This is the only instance of native Portuguese
subjects crossing the continent. No European ever accomplished
it, though this fact has lately been quoted as if the men had been
"PORTUGUESE".

Captain Neves was now actively engaged in preparing a present, worth
about fifty pounds, to be sent by Pombeiros to Matiamvo. It consisted
of great quantities of cotton cloth, a large carpet, an arm-chair with
a canopy and curtains of crimson calico, an iron bedstead, mosquito
curtains, beads, etc., and a number of pictures rudely painted in oil by
an embryo black painter at Cassange.

Matiamvo, like most of the natives in the interior of the country, has
a strong desire to possess a cannon, and had sent ten large tusks to
purchase one; but, being government property, it could not be sold: he
was now furnished with a blunderbuss, mounted as a cannon, which would
probably please him as well.

Senhor Graca and some other Portuguese have visited this chief at
different times; but no European resides beyond the Quango; indeed, it
is contrary to the policy of the government of Angola to allow their
subjects to penetrate further into the interior. The present would have
been a good opportunity for me to have visited that chief, and I
felt strongly inclined to do so, as he had expressed dissatisfaction
respecting my treatment by the Chiboque, and even threatened to punish
them. As it would be improper to force my men to go thither, I
resolved to wait and see whether the proposition might not emanate from
themselves. When I can get the natives to agree in the propriety of any
step, they go to the end of the affair without a murmur. I speak to them
and treat them as rational beings, and generally get on well with them
in consequence.

I have already remarked on the unhealthiness of Cassange; and Captain
Neves, who possesses an observing turn of mind, had noticed that always
when the west wind blows much fever immediately follows. As long as
easterly winds prevail, all enjoy good health; but in January, February,
March, and April, the winds are variable, and sickness is general.
The unhealthiness of the westerly winds probably results from malaria,
appearing to be heavier than common air, and sweeping down into the
valley of Cassange from the western plateau, somewhat in the same way
as the carbonic acid gas from bean-fields is supposed by colliers to do
into coal-pits. In the west of Scotland strong objections are made by
that body of