xxxvi 
ACCOUNT OF THE 
view with the present Earl of Buckinghamshire, then Lord 
Hobart, and Secretary of State for the Colonial depart- 
ment, who acquainted him with the nature of an expedi- 
tion to Africa, which was about to take place, and in which 
it was proposed, that Park should bear a principal part. 
To this offer he declined giving an immediate answer, 
requesting a short time to deliberate and consult with his 
friends. He returned home for this purpose about ten 
days afterwards. 
On his return to Scotland he formally consulted a few of 
his friends ; but, in his own mind, the point was already 
decided. From the time of his interview with Lord Ho- 
bart, his determination was in fact taken. His imagination 
had been indulging itself for some years past upon the 
visions of discoveries which he was destined to make in the 
Interior of Africa ; and the object of his ambition was now 
within his grasp. He hastily announced to Lord Hobart 
his acceptance of tlie proposal ; employed a few days in 
settling his affairs and taking leave of his friends ; and left 
Scotland in December, 1803, with the contident expecta- 
tion of embarking in a very short time for the coast of 
Africa. But many delays were yet to take place previ- 
ously to his final departure.] 
The principal details of the intended expedition had 
been fully considered, and in a great measure arranged, in 
the Colonial department, before the application was made 
to Park ; and he had therefore flattered himself that the 
business was in a state of considerable forwardness. But 
on his arrival in London, he was much disappointed to 
find that the sailing of the expedition had been post- 
