ire. On the 15th the "Pioneer" steamed down to the
Kongone. The "Gorgon" had been driven out to sea in a gale, and had gone
to Johanna for provisions, and it was the 2nd of April before she
returned. It was fortunate for us that she had obtained a supply, as our
provisions were exhausted, and we had to buy some from the master of the
brig. The "Gorgon" left for the Cape on the 4th, taking all, except one,
of the Mission party who had come in January. We take this opportunity
of expressing our heartfelt gratitude to the gallant Captain I. C. Wilson
and his officers for innumerable acts of kindness and hearty
co-operation. Our warmest thanks are also due to Captain R. B. Oldfield
and the other officers from the Admiral downwards, and we beg to assure
them that nothing could be more encouraging to us in our difficulties and
trials, than the knowledge that we possessed their friendship and
sympathy in our labours.

The Rev. James Stewart, of the Free Church of Scotland, arrived in the
"Gorgon." He had wisely come out to inspect the country, before deciding
on the formation of a Mission in the interior. To this object he devoted
many months of earnest labour. This Mission was intended to embrace both
the industrial and the religious element; and as the route by the Zambesi
and Shire forms the only one at present known, with but a couple of days'
land journey to the highlands, which stretch to an unknown distance into
the continent, and as no jealousy was likely to be excited in the mind of
a man of Bishop Mackenzie's enlarged views--there being moreover room for
hundreds of Missions--we gladly extended the little aid in our power to
an envoy from the energetic body above mentioned, but recommended him to
examine the field with his own eyes.

During our subsequent detention at Shupanga, he proceeded as far up the
Shire as the Upper Cataracts, and saw the mere remnants of that dense
population, which we at first had found living in peace and plenty, but
which was now scattered and destroyed by famine and slave-hunting. The
land, which both before and after we found so fair and fruitful, was
burned up by a severe drought; in fact, it was at its very worst. With
most praiseworthy energy, and in spite of occasional attacks of fever, he
then ascended the Zambesi as far as Kebrabasa; and, what may be of
interest to some, compared it, in parts, to the Danube. His estimate of
the highlands would naturally be lower than ou