The Harvard African Expedition, Book 2: October 15, 1926
Creator
Loring WhitmanDate
10/15/26Coverage
TruTranscription
Friday Oct 15th Fortunately for us it didn’t rain last night so that we were not forced to use our raincoats. And except for the jabbering of our men before they went to bed we passed a very quiet night. Early in the morning we sent Africa and Washman out to look for Burmah and Vani.
After breakfast we packed up and gave out some more rice to the porters. Then when all was ready we loaded up and again started down stream to the correct crossing place. Fortunately it was only about 20 minutes and we were soon there with all our loads ready for action. In the meantime Willie and a local man brought the raft down stream loaded with trunks which they landed on the other bank before coming for us. We paid off the women and let them go back but kept the men to help us get our stuff to the nearest town and possibly farther. Then Dr. Strong, Washman and I crossed the river. The raft is a rather precarious affair made of two logs touching in the bow but about 3 ft appart in the stern. These are held in place by half logs pegged on with wooden pegs. About Altho it is probably much easier to paddle than a regular raft its capacity is limited and one must sit very quietly unless a bath is wanted. <Drawing of logs pegged with wooden pegs> When we got to the other side, the washman and I set off guided by the English speaking boy – en route for Chekomma – where we hoped to get porters and persuade the people that we were not soldiers.
After 20 SE we reached True town a small village of about 15 huts where our guide lives * Then we set out for the big town at a good pace. For the first half hour we passed thru rather swampy country which required a good deal of wading thru mud or shallow puddles in the trail, then we started to climb- slowly at first then more steeply and passing from swampy to more rocky country
*The chief of True asked washman his name – “Washman” as the reply. And mine – “White man”. Both excellent names. I don’t know whether washman has another name or not.
It was rather pleasant to realize that you were actually gong over a hill but at best the tropics are hot without hill climbing. And when we got to the top – about 5-600 ft above True we had no view thanks to the thickness of the jungle vegetation. After that we dropped down over a series of small humps for about half an hour where we came to a clear cocky brook in which I filled my canteen. This we followed out of the forest into the open farm land crossing it every few minutes as it grew larger and larger. Then we came to Chekomma and porters.
When we got in I found a man who spoke English well and seemed to have authority. I explained that we wanted porters, that we were not or did not have soldiers and that we paid our men. He said he would do his best and right away. While he was recruiting men I made sure thru the washman that all understood that we would give them a shilling a piece. And so it was not long before we had 40 – mostly women lined up and ready to go. My recruiter promised also to send more. And Then I put on my hat and set forth once more on my way back to True.
We made a very rapid return to headquarters cutting 15 minutes off our going – over time. So this We got back by two o’clock going giving ample time for the carriers to load up and go back to Chekomma the same afternoon. However as Dr. Strong, Hal and Dr. George had unpacked and spread their things in the sun we decided to keep our personal things and spend the night were we were altho we cut off all boxes etc which we did not need immediately. And as the washman wished to return to Checkomma we let him go with the loads to watch after them. Still we At least the trip was not a failure and I got porters.
The rest of the day was spent in getting washed up and into clean clothes after the last few days. True town is a very pleasant place nestling in the bush with a high hill to the west as a welcome background. It really gives the impression of being shut in by hills mountains even tho they are only on one side. However the tall trees make up for the rest. After supper we sat in the moon light until a shower drove us in for a moment. Later we walked about the town looking over the houses standing out dearly against from the shadows in the silver floodlight. A flock of big birds flew into one of the tall trees for the night – big birds – like a small goose, with long necks and bills, big wings – but short tails. They fly in a V and make a noise half way between a honking and a cackling. Maybe we will shoot them in the morning – if we see them.