VI PREFACE. 



entertained the idea of travelling in Africa, and 

 determined to carry this into effect by resigning 

 at the end of the voyage out, and returning to 

 England by a road across that continent. Accord- 

 ingly, whilst in London, I prepared in some measure 

 for the journey, by purchasing such instruments 

 and outfit that I thought would be necessary. I 

 also waited upon Captain Washington,* then 

 Secretary of the Geographical Society, who entered 

 warmly into my views, and introduced me to 

 Captains Trotter and Allen, who were about to 

 proceed upon the Niger expedition. 



In May 1841 the Phlegethon reached Calcutta, 

 and my respected Commander, the late lamented 

 R. F. Cleveland, Esq., It. N., aware of my intention 

 to travel, introduced me to several members of 

 the Indian Government, who afforded me every 

 facility to enable me to enter Africa from 

 the coast opposite to Aden, and from whence a 

 Political Mission, under Captain Harris, was then 

 on the eve of starting for the court of Shoa in 

 Abyssinia. 



I beg particularly to acknowledge the interest 

 that the Governor-General, the Right Hon. the 

 Earl of Auckland, took in my proposed expedition, 

 and also the kindness and attention I received from 

 T. Prinsep, Esq., First Member of the Council, and 

 T. H. Maddock, Esq., Secretary to the Government. 



* Now commanding the Blazer steam- vessel, R. N. 



