64 START FOR THE INTERIOR. Chai'. IV. 



contempt. We remained in Gonmbi all day on the 

 14th, and, on the 15th, ascended the river to three or 

 four miles beyond the junction of the Niembai. The 

 vain old African chieftain accompanied us unat- 

 tended, and he seemed thoroughly to enjoy his trip. 

 I made him put on a European coat and cap for the 

 occasion, although nothing would induce him to wear 

 a shirt, and had a chair placed on deck for him to sit 

 upon. Here he remained the whole time, with a self- 

 complacent smile on his grim features which was 

 almost laughable to look at. He took care to let the 

 people of the villages we passed see him, and calcu- 

 lated no doubt on increasing his influence on the 

 river by this important event. At this point we 

 were obliged to stop in our upward progress, on 

 account of the numerous fallen trees obstructing the 

 navigation, and on the 16th we returned to Plateau. 



A few days after this excursion with Lieut. 

 Labigot and Dr. Touchard, I was honoured by an 

 intended visit from the British Commodore Com- 

 manding the West African squadron. Commodore 

 A. P. Eardley-Wilmot. He called on his way along 

 the coast, in his flag ship, off the mouth of the river, 

 and learning from the master of the trading vessel 

 anchored there that the bar was unsafe for the ship's 

 boats, he left a message for me expressing his regret 

 that he was unable to come up the river and see me. 

 He inquired regarding the preparations for my expe- 

 dition into the interior. I much regretted being 

 unable to see Commodore Wilmot, who I knew took 

 a warm interest in all scientific enterprises in the 

 countries of Western Africa, and would, I am sure, 



