Great African Travellers from Mungo Park to Livingstone and Stanley, etc

Chapter I. Introductory

Introduction — The African Association — Ledyard — Lucas— First information respecting the Niger, or Quorra, and the Gambia— Timbuctoo heard of— Thompson and Jobson's voyage up the Gambia — Major Haughton's expedition .and death. i—7

Chapter II. Travels Of Mungo Park

Parentage— Returns from India — Sent out by the African Association — Sails for Africa — Arrives at Pisania— Starts with a coffle eastward — Mumbo Jumbo- Arrives at Koojar — Reaches capital of Bondou —Welcomed at the capital of Kaarta by King Daisy — Seized at the town of Dalli by Moorish soldiers, and carried captive to Benowm — Barbarously treated by Ali — Taken to visit Ali's wife Fatima — She compassionates him — Almost starved — Difficulty of obtaining water — His servants taken from him— Ali attacked by Daisy — Park again falls into Ali's hands — Resolves to escape. ..... S— 26

Chapter III. Ml'ngo Tark's Travels Continued

Park escapes at night— Pursued by Moors and robbed — Fearful suffering from thirst — Finds water — Kindly treated by an old woman — Wanderings in the forest — Reaches Bambarra — 111 treated— Reaches the Niger — Arrives at Sego, the capital — The king refuses to see him — Sent to a distant village — Almost starving — A compassionate woman takes him into her house and feeds him— King Mansong orders him to quit the country — Enters Sansanding on the Niger — The Moors threaten him for being a Christian — Writes charms for his host — Proceeds — Followed by a lion — His horse falls sick, and, leaving the animal, he proceeds on foot — Proceeds down the Niger to Moorzan — Determines to return — Finds his horse alive — Rainy season commences — Again reaches Sansanding — Inhospitably treated — Repulsed from numerous places — Swims several rivers — Better treated as he gets westward — A negro merchant at Bammako receives him hospitably — Sets off with a singing man as his guide — Conducted by two shepherds— Despoiled of his clothes and horse by robbers — In danger of perishing — Reaches Sibidootoo — Mansa, the chief man, recovers his horse and clothes— Suffers from fever — People starving — Continues his journey — Kindly treated at Kamatia by a Bushreen — Kafa Taura — Starts with a slave caravan— Attacked by bees — Death of a slave — Sufferings of slaves — Reaches Pisania — S,ails by way of America for England — Reaches home. ...... 27 — 50

Chapter IV

park's second journey. Marries — Prepares for another journey — Accompanied by Messrs. Anderson and Scott, Lieut. Marty n and thirty-five soldiers, proceeds to Pisania by way of Goree — Engages Isaaco as guide — Numerous asses — Journey commenced — Three soldiers die — Attacked by bees — Sickness among the men increases — Annoyed by lions — Messrs. Anderson and Scott ill of fever — Several men left behind — Isaaco seized by a crocodile — Natives attempt to rob them — A bridge built — Reach Bangassi— Scott left behind, sick — The corporal and more men die — Mr. Anderson's illness increases — Followed by lions — Heavy rains — Meets Kafa Taura — The Niger reached — Descends the Niger in a canoe — Isaaco takes his leave — Alarm- CONTENTS. IV ing reports— Receives envoys from Mansong— Continues voyage in canoes Receives news of Scott's death— Mr. Anderson dies-A vessel built— Commences voyage in her with Lieut. Martyn. two white men and some slaves— Attacked Dy natives-Continues voyage-Again attacked— Park and Martyn drowned, others killed— One slave escapes, who gives an account of the tragedy. . 5' °4

