BAHAII EBPUGEBS. 
351 
great portion of the stores and proTisions were removed, 
in which operation they were aided very much by the 
Bahah refugees, some of whom came down in the 
schooner from the Model Farm, where they had sought 
protection during the late wars. In the afternoon, 
another attempt was made to heave off, which failing, 
the vessel was secured for the night. Early on the 
following morning, the remainder of the stores were 
put on board the schooner, when the purchase was 
again tried, and the vessel moved a little; it was 
necessary, however, to throw overboard six tons of 
coals, to lighten her still further, and in the evening 
she was made fast for the night. A heavy squall 
broke over them about midnight, but was not produc- 
tive of any injury to the vessel as she then lay. 
The baling and pumping were resumed through the 
night, and on the 1 7th, she was with some difficulty 
hove off. Taking the ‘Amelia’ in tow, they proceeded 
at full steam towards the Confluence. 
When the enervating nature of the climate consi- 
dered, it is truly surprising that this little band of Euro- 
peans could have endured, as they did, the continuous 
labour required under such trying circumstances. Had 
their commander been a less firm or enterprising cha- 
racter, perhaps the ‘Wilberforce’ would have remained 
in the river, to supply the natives with malleable iron 
for their spears and swords ; but knowing the dangers 
that awaited him when he entered on the mission, he 
was prepared to undergo anything rather than not 
