THE SAD STORY OF THE REAR COLUMN.
Tippu-Tib--Major E. M. Barttelot--Mr. J. S. Jameson--Mr. Herbert
Ward--Messrs. Troup and Bonny--Major Barttelot's Report on the
doings of the rear column--Conversation with Mr. Bonny--Major
Barttelot's letter to Mr. Bonny--Facts gleaned from the written
narrative of Mr. Wm. Bonny--Mr. Ward detained at Bangala--Repeated
visits of the Major to Stanley Falls--Murder of Major
Barttelot--Bonny's account of the murder--The assassin Sanga is
punished--Jameson dies of fever at Bangala Station--Meeting of the
advance and rear columns--Dreadful state of the camp--Tippu-Tib and
Major Barttelot--Mr. Jameson--Mr. Herbert Ward's report.
The principal characters of the following narrative are:--
First. Tippu-Tib, _alias_ Sheikh Hamed bin Mohammed, a man who is a
native of the East Coast of Africa, of Arab descent. He has thousands of
men under his command. He is a renowned slave trader, with a passion for
extending his conquests and traffic in ivory and slaves, who, while
meditating war against an infant State lately created in Africa, is
persuaded to agree to a peace pact, to confine his destructive raids
within certain limits, and, finally, to lend the services of 600 carriers
to our Expedition, which is destined for the rescue of a worthy Governor
beleaguered by many enemies at the north end of the Albert Nyanza.
While exhibiting the utmost goodwill, ungrudging hospitality, and
exercising numerous small kindnesses to the officers of the Expedition,
he contrives to delay performing the terms of his solemn contract, and
months are wasted before he moves to take the necessary steps for
accomplishing his duties. Finally, as the officers provoke him by
constant and persistent entreaties, he makes a journey of over 700
miles, collects the carriers, and after eleven months' systematic delay,
surrenders them to his white friends. But a few weeks later a catastrophe
occurs: one of the headmen of these carriers, named Sanga, points his
musket at the principal European officer in charge, and shoots him dead.
[Illustration: MAJOR BARTTELOT.]
Second, is Major Edmund Musgrave Barttelot, a generous, frank, and
chivalrous young English officer, distinguished in Afghanistan and on the
Soudanese Nile for pluck and performance of duty. His rank and past
experience in the command of men entitle him to the appointment of
commander of the rear column. He is instructed to remain at Yambuya
until the arrival of a certain contingent of carriers from Bolobo, in the
charge of three subordinate officers, Messrs. Ward, Troup, and Bonny. If
Tippu-Tib has arrived previous to or by that date, he is to lose no time
in following the track of the advance column, which has preceded him by
about seven weeks. If Tippu-Tib has not arrived by the time the Bolobo
contingent has reached Yambuya, he is to make a forward move by slow
stages with his own force of about 210 carriers, making repeated trips
backwards and forwards until all the essentials are removed from camp to
camp; he is allowed discretion what to dispense with in order to be
enabled to march; the articles are mentioned which may be thrown away. He
declares the instructions to be clear and intelligible. He vows that he
will not wait longer at Yambuya than the arrival of the Bolobo people,
and satisfies us all that in him we have a man of energy, resolution, and
action, and that there is no need of anxiety respecting the conduct of
the rear column. In every letter and report he appears animated by the
utmost loyalty and willing spirit.
Third, is a young civilian named James Sligo Jameson, a gentleman of
wealth, with a passion for natural history studies, who, professing a
fraternal attachment for his friend the Major, is appointed second in
command of the rear column. It is reported of him, that "his alacrity,
capacity, and willingness to work are unbounded"; whatsoever his friend
the Major proposes receives the ready sanction of Mr. Jameson; and he has
a claim to having much experience and judgment for former adventurous
travels in Mashona Land and Matabele. Barely four weeks after the
assassination of his friend he dies, utterly worn out by fever and
trouble.
Three young Englishmen come last, who are attached to the Major's staff,
two of whom, Mr. Herbert Ward and Mr. Troup, are to be associated with
the commander and his second in the discussion of every vital step, and
no important decision can be taken unless a council of the four has been
convened to consider it as to its bearing upon the enterprise for which
they have assembled on the verge of the unknown region of woods. They are
therefore implicated in the consequences of any resolution and every
sequent act. They are not boys new from school, and fresh from the
parental care. They are mature and travelled men. Mr. Herbert Ward has
seen service in Borneo, New Zealand, and Congo land; is bright,
intelligent and capable. Mr. John Rose Troup has also served under my
command in the Congo State, and has been mentioned in my record of the
founding of that State as an industrious and zealous officer. Mr. William
Bonny has seen service in the Zulu and Nile campaigns, has lived years
in South America, and appears to be a staid and observing man.
[Illustration: MR. JAMESON.]
Now here is the inexplicable mystery. We have parted from them while
warmly and even affectionately attached to each other. We have plighted
our words one to the other. "Fear not," say they; "we shall be doing and
striving, cheerfully and loyally." We believe them, and hand in hand we
pledge ourselves.
We return from our quest of Emin Pasha, and according to Major
Barttelot's own Report (see Appendix) we learn the following striking
facts:--
1st. "Rumour is always rife, and is seldom correct, concerning Mr.
Stanley. He is not dead to the best of my belief. I have been obliged to
open Mr. Stanley's boxes, as I cannot carry all his stuff."
He sends to Bangala all my clothing, maps, and charts, reserved medicines
for the Expedition, photo chemicals and reserve negatives, extra springs
for Winchesters, Remingtons, essentials for tents, and my entire canteen.
He reduces me to absolute nakedness. I am so poor as to be compelled to
beg a pair of pants from Mr. Bonny, cut another pair from an old white
blanket in the possession of a deserter, and another from a curtain in my
tent. But Messrs. Jameson, Troup, and Bonny are present, concurring and
assisting, and the two last-named receive salaries, and both present
their accounts and are paid, not a penny deducted, and a liberal
_largesse_ besides in first-class passages home is granted to them.
2nd. "There are four other Soudanese and twenty-nine Zanzibaris who are
unable to proceed with us."
"Two cases of Madeira were also sent him (Mr. Stanley). One case I am
sending back"--that is, down the Congo. He also collects a choice
assortment of jams, sardines, herrings, wheaten flour, sago, tapioca,
arrowroot, &c., and ships them on board the steamer which takes Mr. Troup
homeward. And there are thirty-three dying men in camp. We may presume
that the other gentlemen concurred in this deed also.
3rd. "I shall go on to Wadelai, and ascertain from Emin Pasha, if he be
there still, if he has any news of Mr. Stanley; also of his own
intentions as regards staying or leaving. I need not tell you that all
our endeavours will be most strenuous to make the quest in which we are
going a success. It may be he only needs ammunition to get away by
himself, in which case I would in all probability be able to supply
him."
On the 14th of August Mr. John Rose Troup has delivered over to Major
Barttelot 129 cases Remington rifle cartridges, in addition to the
twenty-nine left by me at Yambuya. These 158 cases contain 80,000 rounds.
By June 9th (see Barttelot's Report) this supply has dwindled down to
35,580 rounds. There has been no marching, no fighting. They have
decreased during a camp life of eleven months in the most unaccountable
manner. There are left with the rear column only sufficient to give fifty
rounds to each rifle in the possession of Emin Pasha's troops. Half of
the gunpowder, and more than two-thirds of the bales of cloth, have
disappeared. Though Yambuya originally contained a store of 300,000
percussion-caps, it has been found necessary to purchase £48 worth from
Tippu-Tib.
4th. "The loads we do not take are to be sent to Bangala. They will be
loaded (on the steamers) on June 8th (1888), a receipt being given for
them by Mr. Van Kerkhoven, which is forwarded to you; also a letter of
instructions to him and to Mr. Ward. Perhaps you would kindly give the
requisite order concerning the loads and two canoes purchased for Mr.
Ward's transport, as it is nearly certain I shall not return that way,
and shall have, therefore, no further need of them _or him_." (See
Appendix--Barttelot's Report).
Mr. Ward has been despatched down river to telegraph to the Committee for
instructions; he was supposed to bring those instructions back from the
sea with him. Here we are told the Major has no further need of him. He
has also written to Captain Van Kerkhoven, of Bangala, not to allow him
to ascend above Bangala. In the last paragraph of Mr. Jameson's letter to
Mr. Bonny I note a reference to this change.
5th. The rear column consisted of 271 souls rank and file when we parted
from Yambuya, June 28th, 1887.
In October, 1887, this force, according to a letter from the Major, had
decreased to 246 men.
On June 4th, 1888, while the rear column lies still in the same camp (see
the Major's Report) it has diminished to 135 men rank and file.
On August 17th, 1888, I demand from Mr. William Bonny, who is in sole
charge at that date, an official report as to the number of men left of
the rear column, and he presents me with the following:--
"List of Zanzibaris left by Mr. Stanley at Bolobo and Yambuya, inclusive
of eleven men, deserters, picked up from advance column:--
78 dead.
26 deserted.
10 with Mr. Jameson (Bangala).
29 left sick at Yambuya.
5 left sick on road.
75 present at Banalya, August 17th, 1888.
----
223
Return of Soudanese and Somalis and Syrians left at Yambuya:--
21 died.
1 killed by natives.
1 executed by order of Major Barttelot.
3 sent down Congo to Egypt.
4 left sick at Yambuya.
1 sick handed over to care of Congo State.
22 present at Banalya, August 17th, 1888.
----
53
223
----
276
Return of British officers left by Mr. Stanley at Bolobo and Yambuya:--
1 John Rose Troup, invalided home.
1 Herbert Ward, sent down river by Major Barttelot.
1 James S. Jameson, proceeded down Congo.
1 Edmund M. Barttelot, Major (murdered).
1 William Bonny, present at Banalya, August 17th, 1888.
----
5
276
----
281
11 deserters from advance column.
----
270
1 error.
----
271
----
Dead and lost.
78 Zanzibaris dead.
29 left sick at Yambuya.
4 left sick at Yambuya.
5 left sick on road.
21 Soudanese dead.
1 killed by natives.
1 executed.
----
139
----
6th. The steamer _Stanley_ arrived at Yambuya on the 14th of August,
within a few days of the date mentioned in the Letter of Instructions. On
the 17th she departs to her port at Leopoldville, and has severed all
connection with the Expedition. The officers of the Congo State have
behaved loyally according to their Sovereign's promise. It only remains
now for the rear column to pack up and depart slowly but steadily along
our track, because Tippu-Tib has not arrived, and according to the issue
anticipated will not come.
I turn to Mr. Bonny, and ask, "Were you not all anxious to be at work?"
"Yes, sir."
"Were you not burning to be off from Yambuya?"
"Yes, sir."
"Were you all equally desirous to be on the road?"
"I believe so. Yes, sir."
"Well, Mr. Bonny, tell me--if it be true that you were all burning,
eager, and anxious to be off--why you did not devise some plan better
than travelling backwards and forwards between Yambuya and Stanley
Falls?"
"I am sure I don't know, sir. I was not the chief, and if you will
observe, in the Letter of Instructions you did not even mention my
name."
"That is very true; I ask your pardon; but you surely did not remain
silent because I omitted to mention your name, did you--you a salaried
official of the Expedition?"
"No, sir. I did speak often."
"Did the others?"
"I don't know, sir."
I have never obtained further light from Mr. Bonny, though at every
leisure hour it was a constant theme.
A year after this we were at Usambiro, south of the Victoria Nyanza, and
I received a clipping of a newspaper wherein there was a copy of Major
Barttelot's letter of October, 1887. There was a portion which said, "We
shall be obliged to stay here until November." I know that they thought
they were obliged to remain until June 11, 1888. I turn to Major
Barttelot's letter of June 4th, 1888 (see Appendix), wherein he says, "I
feel it my bounden duty to proceed on this business, in which I am fully
upheld by both Mr. Jameson and Mr. Bonny; to wait longer would be both
useless and culpable, as Tippu-Tib has not the remotest intention of
helping us any more, and to withdraw would be pusillanimous, and, I am
certain, entirely contrary to your wishes and those of the Committee."
