The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1873-08-16 00:00:00

SIR SAMUEL BAKER.

TAe rinW2 published the following on Tuesday
enclose the copy of a letter I have this morning
received from Sir Samuel Baker. convinced that Its contents
mill be Interesting to the public. and especially so to the
many =Mons friends of dr kamnel and Lois Baker.
Your mast obedient termini,
JOBS W. LARKING.
The 71re, Las, Kent, Aug. 11.

remain., Anvil IV, Ins N. 1.1 4 64.
My dear Larking,—l returned here from the interior
on the let inst., after an absence of fifteen months. I
have been more than two years without European
news. Egypt now extends to the Equator- The
Albert Nyanza is one sheet of water, including the
Tanganyiki Lake. You may imagine the future re-
sults of steam navigation I But as to carrying Samuda's
vessels in their heavy eections without arts and
camels, you ini.iht as well move Si. Patin Cathedral
In wheelbarrows.
. .

The Englishmen have constructed the 108 ton steamer
here aa the only class of steamer that can paw the Bahr
Giraffe ; this in a great credit to them and to Messrs.
&muds. and Penn. The other steamers must wait
until camels shall be sent op from Ehartoom.
There most he a general reform in the Soudan htfore
any great work can be accomplished; there are no
boats fit for the long river voyage, and everything
become. ruined from exposure to the weather before it
arrives here.

There are large quantitiee of ivory here that we
cannot ship for want of vesaele.
When I see the Viceroy I shall be able to manage
matters for the future.

I have laid good foundations. and I have fought
hard against many MI ecniea with an absurdly email
force, resulting in annexation of all countries, including
Mayor°, which extends to the Equator.
Not only have I had to contend with the natives,
but the so.called traders broke into open rebellion and
attacked the Government troupe treacherously, in
force, when in the interior. Theis, I routed with the
loss of half their party.
My entire party wee in danger of destruction by
poison when in Unyoro. This dials heal attempt was
made by the King, who attacked Ili with immense
forces on the following morning at daybreak. I had
only 105 men, but we gained the battle of Masindi and
annexed the country.

I have cetahliehed stations AI forts, and the
countries are in the hands of the ti ,veruruent.

The natives pay their taxes cheerfullyat;oughout
large districts. The officers and troops are in good
health and spirits.
The slave trsde of the White Nile is suppressed,
and my work is over.
Lady Baker has accompanied me throughout the
journey, with great fatigue, having had to march on
foot for great distances, amid constant fighting for
seven consecutive days. We have, thank God, been
always in good health, and the troops have not suffered
much Ices of life considering the exposure. In 15
months I only lost one man from sick, eel out of 212.
The Englishmen are all pretty well, but I have to
lament the loss of poor Mr. Biggenbotham, who was
my able assistant
We are now waiting for • rise in the Nile for the
start to Khartoom, where I shall post this letter.
With many kind regard from my wife, &c.—Very
sincerely yours, SAMUEL BAKER.