On the 15th June we first
came into contact with the "rebels." They appeared as a crowd of
well-armed and fantastically-dressed people under the trees at
Mazaro. On explaining that we were English, some at once came on
board and called to those on shore to lay aside their arms. On
landing among them we saw that many had the branded marks of slaves
on their chests, but they warmly approved our objects, and knew well
the distinctive character of our nation on the slave question. The
shout at our departure contrasted strongly with the suspicious
questioning on our approach. Hence-forward we were recognized as
friends by both parties.
At a later period we were taking in wood within a mile of the scene
of action, but a dense fog prevented our hearing the noise of a
battle at Mazaro; and on arriving there, immediately after, many
natives and Portuguese appeared on the bank.
Dr. Livingstone, landing to salute some of his old friends among the
latter, found himself in the sickening smell, and among the mutilated
bodies of the slain; he was requested to take the Governor, who was
very ill of fever, across to Shupanga, and just as he gave his
assent, the rebels renewed the fight, and the balls began to whistle
about in all directions.
