I had released Umbogo, whom I had sent to Kabba Rega to
explain all that he had seen of the outbreak, as he was one of those
that had been poisoned by the plaintain cider. Umbogo promised to return
as soon as possible. The dragoman, Abou Kooka, remained with us in the
place of Umbogo. This was a sullen-looking brute who had been a slave
stolen from the Madi tribe.
I must now take an extract verbatim from my journal, that was written on
the day of the incident. Any warm expressions in this extract must be
excused as a natural consequence, for which I trust due allowance will
be granted: -
"I walked round the burnt town of Masindi, accompanied by Julian
(Lieutenant Baker), Abd-el-Kader, and two guards of 'The Forty.' Neither
Abd-el-Kader nor I carried guns, as I wished to establish confidence
among the natives who were searching among the ashes for molotes.
"I sent for the dragoman, Abou Kooka, and conversed with the natives,
assuring them of peace, and that I had no ill-will against Kabba Rega,
if Matonse was the cause of the outbreak. At the same time, I told them
to bring provisions for sale.
"They seemed very shy, and replied that 'all would be right when the
messengers should arrive from Kabba Rega.