Chapter V. Travels Of Denham And Clapperton

Preceded by Homeman— Roentgen— Tuckey and others— Major Laing s journey— Lieut Clapperton and Dr. Oudney, joined by Major Denham, leave Iripoli— Difficulties with the Pacha— Denham sails for England -The Pacha sends after him— Boo-Khaloum appointed conductor— Journey across the Desert— Illness ot Clapperton and Oudney— Numberless skeletons of slaves— Arabs' ill treatment of the natives— Lake Chad^-Empire of Bornou— Reception at Kouka by the Sheikh —Body-guard of the Sheikh— Barca Gana, his General— Visit to the Sultan of Birnie— Elephant and Buffalo hunting— Denham joins an expedition under Baca Gana— Meet the Sultan of Mandara— Attack on the Felatahs— Denham nearly loses his life— Boo-Khaloum killed— Barca Gana's troops take to flight— The Major kindly treated by a deposed Prince — Returns to Kouka. . 65 — qj

Chapter VI. Travels Of Denham And Clapperton, Continued

Major Denham and Dr. Oudney visit old Birnie — Accompany the Sheikh on an expedition against the Munga — Review of troops — Submission of rebels — Barca Gana disgraced — Return — Arrival of Lieut. Toole — Expedition to the Shary — Pest of flies — Well received by the Sultan of Begharmi — Death of Lieut. Toole — Returns to Kouka — Arrival of Mr. Tyrhwit — Expedition against rebels on shores of Lake Chad — Barca Gana again defeated and wounded — The Sheikh's severe laws against immorality. . ...... 98 — 114

Chapter VII. Clapperton's Tourney To Soudan

Expedition of Clapperton and Oudney to Soudan — Beauty of the women — Cruelty of the Arabs — Dr. Oudney prescribes for the sick— Reach Katagum — Slaves offered as presents — Death of Dr. Oudney — Clapperton arrives at Kano — City described — Haussa boxers — Sackatoo reached — Reception by Sultan Bello — Great intelligence ofthe Sultan — Wonder at English customs— Desires that a consul and doctor maybe sent to him — Clapperton leaves Sackatoo — Sufferings from thirst Dangerous journey— Returns to Kouka — Visit to Lake Chad — Journey across the Desert to Tripoli. ....... n^ I2g

Chapter VIII. Captain Clapperton's Second Journey

Captain Clapperton's second journey, accompanied by Richard Lander — Joined by Captain Pearce — Messrs. Morrison and Dickson — Reaches Benin — Journey of Dickson and Columbus — Their disappearance— Clapperton starts from Badagarry — Joined by Mr. Houtson— Expedition reaches Jannah— Attacked by fever Well received— Fondness of people for dogs— Death of Captain Pearce and Dr. Morrison— The King of Eyeo and his wives— Beautiful country— Felatah villages —Enter Youriba— The King's Court— Entertained with a play— Mr. Houtson returns and dies — Clapperton, with Lander and Pasco, proceeds alone— Reaches Wawa, near the Niger— The widow Zuma — Inquiries about Park — Visits the scene of his death— Well treated by King of Wawa— Enters kingdom of Nyffe —Lax Mahommedans— Desolated by warfare— Reaches Kano— Leaves Lander with the baggage, and proceeds to Sackatoo alone— Trying journey — Well received by Bello— Siege of Zeg-zeg- Absurd style of fighting— Bello seizes his property-Lander arrives at Sackatoo— Illness and death of Clapperton— Buried by Lander— Lander sets out with intention of exploring the Niger— Warned not to proceed south— Leaves Kano for the west-Taken to Zaria-Allowed to proceed—Continues journey alone ; and arrives in England. 130— I =0

Chapter IX. Journey Of The Landers, And Their Vovage Down The Niger

185,0. The brothers reach Badagarry— Proceed inland to Katunga— Well received by the King CONTENTS. V —Reach Boussa — The widow Zuma— Kind-hearted King— Visit Youri—Recep tion by the King— Obtain relics of Park— The dancing monarch — Obtain canoes — Begin voyage down the Niger— Great width of the river at Leechee — Meet the King of the Dark Water— A rogui.sh Arab— Detained by Mallam Dendow— Compelled to give him Park's robe— Reach Egga— No presents remaining — Pass mouth of Binue— Threatened by Natives— Detained at Damuggoo— Attacked by piratical canoes -John Lander nearly drowned — Property seized— Rescued by an honest chief— Inhabitants side with them — Journals lost — Continue voyage — Reach Eboe— Interview with Obie, the King— Hear of English and Spanish ships in the river— Conveyed down the river by King Boy— Reach English brig — Brutal conduct of the captain — Brig escapes from the river — The Landers sail for Rio de Janeiro and reach England. .... 151 — 170

