
future exertions, and prevent ultimate success ; but that, 
if we were to withdraw, we should be able to come up 
again with renovated health. Commander W. Allen 
stated he wished to place his opinion on record, as the 
river would now begin to fall, and the most unhealthy 
season would commence, he thought it his duty to 
suggest that, considering the weakened state of the 
Expedition, and tfie increasing sickness, the decision of 
the Commissioners at their former sitting, namely, to 
proceed up both rivers, should not be abided by, but that 
all the steam-vessels should leave the river. 
