"At 11.30 A.M., we passed the solitary ambatch bush on the west bank
where the steamer smashed her paddle last year. The wind is strong from
the north. Last year we were five hours from the ambatch bush to the
dubba. We shall therefore arrive to-day at about 4 P.M. We have been
exactly 19 1/2 hours steaming from Kutchuk Ali's station to the ambatch.
We left Tewfikeeyah at 11 o'clock; we have therefore been twenty-seven
days to the spot at the dubba that we should reach this evening. Last
year we left Khartoum on 8th February, and we arrived at the station in
the following order: -
"February 15th - Fashoda. 16th - Sobat junction. 18th - Bahr Giraffe
junction. March 2nd - arrived at the forest beyond Kutchuk Ali's station.
This is the same spot where we overtook Raouf Bey last night, he having
left Tewfikeeyah on 11th December. Thus he has been twenty-six days from
Tewfikeeyah in reaching the spot this year which he arrived at from the
great distance of Khartoum in our former voyage in twenty-two days! Last
year the fleet was fourteen days on the voyage from the Sobat to the
above spot; this year they have been twenty-six days! I believe
thoroughly that they delay purposely, in the hope of thwarting the
expedition.
"Last year the whole fleet assembled at the dubba in twenty days from
Fashoda.
"We arrived at the dubba at 5.30 P.M., having been delayed two hours by
obstructions and rapids.
"January 8. - We cut through a horrid accumulation of floating rafts that
have filled the open space of last year between the dubba and the mouth
of our old channel. This being completed, I ordered the boats to keep in
close line until the arrival of the main body, otherwise the floating
rafts would again block up the channel should the boats proceed.
"January 9. - Hauled the dingy over the marsh, and explored the old
channel for a distance of fifty minutes. Thank goodness, this was clear
to that point, a distance of about two miles; but at length we were
stopped by vegetation. The latter is of a light character, and can be
easily removed. Clouds of mosquitoes; the dew very heavy at night.
"Shot a Baleniceps Rex, with rifle.
"January 10. - At day-break we distinguished eight sail on the northern
horizon.
"January 11. - Brisk north wind. Raouf Bey arrived in the evening.
"January 12. - Started and passed the choked river with much difficulty,
and entered the channel of last year's clearing.
"January 13. - We only made about two miles yesterday and to-day, being
stopped by vegetation.
"January 14. - Cutting partially, but the channel is much improved since
last year.
