224 CONSUL PETHERICK'S LETTER TO THE SOCIETY. [June 25, 1860. 



with the Expedition and assist it through the hostile tribes between 

 the Lake and the Nile, and return thence by the boats to Khartum. 



Should I be unsuccessful in meeting with the Expedition, I would 

 then endeavour to establish beyond a doubt whether or no there 

 was any connection between the Lake and the Nile. 



If it should be considered desirable, and my means were sufficient, 

 I would proceed along the western shore of the Lake to the extreme 

 point of Captain Speke's late discovery, so as to connect, by a series 

 of observations. North with South Africa ; after which, having met 

 the Expedition or not, I should return to my boats at the cataracts 

 and thence to Khartum. 



I believe that, with the facilities at my command in the shape of 

 boats and arms, the expense of such an expedition would amount to 

 about 2000/. 



In the event of so large a sum not being available, I would then 

 propose to place two well-provisioned and armed boats, under the 

 superintendence of one of my own men, on whose integrity I could 

 confidently depend, to await the arrival of the Expedition at the 

 above-named cataracts from November, 1861, until June, 1862. 



This precaution I consider most important to the success of 

 Captains Speke and Grant, and the expense would be, on a moderate 

 calculation, lOOOZ. 



Sixteen years' experience on the Nile, and the brilliant examples 

 of ilkTstrious countrymen, have created in me the desire and ambi- 

 tion, that by placing my experience at the service of the Eoyal 

 Geographical Society, I may aspire to the proud eminence of adding 

 to British glory by assisting in the discovery of the sources of the 

 Nile. 



Single-handed, unfortunately, I have not the means to achieve it, 

 other important interests compelling me to devote" my attention to 

 regions which I have had the honour to make known to the Society ; 

 but if so far in the enjoyment of the confidence of the Royal Geo- 

 graphical Society and the nation, as to obtain sufficient support, I 

 feel that in me, which will command success. 



It strikes me forcibly that the most feasible method of accom- 

 plishing the object above stated, is to follow the stream. 



For this purpose I would supply myself with a boat, either by 

 taking out one in parts from this country, or by constructing one 

 on the spot ; the materials for which, with the exception of timber, 

 — that being abundant in the locality — I would take with me, as 

 well as also artisans from Khartum. 



The men and materials I would endeavour to place above the 

 cataracts early in 1861, so that in November of the same year, 



