As it was important to ascertain if it ceased to be navigable at this point, as well as whether it could be here forded or not, I ordered a party to proceed at daylight and examine it, and in the interim we laid down to enjoy such repose as myriads of mosquitoes would allow us.
March 10.
The party started at dawn and did not return until the afternoon.

They arrived at low-water at a point where the river formed a series of rapids and was apparently broken into several channels; the one which they reached was not more than fifty or sixty yards wide, the tide at low water being full seven or eight feet below the level of the rocks which formed the rapids, but at high-water it rose, judging from the marks on the rocks, as many feet above them.

This channel would therefore cease to be navigable for vessels at this point, but large boats could proceed up it at high-water.

There was no apparent possibility of our being able to pass it hereabouts on account of the great rapidity of the current.

The river continued fresh below the rapids, and their account of the character of the country they saw was most satisfactory.
INCONVENIENT HALTING PLACE.
Almost immediately after they had entered the camp the rain began to fall in such torrents that it was impossible for us to move; this was unfortunate for where we were halted was unfit for a day's resting-place, and we should consequently be compelled to move on Sunday morning instead of making it a day of perfect rest.