Soudan’s passage. 
21 
At this time, nearly all the white men, and even 
some of the coloured West-Indians, were laid down 
with fever, leaving only Mr. Sidney and four men 
able to move about, and do duty; of this number 
fortunately two were stokers, who had some little 
knowledge of the management of the engines. Every 
place on deck and below was crowded with sick, either 
worn out and exhausted by the continuance of fever, 
or in the more active and excited stages. 
In the commander’s small cabin were two officers. 
Lieutenant Ellis and Mr. Marshall; in the gun-room 
Lieutenant Harston and Mr. Waters, clerk-in-charge; 
forward were two engineers in their cabins, and Mr. 
Belam, master, in the small midshipman’s berth ; while 
the foremost compartment and decks were hung over 
with the cots and hammocks of the sufferers ; the latter 
under proper awnings, but so thickly stowed that 
when administering remedies and food, it was neces- 
sary to pass or step from one over the other. Lieu- 
tenant Fishbourne pushed the little steamer onwards, 
and with a current in her favour, rapidly descended 
the river. 
All the fair scenery which on the upward course 
had been gazed on with so much pleasure and enthu- 
siasm was now passed unheeded, the pressing wants 
of the sick demanded the every attention and diligence 
of- both medical officers. Lieutenant Fishbourne’s 
duties requiring him to be constantly and anxiously 
engaged in directing the course of the vessel. 
