The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-28
Sailors Can't Sing, Sir, When
They Have No Rum"
THE BRIGADE ONWARD.
Fantee Allies and Their Services, or
African Indians at Work.
Everyday Life On the Prah C0ntraSted with
That on the Banks Of the Hudson,

PRAHSU, Jan. IA, 1874.
DESPITE the frigid reticence and chilling reserve
maintained by Sir Garnet Wolseiey and his stan
toward newspaper correspondents respecting
future movements, the past week mas furnished US
with suricient food for comment. We have seen q
Young ambitious General, who at the War once
drew up an elaborate plan OF the Ashantee cam
paign, and subsequently, on his arrival at Cape
Coast, proclaimed the date on which his little
army should cross the Prah. as confidently as II
his army had already crossed that river. struggling
10 keep his word intact; though most men, seeing
the lack of material at Prahsu, believed the thing
10 be impossible. Sir Garnet has gone to great
lengths to secure the fuldlment OF his promise he
has employed Colonel Woods men, the First and
second West India regiments, as carriers TO bring
ND supplies from the down stations, and finally
The famous Black Watch, the Forty-second High
landers, have volunteered to carry provisions
which in such an enervating climate as this is an
act deserving Of as much praise as the most con-
spicuous bravery on the field OF battle.
THE PRESS AND THE ARMY.
While waiting for the advance let me tell you
something Of ourselves. We are now told that
certain regiments shall move on tomorrow. These
will comprise Colonel Woods regiment OF mixed
natives and the Second West India, and perhaps
The naval brigade, though the latter name has not
transpired as yet. They will proceed to Essiaman
and the next day to Acrofroom. We are not told,
however, how these troops to be fed, what
supplies there are IN front, what arrangements
have been made for the regular transport OF pro-
visions from Frahsu TO the advanced posts. There
cannot be large supply at the front, as Major
kusselPs force has been engaged in improving the
road beyond the Prah. 1t is very probable how
ever, that each regiment will convey a lew days
provisions with it, winch will allow for certain ar
rangements to be made after their departure.
When q stan of1cer was asked the other day
whether the white troops would depart on the
18th he replied that when the white troops would
march they would proceed from the down stations
directly Tor the front. This reply is in the usual
vague way the stan employ, according to the in
structions OF Sir Garnet.
The Twenty-third Fuseers have been wondering
all this time what is to become OF them. The day
had arrived for their debarkation after q weary
cruise some distance out to sea; but, after our
wing had debarked order arrived at Cape
Coast that they should stay on board. Indignant
at this treatment, the first wing continued its
march through Cape Coast driving its ancient
goat ahead which presently died from sheer old
age and change OF climate. On arriving at Acero-
full this wing was halted until further orders We
are informed that only 100 men of this regiment
viii be permitted to enter Coomassie with the
European brigade under Sir Archibald Allison.
The Royal Engineers under Captain Buckle,
have left Prahsu for roadmaking and otherwise
improving transit Major Hume, the lndefatigable
chief OF the Engineers some time ago pro-
ceeded to Essiaman where he mas prepared abun-
dant work for his people. Major Russell has ad-
vanced eight miles beyond Essiaman and will
Immediately prepare camp Tor the oncoming
troops. The naval brigade has been ordered to
provide its own transport, which 1t is very well
qualified TO do, having whole Meet whence to draw
carriers from Krumen. Four hundred and twenty
OF these faithful. hardworkng Kru boys Will accom-
pany the naval brigade In that capacity.
SAILORS FusILEERs AND ENGINEERS.
For the last few days there have not been heard
the joyous chorus and the roaring songs which
made the evenings lively and pleasant at the camp
OF the naval brigade. profound silence has
brooded over that locality lately. This was I'M
usual that inquiries were made as to the reason,
and we were told by weather-beaten blue Jacket
in most respectful but melancholy language, that
sailors can't sing sir leastways It oughtn't 70
be expected, when they have rum. 1t makes u:
boys think better OF this blarsted country while
We have rum, or we forget it when we sit and sing
round blazing fire; but when there is no rum
sir, ah y we begin to tell one another what people
say OF the lever OF this country; how such and
such mate died or how some shipmate was sent
to the hospital very much gone, poor fellow and
such stories, sir, carry far into the night, and
finally to bed with the feeling that something isn't
as 1t ought TO be.n Last night, however, the
songs and chorus startled every one into smiles
and social chattiness, and we all knew
that fresh supply OF rum had come
up, and the sturdy blue jackets had been fred into
blssful unconsciousness OF the mortallties and IN
happy memories OF an African climate. Very few
amusements sufice to make life enjoyable In a
camp. The press corps have been very fortunate
in their mess and surroundings and exc out what
is pleasurable In such a country as this, and de-
Ponds upon themselves for amusement and socia
Joys. Our 1rst week on the Prah was passed In con
structlng comfortable nut, out OF which we con-
trived to make two apartments, dining room
and bath and store room. Our tents, OF course
sheltered us at night. Having possessed ourselves
OF hut, we sought to increase our comfort
with the adventurous aid of architectural improve
ments; we rallied OF our quarters by a attice-likt
rail, and WITHIN the enclosure still more embel
lisbed our quarters by making a flower garden
which elected the admiration OF the entire camp
An ABUNDANT supply OF creature comforts enables
Us OF an evening 10 contemplate longer stay ii
this camp with philosophic resignation.
RESIGNATION.
From our hut door we can see across the squar
to headquarters, which have a very deserted aspec
during the day; but towards evening thing
begin to look hvelier. An of1cer lounges out, give
q yawn or two and casts an eye about FOR
human face; presently another energies out OF hi
waited den, and the two engage in talk and form
a nucleus, which attracts group. by and by Sil
Garnet appears, bright and genial looking, and
promenade Is begun which probably ends across the
river. At the late hour OF seven p. NJ the head
Mi no INN
breaks up, and each member betakes himself tC
rest At decline OF day others OF the camp betake
themselves to the river for bath. 1t IS singular,
considering that all African rivers are peoplet
with amphlbious monsters, what compile te
immunity the bathers Of the Prah have
enjoyed rom the attacks OF the croco
dies. That these animals have their
haunts In the river there can be no doubt for
party Of officers captured sunen youngster O
the deep the day before yesterday. THIS ntt,