Narrative of a Mission to Central Africa Performed in the Years 1850-51, Volume 1 | Page 2

frightful Hamadah or
plateau which separates that province from the regency of Tripoli. Then
we have a residence at Mourzuk itself, Mr. Richardson being obliged to
wait the arrival from Ghât of an escort of Tuarick chieftains, with
whom he had partly made acquaintance during a former trip in the
desert. This escort appeared after some delay; and the Mission
proceeded across the Fezzan plains to the independent state of Ghât,
through a very wild and picturesque country. At this point began, if not
the most arduous, at any rate the most dangerous, and at the same time
the most novel, part of the journey. Mr. Richardson had undertaken, on
his way to Soudan Proper (his first destination), to pass by the hitherto
unexplored kingdom of Aheer or Asben, situated towards the southern
limits of the Sahara. The march of the Mission across the deserts that
lie between Ghât and that territory was rendered exciting by continual
reports of danger from pursuing freebooters of the Haghar and Azgher
tribes; but the enemy were outstripped, and no actual attack took place
until the first inhabited districts of Aheer were reached. Here some
lawless tribes levied black-mail, on the caravan, which was then
permitted to proceed, though in doubt and alarm, until it arrived under
the long-expected protection of Sheikh En-Noor, one of the great chiefs
of the Kailouee tribes, at his town, or rather encampment, of Tintalous.
Mr. Richardson's residence at this place was long and tedious. He
suffered, besides, from the extortionate disposition of the Sheikh or
Sultan, who, however, after considerable exactions, became his friend.
This Saharan character is brought out by a succession of amusing
touches. But our traveller was impatient to proceed, and seems to have
hailed with delight the announcement that the great Salt-Caravan,
which annually transports the necessary condiment from Bilma viâ

Aheer to the south, was about to start, and that the Sheikh and the
Christians were to accompany it. Some further disappointments
occurred, but at length the Mission proceeded to Damerghou, whence
Drs. Barth and Overweg went, one to Maradee and the other to Kanou,
whilst Mr. Richardson proceeded alone to Zinder, situated in the
province of Damagram. Here he was well received by the Sarkee, or
Governor, and he dilates with well-founded exultation on his escape
from the insolent and rapacious Tuaricks. Sad sights, however,
connected with the slave-trade, checked his delight. During his stay the
Sarkee went out in person to hunt down the subjects of his own
sovereign, that he might pay his debts by selling them into captivity.
After another considerable delay Mr. Richardson was enabled to start
once more, and being obliged to change his original plan proceeded to
Kuka, the capital of Bornou, by way of Minyo. Shortly after leaving
Gurai, the chief town of that province, the unfortunate traveller found
his strength to be gradually giving way. He had already previously
complained of the heat and fatigue, but did not seem to have felt any
great alarm. Now, however, the climate seems to have told upon him
with sudden and fatal violence. His last moments are described in a
letter from his fellow-traveller, Dr. Barth, who hastened to the spot
with laudable energy as soon as he heard of the melancholy catastrophe
that had taken place. Mr. Richardson died at Ungurutua, about six days'
journey from Kuka, the capital of Bornou, on the 4th of March, 1851,
eleven months after his departure from Tripoli.
I have observed that the Mission, the first transactions of which are
described in these volumes, is entitled to be called successful. Although
the original promoter and director died just as he was on the point of
reaching the termination of his journey, his enterprising companions,
Drs. Barth and Overweg, seem to have carried on and developed
admirably the plan at first laid down. If they be spared to return to
Europe they will bring home, no doubt, geographical information so
valuable that all Mr. Richardson's predictions will be found to be amply
fulfilled. As it is, however, the object of our practical
fellow-countryman may be said to have been accomplished. He did not
lay so much stress on the accurate determination of latitude and
longitude, of the heights of mountains and the courses of valleys, as on

matters that come more nearly home to human sympathies. The
abolition of the system of slavery--many affecting illustrations of
which will be found in these volumes--seems to have engaged the chief
of his attention. It was with this benevolent object that he originally
turned his attention to Africa; and he had become convinced that the
best means of effecting it was to encourage legitimate traffic between
Europe and the great nurseries of slaves. Among other things, he
wished to show the possibility of entering into treaties