These Surface
Plants, Which Resemble Floating Cabbages With Fine Thready Roots, Like A
Human Beard Of Sixteen Inches In Length, Form Dense Masses Which Are
Very Difficult To Clear
"Our guides are useless, as we cannot depend upon their contradictory
statements.
We are in a deplorable position - the whole fleet in a
cul-de-sac; the river has disappeared; an unknown distance of apparently
boundless marsh lies before us; there is no wood, and there is no
possibility of moving without cutting a channel.
"I have ordered thirty vessels to form in line, single file, and to cut
a canal.
"March. 9. - The men worked famously, but I much fear they will be laid
up with fever if kept at such an unhealthy task. To-day a force of 700
men cut about a mile and a half. They are obliged to slash through with
swords and knives, and then to pull out the greater portion of the grass
and vegetable trash; this is piled like artificial banks on either side
upon the thick floating surface of vegetation. I took a small boat and
pushed on for a mile and a half. I found a very narrow stream, like a
small brook, which gave hopes of lighter labour for to-morrow. I shall
therefore try to force the steamer through. Thirty-two men reported on
the sick list this evening.
"March 10. - A fine north wind for about half an hour, when it suddenly
chopped round to the S.E. We cut on far ahead, so that I was able to
push on the steamers and the whole fleet for a distance of about five
miles.
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