Chapter X. Travels And Adventures Of Dr

BARTH IN NORTH AND CENTRAL AFRICA, 1849. Leaves Tripoli with Mr. Richardson and Dr. Overweg— Suppression of slave trade the chief object of the expedition — Numerous ruins seen — Cross the Hammada desert — Rest at an oasis — Reach Mourzouk — Dr. Barth's adventure — Nearly perishes in the desert — Difficulties of journey — Followed by Tawarek freebooters — Preparations for an attack — Strange dancers — Tribute demanded — Camp at night — Expecting an attack — Constant firing kept up — Camels stolen — Pursued — Dangerous situation— Travellers expect death — Saved by friendly Chief — Dr. Barth visits Agades — A salt caravan — The caravan reaches Tagelel. . 171 — 191

Chapter XI. Travels Of Dr

BARTH, CONTINUED. Dr. Barth quits Mr. Richardson — Reaches Tassawa— Arrives at Kano — Flourishing country — Kano described — Kindly treated — Manufactures and imports— Sets out with his servant Gatroni for Bornou — Hears of Mr. Richardson's death — Enters Kouka — The Vizier meets him — Reception of the Sheikh, a black — Excursion with the Sheikh to Ngornu — Visits Lake Chad — Fishermen on the lake — Journey to Adamawa — Reaches the Binue river— Compelled to return — Sets out for Kanem — Travelling with robber party— Attacked by natives — Robbers beaten — Returns to Kouka — Expedition of Vizier against Mandara — Beautiful, well-cultivated country devoted to destruction — The natives barbarously slaughtered — Slaves taken — Demmo destroyed — Musgu warriors— Natives defend themselves on an island — Returns to Kouka — Journey to Begharmi — Well treated at Loggun — Reaches the magnificent Shary — White ants — Made prisoner and put into chains — Released, and enters Mas-ena — A learned black Faki — Visit to the Sultan — His superstitious fears— Barth returns to Kouka — Death of Dr. Overweg. . . 192 — 215

Chapter XII. Travels Of Dr

BARTH, CONCLUDED. Barth sets out /or Timbuctoo — Detained at Katseena— Reaches Say, on the Niger- Crosses River— Meets an Arab, who offers to escort him — Disguised as an Arab — Enters Bambarra — Swampy country— Embarks on the Niger— Voyage up the river to Kabara— Ride to Timbuctoo— Enters the city — The Sheikh El Bakay — Compelled to remain in his house— Timbuctoo described— The fanatics threaten his life — Accompanies the Sheikh into the desert— Returns to the city — Hears about Mungo Park — The river rises— For fear of disturbances from the fanatics, goes into the desert again— Sets out with the Sheikh towards Kouka — Liins and hippopotami— Reaches Sackatoo— Hears of expedition under Dr. Vogel— Dangers of journey— Reaches Bundi— Meets Dr. Vogel— Repast, but no wine— Well received by Sheikh Omar at Kouka— Detained four months— Returns with a caravan to Tripoli — Discovery of Binue River most important result. . 216 — 220

