17^ 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
low him thither, and bring back such letters 
as Mr. Dochard might have to send me. The 
person I selected for this purpose was a man 
named Bakoro, a native of Nyamima, who had 
been left by Lamina to officiate in his place as 
the messenger of Dha, and who, from his re- 
spectability and know^l edge of the country, could 
travel through it with less difficulty than any of 
my own men. I also sent with him as a compa- 
nion, in case of accident, a man named Ismeina, 
who had been attached to the mission as a car- 
rier ; and in order that the journey might be 
performed as quickly as possible, I furnished 
them with a horse each, and, having provided 
them with a few articles of merchandize to en- 
able them to procure provisions, and make small 
presents to those chiefs or others who might as- 
sist them on the road, they left the camp on the 
^5th November, and promised to make all pos- 
sible haste. 
The weather had for some time assumed that 
settled mild state which, in that country, always 
takes place after the rains, and is so admirably 
adapted for travelling. I regretted exceedingly 
that the absence of Mr. Partarrieau, and of those 
supplies I had sent for by him, prevented my 
taking advantage of it by moving slowly on with 
the whole expedition in the direction of Sego. 
I was then however so sanguine in my hope that 
