In Darkest Africa, Vol. 2; or, The Quest, Rescue, and Retreat of Emin, Governor of EquatoriaStanley, Henry M. (Henry Morton)
History
In Darkest Africa, Vol. 2; or, The Quest, Rescue, and Retreat of Emin, Governor of Equatoria
Stanley, Henry M. (Henry Morton)
Africa, Central -- Description and travel; Emin Pasha, 1840-1892
The difficulties I met at Banalya, are repeated to-day, near the
Albert Lake, and nothing can save us now from being overwhelmed by
them but a calm and clear decision. If I had hesitated at Banalya
very likely I should still be there waiting for Jameson and Ward,
with my own men dying by dozens.
Are the Pasha, Casati and yourself to share the same fate? If you
are still victims of indecision, then a long good-night to you all.
But, while I retain my senses, I must save my Expedition; you may
be saved also if you are wise.
In the “High Order” of the Khedive, dated 1st February, 1887, No.
3, to Emin Pasha, a translation of which was handed to me, I find
the following words:--
“And since it is our sincerest desire to relieve you with your
officers and soldiers from the difficult position you are in, our
Government have made up their minds about the manner by which
relief from these troubles may be obtained. A mission for the
relief has been found, and the command of it given to Mr. Stanley,
the famous, &c., &c., &c., and he intends to set out on it with all
the necessary provisions for you, so that he may bring you, with
your officers and men, to Cairo by the route he may think proper to
take. Consequently we have issued this ‘High Order’ to you, and it
is sent to you by the hand of Mr. Stanley, to let you know what was
being done. As soon as it reaches you convey my best wishes to the
officers and men, and you are at full liberty with regard to your
leaving for Cairo or your stay there with officers and men.
“Our Government has given a decision for paying your salaries, with
that of the officers and men.
“Those who wish to stay there of the officers and men may do so on
their own responsibility, and they may not expect any assistance
from the Government.
“Try to understand the contents well, and make them well known to
all the officers and men, that they may be fully aware of what they
are going to do.”
It is precisely what the Khedive says that I wish to say to you.
Try and understand all this thoroughly that you may be saved from
the effect of indecision, which will be fatal to you all if
unheeded.
The first instalment of relief was handed to Emin Pasha on or about
the 1st of May, 1888. The second and final instalment of relief is
at this camp with us, ready for delivery at any place the Pasha
designates, or to any person charged by the Pasha to receive it. If
the Pasha fails to receive it, or to decide what shall be done with
it I must then decide briefly what I must do.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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