_May 7th._--We are already busy with preparations for our start to the
interior. Mr. Gagliuffi has written to Ghat to-day for Hateetah and his
escort of Tuaricks. Excitement protects us, perhaps, from the deadly
influence of the climate of Mourzuk. Mr. Gagliuffi is recovering from a
severe attack, and anticipates being obliged to leave for the coast. We
trust he will not be driven from his post whilst we are in Soudan.
However, we must trust to the same Providence that has hitherto watched
over us.
I am having all our letters of recommendation for the interior copied,
to be sent home to Government, so that if anything happen to us they may
know what kind of support we have received. If anything happen! The
presence of that doubt gives a solemnity and an importance to the most
trifling thing we do. A soldier is allowed to indulge in serious thought
before going into battle, and the chances in his favour are greater than
those in ours. We, too, may have to do battle with men; but the dangers
of the desert are also arrayed against us, and when they are passed, the
miasmas of Central Africa fill the air beyond.
The marabout, with his camel and burden, has not yet come up; he left us
to visit his country. We are likewise still without news of three
camel-loads left behind at Mizdah. There is always a train of stragglers
behind every caravan that is not huddled together by fear.
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