26 H. M. GOVERNMENT SANCTIONS AN EXPEDITION. 
the foreign Slave Trade in its source, by counteracting 
the principles by which it is now sustained.” For this 
purpose he proposes to send an expedition, which should 
ascend the River Niger and its great tributary streams, 
by means of steam-boatS, with the view of entering into 
“ commercial relations with the Chiefs and Powers on its 
banks, within whose dominions the internal Slave Trade 
of Africa is carried on, and the external Slave Trade 
supplied with its victims.” 
The Lords of the Treasury agreed to sanction the 
necessary estimates for such an expedition. But as there 
were no vessels in Her Majesty’s navy of proper size and 
draught of water, suitable for this service. Captain Trotter 
and Commander W. Allen were sent by the Admiralty 
to the different sea-ports, to ascertain if any such could 
be found for hire, with a view to save expense. This 
search having proved fruitless. Captain Sir Edward 
Parry was directed by the Admiralty to report on the 
requisite number, size, and equipment of the vessels, 
“ in order to afford a reasonable prospect of success in 
the object which Her Majesty’s Government had in 
view, in sending an expedition up the River Niger.” 
In consequence of his recommendation, a contract 
was entered into with Mr. John Laird of Birkenhead, 
to construct three steamers of iron, expressly for this 
service. “ The two larger to have very roomy and airy 
accommodations for their officers and crews, and to 
be exactly of the same size, rig and power, with all 
their stores precisely alike. The third vessel, intended 
