THE AFRICAN ASSOCIATION. 289 
in England. He waited immediately on Sir Jo- 
seph Banks, who communicated to him the views 
of the African Association, and pointed out the 
route in which he wished Africa to be explored. 
Engaging at once in the adventure, Sir Joseph 
asked him when he would set out : " To-morrow 
" morning," replied Ledyard, without hesitation. 
At this interview, Sir Joseph declares that he was 
struck with the manliness of his person, the breadth 
of his chest, the openness of his countenance, and 
the inquietude of his eye. Though scarcely ex- 
ceeding the middle size, his figure expressed great 
strength and activity. Despising the accidental 
distinctions of society, he seemed to regard all 
men as his equals, and his manners were not dis- 
agreeable, though unpolished. His uncultivated 
genius was original and comprehensive, not model- 
led by rule, but moulded by circumstance. From 
the native energy of his mind, h^was adventurous 
and curious, and unappalled by dangers ; but the 
strength of his judgment united caution with ener- 
gy. To a man of his description, formed for dan- 
gers and daring, the arduous task of traversing the 
widest part of the continent of Africa, from east 
to west, in the supposed latitude of the Niger, was 
assigned. After obtaining his instructions and letters 
of recommendation, Ledyard sailed from London, 
on the 80th of June 1788, and arrived in 36 days 
at Alexandria. Proceeding to Cairo, where he ai> 
VOL. I. T 
