This was a dodge of the slave-traders, who had incited the people to
escape from any connection with such an enterprise. It was supposed that
without boatmen we should be unable to start.
The police authorities were employed, and by degrees the necessary crews
were secured, - all unwilling, and composed of the worst material.
I had taken the precaution of selecting from the two regiments a
body-guard of forty-six men. Their numbers were equal black and white,
as I considered this arrangement might excite an esprit de corps, and
would in the event of discontent prevent a coalition.
The men having been well chosen were fine examples of physique, and
being armed with the snider rifle and carefully drilled, such a body of
picked troops would form a nucleus for further development, and might
become a dependable support in any emergency. This corps was commanded
by an excellent officer, my aide-de-camp, Lieut.-Colonel Abd-el-Kader,
but owing to the peculiar light-fingered character of the men, I gave it
the name of "The Forty Thieves."
Eventually the corps became a model of morality, and was distinguished
for valour and fidelity throughout the expedition.
Six months' rations were on board for all hands, in addition to the
general stores of corn, and cases, bales, &c., innumerable.