Chapter XIII. Captain Speke's Discoveries Of The Source Of The Nile

Speke's previous career — Joins an expedition to the Somali country — The Somali — Arrive at Berbera— Attacked by robbers — His escape and return to Aden, and finally to England — Joins Captain Burion in an expedition to the Mountains of the Moon— Sets out for Bombay, and afterwards to Zanzibar— Engage Sheikh Said and their escort— Cross to Kaole— Arrive at Caze\ and received by the Arab merchants— Porters desert— Illness of Captain Burton, and carried to Zimbili— CONTENTS. VI Sets out with fresh porters— A sight ofthe Tanganyika Lake— The Mountains or the Moon— Nearly blind— Up the lake to Ujiji— Arrive at Kaw_le-_ heir journey on the lake continued— An alarm— Camp at night— Shells-A storm— Arrive at Sultan Casanga's territory— The people— Arrive at the hsh market of Kabizia— A _i/«»-,j— Cross to Kasenge— Reception— The Chief descnbed-The results of slavery— Hears of a large river -Cannot obtain a boat— Returns to Ujiji— Sets out to explore a river that falls into the lake— Tricks of the paddlers— Returns to Ujiji— Help arrives— Returns to Caze— Sets out to explore the country in the neighbourhood of the Nyanza Lake— Tricks of his escort— Villages described— Detained by a Sultana— The reception she gives Speke— Illness in the caravan— Inon— Leaving Isamiro, the Nyanza appears in sight— The scene— He called the lake Victoria Nyanza— Descends to Muanza— The source of the Nile !— Return journey, and arrives at Cazc__— Arrives in England. . . . 230—248

Chapter XIV. Captains Speke And Grant's Travels From The Island Of Zanzibar

ON THE EAST COAST OF AFRICA, TO LAKE VICTORIA NYANZA, AND DOWN THE NILE.. Sets out with an expedition to prove that the source of the Nile is the Nyanza River — Arrives at Zanzibar — Crosses to Bagomoyo with his followers — The caravan — Squabbles among the porters — The march begun for Caze — The traveller's routine of work — Tribute demanded by Chiefs — The Hottentot escort and the Waguana escort— The country of the Wazaramo — Their manners and customs — Kidunda — Along the Kinganni River to the country of the Usagara — Grant is ill — Ugogo — The place and people — Encamp on a clearing called Kanyenye. where some of the porters abscond— Shooting rhinoceros — New Year's Day at Round Rock — Unyamuezi, the Country of the Moon — Caze — Received by his friend Musa — The Unyamuezi people — Set out and reach Mininga — Liberates a slave — Illness, and returns to Caze — The customs of the Weezee — Reaches Mininga again — Difficulties — Arrives at the district ofthe Chief, Myonga — The Pig — Difficulties again — Speke's illness— Is attended by Lumeresi, who afterwards makes extortionate demands and causes trouble — Alarming news of Grant. . 249 — 272

Chapter XV. Speke And Grant's Travels Continued

Captain Grant — His description of a Weezee village and the customs of the people — Slavery — Sets out, and is attacked by Myonga — Grant and Speke unite — Journey to Karague— The country described — Rumanika receives them- The people aud their customs — Wild animals — Speke sets out for Uganda. . . 273 — 291

Chapter XVI. Speke And Grant's Travels

CONlTINUEn. An escort from Mtesa, King of Uganda, arrives— The Kitangule' River— The Phito —Slaughter of the natives — Uganda described — Speke's reception — Mtesa's cruelty— Arrest of the Queen— A review of troops-Ærant arrives— Arrangements for proceeding to Unyoro— The water-spirit's high priest. . . 29^—310

Chapter XVII. Speke And Grant's Travels Concluded

Set out for Kamrasi -Attacked by the Waganda-Reach the Nile-The Isamba Rapids-The Rippon Falls-lhe source of the Nile-Returns to Urondoganilhreatened destruction— March for Unyoro— Kamrasi's reception— The magician V Ti?X u1""^ receives» Bible-Leave Kamrasi, and proceed down the Kuffi, to the Falls of Karuma-lhe Gam people-The Madi-Arrive at Petherick's outposts-Speke again sets out-The Bari country-Gondokoro and Nile boats feTb7r^l^^Lth^VEOSfaendd.0Wn *" ™ '.° Kh~^ b^quet-

