LIFE OF MUNGO PARK. 
xxxvii 
poned ; and it was not till after two months tliat liis depar- 
ture was finally appointed for the end of February, 1804. 
But, unfortunately, when this period arrived, the appre- 
hension of important political changes, which eventually 
took place by the resignation of Mr. Addington a short 
time afterwards, caused some embarrassment in the mea- 
sures and proceedings of the Administration. After all was 
ready at Portsmouth for the embarkation, and part of the 
troops destined for the service were actually on board, the 
expedition was suddenly countermanded ; and the question, 
whether it should finally proceed to Africa or not, was 
reserved for the decision of Lord Camden, who shortly 
afterwards succeeded to Lord Hobart in the Colonial de- 
partment. 
In consequence of this change. Park was informed at 
the Colonial Office, that the expedition could not possibly 
sail before September ; and it was suggested to him by 
some person in authority, that he might employ the interval 
with great advantage in improving himself in the practice 
of taking astronomical observations, and in acquiring some 
knowledge of the Arabic language. He was at the same 
time informed, that any reasonable expence which he 
might incur in acquiring this instruction would be reim- 
bursed to him by Government. In consequence of this 
intimation, he engaged a native of Mogadore, named Sidi 
Omback Boubi, then residing in London, who had served 
as the interpreter of Elphi Bey, (the ambassador of the 
Mamelukes from Cairo) to accompany him to Scotland, 
for the purpose of instructing him in x'Vrabic. They im- 
mediately left I ondon together, and arrived early in March 
