284 PROFESSOR SMITH’S JOURNAL. 
river, having got over land from Cabenda intelligence of 
our approach, which makes it probable that they were 
Americans under Portuguese colours. Every thing yet 
seems to indicate that the descriptions of the great breadth 
of the river, of the length of its course, &c. have been 
exaggerated, and that the whole expedition will sooner 
terminate than any body suspected. ‘The channel is very 
narrow, and the current never more than three knots, 
though six are marked on the chart. The gentlemen from 
the Congo came on board the transport in the afternoon, 
bringing with them specimens of several interesting plants 
collected during their excursions. Yesterday they had 
penetrated into Sherwood’s Creek to a distance of about 
five miles, till they came nearly close under the high in- 
land country, which is more open, and accessible. They 
had seen traces of elephants and of numbers of antelopes, 
but the negroes inform us that these animals, as also the 
hippopotamus, are first to be met with in great numbers 
higher up the river. 
July 13. All our baggage is sent on board the double- 
boats, and the Dorothy is now like a deserted village. In 
the afternoon all were on their appointed posts on board 
the small vessels, which make a kind of flottilla. Our 
two double-boats formed the van, and were soon found 
to be excellent sailing vessels. The double-boat and 
skiff of the Dorothy followed, and Captain Tuckey in his 
gig was in the rear. Galwey and myself were with him. 
Favoured by the sea-breeze we soon passed the bay, and 
in the evening found ourselves under the southern bank of 
