The loss of poor Scudamore and
Dickinson, in this low-lying situation, but added to the regret that the
highlands had not received a fair trial.

When the news of the Bishop's unfortunate collisions with the natives,
and of his untimely end, reached England, much blame was imputed to him.
The policy, which with the formal sanction of all his companions he had
adopted, being directly contrary to the advice which Dr. Livingstone
tendered, and to the assurances of the peaceable nature of the Mission
which the Doctor had given to the natives, a friendly disapproval of a
bishop's engaging in war was ventured on, when we met him at Chibisa's in
November. But when we found his conduct regarded with so much bitterness
in England, whether from a disposition to "stand by the down man," or
from having an intimate knowledge of the peculiar circumstances of the
country in which he was placed, or from the thorough confidence which
intimacy caused us to repose in his genuine piety, and devout service of
God, we came to think much more leniently of his proceedings, than his
assailants did. He never seemed to doubt but that he had done his duty;
and throughout he had always been supported by his associates.

The question whether a Bishop, in the event of his flock being torn from
his bosom, may make war to rescue them, requires serious consideration.
It seems to narrow itself into whether a Christian man may lawfully use
the civil power or the sword at all in defensive war, as police or
otherwise. We would do almost anything to avoid a collision with
degraded natives; but in case of an invasion--our blood boils at the very
thought of our wives, daughters, or sisters being touched--we, as men
with human feelings, would unhesitatingly fight to the death, with all
the fury in our power.

The good Bishop was as intensely averse to using arms, before he met the
slave-hunters, as any man in England. In the course he pursued he may
have made a mistake, but it is a mistake which very few Englishmen on
meeting bands of helpless captives, or members of his family in bonds,
would have failed to commit likewise.

During unhealthy April, the fever was more severe in Shupanga and Mazaro
than usual. We had several cases on board--they were quickly cured, but,
from our being in the delta, as quickly returned. About the middle of
the month Mrs. Livingstone was prostrated by this disease; and it was
accompanied by obstinate vomiting. Nothing i