June 11th, 1888.—Left Yambuya at 7 A.M. Slight excitement prevailed at first, firing off guns, &c., but this was soon checked. The Zanzibar Company went ahead, Mr. Jameson in advance, Mr. Bonny in the centre, Major Barttelot in rear. The Manyuema contingent under Muini Somai started later, but soon caught up the Zanzibar Company; the rear reached camp at the Batuka village called Sudi at noon. One sick man was left behind on the road, but he found his way to camp later on. All loads correct.
The rear column left Yambuya with strength as follows:—
| Major Edmund M. Barttelot, Commanding. | ||
| Mr. James S. Jameson, Second in Command. | ||
| Mr. William Bonny, Command of Zanzibar Co. | ||
| Zanzibar Company | 108 | men. |
| Zanzibar Boys | 7 | |
| Soudanese soldiers | 22 | |
| Somali | 1 | |
| Manyuema carriers | 430 | |
| Total | 568 | |
Distance travelled about five miles.
Road fair, through jungle and plantations, the best roadways being the streams.
General direction S.E.
(Signed) E. M. B.
June 23rd.—Halted in camp to await arrival of search party, who returned at 3 P.M., having done nothing. Major Barttelot went to explore road, following it for five miles to the N.E. Major Barttelot's boy Soudi deserted with his revolver, belt and 85 rounds of ammunition, owing to Major Barttelot's thrashing him, though doubtless he was put up to it. In consequence all rifles taken from Zanzibaris. Major Barttelot will proceed to-morrow to Stanley Falls to see Tippu-Tib concerning deserters, and if possible to obtain fresh men from him to get back loads and rifles. He will send a note to Mr. Jameson to come here and bring as many Manyuema as he can to take ammunition and rifles and escort Zanzibari to Abdulla Karoni's (Banalya), where they will await Major Barttelot's arrival. Major Barttelot and Mr. Bonny both thinking this the most feasible plan, as if the desertions last much longer, there will not be a load left. Kindness has been shown in every way to the Zanzibaris throughout, and the marches have been uniformly short.
Weather fine, shower in the evening.