I turned to my Letter of Instructions, and I find in Paragraph 10:
"It may happen that though Tippu-Tib has sent some men, he has not sent
enough to carry the goods with your own force. In that case you will of
course use your discretion as to what goods you can dispense with, to
enable you to march."
Paragraph 11. "If you still cannot march, then it would be better to make
marches of six miles twice over, if you prefer marching to staying for
our arrival, than throw too many things away." (See Letter of
Instructions in a preceding chapter.)
At Usambiro also I received the answer which the Committee sent in reply
to Mr. Ward's cablegram from St. Paul de Loanda, asking them to "wire
advice and opinion."
_To Major Barttelot, Care Ward, Congo._
"_Committee refer you to Stanley's orders of the 24th June. If you
still cannot march in accordance with these orders, then stay where
you are, awaiting his arrival, or until you receive fresh
instructions from Stanley."_
A committee 6000 miles away penetrate into the spirit of the instructions
instantly, but a committee of five officers at Yambuya do not appear to
understand them, though they have been drawn up on the clear
understanding that each officer would prefer active movement and
occupation to an inactive life and idle waiting at Yambuya.
7th. Mr. William Bonny, whose capacity to undertake serious
responsibilities is unknown to me, is not mentioned in the Letter of
Instructions.
On my return to Banalya, Mr. Bonny hands me the following order written
by Major Barttelot.
"Yambuya Camp,
"_April 22nd, 1888_.
"Sir,--In event of my death, detention of Arabs, absence from any
cause from Yambuya camp, you will assume charge of the Soudanese
company, the Zanzibar company, and take charge of the stores,
sleeping in the house where they are placed. All orders to
Zanzibaris, Somalis, and Soudanese will be issued by you and to
them only. All issues of cloth, matako (brass rods), etc., will be
at your discretion, but expenditure of all kinds must as much as
possible be kept under. Relief to Mr. Stanley, care of the loads
and men, good understanding between yourself and the Arabs must be
your earnest care; anything or anybody attempting to interfere
between you and these matters must be instantly removed.
"I have the honour to be, Sir, &c.,
"Edmund M. Barttelot,
"_Major_."
What remains for the faithful Jameson, "whose alacrity, capacity, and
willingness to work are unbounded," to do? Where is the promising,
intelligent, and capable Ward? What position remains for the methodical,
business-like, and zealous Mr. John Rose Troup? Mr. Bonny has been
suddenly elevated to the command of the rear column in the event of any
unhappy accident to Major Barttelot.
My first fear was that I had become insane. When I alone of all men
attempt to reconcile these inexplicable contrarinesses with what I know
animated each and every officer of the rear column, I find that all the
wise editors of London differ from me. In the wonderful log-book entries
I read noble zeal, indefatigable labour, marches and counter-marches, and
a limitless patience. In the Major's official report, in Mr. Jameson's
last sad letter (see Appendix), I discern a singleness of purpose,
inflexible resolve and the true fibre of loyalty, tireless energy, and
faith, and a devotion which disdains all calculation of cost. When I came
to compare these things one with another, my conclusion was that the
officers at Yambuya had manifestly been indifferent to the letter of
instructions, and had forgotten their promises. When Mr. Bonny told me
that one of them had risen at a mess meeting to propose that my
instructions should be cancelled, and that the ideas of Major Barttelot
should be carried out in future--it did appear to me that the most
charitable construction that could be placed upon such conduct was that
they were indifferent to any suggestions which had been drawn out
purposely to satisfy their own oft-repeated desire of "moving on."
But how I wish that I had been there for just one hour only on that
August 17th, 1887, when the five officers were assembled--adrift and
away, finally from all touch with civilization--to discuss what they
should do, to tell them that
"Joy's soul lies in the doing,
And the rapture of pursuing
Is the prize."
To remind them that
"The path of duty is the way to glory."
What! count your hundreds of loads! What are they? Look, it is simply
this: 200 carriers are here to-day. There are 500 loads. Hence to the
next village is ten miles. In six days your 200 men have carried the 500
loads ten miles. In four months you are inland about 150 miles. In eight
months you are 300 miles nearer to the Nyanza, and long before that time
you have lightened your labours by conveying most of your burdens in
canoes; you will have heard all about that advance column as early as
October, the second month of work; for powder and guns, you may get
Ugarrowwa's flotilla to help you, and by the time the advance column
starts from Fort Bodo to hunt you up, you will be safe in Ugarrowwa's
settlement, and long before that you will have met the couriers with
charts of the route with exact information of what lies before you, where
food is to be obtained, and every one of you will be healthier and
happier, and you will have the satisfaction of having performed even a
greater task than the advance column, and obtained the "kudos" which you
desired. The bigger the work the greater the joy in doing it. That
whole-hearted striving and wrestling with Difficulty; the laying hold
with firm grip and level head and calm resolution of the monster, and
tugging, and toiling, and wrestling at it, to-day, to-morrow, and the
next until it is done; it is the soldier's creed of forward, ever
forward--it is the man's faith that for this task was he born. Don't
think of the morrow's task, but what you have to do to-day, and go at it.
When it is over, rest tranquilly, and sleep well.
But I was unable to be present; I could only rely on their promise that
they would limit their faith in Tippu-Tib until the concentration of all
officers and men attached to the rear column, and insist that the blazing
on the trees, the broad arrow-heads pointing the way, should be well made
for their clear guidance through the almost endless woods, from one side
of the forest to its farthest edge. Yet curiously hungering to know why
Barttelot, who was "spoiling for work," and Jameson, who was so earnest,
and had paid a thousand pounds for the privilege of being with us, and
Ward, who I thought was to be the future Clive of Africa, and Troup, so
noted for his industry, and Bonny, so steady and so obedient, so
unconsciously acted as to utterly prevent them from doing what I believe
from my soul they wished to do as much as I or any other of us did, a
conviction flashes upon my mind that there has been a supernatural
malignant influence or agency at work to thwart every honest intention.
A few instances will tend to strengthen this conviction. I freely and
heartily admit that the five officers burned to leave Yambuya, and to
assist in prosecuting unto successful issue the unique enterprise they
had sacrificed so much comfort to join. But they are utterly unable to
move, try how they may. They believe I am alive, and they vow to make a
strenuous quest for me, but they reduce me to nakedness. They are
determined to start in quest and relief of Emin Pasha, because "to
withdraw would be pusillanimous, and to stay longer would be culpable,"
and yet they part with the necessary ammunition that they wish to carry
to him. They confess that there are thirty-three sick men unable to move
at Yambuya, and yet the very stores, medicaments, and wine that might
have saved them they box up and send to Bangala, after first obtaining a
receipt for them. They have all signed agreements wherein each officer
shall have a fair share of all European preserved provisions, perfect
delicacies, and yet they decline to eat them, or allow the sick men to
eat them, but despatch them out of the hungry woods to the station of
Bangala. Mr. Bonny, as I understand, expressed no regret or audible
dissent at their departure. From pure habit of discipline he refrained
from demanding his fair share, and like a good Englishman, but mighty
poor democrat, he parted with his inalienable right without a murmur.
They searched for Manyuema slaves, cannibals of the Bakusu and Basongora
tribes to replace their dead Zanzibaris and Soudanese, Somalis and
Syrians, and it came to pass a few weeks after they had obtained these
cannibals that one of their head men assassinates the English commander.
Also on a fatal date, fatal because that resolution to wait sealed their
fate, an officer of the advance column was straying through an
impenetrable bush with 300 despairing men behind him, and on this fatal
date the next year, Mr. Bonny, the sole survivor of the English band,
pours into my ears a terrible tale of death and disaster, while at the
same hour poor Jameson breathes his last, tired and worn out with his
futile struggles to "move on" at Bangala, 500 miles west of me; and 600
miles east of me, the next day, Emin Pasha and Mr. Jephson walk into the
arms of the rebel soldiery of Equatoria.
This is all very uncanny if you think of it. There is a supernatural
_diablerie_ operating which surpasses the conception and attainment of a
mortal man.
In addition to all these mischiefs a vast crop of lying is germinated in
these darksome shades in the vicinity of Stanley Falls, or along the
course of the Upper Congo, showing a measureless cunning, and an
insatiable love of horror. My own murder appears to be a favourite theme,
quantities of human bones are said to be discovered by some
reconnoitering party, human limbs are said to be found in cooking-pots,
sketches by an amateur artist are reported to have been made of whole
families indulging in cannibal repasts; it is more than hinted that
Englishmen are implicated in raids, murder, and cannibalism, that they
have been making targets of native fugitives while swimming in the
Aruwimi, all for the mere sake of infusing terror, alarm, and grief among
quiet English people, and to plague our friends at home.
The instruments this dark power elects for the dissemination of these
calumnious fables are as various in their professions as in their
nationality. It is a deserter one day, and the next it is an engineer of
a steamer; it is now a slave-trader, or a slave; it is a guileless
missionary in search of work, or a dismissed Syrian; it is a young artist
with morbid tastes, or it is an officer of the Congo Free State. Each in
his turn becomes possessed with an insane desire to say or write
something which overwhelms common sense, and exceeds ordinary belief.
From the official written narrative of Mr. William Bonny I glean the
following, and array the facts in clear order.
The _Stanley_ steamer has departed from Yambuya early in the morning of
August 17th, 1887. The goods she has brought up are stored within the
magazine, and as near as I can gather there are 266 men within the
entrenched camp. As they are said to have met to deliberate upon their
future steps we may assume that the letter of instructions was read, and
that they did not understand them. They think the wisest plan would be to
await Tippu-Tib, who, it will be remembered, had promised to Major
Barttelot that he would be after him within nine days.
On this day the officers heard firing across the river almost opposite to
Yambuya. Through their binoculars they see the aborigines chased into the
river by men dressed in white clothes, who are shooting at them from the
north or right bank. Conceiving that the marauders must be some of
Tippu-Tib's men, they resolve upon electing an officer and a few men to
interview them, and to cease from molesting the natives who have long ago
become friendly and are under their protection. The officer goes across,
finds their camp, and invites Abdallah, their chief, to visit the English
commander of Yambuya. The Major thus learns that these marauders really
belong to Tippu-Tib, and that Stanley Falls is but six days' march
overland from Yambuya. Probably believing that, after all, Tippu-Tib may
be persuaded to assist the Expedition, he inquires for and obtains guides
to conduct some of his party to Stanley Falls, to speak and treat in his
behalf with that chieftain whom we have conveyed from Zanzibar to Stanley
Falls, with free rations in consideration of the help he had solemnly
contracted to furnish.
On August 29, Mr. Ward returns from the Falls with a reply from
Tippu-Tib, wherein he promises that he will collect the carriers needed
and send them within ten days. The first promise in June was "in nine
days"; the promise is in August "in ten days." A few days later Mr.
Jameson returns from Stanley Falls in company of Salim bin Mohammed, a
nephew of Tippu-Tib, and a large party of Manyuema. This party is
reported to be the vanguard of the carrier contingent, which Tippu-Tib
will shortly bring in person.
In the interval of waiting for him, however, trouble breaks out on the
Lumami, and Tippu-Tib is obliged to hurry to the scene to settle it. The
Yambuya garrison, however, are daily expecting his presence.
Unable to bear the suspense, the second visit to Stanley Falls is
undertaken, this time by Major Barttelot in person. It is the 1st of
October. Salim bin Mohammed accompanied him, and also Mr. Troup. On the
way thither they met Tippu-Tib advancing towards Yambuya, having six
deserters from the advance column, each bearing a weighty tusk. The Major
graciously remits the six ivory tusks to the Arab chief, and, as they
must have a palaver, they go together to Stanley Falls.
After one month the Major returns to his camp, on the Aruwimi, and states
that Tippu-Tib, unable to muster 600 carriers in the Stanley Falls
region, is obliged to proceed to Kasongo, about 350 miles above Stanley
Falls, and that this journey of about 700 miles (to Kasongo and back)
will occupy forty-two days.
