I 
150 AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
different rivers, with totally different sources. In a word, 
a great step had been gained. 
In 1816 it was still an open question whether the 
Congo was not identical with the Niger. To ascertain 
the truth on this point, an expedition was sent out 
under Captain Tuckey, an English naval officer who had 
A VIEW ON THE CONGO, FROM AN EARLY PRINT. 
given proof of intelligence and courage. James King¬ 
ston Tuckey was made prisoner in 1805, and was not 
exchanged until 1814. When he heard that an expedi¬ 
tion was to be organised for the exploration of the Zaire, 
he begged to be allowed to join it, and was appointed 
to the command. Two able officers and some scientific 
men were associated with him. 
Tuckey left England on the 19th March, 1816, with 
two vessels, the Congo and the Dorothea , a transport 
