8th May 1743
I have detailed work parties again to continue the defensive works of the Station, I will also be leading a hunting party personally to see what the local fauna can supply us with, I will take the Mabutu cook, Mr Mambo with the party and use his local knowledge for our advantage. We departed the camp at dawn but after a short distance the heat and insects were terrible and it was clear that to venture out under such harsh sun would be dangerous.
9th May 1743
The weather today is miserable, tropical rain and high temperature so nothing has been accomplished.
10th May 1743
Similar to yesterday, a large boar wandered near the Village, which was promptly shot by one of the men, despite the heat a good roast leg of pork proved to be an excellent Morale boost.
11th May 1743
The weather was somewhat cooler today but the rain persisted, so work was ordered and the hunting party finally set out. The jungle here is alive with animals of all shapes and sizes, in a matter of hours we gathered enough meat and fruit to last the garrison for a day however the danger of the jungle is apparent. Mr Mambo, unfortunately has expired after being bitten by some form of snake, the poor man didn’t last more than an hour on a stretcher before death took him. We buried him east of the camp and then men shall miss his Mango soup and other delicacies.
Upon returning to the camp Sgt Hooke informed me that excellent progress was made on another Barrack room and some more stockade defences.
12th May 1743
Another day of rain but light enough for work to continue. After the loss of Mr Mambo I have assigned the hunting party to instead visit the local village and select a number of guides who would be acceptable for further ventures into the Jungle. Shortly before dusk another section of palisade was completed but there still isn’t sufficient defences in case of attack.
13th May 1743
The day was lost due to rain and overbearing heat.
14th May 1743
The day was lost due to rain and overbearing heat.
15 May 1743
The weather was fair today. Work resumed on the defences while an small exploration party was sent out to explore the area north of the village, this party consisted of Sgt Harld, the engineer Baxterz and 7 men (With sufficient porters). I shall endeavor to search the local area for any resources and possible threats.
16 May 1743
Another fair day, with considerable progress made on the defences, I pray that this continues and that the heat and wet are behind us. We have completed the first section of barracks and those that have been quartered in it appears very happy, the protection from the sun, rain and especially no longer sleeping on the ground.
17 May 1743
Light showers of rain today but the men set about their tasks with great vigour
18 May 1743
Another fine day and excellent progress.
19 May 1743
A brisk morning but more hard toil by the men has completed another Barrack section, I am pleased that the mens quarters are improving. They have dedicated themselves to thier work, it is pleasing to see better conditions for them. Once a few more Barrack sections are completed we can focus on better storage facilities and possibly a small infirmary.
20 May 1743
A tropical storm has arrived and turned the camp into a giant mud bath. I have confined the troops to the tents and it is clear that the sooner the barracks are completed the better.
21 May 1743
Lighter rain but suitable heat. More work was directed at the Barracks but 3 men have fallen ill during the day. All have been confined to bed for several days and I am sure their labour will be missed. Sgt Harld’s party has returned and has nothing to report about the area north of Songo but “Jungle as thick as a pigs arse”. I have observed the local Mabutu and noticed that they never venture directly south of Songo, though they advise me that it is simply thick jungle. I suspect that there is something particularily unpleasant in the South and I plan to find out exactly what it is, I suspect Mbeechi so I shall endeavor to make as strong a force as possible and give them a damn good thrashing ! Below is very simple map (I need to work on my abililty to extract a map from cc3 and then edit it) of the areas known to our Jaxonians, the scouts who went simply encountered lots and lots of jungle and nothing else.
To come........................."Can you hear those drums Sir ?"
To come........................."Can you hear those drums Sir ?"
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