Narrative of a Mission to Central Africa Performed in the Years 1850-51, Volume 1 | Page 8

that a vast number of small details of preparation could be immediately
commenced, contributed to console us.
Among the things expected, and which arrived in due time, was a boat
built by order of the Government in Malta dockyard. It was sent in two
sides, and I wished to carry it in that state. But this proved impossible,
and just before starting we were compelled to saw each side into two

pieces, which were to be carried slung in nets upon a couple of
powerful camels. This boat was expressly intended for the navigation
of Lake Tchad.[1]
[1] It has since been launched under the British flag, and has proved
useful in the examination of the shores of the great lake of Central
Africa.--EDITOR.
It was universally admired at Tripoli; and, as it will be useless to bring
it back, will form a most acceptable present for the Sultan of Bornou. I
cannot omit to notice, in passing, the courtesy and attention of the
authorities of Malta with whom I have been in communication; they
have all done their best to forward the objects of the Mission.
A good deal of the delay that took place at Tripoli arose from causes
over which it was impossible to exert any control, and principally from
the bad weather, which cut off all communication with Malta. We used
to go about relating the anecdote of Charles V. illustrative of the
inhospitable seasons of this coast. "Which are the best ports of
Barbary?" inquired the Emperor of the famous Admiral Dorea. "The
months of June, July, and August," was the reply.
Whilst waiting for the winds to waft us so many desirable things, we
actively engaged in hiring camels, procuring servants, and otherwise
making ready for a start. The details of all these preparations, which
cost me prodigious anxiety, as I was obliged to study at the same time
efficiency and economy, are described in a voluminous mass of
correspondence; but I should not think of presenting them to the
general public, which will be satisfied probably to know that at length
everything was found to be in due order, and our long-expected
departure was fixed for the 30th of March.
I had taken care, immediately on my arrival at Tripoli, to write to Mr.
Gagliuffi, the British Consul at Mourzuk, announcing my approach and
enclosing a despatch from the Foreign Office. Moreover I had
requested this gentleman at once to send to Ghât for an escort of
Tuaricks, so that we might not be unnecessarily detained in Fezzan; and
to suggest that the Sheikhs should be assembled by the time we arrived,

that the treaty I had to propose to them might be discussed. My former
visit to this place will in some respects pave the way. Throughout the
Turkish provinces of Tripoli and Fezzan a circular letter given to us by
Izhet Pasha, and the letters of the Bey of Tunis in other quarters, will
no doubt prove of some assistance, although such documents must lose
much of their influence in the very secluded districts through which we
shall be compelled to pass. After all, we must trust principally to our
own tact, to the good will of the natives, and to that vague respect of
English power which is beginning to spread in the Sahara.
The composition of our caravan will of course fluctuate throughout the
whole line of route; but I may as well mention the most important
personages who were to start with me from Tripoli. Setting aside my
colleagues, Barth and Overweg, there was, in the first place, the
interpreter, Yusuf Moknee, a man really of some importance among his
people, but considering himself with far too extravagant a degree of
respect. He is the son of the famous Moknee, who was Governor of the
province of Fezzan during the period of the Karamanly Bashaws. He
has squandered his father's estate in intemperate drinking. Nevertheless
I have been recommended to take him as a dragoman, and give him a
fair trial, as his only vice really seems to be attachment to the bottle. I
suspect he will not find many opportunities of indulging his propensity
in the Sahara; so that, as long as he is en route, he may prove to be that
phenomenon, a man without a fault! At any rate I must be content with
him, especially as he is willing to sign a contract promising to be a
pattern of sobriety! There is no one else in Tripoli so suitable for my
purpose. He is a handsome, dark-featured fellow, and when in his
bright-blue gown, white burnoose, and elegant fez, makes a really
respectable figure. I must dress him up well for state occasions. Even in
the desert one is often judged by the livery of one's