CHAPTER XVI

I L TRAVELS OF DR. LIVINGSTONE : FIRST EXPEDJTIOK. His parentage and early life -Sets out for Africa as a missionary from the London Missionary Society-Arrives at Cape Town-Lepelole-Mabotsa-Sechde- Dr. Livingstone finds him at Kolobeng-A missionary's necessary accomp lish- Ttt N^mX S*™ , descr,bed-Star.,ng-The banks of the Zouga- Wn ?„^ h ,h Tl, k K°l0uCng_Return to Lake Ngami-Fever-Set out again and reach the Chobe-Sebituane-Banks of the Zambesi -Returns to Kolo- CONTEA TS. VII beng— Arrives at Cape Town, where his wife and children embark for England- Reaches Kuruman— The Dutch Boers— Linyanti— Received by the Makololo— Fever- 336-350

Chapter XIX. Travels Of Dr

LIVINGSTONE, CONTINUED. Set out— Sesheke— Makololo architecture— Village of Katonga— Paddle up the Leeambye— Mpepe — Nahele — Visit Ma-Sekeletu — A grand dance — Return to Linyanti— Expedition to the West— On the Chobe— Gonye Falls— Up the Leeambye— Up the Leeba— The Balonda country— Manenko— Visits Shinti- Reception of Livingstone— Proceeds northerly— Visit Katema— Reach the territory of the Chiboque— Want of food— A mutiny— Thbanks of the Quango— Reach Kasenge— Sleeping-places on the road— Ambaca— Trombeta— Arrive at Loanda— Livingstone, with his Makololo, goes on board the "Pluto "and " Philomel"— The city of Loanda— Departure— Ascend the river Bengo to Icollo-i-Bengo— Golcon^u Alto— Excursion to Kasenge— Proceed to, and arrive on, the banks ofthe Quango — Bashinji country— Attacked— Reach Calongo— Kanawa's village— Past LaX- Dilolo — Shuiti's capital— On the Leeba— The Leeambye— The town of Leboui.i — Proceeding, arrives at Sesheke and afterwards at Linyanti. 351— 3S3

Chapter XX. Travels Of Dr

LIVINGSTONE, CONTINUED. Preparesfor a journey to the East Coast — Leaves Linyanti — A storm — The Victoria and Mozioatunya Falls — From Kalai sets off for Lekone — Cross the Kafue — The Zambesi — Down its banks — Reach the confluence of the Loangwa — Mburuma's Plot — Zumbo, a ruined Portuguese settlement — A curious reception — Arrival at Tete — A good breakfast — Tete described — Down the Quillimane— Embarks with Sekwebu on board the " Frolic " — Arrives at Mauritius— Sekwebu drowns himself — Livingstone arrives in England. .... 3S4 — 407

Chapter XXI

dr. Livingstone's second expedition to Africa, to explore the zambesi. Leaves England — Arrives at the East Coast — Up the Luawe — The little " Ma-Robert" — War — Commence the voyage for Tete — Senna — Arrives at Tete — The Kebrabasa Falls — Returns to Tete — Up the Shire, and return — The second trip up the Shire — Sets out for Lake Shirwa — Returns to Tete — Set out for Lake Nyassa — Treachery — Arrive at the Lake — Returns to the Kongone — Journey westward — A pondoro - Superstition — Passing Kebrabasa, arrive in Mpende's territory — Reaches Moachemba — Sets out for Victoria Falls — Tuba, the smasher of canoes — Leave Sesheke — More Superstition — Reach Zumbo — Down the Kebrabasa Rapids — Canoes upset — Arrive at Tete — The chameleon. . . 408 — 426

