3-008-739 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Visit of H.M.S. Gorgon to the Zambesi River: The gig and whaler H.M.S. Gorgon off the high hill of Makanga, in the River Sheri, 1862. Engraving from a sketch by Mr. Sewall, of her Majesty's ship Gorgon. 'The Pioneer had discharged all her cargo at Chupanga, and the doctor [David Livingstone] has determined to put the Lady Nyassa together at that place, tow her up to the Murchison Falls, and there take her to pieces again. This will probably occupy the best part of this season, so that unforeseen circumstances have disappointed all the hopes that were formed at first starting...The Pioneer brought down the Gorgon's party to the entrance of the river on the 18th, and intended returning to Chupanga with the rest of the steamer's gear, which had been landed on her first arrival. The Gorgon had been driven away from her anchorage in a gale and did not return till April 2. After giving the Pioneer all the provisions and stores that could be spared, and which were calculated to last several months, we parted company with Dr. Livingstone and his party, with three hearty cheers, on April 4, en route for the Cape. The Gorgon's ship's company has suffered considerably from fever, nearly every man and officer having been attacked'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.