Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa, in the Year 1805 (ed John Whishaw) | Page 8

some degree, by the public at large. The
nature and objects of his mission, his long absence, and his unexpected
return, excited a very general interest; which was afterwards kept up by
the reports which prevailed respecting the discoveries he had made.
The Association, with that liberality which characterised every part of
their proceedings, gave him full permission to publish his Travels for
his own benefit; and it was speedily announced, that a complete
narrative of the journey would be prepared by Park himself, and given
to the public. But in the mean time, in order to gratify, in a certain
degree, the curiosity which prevailed, an Abstract, of the Travels,
prepared from Park's own minutes, was drawn up by Mr. Bryan
Edwards, secretary of the African Association, and was printed and
distributed for the private use of the subscribers. [Footnote:
Proceedings of African Association. Vol. I. p. 327.] This Abstract,
which was written with perspicuity and elegance, formed the principal
ground-work of the Book of Travels which was subsequently
published.
To the Abstract or Narrative, thus circulated, was annexed an important
Memoir by Major Rennell, consisting of geographical illustrations of
Park's Journey, which afterwards, by that gentleman's permission,
formed a valuable appendage to the quarto edition of the Travels.
After his return from Africa, Park remained for a considerable time
stationary in London, and was diligently employed in arranging the
materials for his intended publication. He had frequent occasion, also,
to communicate on the subject of his discoveries with the members of
the African Association, especially with Major Rennell and Mr.
Edwards, whilst they were engaged in preparing the two Memoirs
before alluded to. With Mr. Edwards, in particular, he seems to have
lived on terms of great friendship, and to have occasionally paid him
visits at his country residence near Southampton.
It was nearly about this time (the Spring of the year 1798) that

Government, having it in contemplation to procure a complete survey
of New Holland, made some application to Park, with a view of
employing him upon that service. The particulars of this transaction are
not known to Park's family, nor is it now material to enquire; since the
proposal, whatever it might be, was declined. It was afterwards
repeated, and again declined, during the following year.
In June, 1798, he visited his mother, who still resided at Fowlshiels,
and his other relations in Scotland, and remained with them the whole
of the summer and autumn. During all this time he was assiduously
employed in compiling and arranging the Account of his Travels. His
materials for this work are stated to have consisted of short notes or
memoranda, written on separate pieces of paper, forming an imperfect
journal of his proceedings. Where these were wanting, he supplied the
deficiency from his memory. [Footnote: Enquiry has been made for the
notes here alluded to, with a view to the elucidation of several points
connected with this narrative, but without success; it being stated by Mr.
Dickson, that a number of loose papers were left at his house by Park,
and remained there for some time; but being considered of no use, were
mislaid or destroyed; and that none of them are now to be found.]
His family represent him dating this period as leading the life of a
severe student, employed on his papers during the whole of the
mornings, and allowing himself little or no recreation, except a solitary
evening walk on the banks of the Yarrow. Occasionally, however, he
would indulge himself in longer excursions among the wild and
romantic scenery of that neighbourhood, to which he was fondly and
almost enthusiastically attached. [Footnote: The situation of Fowlshiels
on the banks of the Yarrow is said to be picturesque and striking. It is
in the immediate vicinity of Bow-hill, a beautiful summer-residence of
the Duke of Buccleugh; and at no great distance from the ruins of
Newark Castle, and other scenes celebrated in the _Lay of the Last
Minstrel_]
He quitted Fowlshiels, with great regret towards the latter end of 1798,
when it was necessary for him to return to London, to prepare for his
intended publication. He carried back with him a great mass of papers,
the produce of his summer's labour; and after his return to London,
bestowed considerable pains in the correction and retrenchment of his
manuscript before it was sent to the press. It was finally published in

the Spring of the year 1799.
The applause with which this work was received, and the permanent
reputation which it has obtained, are well known. Two impressions
were rapidly sold off; several other editions have since been called for;
and it continues even at the present time to be a popular and standard
book. This distinguished success has been owing, not only to the
interesting