172 
THE EEV. TH". MULLEE. 
July, especially as the ‘Albert’s’ crew not being in a 
state of health to accompany us, it would be necessary 
to refit the ‘Soudan,’ which vessel was lying at 
Fernando Po. Fortunately in the ‘Wilherforce’ there 
were sufficient — with the assistance of some officers ''' 
who volunteered for a renewal of the service to man 
both vessels. Captain Allen therefore resolved on 
hastening the departure for the coast of Africa, to be 
there guided by circumstances. 
February iWi . — Dispatches were sent to the 
Colonial Office and to the Admiralty, announcing 
these determinations. They were entrusted to Lieu- 
tenant Toby, of FI.M.S. ‘Wilherforce,’ whose consti- 
tution had been so shaken by the fever of the Niger, 
that it was necessary for him to be invalided. 
The Reverend Theodore Muller also having ex- 
pressed his conviction that his health would not allow 
him again to risk the climate of the Niger, applied 
for permission to go to England. He left us with 
three hearty cheers from the ship’s company, to whom 
as well as to the officers, he had endeared himself by 
the amiability of his character, his truly Christian 
demeanour, and the zealous hut unaffected piety 
with which he discharged the duties of his holy 
calling. 
Before leaving Ascension, some of the officers made 
* Lieutenant Ellis, who was appointed by Captain Allen to com- 
mand the * Soudan/ Lieutenant Webb, and Messrs. Sidney and Fair- 
holme, Mates; and T. R. H, Thomson, Surgeon of ^ Soudan.’ 