Meantime, twenty of the Major's own people have been buried outside the
camp.
The English commander learns that during his absence, Majato, a head man
of the Manyuema, has been behaving "badly," that he has been, in fact,
intimidating the natives who marketed with the garrison, with the view of
starving the soldiers and Zanzibaris, or reaping some gain by acting as
the middleman or factor in the exchange of goods for produce. Hearing
these things, the Major naturally becomes indignant, and forthwith
despatches Mr. Ward, who makes the third visit to the Falls to complain
of the arbitrary conduct of Majato. The complaint is effective, and,
Majato is immediately withdrawn.
In the beginning of 1888, Salim bin Mohammed arrives at Yambuya for the
second time, and presently becomes so active in enforcing certain
measures against the natives that the food supply of the camp is wholly
cut off and never renewed. He also commences the construction of a
permanent camp of substantial mud-built huts, at half a bow-shot's
distance from the palisades of Yambuya, and completely invests the fort
on the land side, as though he were preparing for a siege of the place.
After a futile effort to bribe Salim with the offer of a thousand pounds
to lead a Manyuema contingent to follow the track of the advance column,
Major Barttelot and Mr. Jameson, about the middle of February, undertake
the fourth visit to Stanley Falls. Salim, fearing unfavourable accounts
of his behaviour, accompanies them _en route_; the party meet 250
Manyuema, but as they have no written instructions with them, they are
permitted to scatter over the country in search of ivory.
In March Salim returns to Yambuya, and intimates to the officers that no
doubt the carriers would be ultimately forthcoming, not however for the
purpose of following Mr. Stanley's track, but to proceed _viâ_ Ujiji and
Unyoro; a mere haziness of geography!
On the 25th of March, Major Barttlelot returns to the camp with
information that Mr. Jameson, the indefatigable Jameson, has proceeded up
river in the track of Tippu-Tib with the intention of reaching Kasongo.
He also announces his intention of forming a flying column, and leaving
the larger part of his goods at Stanley Falls in charge of an officer! He
also prepares a telegram to the committee in London which is as
follows:--
"St. Paul de Loanda,
"_1st May, 1888_.
"No news of Stanley since writing last October. Tippu-Tib went to
Kasongo, Nov. 16th, but up to March has only got us 250 men. More
are coming, but uncertain in number, and as precaution, presuming
Stanley in trouble (it would) be absurd in me to start with less
number than he did, while carrying more loads--minus Maxim gun.
Therefore I have sent Jameson to Kasongo to hasten Tippu-Tib in
regard to originally proposed number of 600 men, and to obtain as
many fighting men as possible up to 400, also to make as
advantageous terms as he can regarding service, and payment of
men, he and I guaranteeing money in name of Expedition. Jameson
will return about the 14th, but earliest day to start will be June
1st, when I propose leaving an officer with all loads not
absolutely wanted at Stanley Falls. Ward carries this message;
please obtain wire from the King of the Belgians to the
Administrator of the Free State to place carriers at his disposal,
and have steamers in readiness to convey him to Yambuya. If men
come before his arrival I shall start without him. He should return
about July 1st. Wire advice and opinion. Officers all well. Ward
awaits reply.
"Barttelot."
Mr. Ward proceeded down the Congo, and in an unprecedentedly short time
reached the sea-board, cabled his despatch, received the following reply,
and started up the Congo again for the Yambuya camp.
"Major Barttelot, care Ward, Congo.
"Committee refer you to Stanley's orders of the 24th June, 1887. If
you still cannot march in accordance with these orders, then stay
where you are, awaiting his arrival or until you receive fresh
instructions from Stanley. Committee do not authorise the
engagement of fighting men. News has been received from Emin Pasha
_viâ_ Zanzibar, dated Wadelai, November 2nd. Stanley was not then
heard of: Emin Pasha is well and in no immediate want of supplies,
and goes to south-west of lake to watch for Stanley. Letters have
been posted regularly _viâ_ East Coast.
"Chairman of Committee."
Mr. Ward on arriving at Bangala is detained there by order.
The Committee have made a slight mistake in calling my letter of
instructions "orders." The instructions are not exactly "orders." They
are suggestions or advices tendered by the Commander of the Expedition to
the Commanding Officer of the rear column, which he may follow or reject
at his own discretion. Major Barttelot has expressed an impatient desire
to be of active service to the Expedition. He declares that it is his
dearest wish to leave Yambuya to follow on our track. The Commander of
the Expedition, strongly sympathising with the impetuous young officer,
writes out a series of suggestions by which his desire may be realized,
and gives him further a pencilled estimate (see Appendix) by what manner
the forward advance after us may be done. The Major earnestly promises to
conform to these suggestions, and the parting between him and myself is
on this understanding. But they are not positive "orders," as a man's
epitaph can best be written after his death, so the measure of "kudos" to
be given a man is best known after the value of his services has been
ascertained.
At the end of March the Major is on bad terms with Salim bin Mohammed,
which compels him to make a fifth visit to Stanley Falls to obtain his
removal.
About the middle of April Major Barttelot returns to his camp, and Salim
has orders to quit Yambuya. Instead, however, of proceeding to Stanley
Falls, he proposes a raid upon a large village below Yambuya, but in a
few days he reappears, stating that he has heard a rumour that the
advance column is descending the upper waters of the Aruwimi.
On the 9th of May, 1888, the Major proceeds to make a sixth visit to
Stanley Falls, and on the 22nd of the month makes his reappearance with
the indefatigable Jameson and a large party of Manyuema. Three days later
the procrastinating Tippu-Tib, who, on the 18th of June, 1887, said that
he would be at Yambuya within nine days, and in August within ten days,
arrives by steamer _A. I. A._ The _Stanley_ also steams up to deliver
letters for the expedition.
As Tippu-Tib suggested that the loads 60lbs. weight were too heavy for
his people, the officers were obliged to reduce them to 40, 30, and 20lb.
weights, to suit his views. This was no light task, but it had to be
performed. As an advance payment, Mr. Bonny relates that forty-seven
bales of cloth, a vast store of powder and fixed ammunition are
delivered, and £128 worth of stores are given to Muini Sumai, the head
man of the Manyuema battalion. The European provisions are then
overhauled, and such articles as Madeira wine, jams, sago, tapioca,
arrowroot, sardines, herrings, and wheat flour are boxed up, and with
eight boxes of my baggage are shipped on board the steamer for Bangala as
unnecessary and superfluous, in the same vessel on which Mr. Troup is an
invalid passenger bound home.
Finally, on the 11th of June, 1888, after weeding out twenty-nine
Zanzibaris and four Soudanese who are too feeble to work, Messrs.
Barttelot, Jameson, and Bonny leave the camp they should have left not
later than the 25th of August, 1887, with a following of Zanzibaris,
Soudanese, Somalis, and Manyuema, aggregating nearly 900 men, women, and
children, with the intention of making that "strenuous quest" for the
lost Commander and to relieve Emin Pasha.
These six visits to Stanley Falls which the Major and his friends have
made amount in the aggeregate to 1200 English miles of marching. The
untiring Major has personally travelled 800 miles, while Jameson has
performed 1200 miles. If only these 1200 miles had been travelled between
Yambuya and the Albert, the rear column would have reached Panga Falls.
Even by travelling sixty miles, to gain a direct advance of ten miles,
they would have been cheered and encouraged by our letters and charts to
press on to Avejeli to recuperate among the abundant plantains of that
rich and populous settlement.
But while the Major and his officers were endeavouring to stimulate an
unwilling man to perform his contract with forty-five guinea rifles,
Remington rifles, ivory-handled revolvers and ammunition, with many a
fair bale of cloth, their own faithful men were dying at a frightful
rate. Out of the original roll of 271, there are only 132 left of rank
and file, and out of these 132 by the time they have arrived at Banalya
there are only 101 remaining, and nearly a half of these are so wasted by
famine and disease that there is no hope of life in them.
Thirteen days after the departure of the horde of Manyuema and the anæmic
Zanzibaris from the fatal camp of Yambuya, the Major undertakes a seventh
visit to Stanley Falls, and leaves the column to struggle on its way to
Banalya without him. On the forty-third day of the march of ninety miles
the van of the rear column enters the palisaded village of Banalya, which
has become in my absence a station of Tippu-Tib's in charge of an Arab
called Abdallah Karoni, and on the same day the restless and enterprising
Major enters it on his return from Stanley Falls. On the next day some
misunderstanding takes place between him and the chief Abdallah Karoni.
The Major storms at him, and threatens to start to Stanley Falls for the
eighth visit on the 20th of July to complain of his conduct to Tippu-Tib;
but at dawn on the 19th of July the unfortunate commander is shot through
the heart by the assassin Sanga.
I will permit Mr. William Bonny's official report to detail what occurred
in a revised form.
"_18th July, 1888._--The Major continued to threaten Abdalla that
if he did not get the carriers promised by Tippu-Tib he would
return to Stanley Falls on the 20th, and he ordered the Arab to
accompany him. The Major informed me he would be back on the 9th of
August, but before concluding his remarks, he asked me, 'Don't you
think I am doing the correct thing by going to Stanley Falls?' I
answered, 'No, I don't see why you want sixty more men; you have
men enough and to spare! You had better issue the rifles and
ammunition to the men, and that will reduce the number of our
burdens by fifteen, and trust the men. Mr. Stanley is obliged to
trust the men. If they run away from you, they run away from him,
but if you leave them in my hands I don't think they will run.' The
Major said, 'I intend that you shall have command of the Zanzibaris
and Soudanese from here, and you shall precede the Manyuema a day's
march. Mr. Jameson and I will march with the Manyuema and get them
into some order, and see they do not mix up with your people. I
don't want to go to the Falls, but I want you to try to get some
few men. If you only get me twenty I shall be satisfied. I asked
Abdallah if he could let me have a few carriers. I obtained
seven.'
"_19th July._--Early this morning a Manyuema woman commenced
beating a drum and singing. It is their daily custom. The Major
sent his boy Soudi, who was only about thirteen years old, to stop
them, but at once loud and angry voices were heard, followed by two
shots by way of defiance. The Major ordered some Soudanese to go
and find the men who were firing, at the same time getting up from
bed himself and taking his revolvers from the case. He said, 'I
will shoot the first man I catch firing.' I told him not to
interfere with the people's daily custom, to remain inside, and not
go out, inasmuch as they would soon be quiet. He went out revolver
in hand to where the Soudanese were. They told him that they could
not find the men who were firing. The Major then pushed aside some
Manyuema and passed through them towards the woman who was beating
the drum and singing, and ordered her to desist. Just then a shot
was fired through a loophole, in an opposite hut from within, by
Sanga, the woman's husband. The charge penetrated just below the
region of the heart and passed out behind, lodging finally in a
part of the verandah under which the Major fell dead.
"The Soudanese ran away, and refused to follow me to get the
Major's body; but I went, and was followed by one Somali, and one
Soudanese, who with myself carried the body to my house. From the
screaming I thought a general massacre had commenced, for I had not
seen a single Zanzibari. They were either hiding within their
houses or joining in the general stampede that followed. I now
turned and saw one of the headmen of the Manyuema, who with rifle
and revolver in hand was leading a body of sixty of his people to
attack me. I had no arms. I walked up to him and asked him if he
was leading his men to fight me. He replied 'No.' I said, 'Then
take your men quietly to their houses and bring all the headmen to
me, for I wish to speak to them.' Some headmen shortly afterwards
made their appearance, and I said to them, 'The trouble is not
mine, but Tippu-Tib's. I want you to bring me all the loads, and
tell all your fellows to do the same. Tippu-Tib knows what each of
you has in charge and is responsible for them. This is Tippu-Tib's
trouble. Tippu-Tib will have to pay up if the goods are lost, and
will punish the headman who causes him a loss. I shall write to
him, and he will come here, and he shall know the name of him who
refuses to do what I now wish.' This resulted in my getting back to
the storeroom about 150 loads. I now sent my men to collect what
goods they could, and before long I recovered 299 porter loads.
