In the Lobbohr there is a river called Jooba. This is, I
believe, the Juba that flows into the Indian Ocean, as the report
continues that: "Arabs arrive at Lobbohr mounted upon camels, and armed
with swords and pistols, but without guns." Horses and donkeys are also
reported to exist in Lobbohr.
There can be no doubt that most important countries lie to the east of
Fatiko, and should the story of camels prove correct, there will be no
difficulty in opening up a commercial route.
It appears that at Langgo the demand for beads is very great, as the
natives work them into patterns upon their matted hair. Ivory has little
or no value, and exists in large quantities.
The natives refuse to carry loads, and they transport an elephant's tusk
by boring a hole in the hollow end, through which they attach a rope; it
is then dragged along the ground by a donkey. The ivory is thus
seriously damaged . . . . .
Such was the position of affairs at Fatiko in March, 1872. New and
important countries had been investigated, not by explorers or traders,
but by the brigands of Abou Saood, whose first introduction was the
unprovoked attack and carrying off of slaves and cattle.
Such conduct could only terminate in an extension of the ruin which a
similar course had determined in every country that had been occupied by
the traders of the White Nile.
I trusted that my arrival would create a great reform, and restore
confidence throughout the country. The news had spread far and wide. The
scarlet soldiers were regarded as a distinct species, and the report
quickly circulated, that the "Pacha's troops were entirely different
from any that had hitherto been seen, as their clothes were red, and
their muskets were loaded from the wrong end."
I now determined to establish a station at Fatiko, to represent the
government during my absence in the south.
Abou Saood had sworn fidelity. Of course I did not believe him, but as
the natives had welcomed the government, I could not leave them without
protection.
It was therefore arranged with Abou Saood that after the expiration of
the contract, all operations should cease. He would simply remain on
sufferance in the country, until he should be able to transport his
ivory to Gondokoro. This could only be effected by the arrival of
carriers from his stations, about 180 miles west of the Nile, in the
Makkarika country. His first step would therefore be to communicate with
the vakeel Atroosh, who commanded about 600 men in the west station.
I ordered Abou Saood to disarm the seventy Baris who were in his service
at Fatiko, as I would not allow muskets to be placed in the hands of
natives who were hostile to the government.
