MY AFRICAN EXPEDITION. 



This expedition which was sent to Southern Africa, however, was much more 

 elaborate in its make-up and more ambitious in the results sought. 



It consisted of ten natives, respectively known as Pongo, a Bushman (whose 

 people show some resemblance to the Chinese); Diedrick, a Hottentot j Abdallah, 

 from Senaar, and Govozy, Wart, Adz, Bormo, Divak, Valmur, Orak and Gooboo, 

 gathered from the wild tribes near the south-eastern coast. The first three could 

 talk English quite well, the others having such an imperfect knowledge oi the 

 language that they rarely attempted to make their meaning known, except by a 

 gibberish that was as hard for Pongo, Diedrick and Abdallah to understand as for 

 the American members of the company. 



The three of whom I have particularly spoken were experienced hunters, Pongo 

 having been acquainted with Gordon Gumming and the lamented Livingstone, 

 while Diedrick was with the famous missionary when he died. The others were 

 simply servants who were counted upon to do what may be called the menial labor 

 of the expedition. 



Carl Godkin was the director. He was a good hunter when a boy, and was sent 

 to India before he reached his majority, which was thirty years previous to the most 

 important enterprise in which he engaged and of which, as promised, we have set 

 out to give you the history. 



Although nearly fifty years old, he was so toughened by his many years of ex- 

 posure that he seemed proof against the frightful African climate, which proves fatal 

 to so many foreigners. He was intelligent, well educated, possessing great re- 

 sources and knowledge of natural history, and was one of the most successful 

 sportsmen that ever lived. When I add to this that he was an American, thoroughly 

 honest and devoted to my interests, you will approve of my course in placing him 

 in charge of the expedition. 



In addition to the natives named, Mr. Godkin took with him three other Ameri- 

 cans as his main assistants. The first of these was Jack Harvey, a Texan cowboy, 

 ten years younger than himself, but his equal in many and his superior in other 

 respects. He was a consummate horseman, could throw the lasso with the skill of a 

 Comanche chieftain, was a wonderful shot with his Winchester and revolver, and 

 went into danger from pure love of the excitement it afforded. 



Jack's qualities were known in San Antonio, ten years previous to the time we 

 introduce him to you. His handsome, manly appearance, and his extraordinary 

 coolness and courage, rendered him famous among those whose chief claims to ad- 

 miration lie in that direction, and when he announced his wish to enter this service, 

 room was readily made for him. 



Jack's first ambitious attempt was in New Guinea, where he secured two kangaroos 

 and acquitted himself so well that I was pleased to send him into Africa with Mr. 

 Godkin and his party. 



I should mention one peculiarity of Jack : in all the enterprises in which he en- 

 gaged, he stuck to his cowboy costume, refusing to accommodate himself to the 

 particular country where his duty led him. So you will picture him always as a 