They had been scattered all over the place, some in the forest, in
the rice field, and in the village huts hidden away within and
without, in fact everywhere. Some of the bead sacks and ammunition
boxes had already been ripped or broken open, and the whole of
their contents, or in part, gone. After counting up I found I was
forty-eight loads short. The inhabitants of the village numbered
about 200 or 300 people. I had arrived with about 100 men; Muni
Sumai, the chief headman of the Manyuema, with 430 carriers and
about 200 followers, making a total of about 1000 people, of whom
900 were cannibals, all confined within an area 160 yards by 25
yards. You can therefore better judge than I can describe the scene
when the general stampede commenced, the screaming, firing,
shouting, looting our stores, &c., &c. I regret to say that the
Soudanese and Zanzibaris without exception joined in the looting,
but in my turn I raided their houses and haunts and captured a
quantity of cloth, beads, rice, &c. I had to punish severely before
I succeeded in stopping it. I now wrote to Mr. Jameson, who was
about four days off bringing up the remaining loads. I also wrote
to Mons. Baert, a Congo State officer, and secretary to Tippu-Tib
at Stanley Falls, explaining what had taken place, how I was
situated, and asking him to use all his tact with Tippu-Tib to get
him to come here or send some chief to replace Muini Sumai, who had
been one of the first to abscond. I told Mons. Baert to tell
Tippu-Tib that all Europe would blame him if he did not assist us.
I then buried the Major, after sewing the body up in a blanket. I
dug a grave just within the forest, placing leaves as a cushion at
the bottom of the grave, and covered the body with the same. I then
read the church service from our Prayer-Book over the body, and
this brought the terrible day to a close.
"The Major wrote and handed me the official order appointing me in
command of the Zanzibari and Soudanese when the camp at Yambuya was
in great danger,and his own life especially. I therefore take
command of this Second Column of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition
until I see Mr. Stanley or return to the coast.
"It shall be my constant care under God's help to make it more
successful than heretofore. Mr. Jameson will occupy the same
position as shown in Mr. Stanley's instructions to Major Barttelot
on his going to Stanley Falls to settle with Tippu-Tib for another
headman of the Manyuema. He has free hands, believing himself to be
in command. I did not undeceive him. On his return here I will show
him the document, a copy of which I have given above.
"I have the honour to be, Sir,
"&c., &c.,
"William Bonny.
"To H. M. Stanley, Esq.,
"Commander E.P.R.E."
Three days after the tragedy Mr. Jameson appears at Banalya with the rear
guard of the rear column, and assumes command; but on the 25th of July,
after leaving words of encouragement to Mr. Bonny, he undertakes the
eighth visit to Stanley Falls in the hope that by making liberal offers
of gold to satisfy the avaricious Tippu-Tib he may induce him either to
head the Rear Column himself, or send one of his fiery nephews in his
place--Salim bin Mohammed, or Rashid, who assaulted and captured Stanley
Falls from Captain Deane.
On August 12th he writes his last letter (see Appendix) to Mr. Bonny, and
begins it, "The Expedition is at a very low ebb at present, as I think
you will acknowledge." This is a sad fact very patent to everybody.
After seeing the act of justice performed on the wretched assassin Sanga,
and witnessing the shooting of him and the body tossed into the Congo, he
departs from Stanley Falls for Bangala. For Mr. Jameson and Major
Barttelot were both concerned in the detention of Ward for some reason at
Bangala, and therefore the answer of the Committee to their cablegram of
the 1st of May was in his possession. Mr. Jameson is anxious to know what
its tenor is before a final movement, and he departs in a canoe with ten
Zanzibaris. Night and day they float, and when opposite the Lumami he is
attacked with fever. His constitution is open to its virulence, filled as
his mind is with despondency, for the fortunes of the Expedition
are--despite every strenuous endeavour on his part, his whole-hearted
devotion, his marches and counter-marches, his tramp of 1400 miles (1200
miles before leaving Yambuya, thence to Banalya, and then to Stanley
Falls), his sacrifice of money, physical comforts, and the pouring out of
his soul to effect what he thinks ought to be done--but alas! "at their
lowest ebb." And the fever mounts to his brain. By day and night the
canoemen press on to the goal of Bangala Station, and arrive in time to
put him in the arms of Mr. Ward, where he breathes his last, as the
advance column, returning after its rushing and swinging pace through
forest and by river from the Albert Nyanza, enter Banalya to demand
"Where is Jameson?"
Twenty-eight days after the tragic death of Major Barttelot, and
twenty-three days after the departure of Jameson, the advance column
returning from the Albert Nyanza, much reduced in numbers, and so
tattered in their clothing that they were taken for pagans picked up by
the way and their old comrades failed to recognise them, appeared at
Banalya to learn for the first time the distressful story of the rear
column.
The life of misery which was related was increased by the misery which
we saw. Pen cannot picture nor tongue relate the full horrors witnessed
within that dreadful pest-hold. The nameless scourge of barbarians was
visible in the faces and bodies of many a hideous-looking human being,
who, disfigured, bloated, marred and scarred, came, impelled by
curiosity, to hear and see us who had come from the forest land east, and
who were reckless of the terror they inspired by the death embodied in
them. There were six dead bodies lying unburied, and the smitten living
with their festers lounged in front of us by the dozen. Others worn to
thin skin and staring bone from dysentery and fell anæmia, and ulcers as
large as saucers, crawled about and hollowly sounded their dismal
welcome--a welcome to this charnel yard! Weak, wearied, and jaded in
body and mind, I scarcely know how I endured the first few hours, the
ceaseless story of calamity vexed my ears, a deadly stench of disease
hung in the air, and the most repellent sights moved and surged before
my dazed eyes. I heard of murder and death, of sickness and sorrow,
anguish and grief, and wherever I looked the hollow eyes of dying men met
my own with such trusting, pleading regard, such far-away yearning
looks, that it seemed to me if but one sob was uttered my heart would
break. I sat stupefied under a suffocating sense of despondency, yet the
harrowing story moved on in a dismal cadence that had nought else in it
but death and disaster, disaster and death. A hundred graves at
Yambuya--thirty-three men perishing abandoned in the camp, ten dead
on the road, about forty in the village about to yield their feeble hold
of life, desertions over twenty, rescued a passable sixty! And of the
gallant band of Englishmen? "Barttelot's grave is but a few yards off,
Troup went home a skeleton, Ward is somewhere a wanderer, Jameson has
gone to the Falls, I don't know why." "And you--you are the only one
left?" "The only one, sir."
If I were to record all that I saw at Banalya in its deep intensity of
unqualified misery, it would be like stripping the bandages off a vast
sloughing ulcer, striated with bleeding arteries, to the public gaze,
with no earthly purpose than to shock and disgust.
Implicitly believing as we did in the _élan_ of Barttelot, in the
fidelity of Jameson, in the vigorous youth and manly promise of Ward, in
the prudence and trustworthiness of Troup, and the self-command and
steadiness of Bonny, all these revelations came to me with a severe
shock. The column was so complete with every requisite for prolonged and
useful work, but the "flood-tide of opportunity" flowed before them
unseen and unnoted, therefore their marches became mere "marking time."
What, Barttelot! that tireless man with the ever-rushing pace, that
cheery young soldier, with his dauntless bearing, whose soul was ever
yearning for glory. A man so lavishly equipped with Nature's advantages
to bow the knee thus to the grey craftiness at Stanley Falls! It was all
an unsolved riddle to me. I would have wagered he would have seized that
flowing grey beard of Tippu-Tib and pounded the face to pulp, even in the
midst of his power, rather than allow himself to be thus cajoled time and
time again. The fervid vehemence of his promise not to wait a day after
the fixed date yet rings in my ears; I feel the strong grip, and see the
resolute face, and I remember my glowing confidence in him.
It is said that "Still waters run deep." Now Jameson was such a still,
and patient, and withal determined man that we all conceded a certain
greatness to him. He had paid £1000 sterling, and had promised diligence
and zealous service, for the privilege of being enrolled as a member of
the Expedition. He had a passion for natural history to gratify, with a
marked partiality for ornithology and entomology. According to Barttelot,
"his alacrity, capacity, and willingness to work were unbounded," which I
unqualifiedly endorse. What else he was may be best learned in his letter
of August 12, and his entries in the log book. Zeal and activity grow
into promise and relief as we read, he seals his devotion by offering out
of his purse £10,000, and by that unhappy canoe voyage by day and by
night, until he was lifted to his bed to die at Bangala.
Granted that Tippu-Tib was kind to these young gentlemen during their
frequent visits to Stanley Falls, and welcomed and feasted them on the
best, and that he sent them back to Yambuya with loads of rice and flocks
of goats, which is admitted. But his natural love of power, his ignorance
of geography, his barbarous conceit, his growing indolence, and his
quickened avarice proved insuperable obstacles to the realizing of
Barttelot and Jameson's wishes, and were as fatally opposite to their
interests and dearest desires as open war would have been. The wonder to
me is that the officers never seem to be conscious that their visits and
rich gifts to him are utterly profitless, and that the object they have
at heart, their inherited qualities, their education, habits, and natures
forbid any further repetition of them. For some mysterious reason they
pin their faith with the utmost tenacity to Tippu-Tib, and to his
promises of "nine days," then "ten days," then "forty-two days," &c.,
&c., all of which are made only to be broken.
But the most icy heart may well be melted with compassion for these
young men so prematurely cut off--and so near rescue after all. They
bravely attempt to free their clouded minds and to judge clearly in which
course lies their duty. At their mess-table they sit discussing what
ought to be done. Mind gravitates to mind, and ignites a spark of the
right sort; it is uttered, but some one or something quenches the spark
as soon as it flashes, and the goodly purpose goes astray. They
propose a number of schemes wide apart from the simple suggestions that I
have furnished them with, and each project as soon as it is born is
frustrated by some untoward event soon after. Though they all are
undoubtedly animated by the purest motives, and remain to the end
unquestionably loyal--throughout every act they are doing themselves
irreparable injury, and unconsciously weighing their friends of the
advance column down to the verge of despair with anxieties.
The following is Mr. Herbert Ward's report, which in justice I feel bound
to publish:--
"Windsor Hotel,
"New York City,
"_Feb. 13th, 1890_.
"On August 14th, 1887, Troup, Bonny, and myself, with the men and
loads, arrived at Yambuya from Bolobo. We found that since your
departure on June 28th, 1887, nothing had been heard of Tippu-Tib,
and that the Major and Jameson had occupied their time in obtaining
firewood for the steamer. On the following afternoon after our
arrival, a band of Manyuema attacked the temporary village that the
Chief Ngunga had built on the opposite side of the river, just
below the rapids. Bonny and I crossed in a canoe to discover who
they were, but apparently as soon as they saw the steamer lying
alongside our camp, they cleared off into the forest, and returned
to their own camp, which the natives told us was but a few hours'
journey up the river. The next day the head man of the Manyuemas,
named Abdallah, came to us with a few followers, and gave an
account of how Tippu-Tib, true to his word, had sent about 500 men
to us in canoes under Salim bin Mohammed, but that they had
encountered much hostility from the natives, and after paddling
against the stream for several days, and finding no indication of
our camp they disbanded, and Salim sent small bands of Manyuemas in
different directions to try and discover our whereabouts, and
Abdallah represented himself as being the headman of one of the
parties sent in search of our camp. Another version of the story to
account for the 500 men disbanding when on their way up the
Aruwimi, was that their ammunition had given out, and the natives
proved too strong for them. Abdallah stated that Tippu-Tib was
quite willing to supply the men, and that as Stanley Falls was only
a few days' journey, we could easily go ourselves and see
Tippu-Tib, and that he himself would be ready the next day to
accompany us and act as guide.
"The Major instructed Jameson and myself to proceed to the Falls.
We were there told the same story again, of how Tippu-Tib had sent
a large number of men to us, but that they had disbanded on the
Aruwimi River on account of their being unable to pass some
populous village, where the natives had attacked and driven them
back, as they were short of gunpowder. Tippu-Tib professed his
willingness to supply the men, but said that it would require some
time to collect them together again.
