The Last Journals of David Livingstone, in Central Africa, from 1865 to His Death | Page 7

with themselves, and I
wished him to live a hundred years and enjoy all happiness. The idea
was borrowed partly from Sir Bartle Frere's addresses, because I
thought it would have more weight if he heard a little from that source
than if it emanated from myself. He was very anxious that Captain
Brebner and his men, in returning to India, should take a passage from
him in the Nadir Shah, one of his men-of-war, and though he had
already placed his things aboard the Vigilant, to proceed to Seychelles,
and thence to Bombay, we persuaded Captain Brebner to accept his
Highness's hospitality. He had evidently set his heart on sending them
back with suitable honours, and an hour after consent was given to go
by the Nadir Shah, he signed an order for the money to fit her out.
_11th February, 1866._--One of the foremost subjects that naturally
occupied my mind here was the sad loss of the Baron van der Decken,
on the River Juba, or Aljib. The first intimation of the unfortunate
termination of his explorations was the appearance of Lieutenant von

Schich at this place, who had left without knowing whether his leader
were dead or alive, but an attack had been made on the encampment
which had been planned after the steamer struck the rocks and filled,
and two of the Europeans were killed. The attacking party came from
the direction in which the Baron and Dr. Link went, and three men of
note in it were slain. Von Schich went back from Zanzibar to Brava to
ascertain the fate of the Baron, and meanwhile several native sailors
from Zanzibar had been allowed to escape from the scene of confusion
to Brava.
_18th February, 1866._--All the Europeans went to pay visits of
congratulation to his Highness the Sultan upon the conclusion of the
Ramadân, when sweetmeats were placed before us. He desired me to
thank the Governor of Bombay for his magnificent gift, and to state
that although he would like to have me always with him, yet he would
show me the same favour in Africa which he had done here: he added
that the Thule was at my service to take me to the Rovuma whenever I
wished to leave. I replied that nothing had been wanting on his part; he
had done more than I expected, and I was sure that his Excellency the
Governor would be delighted to hear that the vessel promoted his
health and prosperity; nothing would delight him more than this. He
said that he meant to go out in her on Wednesday next (20th): Bishop
Tozer, Captain Fraser, Dr. Steere, and all the English were present. The
sepoys came in and did obeisance; and I pointed out the Nassick lads as
those who had been rescued from slavery, educated, and sent back to
their own country by the Governor. Surely he must see that some
people in the world act from other than selfish motives.
In the afternoon Sheikh Sulieman, his secretary, came with a letter for
the Governor, to be conveyed by Lieutenant Brebner, I.N., in the Nadir
Shah, which is to sail to-morrow. He offered money to the lieutenant,
but this could not be heard of for a moment.
The translation of the letter is as follows, and is an answer to that which
I brought.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF BOMBAY.

[After compliments.]
"... The end of my desire is to know ever that your Excellency's health
is good. As for me--your friend--I am very well.
"Your honoured letter borne by Dr. Livingstone duly reached me, and
all that you said about him I understood.
"I will show him respect, give him honour, and help him in all his
affairs; and that I have already done this, I trust he will tell you.
"I hope you will let me rest in your heart, and that you will send me
many letters.
"If you need anything I shall be glad, and will give it.
"Your sincere friend,
"MAJID BIN SAID.
"Dated 2nd Shaul, 1282 (18th February, 1866)."
_2nd March, 1866._--A northern dhow came in with slaves; when this
was reported to the Sultan he ordered it to be burned, and we saw this
done from the window of the Consulate; but he has very little power
over Northern Arabs. He has shown a little vigour of late. He wished to
raise a revenue by a charge of 10 per cent. on all articles brought into
town for sale, but this is clearly contrary to treaty, which provides that
no monopoly shall be permitted, and no dues save that of 5 per cent.
import duty. The French Consul bullies him: indeed the French system
of dealing with the natives is well expressed by that word; no wonder