258 Instructions for 



happen that the consequences of this endeavour confirm the 

 impression of peril attendant on the view generally taken of it. 

 However wide and promising therefore may be the views of 

 benefit we entertain as about to arise from the knowledge we 

 may gather, or the means and sources of commercial and 

 scientific enterprise which the expedition may unveil, these 

 views must be held in subservience to the recollection that the 

 unimpeded progress and absolute safety of this one is of para- 

 mount importance as a guide, model, and inducement to 

 others: this, therefore, is ever to be kept in view, and first 

 Considered in all its undertakings, and any measure obviously 

 imsafe, even though its advantages, supposing it successful, 

 should seem to be many and eminent, ought to be carefully 

 avoided. While our failure would, by its effects on society 

 here, necessarily damp our prospects of future benefit, it is to 

 be apprehended that it would also have a disastrous influence 

 on the natives to be visited. Even disaster from natural 

 causes might diminish the impression of European skill and 

 power ; and acting on the excited superstition of the savage 

 might quench his desire for our intercourse ; and should it 

 arise from the rapacious ferocity of the native tribes it would 

 erect a more serious obstacle to future progress in their grati- 

 fied appetite for plunder and their jealousy of retaliation. 

 These views should inspire especial caution in regard to every 

 proceeding, or even verbal enquiry among tribes where it is to 

 be suspected that such lamentable incidents have already oc- 

 curred. The impression of its safe advance anel return, and 

 of any benefits it may confer on those whom it visits, will 

 unquestionably proceed far in advance of its presence, and 

 necessarily subdue or weaken those obstacles which may at 

 present restrain its proceedings within regions where the Co- 

 lonial influence may be in some respects considered as over- 

 looking its movements and watching for its safety. 



Our inquiries lead us to anticipate that the natives of the 

 interior districts adjoining this colony, are generally disposed 

 to welcome the approach of travellers, and to treat them re- 

 spectfully, lest however the opportunity of easily acquiring by 

 plunder what they exceedingly covet, should prove too tempt- 

 ing for their respect or caution, it is requisite that such an 

 apparent preparation to repel assault should be preserved as 

 may render it obviously perilous to the assailants ; separation 

 of the party must therefore be avoided when holding inter- 

 course with them, and if a division should be unavoidable, the 

 main body must be kept in sufficient strength, and held in 

 readiness to aid the detachments or serve as refuge for them. 

 It will best accord with the object of the expedition, that not 

 only every reasonable probability of avoiding collision should 

 be shunned, but that all scenes and situations offering any 