"As there were upwards of 600 valuable loads stored in Yambuya
Camp, and only a sufficient number of able-bodied men to carry 175,
we all considered it better to guard the loads in the camp where
there was abundance of food for the men, until the arrival of
Tippu-Tib's promised aid than to discard a portion of the loads and
to make triple marches; for we were all convinced from evidence we
had of men even deserting from the camp, that after the first few
days' marching most of our men would desert and join the Arab band
of Waswahili and Manyuema raiders, who, we found, were traversing
the country in all directions, and whose free, unrestrained manner
of living rendered our men dissatisfied with their lot, and tempted
them to desert us and accompany their compatriots. The Major, our
chief, personally disliked the Zanzibaris, and lacked the proper
influence over them.
"Tippu-Tib continued to procrastinate, and in the meantime a large
number of our Zanzibaris, many of whom, however, from the first
were organically diseased and poorly, sickened and died. They were
always employed, and the cause of their death cannot be attributed
to inaction. Being fatalists, they resigned themselves without an
effort, for the _Bwana Makubwa_, with their comrades, had gone into
the dark forests, and they all verily believed had perished. They
themselves, when they found that upon no consideration would there
ever be a chance of returning to their own country except by the
deadly forest route, looked upon the situation as hopeless, gave
way, and died.
"We expected you to return to Yambuya about the end of November;
but time passed away and we received no news from you. We were
unable to make triple marches owing to the sad condition of our
people. Every means was tried to urge Tippu-Tib to produce the men,
but without avail.
"In February, 1888, the Major and Jameson went again to the Falls,
and on the 24th March the Major returned to Yambuya. He stated that
he had guaranteed the payment of a large sum of money to Tippu-Tib
if he would produce the men, that Jameson had gone to Kasongo to
hurry them up, and that he considered that the Committee should be
informed of the state of affairs; firstly, that no news whatever
had been received from you since your departure, nine months
before; secondly, that Tippu-Tib's aid was not forthcoming, that we
were still in Yambuya unable to march. No steamers had visited the
camp since the arrival of the last contingent.
"It appeared to us that evidently circumstances had prevented you
from communicating with us after your departure, and that news
about your movements might have reached the east coast.
"As it appeared possible to reach Loanda and communicate by cable
with the Committee and return to Yambuya by the time Jameson was
expected from Kasongo, the Major instructed me to convey and
despatch a cablegram which he himself worded and signed. I
accomplished the journey in thirty days, and immediately upon
receiving their reply (the clause "we refer you to Mr. Stanley's
instructions of June 24th," was precisely what both Troup and I
expected before my departure), I hastened back as far as Bangala,
where I was instructed to remain by the Major until I received
further news from the Committee, to whom he had written, that he
had no further use for my services or the loads he had sent down in
_Le Stanley_.
"Five weeks after my arrival at Bangala, news came down by the _En
Avant_ that the Major had been assassinated. Jameson, who was at
the Falls seeing to the punishment of the murderer and
reorganisation of the Manyuema contingent, wrote and urged me to
stay at Bangala. Having descended from the Falls in canoes, he was
in the last stage of bilious fever. Despite every care and
attention, he died the following day. He came down to Bangala to
learn the Committee's reply to the Major's cable, and to take back
the Bangala loads and myself in the steamer that the State officer
at the Falls had assured him would be at Bangala on its way up to
the Falls just about the time he would arrive. This information
about the steamer was false, and on the first day of his journey
down in the canoes he caught a fatal chill, which resulted in his
death from bilious fever. There being no possible chance of my
joining Bonny, as no steamer was to again visit the Falls for some
months, I went to the coast to acquaint the Committee with the fact
of Jameson's death, and the position of affairs as I learnt them
from Jameson before his death. They cabled an order for me to
return to the Falls, and hand over the remaining stores to the
State Station there, and to bring down Bonny and the men for
shipment. Upon reaching Stanley Pool I found that news had just
been received of your arrival at Banalya and return to Emin Pasha.
I continued my journey, however, to the Falls, and took up with me
all the loads that the Major had sent down to Bangala. I remained
one month at the Falls anxiously hoping for further news of you.
"After collecting all that remained of the sick men whom the Major
handed over to Tippu-Tib, I descended the Congo again in canoes and
returned to Europe according to the cabled instructions of the
Committee.
"The above is a simple and truthful statement of facts relating to
the failure of the rear guard.
"No one can feel more bitterly disappointed at the unfortunate
condition of affairs than myself. I regret most sincerely that my
services were so profitless.
"I remain,
"Always yours faithfully,
(Signed) "Herbert Ward.
"Henry M. Stanley, Esq."
Mr. Ward informed me that he had discovered my eight boxes of reserve
clothing and Expedition necessaries at Bangala; that he took them with
him to Stanley Falls--500 miles above Bangala--and then brought them down
to Banana Point on the sea-coast, where he left them. No person
knows--though diligent enquiry has been made--what has become of them.
APPENDIX.
Major Barttelot's Last Report of events at Yambuya:--
Yambuya Camp, _June 4, 1888_.
Sir,--I have the honour to report to yon that we are about to make
a move, though with far less numbers than I originally intended.
Tippu-Tib has at last, but with great reluctance, given us 400 men.
I have also obtained from another Arab called Muini Somai thirty
more carriers; we shall move not earlier than the 9th of June, and
our forces will be as follows:--Soudanese 22, rifles 22; Zanzibaris
110, rifles 110, loads 90; Manyuema 430, muskets 300, loads 380.
The officers who are going are Major Barttelot, in command; Mr. J.
S. Jameson, second in command; Mr. W. Bonny; Sheik Muiui Somai in
command of Manyuema force.
Sheik Muini Somai is an Arab of Kibongé, who volunteered to
accompany the Expedition as commander under me of the native
contingent.
On May 8, the Belgian steamer _A. I. A._, with M. van Kerkhoven,
the chief of Bangala, arrived here, having on board Mr. Ward's
escort of thirty Zanzibaris and four Soudanese, one Soudanese dying
at Bangala.
_May 11th._-- They left us to go to Stanley Falls.
_May 14th._--I left for Stanley Falls, going overland and catching
the steamer at Yallasula, on the Congo. I proceeded with the
Belgians to the Falls on May 22.
Mr. Jameson and Tippu-Tib, with 400 men, returned from Kasongo.
Mr. Jameson wrote to you while at Kasongo of his proceedings there.
He told me on arrival that Tippu-Tib had promised him 800 men, but
would make no written agreement with him.
_May 23rd._--I had my palaver with Tippu-Tib; he then told me he
could only let me have 400 men, 300 of whom were to carry 40-lb.
loads, and 100 20-lb. loads. He said the men were present, and
ready to start as soon as I had my loads ready. I told him of what
he had promised Mr. Jameson at Kasongo, but he said never had any
mention of 800 men been made, only of the 400. That it was quite
impossible he could give us more men, as he was short of men at
Kasongo and Nyangwé, as he was at present engaged in so many wars
that he had completely drained the country. I was forced to
submit, but hoped that he might be able to collect another 100 or
so at and around Yambuya.
Tippu then asked me if I wanted a headman, stating that in the
former agreement Mr. Stanley had said that if a headman was taken
he should be paid. I replied, Certainly I want a headman. He then
presented me to the Arab, Muini Somai. This man agreed to come, and
I send you the terms I settled with him.
I got back to Camp Yambuya May 30.
_June 4th._--The _Stanley_ steamer arrived, and the _A. I. A._, the
former bringing Belgian officers for the Falls Station, the latter
Tippu-Tib himself.
_June 5th._--I had another palaver with Tippu-Tib, asking him where
were the 250 men already sent; he explained to me that they had
been dispersed, and on trying to collect them they refused to come,
owing to the bad reports brought in by the deserters, and that as
they were subjects and not slaves he could not force them. That was
the reason why he had brought 400 entirely fresh men from Kasongo
for us.
However, Tippu said he could let me have thirty more men of Muini
Somai. This, as I was so terribly short of men, I agreed to.
Muini Somai himself appears a willing man, and very anxious to do
his best. He volunteered for the business. I trust you will not
think his payment excessive, but the anxiety it takes away as
regards his men and the safety of the loads is enormous, for he is
responsible for the Manyuema and the loads they carry, and thus
saves the white officers an amount of work and responsibility which
they can now devote to other purposes.
The loads we do not take are to be sent to Bangala. They will be
loaded up in the _A. I. A._, or _Stanley_, on June 8, a receipt
being given for them by Mr. Van Kerkhoven, which is marked B and
forwarded to you, also a letter of instruction to him and to Mr.
Ward. Perhaps you would kindly give the requisite order concerning
the loads and the two canoes purchased in March for Mr. Ward's
transport, also for those stores purchased by Mr. Ward on behalf of
the Expedition, as it is nearly certain I shall not return this
way, and shall therefore have no further need of them or him. Mr.
Troup, who is in a terrible condition of debility and internal
disarrangement, is proceeding home at his own request. Mr. Bonny's
certificate of his unfitness is attached, and his application
marked E, also letters concerning passage, &c., to M. Fontaine,
marked F. I have given him a passage home at the expense of the
Expedition, as I am sure it would be your and their wish.
The interpreter, Assad Farran, I am also sending home. He has been,
and is, utterly useless to me, and is in failing health; and if I
took him with me I would only, after a few marches, have either to
carry or leave him, and I am terribly short of carriers. So I have
ventured to send him home with a steerage passage to Cairo, and
have sent a letter to the Consul-General, Cairo, concerning him;
also copy of agreement made by Assad Farran with me on his
proceeding home; also papers of interpreter, Alexander Hadad, who
died June 24, 1887, both marked G. These two interpreters made no
sort of agreement concerning pay, terms of service, &c., when they
agreed to come on this Expedition in February, 1887, so perhaps you
would kindly inform the proper authorities on that subject. With
British troops in Egypt, as interpreters, they would have received
not more than £6 a month and their rations, for as interpreters
they were both very inferior.
A Soudanese soldier with a diseased leg is also proceeding down
country. Besides these there are four other Soudanese and
twenty-nine Zanzibaris who are unable to proceed with us. Tippu-Tib
has kindly consented to get these to Zanzibar as best he can. A
complete list of them, their payments, &c., will be forwarded to
the Consul at Zanzibar, and I have requested him to forward on the
Soudanese to Egypt.
My intentions on leaving this camp are to make the best of my way
along the same route taken by Mr. Stanley; should I get no tidings
of him along the road, to proceed as far as Kavalli, and then if I
hear nothing there to proceed to Kibero. If I can ascertain either
at Kavalli or Kibero his whereabouts, no matter how far it may be,
I will endeavour to reach him. Should he be in a fix I will do my
utmost to relieve him. If neither at Kavalli nor Kibero I can
obtain tidings of him, I shall go on to Wadelai and ascertain from
Emin Pasha, if he be there still, if he has any news of Mr.
Stanley, also of his own intentions as regards staying or leaving.
I will persuade him, if possible, to come out with me, and, if
necessary, aid me in my search for Mr. Stanley. Should it for
sundry reasons be unnecessary to look further for Mr. Stanley, I
will place myself and force at his disposal to act as his escort,
proceeding by whichever route is most feasible, so long as it is
not through Uganda, as in that event the Manyuemas would leave me,
as I have promised Tippu-Tib they shall not go there, and that I
will bring them back or send a white officer with them back to
their own country by the shortest and quickest route on completion
of my object. This is always supposing Emin Pasha to be there and
willing to come away. It may be he only needs ammunition to get
away by himself, in which case I would in all probability be able
to supply him, and would send three-fourths of my Zanzibar force
and my two officers with him, and would myself, with the other
Zanzibaris, accompany the Manyuemas back to the Tippu-Tib's
country, and so to the coast, by the shortest route--viz., by the
Muta-Nzigé, Tanganika and Ujiji. This is also the route I should
take should we be unable to find Stanley, or, from the reasons
either that he is not there or does not wish to come, relieve Emin
Pasha.
