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nine. Yonnies now, my messengers report, willing for peace with neighbours, but fight rather than surrender prisoner[s] otherwise. Fear troops must go if immediate results wanted. Presence of troop-ship on return seven weeks hence or visit of Admiral fer [? furnish] opportunities. Further personal action may succeed after long time, but absorbs all attention; willing to continue. Cap- tives estimate [? I estimate at] 100; many creoles. Much cruelty. General effect serious if no further action. Propose prohibit arms, ammunition, salt. Hesitate visit Gambia. Ask instructions."

Colonel Stanley sent the following reply also by telegraph, on the 13th inst. :--

"13th January, 1886.-Referring to your tele- gram of 9th January, I should require further information before authorising you to take hostile operations against the Yonnies, and I do not clearly understand whether you recommend such

measures.

'Release of prisoners is of utmost importance, and you should inform Yonnies you have reported to the Queen their refusal to release prisoners, and they will incur her severe displeasure if they persist. You should, at the same time, prohibit supply of arms, ammunition, and salt.

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In the meantime, inform me fully, by telegraph, what you propose in case of continued refusal, and whether you are satisfied that you have at your disposal sufficient force to undertake military operations rapidly and with complete success if required. Also state whether you consider sur- render and punishment of marauders must be insisted on if prisoners are released, or will latter be sufficient?'

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Sir S. Rowe has now sent a further telegram, as follows:-

Telegram. Governor Sir Samuel Rowe, K.C.M.G. (Sierra Leone), to Colonel the Right Honour- able F. A. Stanley, M.P.

(Received, Colonial Office, 2.30 a.m., 22nd January, 1886.)

“20th January.--Received telegram, Conakry, 14th January, Freetown, 15th January. Making every effort release of prisoners. Can only suc- ceed in settlement [by] alarm [of] Yonnies. Fest- ing gone back make every effort. Troop-ship left for Cape Coast Castle to embark troops for garri- son to be relieved [on] disembarkation of troops from West Indies, returning as soon as possible, 26th January, Freetown. By cable [1] authority is requested ship named to be detained till it is known whether or no can arrange for peaceful settlement. If no, propose to start in person, taking troops, destroy_town unless prisoners re- leased [on] demand. On arrival troop-ship, 26th January, sufficient number of seasoned men. Ten

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