284 PROFESSOR SxMlTH'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 oentlemen from 

 the Congo came on board the transport in the afiernoon, 

 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 accessil)]e. 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 



