Chap. XLV. MISERIES OF SLAVE-HUNTS. 
243 
its present state was capable of affording perfect 
security to the persecuted natives, their pursuers 
having no boats. But although the army did not 
go to a great distance, and returned after an absence 
of three hours, I was rather sorry for having neglected 
this opportunity of obtaining a sight of the river of 
Logon again at another place, and likewise of visiting 
once more that picturesque district, so rich in deleb- 
palms, which was evidently one of the finest in 
the whole country. Mr. Overweg, who had received 
previous information of the intention of the vizier? 
was this time more fortunate than myself, and after- 
wards informed me that they had been obliged to 
keep first along the smaller river, in order to reach 
the ford where we had crossed it in the morning. 
The great river, which they reached about three 
miles beyond, exhibited a single bed, and was not 
fordable. 
While remaining behind in the empty encampment, 
I lamented the misery of accompanying such an ex- 
pedition ; for nothing can be more disheartening to the 
feelings of a traveller who is desirous of knowledge, 
than to visit these beautiful countries under such 
circumstances, when the original inhabitants are either 
exterminated, or obliged to seek their safety in flight, 
when all traces of their cheerful life are destroyed, 
and the abodes of human happiness converted into 
desolation, when no one is left to acquaint him 
with all the significant names which the various 
characteristic features of the country must necessarily 
R 2 
