PROCEEDINGS ABOVE THE CONFLUENCE. 79 
would have shewn them how easy it is to write “ hard 
things” at a comfortable English fireside, it is impos- 
sible, without being absolutely engaged in the trying 
circumstances themselves, to estimate the character or 
exertions of those they criticise. The interesting 
journal of Dr. Me William, from which he has kindly 
given us the following abstract, will further corro- 
borate these remarks. 
Notes of Proceedings on hoard Her Majesty’s steam- 
vessel ‘Albert,’ after departure of the‘Wilber- 
force,’ by Dr. Me William. 
“September 21st. — Early this morning the ‘Wilber- 
force’ steamed down the river, while we at the same 
time proceeded on the voyage up the Niger. Fish- 
bourne, my messmate for six years, in various ships, 
having been appointed to the temporary command of 
the ‘Soudan:’ Mr. Muller, the chaplain, having for the 
time, exchanged duties with Mr. Schdn: and Mr. 
Bowden, purser, and Mr. Harvey, master, having 
gone on board the ‘ Wilberforce’ sick ; there remain, 
of those who left England, in the gun-room, only Dr. 
Stanger and myself. Every part of the ship, indeed, 
shows a sad reduction of both officers and men ; but 
we are all full of hope, and resolved, if possible, to 
reach Rabbah. Above the confluence, the land be- 
comes more rounded and undulating, and the river 
more winding in its course. Several small villages 
