General Liter at uie. 429 



precede tlie self-interested trader, or the daring adventurer, to 

 establish the benevolent character of Europeans in the hearts of 

 the Africans, by first impressions. 



The world has an erroneous impression of the sum necessary 

 for these most promising missions into the interior of Africa. 

 The mission to Ashantee did not cost 1,500Z. sterling money, in- 

 cluding expensive presents, some mismanagement at the out- 

 set, much inexperience, and the protracted maintenance of 

 nearly 100 followers. Seven hundred pounds would ensure 

 further progress towards the Niger, and a handsome supply of 

 instruments for observations in physical science in general, and 

 for those of the earth's magnetism, and the pendulum in par- 

 ticular. The museums of Europe, by furnishing very frugal 

 means in the requisite articles of exchange, might enrich their 

 collections immensely, and enable the individual undertaking 

 tlie enterprise, to make the world thoroughly acquainted with 

 the natural history of Western Africa. 



I invite the institutions and individuals of Europe in general, 

 by subscribing for shares of 51. each, to make this great object, 

 immediately practicable. I devote my services, I risk my life 

 for the success. Treasurers will be appointed to receive the 

 subscriptions, and I declare solemnly in the face of Europe 

 that I will never accept any salary or remuneration from the 

 funds collected. I will never accept recompense from indi- 

 viduals, or from any other than my own government. 



For my zeal, I refer to the mission to Ashantee; for my 

 qualifications, to the members of the Institute who have as 

 sisted my studies here. 



The extent and direction of the enterprise must be confided 

 to my own experience, and to circumstances, after a candid 

 communication with a Committee of subscribers. I do not pro- 

 mise a dazzling and precipitous rush to the Niger, to Tim- 

 buctoo, a glance over men and nature, en passant, but I pro- 

 mise to advance to both, to procure solid advantages, and to 

 make a firm progress in the interior, which may conduct us or 

 our descendants throughout it. 



I pledge myself, as the zealous servant of science and Htera- 

 ture, to collect, orally and in MSS., every thing that can en- 



