Diary Page

January 1904

HUNTING TRIP, JANUARY 1904.

CONGO FREE STATE

Reached Lado in good time - about 3p.m. Nicest place since Khartoum. Lucky to find General George G. Wtterwulghe, Ct, de Menwnaer and C. N. Cappitto di Ravello all there; they did me in royal style. Gave me bungalow and showered down on me all possible favours. My letters evidently were all that could be wanted. I dined with the above and before and after dinner we lived in a mosquito house, a necessary place. Many drinks were consumed. Dal left at 5 p.m.

Friday, 29th January, 1904.

I had a good night despite mosquitoes and rats; was busy all day getting baggage resorted and packed. I took photos of the General and his friends. Stephens, a Scotchman, has a bungalow over the way. About 5 p.m. I heard the Dal whistle; found them back much earlier. We all dined with the Charringtons and had a great night. Mosquitoes fairly quiet to the shore. Col. Barton was returning on board; they brought one back a spring weigher lent by Cp. Bramley. Gush was also with them and Edw. The Dal sailed at daylight so said goodbye at night.

Saturday, 30th January, 1904.

Steamer Dal left at 5 a.m. Spent all morning getting loads ready; during the night rats had a grand old time running riot in my bungalow. I kept striking matches in hopes it would prevent them doing much damage; luckily they only ate a handkerchief and gnarled a box. After early lunch the fun began. I found a corporal and eight soldiers told off to accompany me as escort and to help with the donkeys. As all their families accompanied them and most of their worldly goods, the gathering was rather formidable. From the first minute of loading a hunter's troubles began; my Omdurman headman who thought he alone could load donkeys, found all the girths rotten, and as fast to he got one loaded, two fell off. After two hours we were about where we started. I had then to take a hand and re-load all: tying their saddle packs fast to begin with. After many breakdowns and worries we at last got a start, and after tiring all the animals out, found ourselves in a waterless stretch, with only our three water-skins full. I decided to camp with the 8 donkeys I had on ahead, and after unloading sent back to relay to pick up stragglers.

By the time they all got in at dusk we found my mule and three donkies gone off; another worry. Luckily they have just been rounded up and when appearing the soldiers all rushed to one and called out "elephant"!!! Nice to have shot my pet mule. My army have been out scouring the country and report all water gone, so it seems a nice look out. Funny to be on short water supply after only 3 hours’ trek! Thank goodness no mosquitoes; a lovely moon, and just my cot out in the open.

2.20 - 5.45

Sunday, 31st January, 1904.

During night and early dawn soldiers kept busy; sent back donkeys for water, while the corporal and pal went ahead on my mule to fetch the Sheik and porters. At 9 o’clock a crowd of 30 arrived who transported us along to his village. I shot a few birds and guinea fowl on the journey. We are 3 miles from water so the village ladies have a busy time keeping us supplied. This country all belongs to Kenion. At dusk. I took a native guide and two boys to visit all the water holes; stayed out till midnight, but only saw a wild cat. One has a fearful thirst on in this country; dry burnt soil; almost impossible to stalk game on.

9.30 - 12.30