I need not tell you that all our endeavours will be most strenuous
to make the quest in which we are going a success, and I hope that
my actions may meet with the approval of the committee, and that
they will suspend all judgment concerning those actions, either in
the present, past, or future, till I or Mr. Jameson return home.
Rumour is always rife, and is seldom correct, concerning Mr.
Stanley. I can hear no news whatever, though my labours in that
direction have been most strenuous. He is not dead, to the best of
my belief, nor of the Arabs here or at Kasongo. I have been obliged
to open Mr. Stanley's boxes, as I cannot carry all his stuff, and I
had no other means of ascertaining what was in them. Two cases of
Madeira were also sent him. One case I am sending back, the other
has been half given to Mr. Troup, the other half we take as medical
comforts. Concerning Tippu-Tib I have nothing to say beyond that he
has broken faith with us, and can only conjecture from surrounding
events and circumstances the cause of his unreasonable delay in
supplying men, and the paucity of that supply.
I deem it my bounden duty to proceed on this business, in which I
am fully upheld by both Mr. Jameson and Mr. Bonny; to wait longer
would be both useless and culpable, as Tippu-Tib has not the
remotest intention of helping us any more, and to withdraw would be
pusillanimous, and, I am certain, entirely contrary to your wishes
and those of the committee.
I calculate it will take me from three to four months to reach the
lakes, and from seven to nine more to reach the coast.
Should you think and the committee agree that the sum is excessive
to give Muini Somai and are not prepared to meet it, or may be, are
prepared to place only a portion of that at my disposal for that
purpose, both Mr. Jameson and I are fully prepared to meet it or
the remaining portion of it, as it is entirely for our benefit he
is coming; though of course it must be remembered that our object
is to reach our destination with as many of our loads as possible,
and that our individual hold over the Manyuema without outside aid
would be _nil._ Should you agree to place the sum at my disposal,
please arrange accordingly; if only a portion, that portion, for he
has received an advance in powder, cloth, beads, and cowries to the
value of £128. In case of not meeting it or only a portion of it,
please inform Sir Walter Barttelot, Carlton Club. I insert this as
it is most necessary the money should be there when wanted, as
Arabs and Orientals are most punctilious on pecuniary
transactions.
I have much pleasure in stating that from all the officers of the
State with whom I have come in contact or from whom I have
solicited aid, I have met with a most willing and ready response,
which is highly gratifying. I would particularly mention Captain
Van Kerkhoven, Chief of Bangala, and Lieutenant Liebrechts, Chief
of Stanley Pool, and I trust that they may meet with the reward and
merit they deserve.
_June 6th._--This morning Tippu-Tib sent for me and asked me if I
thought he would get his money for the men. I told him I could give
no assurance of that. He then said he must have a guarantee, which
I and Mr. Jameson have given; terms of agreement and guarantee are
attached. All receipts, agreements, &c., made between Arabs and
myself and signed by them I have sent to Mr. Holmwood, and the
copies to you.
_June 8th._--This morning I had the loads for Tippu-Tib's and Muini
Somai's men stacked, and Tippu-Tib himself came down to see them
prior to issuing. However, he took exception to the loads, said
they were too heavy (the heaviest was 45 lbs.), and his men could
not carry them. Two days before he had expressed his approbation of
the weight of the very same loads he refused to-day. I pointed out
to him that he as well as I knew the difficulty of getting any load
other than a bale, to scale the exact weight, and that the loads
his men carried were far above the prescribed weight of 60 lbs. We
were to have started to-morrow, so we shall not now start till the
11th or 12th of June, as I am going to make all his loads weigh
exactly 40 lbs. It is partly our fault, as we should have been more
particular to get the exact weight. The average weight over due was
about 2 lbs., some loads being 2 lbs. under. But it is not the
weight of the loads he takes exception to--in reality it is having
to perform the business at all. He has been almost forced to it by
letters received from Mr. Holmwood against his own and more than
against the wish of his fellow Arabs, and, filled with aspirations
and ambitions of a very large nature, the whole business has become
thoroughly distasteful to him, which his professed friendship for
Stanley cannot even overcome. His treatment of us this morning
showed that most thoroughly. But should he not act up to his
contract I hope it will be taken most serious notice of when it
comes to the day of settling up. He has got us tight fixed at
present, but it should not always be so.
On our road lie many Arab settlements to within a month of Lake
Albert Nyanza, though the distance between some of them is bad, and
the inhabitants of that distance warlike. I shall, whenever
opportunity offers, hire carriers, if not for the whole time at any
rate from station to station, for of course death, sickness, and
desertions must be looked for, and I must get my loads in as intact
as possible to my destination.
This is when Muini Somai will be so useful. We seem to have paid a
big price for his services, but then he is a big Arab, and in
proportion to his bigness is his influence over the Manyuema to
keep them together, to stop desertions, thefts, &c. A lesser Arab
would have been cheaper, but his influence would have been less,
and in consequence our loads gradually less, and loads mean health
and life and success, and therefore cannot be estimated at too high
a value. We are carrying light loads, and intend to do at first
very easy marches, and when I get into the open country by Uganda
to push on.
We weighed all our loads before one of Tippu-Tib's headmen, and he
passed loads which had been condemned shortly before in the
morning, which fully shows that for some reason or other he wishes
to delay us here, but for what purpose I cannot say.
_June 9th._--We shall easily be able to start by the 11th, but I am
sorry to say our loss of ammunition by the lightening of the
loads--for it was the ammunition they particularly took notice
of--is something enormous.
Both the _A. I. A._ and the _Stanley_ left this morning for Stanley
Falls, but Tippu-Tib and his Belgian secretary remain behind; also
four ships' carpenters, whom Captain Vangele and M. van Kerkhoven
left with us to help us. The Belgians have behaved with very great
kindness to us, and helped us on our way enormously.
Before I close I would wish to add that the services of Mr. J. S.
Jameson have been, are, and will be invaluable to me. Never during
his period of service with me have I had one word of complaint from
him. His alacrity, capacity, and willingness to work are unbounded,
while his cheeriness and kindly disposition have endeared him to
all. I have given Ward orders about any telegram you may send, and
Tippu-Tib has promised he will send a messenger after me should it
be necessary, provided I have not started more than a month.
Tippu-Tib waits here to see me off.
I am sending a telegram to you to announce our departure, and I
will endeavour through the State to send you news whenever I can;
but it would not surprise me if the Congo route was not blocked
later on.
I have not sent you a copy of Mr. Holmwood's letter, as it was not
official, but of all others I have. I think I told you of
everything of which I can write. There are many things I would wish
to speak of, and no doubt I will do so should I be permitted to
return home.
Our ammunition, Remington, is as follows:--Rifles, 128; reserve
rounds, per rifle, 279; rounds with rifle, 20 = 35,580.
_June 10th._--The loads have been weighed and handed over; powder
and caps issued to the Manyuema force, and we are all ready to
start, which we shall do to-morrow morning. I have told you of all
now I can think of, but I would bring finally to your notice that
Tippu-Tib has broken his faith and contract with us. The man Muini
Somai I think means business, and therefore I trust all will be
well.
I have, &c.,
Edmund M. Barttelot, _Major_.
_To_ Mr. William MacKinnon,
_President of the Emin Pasha Relief Committee_.
COPY OF LOG OF REAR COLUMN.
Note.--This "Log" may not appear to be very lively reading at
first, but it presently deepens in interest, and will repay perusal
to the reader who has shared in our anxieties respecting the fate
of the rear column.
H. M. S.
_June 11th, 1888._--Left Yambuya at 7 A.M. Slight excitement
prevailed at first, firing off guns, &c., but this was soon
checked. The Zanzibar Company went ahead, Mr. Jameson in advance,
Mr. Bonny in the centre, Major Barttelot in rear. The Manyuema
contingent under Muini Somai started later, but soon caught up the
Zanzibar Company; the rear reached camp at the Batuka village
called Sudi at noon. One sick man was left behind on the road, but
he found his way to camp later on. All loads correct.
The rear column left Yambuya with strength as follows:--
Major Edmund M. Barttelot, _Commanding_.
Mr. James S. Jameson, _Second in Command_.
Mr. William Bonny, _Command of Zanzibar Co_.
Zanzibar Company 108 men.
" Boys 7
Soudanese soldiers 22
Somali 1
Manyuema carriers 430
---
Total 568
Distance travelled about five miles.
Road fair, through jungle and plantations, the best roadways being
the streams.
General direction S.E.
(Signed) E. M. B.
_June 23rd._--Halted in camp to await arrival of search party, who
returned at 3 P.M., having done nothing. Major Barttelot went to
explore road, following it for five miles to the N.E. Major
Barttelot's boy Soudi deserted with his revolver, belt and 85
rounds of ammunition, owing to Major Barttelot's thrashing him,
though doubtless he was put up to it. In consequence all rifles
taken from Zanzibaris. Major Barttelot will proceed to-morrow to
Stanley Falls to see Tippu-Tib concerning deserters, and if
possible to obtain fresh men from him to get back loads and rifles.
He will send a note to Mr. Jameson to come here and bring as many
Manyuema as he can to take ammunition and rifles and escort
Zanzibari to Abdulla Karoni's (Banalya), where they will await
Major Barttelot's arrival. Major Barttelot and Mr. Bonny both
thinking this the most feasible plan, as if the desertions last
much longer, there will not be a load left. Kindness has been shown
in every way to the Zanzibaris throughout, and the marches have
been uniformly short.
Weather fine, shower in the evening.
E. M. B.
_June 24th._--Major Barttelot, with fourteen Zanzibaris and three
Soudanese and boys, left here this morning for Stanley Falls.
Kuchu, a Zanzibari, who, when ordered to accompany the Major, ran
away, came in at 8 a.m. He was tied up and kept in the guard-room.
_Copy of orders to Mr. Bonny, June 23rd,1888._
I. Take over charge of the camp, remaining till Mr. Jameson's
arrival.
II. To have special care of all Zanzibari rifles and ammunition.
III. When move is made, to see that all loads, such as ammunition, are
under Soudanese escort.
IV. Any attempt at mutiny to be punished with death.
V. To try to obtain information of whereabouts.
VI. To hand over command to Mr. Jameson when he arrives, and not to
proceed further than Abdulla Kihamira's (Banalya).
Edmund M. Barttelot.
You will retain command of the Zanzibaris as before.
A case of small-pox I ordered to be removed some distance off from
the camp.
Weather fine.
Wm. Bonny, _Commanding (_pro tem._).
_Note from Mr. Jameson._
"My dear Bonny,--I have just arrived here. I suppose it is Nassur
bin Saifi, and have met Kuchu and soldiers with slaves. They told
me that the Major is gone to Stanley Falls four days ago. I don't
know how he could have missed us. Have captured sixteen guns and
two men, but only part of two loads. No medicine. I will come to
your camp to-morrow as early as I can.
Yours &c.
"J. S. Jameson."
Wm. Bonny, _Commg_.
_July 2nd._--Got away at 7 A.M., and marched till noon. Camping in
a village named Mkwagodi, tribe Baburu, general direction N.E.,
distance about eight miles. Road bad, running through many swamps
and old plantations. No desertions on road, or in camp last night.
Found some of Tippu-Tib's people here, who say they will carry a
letter to Stanley Falls. They knew a road to the Congo which can be
traversed in four days' march. The Aruwimi R. distant from this
camp about three hours. Tippu-Tib's men state that Abdallah
Kihamira's station (Banalya) is but three days' march from here,
and that the blazing of trees on his road beyond that place is
still visible.
Weather fine.
J. S. J.
6 P.M.--Mr. Bonny reports non-arrival of two Zanzibaris. Each
possessed a rifle, and one was loaded with loose ammunition.
