Ixxxii 
ACCOUNT OF THE 
to stop or land any where, till we reach the coast : which 
I suppose will be some time in the end of January. We 
shall then embark in the first vessel for England. If we 
have to go round by the West Indies, the voyage will 
occupy three months longer ; so that we expect to be in 
England on the first of May. The reason of our delay 
since we left the coast was the rainy season, which came 
on us during the journey ; and almost all the soldiers 
became affected with the fever. 
" I think it not unlikely but I shall be in England before 
you receive this. — You may be sure that I feel happy at 
turning my face towards home. We this morning have 
done with all intercourse with the natives ; and the sails 
are now hoisting for our departure for the coast." — 
# « # * * 
Here all authentic information concerning Park unfor- 
tunately terminates. His letters and Journal were brought 
by Isaaco to the Gambia, and transmitted from thence to 
England. For some time nothing farther was heard of the 
expedition ; but in the course of the year 1806 unfavour- 
able accounts were brought by the native traders from the 
interior of Africa to the British settlements on the coast ; 
and it was currently reported, but upon no distinct autho- 
rity, that Park and his companions were killed. These 
rumours increasing, and no intelligence of Park being 
received. Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell, then Governor of 
Senegal (at present Governor of Sierra Leone), obtained per- 
mission from Government to send a proper person to ascer- 
tain the truth of the reports ; and he was fortunate enough 
to engage Isaaco, Park's guide, to go upon this mission. 
