On the 2d of the moon Safa, we passed what our Rais erroneously told us was the last rapid between us and Succoot.  We have been thirty days in getting thus far,[11] the causes of our having been so long in getting up the Falls were several.  The crews of the boats which had passed unhurt a dangerous passage were frequently detained to unload and repair those which had been wrecked or damaged.—­We have been detained at the entrances of these rapids frequently for several days, for want of a sufficient wind, it being absolutely necessary that the wind should be very strong to enable the boats to force themselves through currents running between the rocks with dreadful rapidity; and more than once the boatmen have hesitated to attempt a dangerous pass till obliged by the presence and menaces of the Divan Effendi who accompanied the boats.

On the 3d of Safa, about an hour after we had passed what our Rais told us was the last rapid of consequence we should have to encounter, we saw the wreck of a boat lying against a rock in the middle of the river, her masts alone appearing out of the water.  The river here is interrupted by several high insulated rocks.  We had been assured that we should now find the river open and without difficulty, till we should come to Succoot; the appearance of this boat seemed to contradict this representation, and in about an hour after we had abundant reason to be satisfied that it was false.  I was congratulating myself that we had got into smooth water, and indulging myself with a tranquil pipe of tobacco, when suddenly the wind slackened just as we were passing between two ledges of rocks where the river was running at the rate of about six knots an hour.  The current overpowered the effort of the sails, and carried the boat directly among the reefs, near the west bank of the river.  After remaining for about ten minutes in a very perilous position, the skill of our Rais happily got the boat to shore without injury.

3d of Safa.  We remained all night at the place where we landed; in the morning got under sail to pass the strong current we had attempted yesterday without success.  After buffeting about for an hour we were forced to return to the bank of the river, and await a stronger wind.  In about an hour after the wind freshened and we got under way with better fortune, and after passing the current before mentioned found ourselves in smooth water.  After sailing for an hour we stopped for ten minutes at a place where we saw sheep, in order to purchase some, having for the last twenty days been obliged to live on bread, rice, and lentils.  Succeeded in purchasing two lambs.  The banks of the river hereabouts present some fertile spots, a few of them cultivated.  About noon the wind fell and the Rais put to shore; we immediately set our domestics about preparing the purchased meat, and shortly after we sat down to this regale, which appeared to me the most delicious meal I had eaten for many years.[12] Remained here for the remainder of the day.