Chapter XXII

dr. Livingstone's expedition to explore the zambesi, continued. Sets out again — Christmas at Chimba Island — Senna — Down the river to Congo — The "Pioneer" — Arrival of Bishop Mackenzie — Reaches the Rovuma — Back again and up the Zambesi to the Shire — Liberation of a party of slaves — News of the Ajawa Starts for Nyassa — Enters the Lake — Described — A storm on the Nyassa — Slavery — Returns to the Rovuma — Sets out with Bishop Mackenzie for Ruo- - Reaches the Zambesi, and afterwards proceeds to the Great Luabo — Arrival of Mrs. Livingstone and the " Lady Nyassa" — Bishop Mackenzie's death — Explores the Rovuma — An adventure with the natives — Visits Johanna in the "Pioneer" — Steams up the Shire — Effects of the slave trade — Meets Mr. Thornton— Attacked by fever — More of the slave trade — Start for the upper cataracts — Despatches from England — Visit Chia Lakelet — An Arab slave-dhow — Leaves the Zambesi, and arrives at Bombay. ...... 427 — 449

Chapter XXIII. Travels Of Sir Samuel And Lady Baker

Arrival in Egypt — Cross the Nubian Desert— Residence at Berber — Resolves to learn Arabic — Journey towards Abyssinia commenced — First meal on hippo-flesh -A whirlwind — The river suddenly fills— Cause of the overflow of the Nile — Rainy season begins — Visit to camp of Abou Sinn — Residence at Sofi — Engage Germans — Hippopotamus hunting — Hamran elephant hunters — Mode of hunting — Abou Do a hippopotamus hunter — Exciting attack on a hippopotamus— Baker witnesses CONTENTS. VIII attack on an elephant by Aggageers — Rodur's courage — The travellers reach Khartoum 45°— 4^5

Chapter XXIV. Travels Of Sir Samuel And Ladv Baker, Continued

Preparations for journey to the south — Difficulties — The Shillooks — The Nuehr — Information about the slave trade— The Kytch— The sacred bullock— Arrive at Gondokoro— Attempts to shoot Baker— His escort mutiny— He meets Speke and Grant — Treachery among his servants — Encounter with slave-traders —Wins over Ibrahim, and arrives atTarrangolte— The Latooka victory— Misbehaviour of the Turks, and threatened attack by the natives — A funeral dance — Returns to Obbo— Fever— Sets out for Karuma— Reaches Karuma Falls— Kamrasi— Proceeds to the Lake— A strange reception— Illness of Mrs. Baker— Reach the village of Parkani— Arrive at the lake which Baker called Albert Nyanza— Surveys it- Reaches Magimgo— Proceeds to the Murchison Falls— Return to Magimgo — Deserted by his guide and carriers — Starvation — The guide reappears, and they arrive at Kamrasi's camp— An invasion by Fowookas— Mr. Baker prevents an attack — He at last sets oft" with Turkish traders, and arrives at Shooa — A march through the Bari — Reach Gondokoro — Voyage down the Nile — Welcomed at Khartoum— A dust-storm — Continuing their voyage, reach Berber, and at length arrive in England — Returns to Egypt — Organizes an expedition to convey steamers up the Nile for Lake Nyanza, to oppose the slave trade. 466 — 49S

Chapter XXV

dr. Livingstone's third great expedition. Dr. Livingstone, with thirty followers, lands near mouth of Rovuma — Proceeds up bank of river — Misconduct of Sepoys — Loss of animals — Reaches Lake Nyassa — The Babisa Chief — Roguish Arab — Proceeds westward — Visits the Chambezi — ■ Arrives at Kazembe's city — Londa — Receptions by the King and his wife — Lake Mopo — Lake Moero — The Lualaba River — Proceeds down it — Other large lakes heard of — Compelled to return east — Treachery of a Moor — Three years occupied in exploring — Severe illness — Mild character of natives — Cruelties of the Arabs — Returns to Ujiji. ....... 499— 5o3

Chapter XXVI

Stanley's expedition in search of dr. Livingstone.

