2 TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. CHAP. I. 
linquisli his intention of joining the mission. Soon after Mr. 
Ritchie's arrival in IMalta, I was fortunate enough to become ac- 
quainted with him, and hearing him express his disappointment 
at having failed to obtain Captain Marryat as his companion on 
the proposed expedition, I ventured to offer my best endeavours 
to supply his place, and although conscious that I had but little 
talent to boast, I yet hoped that the zeal by which I was actuated 
would in some degree make amends for my deficiencies in other 
respects. Mr. Eitchie, without hesitation, accepted my proposal, 
and in consequence lost no time in applying to Admiral Sir C. V. 
Penrose, Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean, to solicit the 
necessary leave for my quitting the Albion. Sir C. Penrose, in 
the kindest and most flattering manner, acceded to the request, and 
immediately wrote in my favour to the Lords of the Admiralty, 
to obtain permission for me to belong to the mission. Mr. Ritchie 
in the meantime occupied himself in making preparations for his 
departure ; and, as an addition to his small party, engaged a ship- 
wright from the dockyard, Malta, named John Belford (who, as 
well as myself, was a volunteer), to accompany him. His arrange- 
ments thus made, Mr. Ritchie, on the 10th October, sailed for Tripoli 
in the Admiral's schooner, leaving me behind, anxiously awaiting an 
answer from England to the apphcation made for me. I employed 
this period of suspense in acquiring the Arabic alphabet, and in 
otherwise preparing myself for the object in view. On 19th 
November the wished for permission arrived, and on November 
21st I sailed from Malta in the tender for Tripoli, at which place 
I arrived on the S5th of November, 1818. I found Mr. Ritchie 
still there, and likely to remain sometime longer. He was residing 
in the house of the British consul, Colonel Warrington, who re- 
ceived me most hospitably, and invited me to take up my quarters 
under his roof. Mr. Ritchie's intention being to proceed to Mourzouk, 
