The left wing had on this day preceded them to Accroful, another march of seven miles, to which the right wing proceeded on the 3rd, starting at half-past four, and arriving at half-past six, without a man falling out. On this day the left wing advanced to Yancoomassie-Fanti.
On the 4th the right wing, starting at the usual hour of half-past four, marched to Yancoomassie-Fanti, a distance of about ten miles and a quarter, where they arrived at eight o’clock. Not a man fell out; but the climate began already to tell on some of the officers, two of whom had to be carried during this day’s march. The left wing had marched to Mansu; and it may suffice, once for all, to state that they preceded the march of the right wing by one day.
On the 5th the right wing started at a quarter to four, and after a fearfully hot march of eleven miles reached Mansu at eight. The road was hilly, the weather extremely close, and four men fell out during the march.
It is well known that it is supposed that horses, mules and animals of carriage or draught will not live in the climate of this part of Africa. This idea is perhaps exaggerated. But its existence caused inconvenience to the mounted officers of the Regiment. Major Stephens, who was in command of the right wing, was obliged to content himself with a donkey, which had been brought up to Accroful by an officer of the Staff.
From Yancoomassie an officer with the Quarter-master-Sergeant started somewhat before the companies, to take over the camping ground. The sergeant started first, but soon returned with a tale that, in the darkness of the morning and of the woods, he had seen a monstrous beast which he took for a rhinoceros; that he had at first intended to shoot it, but had, on the whole, considering the size and probable fierceness of the animal, determined to retire. However, reinforced by the officer who was to accompany him, he started again. Both were determined; both held their revolvers ready to bring down the wild beast which barred the way. But when they came to the corner at which they were to find him, they stalked not a rhinoceros,—but the Major’s charger.
On the 6th the right wing started at twenty minutes after three, and after a very cool and pleasant march of eleven miles, reached Sutah.
On the 7th, having a long march before them, they started at half-past two in bright moonlight. The road was for the first four miles very bad, being across swamps, over which a path had been made of small trees laid down. The cooks had been sent on about six miles to Faisoowah to prepare breakfast, and the men were glad after this fatiguing march to find cocoa and biscuit ready for them. Resuming their march they found the remainder of the road good; the men marched well, and stepped out cheerfully; and they got into their camp at Yancoomassie-Assin at seven. The distance was about thirteen miles.
The right wing halted at this camp until the 19th. The left wing also halted for some days at Barracoo, to which they had marched on the 7th. During this time the Riflemen were engaged in clearing the bush and in other fatigue duties in the mornings and evenings. The desertion of the native carriers, the only means of transport, increased, and threatened serious evil; and the Riflemen were ordered when on sentry over them to have their rifles loaded, and, if necessary, to shoot any carriers attempting to desert. Owing to this halt probably, and the want of interest and activity to the men, fever and dysentery, the scourges of the climate, began to make their appearance.
As it was found that the camp at Barracoo was from its situation particularly unhealthy, the left wing marched on the 17th to Prahsu, a distance of seven miles.