DISCONTENT OF THE SOLDIERS. 503 and other things which would be lost should really not be considered.

But it is ee that the dispute now existing may be settled in a very simple manner. I heard by the last post that some soldiers, natives of Makraka, have taken their rifles and gone away, under the pretence that their rations were not sufficient. Such examples are infectious, and as more than half of our soldiers are natives of the same place, I ‘should not wonder if a large part of them follow those who have already gone. Indeed, as a strong party among the officers in Lad6, including some who are natives of these districts, have long been pleading in favour of a retreat to Makraka, I should not be at all surprised to hear some day that: they had put their heads together and all marched off to Makraka without informing me of their intention. Certainly a struggle would then take place, for I believe that a large number of the older corporals, who are personally attached to me, would not follow without compulsion, and the collision caused by this circumstance might lead to serious results. However that may be, everything must shortly be decided, and should I lve I will not fail to send you further reports. At present my aim is to make you acquainted with the situation, even at the risk of wearying you with all my words. So pray excuse and pardon me for taking up your valuable time.

& 7, Letters TO Dr. R. W. FELKIN.

PROSPECTS OF RELIEF—SUPPRESSION OF THE SLAVE-TRADE—DISCOVERY OF THE DULRU RIVER—FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH.

WADELAT, July 22, 1886.

I am still waiting and hoping for help, and that from England, whose philanthropic spirit will, I hope, keep her true to her ancient traditions, notwithstanding the rise and fall of Governments. I still believe that, whether Liberals or Conservatives are at the helm, the immense importance of aiding