Page 60 - SoMJ Vol 74 - No 1, 2021

50 The Society of Malaŵi Journal

In conclusion I wish to report to you the great and invaluable assistance
by Mr. A. J. Swann during the expedition and in the assault of Mwasi’s boma. Not
only did he show the greatest courage, but he also showed the greatest tact and
energy in keeping the Kota Kota irregulars together and under his supervision. It
is my opinion that Mr. Swann understands the native better than any other man in
B.C.A. [Alston’s enthusiastic endorsement of Swann did not cut any ice, it seems,
with Harry Johnston who would, undoubtedly, have bridled at the very suggestion
that it was not he, Johnston, who ‘understood the native better than any other man
in B.C.A’.]
Sergt. Major Devoy was also of the greatest assistance and it is in no
small way due to him that we were enabled to assault Mwasi and town as soon as
we did.
Sergt. Major Ali Kiongwe also displayed, as before mentioned, the
greatest pluck and perseverance.
I also wish to bring favourable notice for promotion the following men:
No. 203 Lance Naik Nand Singh, [?] Battalion
No. [?] Bugler Dial Singh, 45 Sikhs
th
Atonga No [?] Corporal James
Makua No [?] Manwere Mpepo
Mr. Swann was most anxious that before leaving Mwasi’s for Kota Kota
the following promotions amongst his Makua should take place: at his earnest
request I appointed them acting ranks until such promotions should be confirmed
and authorised by you.
I enclose list of men left as garrison at Mwasi’s under Sergeant Major
Ali Kiongwe, also list of Makua sent to Zomba in charge of cattle. I put No [?]
Manwere Mpepo in charge and appointed him acting Lance Corporal until his
arrival in Zomba.
I have the honour to be etc.

E.G.A.

Post Script.
The following was written on the blank reverse of an attached official
Native Food Account Voucher (possibly a unique item of ephemera in itself). viz:

“The total amount of cattle captured was found to be 240 [the number
250 deleted], as well as a very great number of goats and sheep.
I gave Mr. Swann 282lbs as the Government’s share of the ivory,
retaining for the Armed Forces 283lbs made up as per margin. [No marginal note
present]. I also gave Mr. Swann 120 head of cattle as well as half the sheep and
goats. The Armed Forces share of the cattle I despatched to Zomba during the
morning under an escort of five Makua soldiers and 50 Makua irregulars.”