Kaba Rega,[9] now that we have two steamers on Lake Albert (which, by
the way is, according to Mason, one hundred and twenty miles longer
than Gessi made it), asks for peace, which I am delighted at; he never
was to blame, and you will see that, if you read how Baker treated him
and his ambassadors. Baker certainly gave me a nice job in raising him
against the Government so unnecessarily, even on his own showing (_vide_
his book _Ismailia_). _Judge justly_. Little by little we creep on
to our goal--viz. the two lakes; _and nothing can stop us, I think_.
Mtesa is very good friends, and agrees much more with us than with
your missionaries. You know the hopelessness of such a task, till
you find a St. Paul or St. John. Their representatives nowadays want
so much a year and a contract. It is all nonsense; no one will stay
four years out there. I would like to hear you hold forth on the idol
'Livingstone,' etc., and on the slave-trade. Setting aside the end to
be gained, I think that Slave Convention is a very just one in many
ways towards the people; but we are not an over-just nation towards
the weak. I suppose you know that old creature Grant, who for seventeen
or eighteen years has traded on his wonderful walk. I am grateful to
say he does not trouble me now. I would also like to discuss with you
the wonderful journey of Cameron, but we are too far apart; though when
you are at Akata or For, I shall be at Berenice or Suakin.
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