Life and Travels of Mungo Park in Central Africa | Page 8

them printed in the third volume
of their Transactions.
It does not appear whether Park had come to any determinate
conclusion to quit the company's service; at all events, he continued to
shew a decided preference for studies in natural history; and the circle
of acquaintances to which Sir Joseph Banks had introduced him after
his return to England, contributed much to strengthen this preference.
At this time, no doubt, he was disposed, upon a suitable opening being
presented, to free himself from the duties of his profession, and enter
upon some more congenial employment. His mind was soon to be
directed to loftier objects--to scenes of stirring interest and varied
adventure--to an enterprise for which he was well qualified by his
enthusiastic zeal for discovery, his scientific acquirements, vigorous
constitution, and patient and persevering disposition. The African
Association, consisting of a number of individuals distinguished by
their ardent zeal for the promotion of geographical discovery in the
unknown regions of that vast continent, had been formed a few years
before this period. Their investigations had brought to light some
leading facts relative to Northern Africa; and with the assistance of
Major Rennel, they were endeavouring to lay down as accurately as
possible upon the map, the principal geographical outlines. But they
were most anxious to acquire correct information concerning the river
Joliba, or Niger, and also to collect some particulars concerning the
interior of the country. Under their auspices several travellers had
already gone forth, who had either fallen victims to the climate, or been
murdered by the natives;--and recent intelligence had been brought to

England of the death of Major Houghton, who had set out with the
intention of penetrating to Timbuctoo and Houssa. Deterred by his fate,
no individual for a considerable period seemed willing to undertake the
mission, though liberal offers of compensation had been made. Here
was the very enterprise which possessed irresistible charms for Park's
romantic and daring mind: in him the Association found an individual
well qualified for the task. They were fully satisfied with the answers
which he gave to all their inquiries: his mind had been already directed
towards geographical research; he had the matured strength of
manhood, and his constitution had in some measure, been inured to a
hot climate; his medical knowledge would not only contribute to the
preservation of his own health, but would also secure him the respect
and veneration of the natives. At the commencement of his narrative,
he relates the feelings which animated him in deciding on this perilous
journey. The prospects of personal advantage held out, even should he
prove successful, were so inconsiderable, that in his acceptance of the
offer, he was evidently actuated by an ardent desire of adding to the
slender knowledge possessed of that interesting country, as well as by
the hope of having his name joined to the list of those who have
distinguished themselves by active enterprise.
A considerable time elapsed ere everything was ready for his departure;
and two years had passed away since his return from India. During that
period, with the exception of a short visit paid to his friends in Scotland,
he had chiefly resided in London; partly engaged with his favourite
studies, and enjoying the pleasures of cultivated society; but devoting
his chief time and attention to acquiring the knowledge, and
superintending the preparations necessary for his journey. At length he
received his final instructions from the Association, and set sail from
Portsmouth, on the 22d of May 1795, on board the Endeavour, an
African trader, bound for the Gambia, where he arrived on the 21st of
the following month. He was furnished with a letter of recommendation
to Dr. Laidley, who resided at the English factory of Pisania, on the
Gambia, and on whom he had a letter of credit for L. 200.
In the reprint which follows, the reader will find, in Mr. Park's own
words, a full narrative of the various incidents which befel him during
this eventful journey.
* * * * *

[Illustration: Map of Park's Travels in Africa with the Course of the
Niger.]
* * * * *
TRAVELS IN THE INTERIOR OF AFRICA.


CHAPTER I
.
_The author's motives for undertaking the voyage--his instructions and
departure--arrives at Jillifree, on the Gambia River--proceeds to
Vintain,--Some account of the Feloops.--Proceeds up the river for
Jonkakonda--arrives at Dr. Laidley's.--Some account of Pisania, and the
British factory established at that place.--The Author's employment
during his stay at Pisania--his sickness and recovery--the country
described--prepares to set out for the interior._
Soon after my return from the East Indies, in 1793, having learned that
the noblemen and gentlemen, associated for the purpose of prosecuting
Discoveries in the Interior of Africa, were desirous of engaging a
person to explore that continent by