Stanley sent out by Mr. Bennett, of the "New York Herald" — Reaches Zanzibar— Dr. Kirk — His white and native attendants — Bombay engaged — Boats prepared — Crosses to Bagomoyo — Jesuit mission — Finds caravan for relief of Livingstone detained — Difficulties to be surmounted — Porters abscond — Misconduct of white men — A strongly fortified town — Attacked by fever— Sends Farquhar sick to Mpwapwa, where he dies — Shaw fires at Stanley — Stanley's cool conduct — Expedition enters Ugogo with Arab caravan— Heavy tribute demanded by Sultan of Mvumi — Donkeys die — Journey through jungle — Country laid waste by Arab slave-traders—Well received by Mkaswa— Livingstone caravan arrives— Prepares to start for Ujiji— Some of his men join Arabs in an attack on a town, and are defeated— Stanley and Shaw narrowly escape— Returns to Kivihara— The place threatened — Preparations for defence — Hears news of Livingstone — Receives present of a slave boy, Klulu— followers prove refractory— Sets out— Sends Shaw back — Narrow escape from a crocodile — Donkey seized by crocodile — Meet Caravan from Ujiji— More news of Livingstone— Threatened by Wahha— Pass village at night— Nearly discovered— Lake Tanganyika seen— Dr. Livingstone found at last— Livingstone recovers— Character of Livingstone— Voyage on Lake Tanganyika — The Rusizi River— Livingstone and Stanley set off from Ujiji together— Journey to Mkaswa, and stay there— Livingstone remains, and Stanley proceeds to Zanzibar to fit out an expedition to assist him — Finds Kisalungo destroyed by a flood— Dreadful floods-Adventures on journey— Meets with the Livingstone relief expedition— It is disbanded— Disbands his own, and fits out a /« onJ?— Starts !t off> and sails for England via the Seychelles— Noble liberality of Mr. Bennett. . „ „ J 509—532

Chapter XXVII

Travels of Purton-Du Chaillu-Baines-Andersson-Galton-Expeditions up the N.ger-Dr Ba_k.es voyage in the " Pleiad "-Journeys of missionaries, sportsmen, and others— Concluding remarks. l~_ .-* 533— o3° StatU'nA'.x in; it si i'.st'ih i.on(io,i:C^orge RoulJcdgc ft Son GREAT AFRICAN TRAVELLERS, FROM MUNGO PARK TO LIVINGSTONE AND STANLEY.

Chapter I. Introductory

Introduction — The African Association — Ledyard — Lucas— First information respecting the Niger, or Quorra, and the Gambia — Timbuctoo heard of — Thompson and Jobson's voyage up the Gambia — Major Haughton's expedition and death. WHEN the fathers of the present generation were young men, and George the Third ruled the land, they imagined that the whole interior of Africa was one howling wilderness of burning sand, roamed over by brown tribes in the north and south, and by black tribes — if human beings there were — on either side of the equator, and along the west coast. The maps then existing afforded them no information. Of the Mountains of the Moon they knew about as much as of the mountains in the moon. The Nile was not explored — its sources unknown— the course of the Niger was a mystery.

INTRODUCTORY. 2 They were aware that the elephant, rhinoceros, cameleo pard, zebra, lion and many other strange beasts ranged over its sandy deserts ; but very little more about them than the fact of their existence was known. They knew that on the north coast dwelt the descendants of the Greek and Roman colonists, and of their Arab conquerors — that there were such places as Tangiers, Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers with its piratical cruisers who carried off white men into slavery ; Morocco, with an emperor addicted to cutting off heads; Salee, which sent forth its rovers far over the ocean to plunder merchant men ; and a few other towns and forts, for the possession of which Europeans had occasionally knocked their heads to gether. From the west coast they had heard that ivory and gold dust was to be procured, as well as an abundant supply of negroes, whose happy lot it was to be carried off to cultivate the plantations of the West Indies and America ; but, except that they worshipped fetishes, of their manners and customs, or at what distance from the coast they came, their ignorance was profound.

