32 
REASONS FOR LEAVING CLARENCE. 
timbers for the purpose of getting the copper bolts, 
to assist in building a schooner which had been a long 
while on the stocks, with but little chance of ever being 
finished, as the workmen were very unwilling to take 
employment. 
October '1th . — The ‘ Ethiope ’ sailed for the mouth 
of the Niger, with the intention of proceeding up the 
river until the ‘ Albert’ coidd be met with. 
On the 9th, the ‘ Soudan’ being ready, sailed for 
N.W. Bay, in this island, in order to hire some 
Krumen, previously to going to the Niger, according to 
Captain Trotter’s directions. 
By the evening the preparations of the ‘ Wilber- 
force ’ were completed, having been materially for- 
warded by the assistance of the officers and crew of 
H.M.S.V. ‘Pluto.’ The necessity for going to sea was 
very much increased by the circumstance of the first 
and only remaining engineer Mr. Johnston, being at last 
taken ill with fever, owing in a great measure, to his 
constant exertions. Another strong reason for getting 
away from this place was the unfortunate facility 
which the convalescents had in procuring rum of the 
very worst description, which caused many a relapse. 
No exhortations could deter them, and we had not 
means to prevent it. 
In consequence of our weak state, there being no 
officers to assist the captain, he thought it necessary 
to take the ‘ Pluto ’ under his orders, to accompany 
the ‘ Wilberforce’ as far as might be required. 
