Thus the defenders could
fire from the strong rooms through the interstices of the upright
timbers.
We commenced this fort on the morning of 2nd June, and every palisade
was in its place and firmly rammed down by the evening of the 5th; thus,
in four days' hard work we had an impregnable protection in a position
nearly half-way between the entrance of the main approach and the
government divan.
The digging of the ditch was commenced, but this was a longer operation,
as we were provided with the light Unyoro hoes, which were not
sufficiently powerful to cut through the hard gravel subsoil.
The interpreter, Umbogo, returned on 3rd June. He could not in the least
explain the hostile demonstration of 31st May. This added to my
suspicion, as Umbogo must have known more than he chose to tell.
On the 4th June envoys arrived direct from M'tese, the king of Uganda,
with a letter of welcome, written in Arabic, addressed to myself.
The principal messenger was one of M'tese's headmen, named Waysooa. The
commander-in-chief, Congow, had also sent a representative, named
Bonneggesah; these people were accompanied by an interpreter named
Bokamba.
The envoys were remarkably well-dressed, in Indian clothes, and they
appeared quite civilized, as though native merchants of Bombay.
They now delivered their credentials from King M'tese: these were
objects that had been given to him many years ago by Speke and Grant. A
printed book (Kaffre laws), several water-colour drawings, including a
picture of a guinea-fowl and a yellow-breasted pigeon; also a little
folding-book with sketches of British soldiers of various regiments.
These I carefully examined and returned to the envoys, who wrapped them
neatly in a piece of calico as great treasures. (I must acknowledge
the important assistance rendered by the King M'tese, which was the
result of the good reputation left by my precursors, Speke and Grant.)
The general, Congow, had sent a tusk to SELL! I declined the offer, but
I sent him a scarlet blanket as a present. I also packed up an
assortment of handsome articles for M'tese, including many yards of
orange-coloured gold brocade, sufficient for a large flowing robe.
I gave presents to the envoys, and they appeared delighted, bowing
frequently to the ground while upon their knees, with their hands
clasped together, and repeating the word, "N'yanzig," "N'yanzig,"
"N'yanzig."
In reply to my inquiries, nothing had been heard of Livingstone. I sent
M'tese a letter in Arabic, begging him to use every exertion in a search
for the great traveller, and to forward him to me, should he be so
fortunate as to discover him. At the same time I wrote two letters,
which I addressed to Livingstone; in these I gave him the necessary
information. I consigned them to the care of M'tese, to be forwarded to
any travellers who might be heard of, far or near.
In my letter to M'tese, I complimented him upon the general improvement
of his country, and upon his conversion from heathenism to a belief in
the Deity. I explained, that owing to his kindness to Speke and Grant,
his name had become known throughout the world, and I begged him to show
the same attention to Livingstone.
I described the object of the expedition, in opening up a trade from the
north that would bring merchandise of every description to his kingdom;
but I advised him to send his own carriers, as I felt sure that Kabba
Rega was already jealous, and would endeavour to prevent the opening of
the commercial road to M'tese, as he would himself wish to monopolize
the trade.
This was a little stroke of diplomacy that I felt sure would open a
direct communication without delay, as M'tese looked down with contempt
upon Kabba Rega, and would at once feel insulted at opposition from such
a quarter. (The good effect of this policy will be seen towards the
close of the expedition.)
Should I have any open rupture with Kabba Rega, M'tese would at once
attribute the cause to the obstructive and selfish character of the
ruler in Unyoro.
I explained to the envoys all that I had written to M'tese, and having
exhibited the varieties of merchandise that belonged to the expedition,
I took them into the wonderful private house, where they were introduced
to the Queen, and the Princess of Wales, and the gaudy ladies, together
with the fox-hunters and hounds, the large mirrors, the wheel of life,
&c.; all of which were duly explained to them. A good shock with the
magnetic battery wound up the entertainment, and provided them with much
material for a report to their royal master upon their return to Uganda.
The geographical information afforded by these people I shall extract
verbatim from my journal, in which it was written at that particular
time: thus, geographers will hear all that I heard, and they may form
various opinions, which will perhaps add still further to the interest
pertaining to the mysteries of Central Africa.
"The native name for the Victoria N'yanza is Nerraa Bali: There are two
lakes adjoining each other, one is Nerraa Bali, the other Sessi; both of
which are very large, and they are separated by a neck of land about a
day's march across.
"On the Sessi Lake the natives live on floating islands, and subsist by
fishing; exchanging their fish for flour, &c., upon the main land.
"There is a narrow water-communication through the neck of land or
isthmus, which can be passed through by a canoe in one day."
On the 5th June the envoys returned towards Uganda, having been highly
gratified with their visit.