They possibly were acquainted with the fact that the Portugese had settlements at Loango, Angola, and Benguela; and that Hottentots and Kaffirs were to be found at the Cape, where a colony had been taken from the Dutch, but with that colony, except in the immediate neighbourhood of Cape Town, where ships to and from India touched, they were but slightly acquainted. Eastward, if they troubled their heads about the matter, they had a notion that there was a terribly wild coast, in habited by fierce savages, and northward, inside the big is land of Madagascar, that the Portugese had some settlements for slaving purposes ; that further north again was Zanzibar, and that the mainland was without a town or spot where civilized man was to be found, till the Strait of Bab el Man deb, at the mouth of the Red Sea, was reached.

That there INTRODUCTOR V. 3 HUNTING SCENE. i INTRODUCTORY. 4 towards the interior, was the wonderful country of Abyssinia, in which the Queen of Sheba once ruled, and Nubia, the birthplace from time immemorial of black slaves, and that, flowing northward, the mysterious Nile made its way down numerous cataracts, fertilizing the land of Egypt on its annual overflows, till, passing the great city of Cairo, it entered the Mediterranean by its numberless mouths. About Egypt, to be sure, more was known than of all the rest of the continent together— that there were pyramids and ruined cities, colossal statues, temples and tombs, crocodiles and hippopotami in the waters ot the sacred river, and Christian Copts and dark-skinned Mahommedans dwelling on its banks. But few had explored the mighty remains of its past glory, or made their way either to the summits or into the interiors of its mountain-like edifices.

Those who had read Herodotus believed in a good many wonders which that not incredulous historian narrates.* In deed, free range was allowed to the wildest imagination, and the most extravagant stories found ready believers, there being no one with authority to contradict them. When, however, Bruce and other travellers made their way further than any civilized man had before penetrated into the interior of the continent, their accounts were discredited, and people were disappointed when they were told that many of their cherished notions had no foundation in truth ; in fact, up to the commencement of the present century the greater part of Africa was a terra incognita, and only by slow and painful degrees, and during a comparatively late period, has a knowledge of some of its more important geographical features been obtained. * The late discoveries of Livingstone, however, prove that Herodotus had obtained a more correct account of the sources of the Nile than has hitherto been supposed.

INTRODUCTOR Y. 5 We will now set forth and accompany in succession the most noted of the various travellers who, pushing their way into that long unknown interior, bravely encountering its savage and treacherous tribes, its fever-giving climate, famine, hardships, dangers and difficulties of every description, have contributed to fill up some of the numerous blank places on the map. Although, by their showing, sand enough and to spare and vast rocky deserts are to be found, there are wide districts of the greatest fertility, possessed of many natural beauties — elevated and cool regions, where even the Euro pean can retain his health and strength and enjoy existence ; lofty mountains, magnificent rivers and broad lakes, and many curious and interesting objects, not more wonderful, however, than those of other parts of the globe, while the inhabitants in every direction, though often savage and debased, differ in no material degree from the other descendants of Ham.

Although our fathers knew very little about Africa, their interest had been excited by the wonders it was supposed to contain, and they were anxious to obtain all possible information respecting it. This was, however, no easy matter, as most of the travellers who endeavoured to make their way into the interior had died in the attempt. A society called the African Association, to which the Marquis of Hastings and Sir John Banks belonged, was at length formed to open up the mighty continent to British commerce and civilization. The first explorer they despatched was Ledyard, who as a sergeant of marines had sailed round the world with Captain Cook, and after living among the American Indians had pushed his way to the remotest parts of Asiatic Russia. If any man could succeed, it was thought he would.

He proceeded to Egypt, intending to make his way to Sennaar, and thence to traverse the entire breadth of the INTRODUCTORY. African continent; but, seized with an illness at Cairo, he died just as he was about to start with a caravan. The next traveller engaged by the society was Mr. Lucas, who, having been captured by a Salee rover, had been several years a slave in Morocco. He started from Tripoli, but was compelled by the disturbed state of the country to the south of that place to put back. It should have been said that it had been long known that two mighty rivers flowed through the interior of Africa, one called the Gambia and the other the Niger, or Quorra ; but whereabouts they rose, or the direction they took, or the nature of the country they traversed in their course, no exact information was possessed.