_July 3rd._--Returned to Ujeli Camp for extra loads, and arrived at
1 P.M. Muini Sumai reported arrivals of letters, stating that the
whole force was to return to Stanley Falls. Received two letters
from Major Barttelot, dated June 25th, to the effect that we were
to proceed with all despatch to Banalya. Muini Sumai told me he had
received the news in a letter from Sala Sala, conveyed by some
messenger, and that on receipt of it he had sent to stop the men
and loads _en route_ here from Nassur bin Saifi village. I replied
that the Major's orders were still to proceed to Banalya. He sent
messengers at once to tell the people behind to come on. He reports
many cases of small-pox and ether diseases, about sixty men unfit
for work, that seven of his men have deserted. Met the two men
reported missing last night. Both were sick and had slept at a
village close by.
Weather fine.
J. S. J.
_July 4th._--Told Muini Sumai that my last orders to him were to
get the whole of his force together at once, and come on to my camp
with all speed. He promised to leave following day. Rain came down
in torrents shortly after leaving, but pushed on and reached Mpungu
about noon, when it cleared up for a fine day. Heavy rain until
noon.
Double loads borne remarkably well.
J. S. J.
_July 5th._--Reached Mkwagodi, Mr. Bonny's camp, about noon. Swamps
very bad after rain. He reports all quiet during my absence. One
Zanzibari had died. My letters to Stanley Falls left about 9 A.M.
of the 3rd. Tippu-Tib's people had brought a few fowls for sale.
Weather fine.
J. S. J.
_July 6th._--Sent Mr. Bonny on to next village, which I hear is a
large one, and quite an easy march from here, with orders to send
back Soudanese escort and carriers to carry extra loads to-morrow.
This is a very small village with not sufficient accommodation for
our force, so determined to await his arrival at the next. Men
returned from Mr. Bonny about 2 P.M.
J. S. J.
_July 7th._--Moved up with all extra loads to Sipula, about fifteen
miles. Road a bad one, much fallen timber, and manioc very thick.
Bonny reported Zanzibari bearer of our chop-box as lagging behind
yesterday, and breaking open his box. Was caught red-handed in the
act. One tin of corn-beef and one tin of milk were missing, also a
broached tin of cocoa still in box. Man volunteered to show where
these were. Sent him back with Soudanese, who returned with both
tins opened. Dr. Parke's box, whilst being carried here yesterday,
fell and burst open; damaged beyond repair. The clothing I packed
in Messrs. Stairs' and Nelson's bags, which were underweight; the
shot and cartridge cases were discarded, being short of carriers.
Collected all the cartridges carried by the Zanzibari, and will
have them carried as loads, as I mean to send Mr. Bonny on to
Banalya. The road is a perfectly safe one, and food all the way.
The small-pox is rife amongst the Manyuema, and I wish to prevent
it from spreading among our people. Banalya is four easy marches
from here, and Mr. Bonny will have guides to show the road. Have
sent to Muini Sumai to join me to-morrow here.
Weather fine.
J. S. J.
_July 8th._--Mr. Bonny left here for Banalya. Muini Sumai with
nearly all the Manyuema arrived here. Muini Sumai tells me that he
has received a second letter from Sala saying that the whole force
is to return to Stanley Falls. Upon further inquiry I find that the
way Sala got the news was the following. Men of Salim Mohamed's
returning from Stanley Falls after the steamer had arrived at
Yambuya spread this report among the people, who communicated the
same to Sala's people.
J. S. J.
_July 9th._--Last night, as if at a given signal, nearly every man
in the camp began to fire off his gun; several of the shots were
fired beside my tent. I jumped out of bed, sent for Muini Sumai,
got my rifle, and told him before every one that I would shoot the
very next man that fired close to my tent. There were no more
shots.
About noon to-day several of Bonny's men came into camp telling me
he had lost the road. Started out to Bonny's camp. Met messenger
with a note from him on road. He tells me the guides yesterday took
him all wrong and then ran away. He afterwards got too far N.,
sighting the Aruwimi. He is camped at a village about half-an-hour
from here. Went with him along road, and found a well blazed one
going to the eastward which he had missed. Got back to his camp at
dusk.
Weather fair. Mr. Bonny reports a goat missing.
J. S. J.
_July 10th._--Started shortly after daylight and joined Mr. Bonny.
Went ahead on road, general direction S.E. which I found he had
followed the day before. Had just determined to go to where he had
camped when Arabs from Banalya arrived. The head man told me that
he had brought the percussion-caps from Stanley Falls to Banalya,
and also four letters. He handed over to me three deserters from
Mr. Stanley's force, Musa Wadi Kombo, Rehani Wadi Mabruki and Jumah
Wadi Chandi. (Note from Mr. Stanley: these three men deserted from
the advance on or about Aug. 28th., just half way between Yambuya
and Albert Nyanza.) They all declare that they did not desert from
him, but were left sick on the road. They say they belong to
Captain Stairs' Company. I got them to guide us to the right road,
and they took us to the very village where Mr. Bonny and his men
slept the day before yesterday, close to the Aruwimi, and from
which point he had turned back. He camped there again to-day and
goes on to-morrow morning. Abdulla Kihamira handed me the 40,000
percussion-caps for which Tippu-Tib is to be paid £48.
Weather fine.
J. S. J.
_July 11th._--Muini Sumai informed me to-day that he could not
leave for Banalya until the day after to-morrow. I warned him that
every day lost on the road would be a day less at Banalya, as Major
Barttelot would expect us to be ready to start on his arrival. He
has not the slightest power over the other headmen.
Heavy and continuous rain in afternoon.
J. S. J.
_July 11th._--Muini Sumai requested percussion-caps to be
distributed among his men. Told him to address himself to Major
Barttelot on the latter's arrival. He made another excuse for not
starting to-morrow, as he did not like leaving the white man
behind. I told him that was my business not theirs, and that every
man and load must leave this place to-morrow.
Weather cloudy, but fine.
J. S. J.
_July 13th._--Muini Sumai and Manyuema left to-day for Banalya. One
sick chief going on slowly with men. Several dying of small-pox left
in village. Stench around village frightful, but all villages near
here are in a similar condition.
Weather fine.
J. S. J.
_July 14th._--Sent for Tippu-Tib's men from Mampuya, and told them
we would remain here some days. They have no news of Major
Barttelot's being on the road.
Heavy rain all afternoon.
J. S. J.
_July 15th._--Still at Sipula awaiting return of men from Banalya.
J. S. J.
_July 16th._--Tippu-Tib's people came from Mampuya with plantains
for sale. Purchased some for the sick. Cannot understand the
non-arrival of men from Banalya.
J. S. J.
_July 17th._--Nyombi, Tippu-Tib's head man at Mampuya, came into
camp to-day. Reports return of the men who took letters to Stanley
Falls. Had seen Major Barttelot, who has gone by a short road to
Banalya. Said he would be there to-day. Still no signs of the men
from Banalya to carry the extra loads. They are now a full two days
over date.
Weather fine.
J. S. J.
_July 18th_.--Between 3 and 4 P.M. the men from Banalya arrived.
Told them to collect plantains and manioc at once, as we should
march to-morrow. Much grumbling.
The following received from Mr. Bonny:
"Abdullah's Camp (Banalya),
_July 15th, 1888_.
"My dear Jameson,--I arrived here about 10 A.M. this day. The
Zanzibaris did not know the road well, and I had to keep to the
front nearly the whole distance. When you arrive at my first camp
on the river bank you had better get three days' manioc--you will
not find any for three days. The Soudanese in charge of the
Zanzibari prisoner let him escape on my second day's march. You may
see this escaped prisoner. (Here follows list.) Twenty-three men
have deserted. The Manyuema who came with us left us on the wrong
road early on second day; they had blocked the right road in
several places. I did not see any native on the road, although I am
certain they look after people left behind. On my four-days' march
Feraji Wadi Zaid ran away, leaving his load on the road. I hear
Selangi, who was sick, is also absent; loads correct.
"Yours, etc.,
"William Bonny."
Weather fine.
J. S. J.
_July 19th._--Started about 7 A.M. and marched to Mr. Bonny's first
camp. Aruwimi R. distance between five and six miles, general
direction north-east. Passed through five villages and over two
streams. Road generally good, through old manioc plantations broken
up with patches of forest. Halted to let men collect manioc.
Threatening thunder, but fine.
J. S. J.
_July 20th._--Left camp a little before 7 A.M. and reached Mr.
Bonny's camp on the bank of the Aruwimi R. 11 o'clock. Distance
between five and six miles. General direction E. Road a bad one,
lying along the bank of the river and crossing all the deep
cuttings with muddy inlets to them. Latter part of march through
old sites of very large villages. The natives were all living on
opposite bank. Very large plantations of manioc and plantain.
Weather fine.
J. S. J.
_July 21st._--When nearly ready to start this morning a heavy
shower of rain fell, and I kept the tent standing; it cleared,
however, shortly, and we made a start, when it began to pour again
and rained steadily until we reached Mr. Bonny's first camp in
forest, when we halted. When about a mile from the camp we were met
by messengers from Mr. Bonny, who handed me a letter, and whilst
opening it overheard some of the men saying that Major Barttelot
was dead. This was only too true, for my letter contained the sad
news that he was shot dead early on the morning of the 19th at
Banalya, and further that Muini Sumai and all the Manyuema had
left.
Mr. Benny's letter follows:--
"_19th July, 1888._
"My dear Jameson,--Major Barttelot shot dead early this morning;
Manyuema, Muini Sumai and Abdullah Kihamira all gone. I have
written to Tippu-Tib through Mons. Baert.
"Push on.
"Yours,
"Bonny."
J. S. J.
_July 22nd._--After seeing all loads ready to start, got away about
an hour after daybreak and reached Banalya an hour before sunset--a
long march over one of the worst roads in this country. On arrival
found all quiet, and that Mr. Bonny had done all that could be done
under the circumstances. He had recovered about 300 of the loads
carried by the Manyuema, and had succeeded in quieting those who
had remained near camp. Muini Sumai halted on the morning of the
19th instant without a word to any one, and has gone to Stanley
Falls. The other head men under him, with the exception of two or
three who are camped outside this village, are camped in the bush
some distance away. Major Barttelot was buried on the 19th. A full
account of the circumstances of his death is given by Mr. Bonny
later on.
J. S. J.
_July 23rd._--Made an inventory of the effects of Major Barttelot,
and packed all things considered necessary to send home, a full
account of everything being sent to Sir Walter Barttelot. Offered a
reward for the arrest of the man who shot Major Barttelot.
J. S. J.
_July 24th._--Made a complete list of all loads recovered; the
majority of the Manyuema head men came into camp, and from them
gathered the following information:--
There are 193 Manyuema carriers still camped in this vicinity;
Muini Sumai, six head men, and Sanga, the man who shot Major
Barttelot, are all at Stanley Falls. On my march to Stanley Falls I
will meet more of the head men, who will give information about
their loads and men. I then told them I was going to Stanley Falls
to-morrow, to see Tippu-Tib, and try to make such arrangements with
him as would admit of our still continuing the Expedition; would
not remain away long, and when returned would let them know whether
it would be an advance or otherwise. Told them I wished them to
remain quietly in whatever camp they chose in the neighbourhood,
but not in this village, so that there would be no chance of
further trouble until my return. They said they were perfectly
willing to do this. We have recovered 298-1/2 loads, and are now
47-1/2 loads short.
Letters handed by me to Major Barttelot before our departure from
Yambuya. Two loads of the Expedition found missing. Believed them
to have been lost on the way, which one of his men (Hamed bin
Daoud) ran away with on his return from Stanley Falls.
J. S. J.
_Mr. Bonny's Log._
_July 11th._--I struck camp early, and started along the bank of
Aruwimi. I soon found out why I had not taken this road. Every
village has been burnt down, and everything destroyed. Elephants
are very numerous here. New roads have been made, the old ones
destroyed; but after an hour's march I came on Mr. Stanley's road.
Wm. Bonny, _Commanding Advance Party_.
_July 12th._--Made a long march, taking three days' manioc to
enable me to pass through the forest. The Arabs who joined with the
Zanzibaris deserted after leading us an hour on the wrong road,
and, blocking up the right ones in several places, ran away. I
found right road, and continued my march until mid-day. Camped in
forest.
