Sayd bin Majid had stated that his canoe would carry twenty-five
men, and 3,500 lbs. of ivory. Acting upon this information, we
embarked twenty-five men, several of whom had stored away bags of
salt for the purposes of trade with the natives; but upon pushing
off from the shore near Ujiji, we discovered the boat was too
heavily laden, and was down to the gunwale. Returning in-shore,
we disembarked six men, and unloaded the bags of salt, which left
us with sixteen rowers, Selim, Ferajji the cook, and the two
Wajiji guides.
Having thus properly trimmed our boat we again pushed off, and
steered her head for Bangwe Island, which was distant four or
five miles from the Bunder of Ujiji. While passing this island
the guides informed us that the Arabs and Wajiji took shelter on
it during an incursion of the Watuta - which took place some years
ago - when they came and invaded Ujiji, and massacred several of
the inhabitants. Those who took refuge on the island were the
only persons who escaped the fire and sword with which the Watuta
had visited Ujiji.
After passing the island and following the various bends and
indentations of the shore, we came in sight of the magnificent bay
of Kigoma, which strikes one at once as being an excellent harbor
from the variable winds which blow over the Tanganika.
