I
immediately started with my diahbeeah and reinforcements, and united
with Lieutenant Baker. I had now three large islands in possession. The
fertility of the soil was extraordinary. The cultivation was confined to
the rim or sides of the islands, as the centre was swampy in the wet
season, but the extreme richness of the soil produced the heaviest
crops, and the granaries were full throughout the very numerous little
villages, that were stationed around the islands.
Having worked for twelve days, during which time numerous vessels had
enlivened the river by passing to and fro heavily laden with corn,
between our granaries and Gondokoro, I received notice from the mainland
that the work of the two stations under Lieutenant-Colonel Achmet and
Major Abdullah was concluded. Achmet had thrashed out all his corn, and
was waiting for boats to convey it; and Abdullah had shipped all that he
had collected, and was waiting for orders.
I sent instructions, that Abdullah should march his detachment along the
mainland, towards the south, and occupy the villages on the high land,
exactly opposite my vessels. The country was beautifully open, like a
fine park, in long, rolling undulations, which terminated in rocky
hills, about four or five miles from the river.
On 24th October, having loaded a line of vessels that lay alongside the
island as snugly as though by an artificial quay, I was amusing myself,
together with Lieutenant Baker, in shooting ducks, which swarmed in the
neighbouring ponds and swamps. At about 4.30 p.m. I heard rapid
file-firing in the distance, and I concluded that Major Abdullah's
detachment, that was hourly expected, was attacked by the natives. I at
once returned to the diahbeeah, where my wife was stationed on the high
poop-deck, having a good view of a very pretty little engagement.
The troops were about a mile distant, and while steadily on the march
according to my instructions, they were suddenly attacked by the natives
in great force. This was a fair stand-up fight in the open. The big
drums and horns were sounding throughout the country, and the natives
were pouring from all directions to the battle.
The white uniforms of the soldiers formed a strong contrast to the black
figures of the naked Baris; thus we could see the affair distinctly. We
could also hear the orders given by bugle.
Major Abdullah had prudently secured his rear by the occupation of one
of the small villages, fortified by a hedge of impenetrable euphorbia.
He then threw out skirmishers in line, supported by the force that held
the village. The natives were yelling in all directions, and I never
before saw them make such a good fight upon the open ground.
