PREFACE. 
More than eight years have elapsed since an attempt was made to carry commerce into the interior of Africa, through the 
road previously discovered by the brothers, Richard and John Lander. The disastrous termination, and the failure as a 
commercial speculation, of that spirited enterprise, are well known ; and they had the effect — apparently — of destroying 
the interest which the River Niger had hitherto excited. 
Those, however, who watched with intense anxiety the increasing horrors of the Slave Trade, and who saw that the 
means were ineffectual which had hitherto been employed for its extinction, believed, nevertheless, that a way was provi- 
dentially opened to the very source of the evil. An enlightened Government, adopting the views of these philanthropists, 
readily consented to send an Expedition, composed of three iron men-of-war steam-vessels, up the River Niger, with 
Commissioners charged by Her Majesty to make treaties with the native chiefs for the suppression of this horrible traffic ; 
and to point out to them the advantages they will derive, if, instead of the wars and aggressions to which it gives rise, 
they will substitute an innocent and a legitimate commerce. 
This mission of Peace and Chanty — which will redound so much to the true glory of this country — ^is on the eve of 
departure ; and the deep interest on behalf of Africa — which has never been extinguished in humane minds, — will thus 
derive a fresh stimulus, and a more general participation. 
The Author, therefore, of the following little work, who is about to take a part in this honourable mission, hopes that 
an endeavour to delineate the features of the country, and the manners of the people, may at this time prove acceptable. 
