LEDYARD. 
303 
ingsberg, where the credit of Sir Joseph Banks 
again availed him, and he obtained the sum of 
five guineas, by means of which he arrived in 
England. He waited immediately on Sir Joseph 
Banks, who communicated to him the views of 
the African Association, and pointed out the route 
in which he wished Africa to be explored. En- 
gaging at once in the adventure. Sir Joseph asked 
him when he would set out : " To-morrow morn- 
« ing," 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 counte- 
nance, and the inquietude of his eye. Though 
scarcely exceeding the middle size, his figure ex- 
pressed great strength and activity. Despising 
the accidental distinctions of society, he seemed 
to regard all men as his equals, and his manners 
w^ere not disagreeable, though unpolished. His 
uncultivated genius was original and comprehen- 
sive, not modelled by rule, but moulded by cir- 
cumstance. From the native energy of his mind 
he was adventurous and curious, and unappalled 
by dangers ; but the strength of his judgment 
united caution with energy. To a man of his 
description, formed for dangers and daring, the 
arduous task of traversing the widest part of the 
continent of Africa, from east to west, in the sup- 
posed latitude of the Niger, was assigned. After 
14 