Wm. Bonny, _Commanding Advance Party_.
_July 15th._--I arrived at Banalya at about 10 A.M., after a march
of four days and four hours from where I last saw Mr. Jameson.
Nothing worth noting occurred on the 13th and 14th instant.
Abdullah, the head man of this village, treating me very kindly,
giving me a large house, rice, fish, and bananas. Camp quiet.
Wm. Bonny, _Commanding Advance Party_.
_July 16th._--Some of Muini Sumai's Manyuema came in to-day.
Wm. Bonny, _Commanding Advance Party_.
The dates 17th, 18th, and 19th have been already published in
Chapter XX.--"The Sad Story of the Rear Column."
H. M. S.
_July 20th._--Sent out to headmen to try and get more loads. I find
I am short of the following loads, viz., 8 bags beads, 3-3/4 brass
wire, 10 sacks of hkfs., 9 bales Zanzibar cloth, 5 loads of powder,
10 sacks rice, 1 sack cowries; total 47 loads.
I discovered that the man who shot the Major is named Sanga, and is
a headman charged with the care of ten loads. He has fled to
Stanley Falls with Muini Sumai.
William Bonny, _Commanding_.
_July 22nd._--It has been raining now thirty-six hours. Mr. Jameson
arrived to-day. Camp quiet.
William Bonny, _Commanding_.
_July 25th._--Mr. Jameson left here for Stanley Falls, taking with
him the late Major's effects.
William Bonny, _Commanding_.
_July 27th._--The Soudanese paraded to-day, without being asked,
and said they wished to speak to me. They said--"We wish to fight
the Manyuema; we are waiting for orders, and are ready to
fight."... I think they are now ashamed of their conduct on the
19th instant in not following me when called upon.
William Bonny, _Commanding_.
Following from Mr. Jameson:--
"Camp in Forest,
"_July 26th, 1888_.
"My dear Bonny,--We have been doing good work, marching eight hours
yesterday, and nine and a half hours to-day....
"Met Muini Sumai. He was on his way back to Banalya, having been
pursuaded to return by other Arabs coming from Stanley Falls.
"Muini Sumai told me that one of Sanga's women was beating the drum
when the Major came up, and the Major went to the house saying 'Who
is that?' Sanga says he thought that the Major was going to beat
the woman as he had beaten the man the day before, and so fired at
him. He is at Stanley Falls.
"Yours,
"J. S. Jameson."
_August 1st._--I raided the Zanzibari houses to-day, which resulted
in my getting ten pieces of cloth.
William Bonny, _Commanding_.
_August 2nd._--Empty Remington box found in forest. A Zanzibari was
found in possession of forty-eight hkfs., being part of stores lost
on 19th,
William Bonny, _Commanding_.
_August 6th._--The natives came last night and stole a canoe from
our gate, and not two yards from a Soudanese sentry. I fined the
three Soudanese sentries each £1 for neglect of duty.
Wm. Bonny, _Commanding Advance Party_.
_August 8th._-- About 10 P.M., hearing an unusual noise, I got up,
and discovered that it proceeded from about 100 to 150 canoes
knocking together. The natives were in force across the river, and
I soon posted my men. The natives observing our movements returned
up river. No shot was fired. I want to make friends with them.
William Bonny, _Commanding_.
_August 12th._--The Manyuema, through Chief Sadi, brought me a
present of 15 lbs. of wild pig meat. I have had no meat since 25th
July.
William Bonny, _Commanding_.
_August 14th._--I received a letter from Mr. Jameson, now at
Stanley Falls, in which he states that my letter of the 19th July,
1888, was lost. It was addressed to Mons. Baert, Stanley Falls,
announcing the death of Major Barttelot to Tippu-Tib, and enclosed
one to Sir Walter Barttelot, Bart., M.P. Tippu-Tib has tried Muini
Sumai, and finding him guilty, has torn up his contract. Muini
Sumai has to return all rifles, &c. Mr. Ward is at Bangala with
letters from the committee, which Jameson has ordered to be sent
up. Tippu-Tib has agreed to hand over Sanga, the murderer of the
Major, to Jameson for justice. The state officers claim that power,
and will try him, as Banalya is within their territory.
William Bonny, _Commanding_.
_August 17th._--Mr. Stanley arrived here about 11 A.M. this morning
in good health, but thin. He came by water with about thirty
canoes, accompanied by about 200 followers. Some of whom are
natives belonging to Emin Pasha.
I briefly told Mr. Stanley the news, handed to him eleven letters
addressed to himself, and four addressed to Emin Pasha.
Rain.
W. Bonny.
_August 18th._--A Manyuema admits to Mr. Stanley that, he had two
bales of Zanzibar cloth, and knew a man who had a bag of beads,
taken from me on the 19th July. Mr. Stanley advised the head man
to return the goods to me. Kimanga brought two half bales of
Zanzibar cloth, being part of the stores looted on the 19th July. A
receipt was given to him. I received a letter dated August 12th,
Stanley Falls, from Mr. Jameson. Muini Sumai came in and saw Mr.
Stanley.
William Bonny.
_August 19th._--Muini Sumai has now returned all rifles, revolvers,
and ammunition, besides top of tent.
William Bonny.
_August 20th._--Soudanese and Zanzibaris paraded to-day of their
own accord before Mr. Stanley, and complained to him that they had
been badly treated.
The following is from Mr. Jameson:--
"Stanley Falls,
"_August 12, 1888_.
"My dear Bonny,--The Expedition is at a very low ebb at present, as
I think you will acknowledge. No headman will go in charge of
Manyuema although I have done all in my power to get one. Tippu-Tib
said he would go for £20,000 paid unconditionally, and said further
that if he met with any really superior force, or saw his men
threatened with any serious loss, he would return. It is not likely
that the Committee would agree to this proposal. Secondly, he
proposed for the same sum to take the loads _viâ_ Nyangwe and
Tanganika to Kibero in Unyoro, guaranteeing first to pay for all
loss of loads. Secondly, to deliver all loads at Kibero in Unyoro
within six months of date of starting. Thirdly, after delivering
loads at Kibero will look for Stanley. But if war between Unyoro
and Uganda, could not guarantee delivery of loads at Kibero. I had
a final interview with him last night. I told him that Mr.
Stanley's very last orders were to follow the same road he had
taken. Major Barttelot's intentions were, at the time of his death,
to continue on that road. Major Barttelot wrote to Mr. Mackinnon to
say he had started on that road. The reply of the Committee could
not have been to go by another, or we would have received it. Emin
Pasha's last statement was to the effect that if he were not soon
relieved he would put himself at the head of his men and try and
get out _viâ_ the Congo. That Emin Pasha had received the
messages which Mr. Stanley sent from Zanzibar telling him his route
would be by the Congo. That did he start, the Congo would without
doubt be the route he would choose to come out. And that finally,
in the face of all this, I could not go by a new route unless
ordered to do so. Tippu-Tib then said, 'You are right.' I then told
him that as regards our old route, he could not get me a headman
over the Manyuema, no matter what I did to induce them. He said he
would command them himself for £20,000, yet told me that if any
serious loss was threatened to his men he would turn back. I
replied, 'You will accept no less a sum than £20,000, and that
unconditionally.' Many of the Manyuema openly avow their intention
should I go without a headman from you, they will proceed a certain
distance, and when they come to a good village, throw down our
loads and begin ivory hunting. (This Tippu-Tib acknowledged.)
Therefore, if I start from here without a headman it might be fatal
to the whole expedition.
"The only thing left for me to do now was to get a canoe, and go to
Bangala at once. Read the Committee's reply, and if it was to the
effect, go on at all hazards. Then I would take thirty or forty
loads to be carried by the men Tippu-Tib is going to give me to
replace those of Muini Sumai, bring Mr. Ward with me, as in case
the Manyuemas chucked their loads, there would be one of us who
might get back with the news, and bring no headman. I shall have
plenty to do with the Manyuema. Return here at once in the
_Stanley_ Steamer, which will be at Bangala immediately after I
arrive there, and start at night away again. If the reply of the
Committee would justify my stopping, knowing all I do, I would send
Ward with a telegram at once to Banana by same canoes I go down in,
return in the _Stanley_, go up to you, and all men and loads would
be sent to Yarukombé on the Congo. Tippu-Tib guarantees that he
will dismiss his men, and keep them close to the Aruwimi, and
should the reply from the Committee be to still go on, on either
route, he will have them all collected in a few days. There is no
one to go down but me. Were I to wait the answer of the Committee
here, then if we started at once I would have no loads to replace
those lost at Banalya, and Ward could not come with us, and if I
thought right to stop and send a telegram, a very serious delay
would accrue in Ward's starting with it.
"What I wish you to do now is to stop at Banalya until you hear
from me, which ought to be in three weeks or a month.
* * * * *
"If we have to come down to Yarukombé, the thing will be to make
Zanzibaris believe that we are going to Zanzibar, then there will
not be many desertions. Tippu-Tib has found out the refuge of the
deserters. It is at Yatuka, Said bin Habib's place. He has sent men
to catch all who are there. Daoud was captured at Yambuya with the
Major's sack of cloth with him. Pieces of our cloth are being
brought here to Tippu-Tib from villages all over the country.
"Yesterday Sanga (the murderer) was tried before Tippu-Tib and the
Belgian Resident. He was found guilty, and shot immediately
afterwards.
* * * * *
"My hopes sometimes have been raised to the highest pitch, and then
thrown to the ground the next moment. When Tippu-Tib said he would
go for £20,000, I told him I did not think the Committee would give
it, but if he would give me certain guarantees I would pay half the
sum myself as a subscription to the Expedition. But after what he
had said no one would take him.
* * * * *
"You remember that in camp I had serious thought for reasons you
know of not bringing Ward; but if we do start this time without any
headman, it is most necessary that there should be three of us. I
assure you that his coming will not in the least interfere with
your command of the Zanzibaris. And now, old man, good-bye, and God
bless you.
"Very sincerely yours
"James S. Jameson."
* * * * *
Copy of pencilled remarks and calculations made in presence of
Major Barttelot, June 24th, 1887, when he demanded further light
upon his duties, and regarding Tippu-Tib. Fourteen months after it
had been handed to Major Barttelot it was restored to me by Mr.
William Bonny. It was copied, and the document was returned to
him.
"Str. _Stanley_, let us assume, arrives here in August, Mr. Stanley
hopes to be at Nyanza same date. He stops two weeks with Emin
Pasha, say to 1st September. September and October to come back.
"So you have got seventy-four days with 550 loads; you have 155
carriers, besides two garrisons of fifty men each, to occupy ends
of your days' march.
Going 6 miles per day. 155 loads }4 trips to make 6
6 " " 155 " }miles forward, 8 trips
6 " " 155 " }to make 1 day's journey
6 " " 155 " }for a caravan.
"Therefore in seventy-four days you will have made nine marches
forward nearer to us.
"If Tippu-Tib sends 400 men with your 208 carriers you can march
with all goods towards Muta Nzigé. Then I shall meet you thirteen
days from Muta Nzigé."
List of Stores landed at Yambuya Camp, August 14th, 1887, per s.s.
_Stanley_ from Leopoldville:--
100 cases gunpowder.
129 " Remington rifle cartridges.
10 " percussion caps.
7 " biscuits (ship).
2 " Madeira wine.
2 " Savelist.
114 bales cloth (assorted).
33 sacks beads.
13 " cowries.
20 " rice.
8 " salt.
1 " empty sacks.
26 loads of brass rods.
27 " brass and iron wire.
1 case tinware.
----
493
----
List of Stores left at Yambuya in charge of Major Barttelot June 28th.
1887:--
2 boxes general and private baggage--Mr. Stanley.
29 " Remington rifle cartridges.
38 " Winchester rifle cartridges.
24 " Maxim rifle cartridges.
24 " European provisions.
10 loads officers' baggage.
15 " brass rods.
1 " tobacco.
1 " cowries.
12 " rice.
7 " biscuits.
1 " salt.
3 " tents
----
167
----