A biographical memoir of the late Dr. Walter Oudney, Captain Hugh Clapperton, both of the Royal Navy, and Major Alex. Gordon Laing, all of whom died amid their active and enterprising endeavours to explore the interior of Africa

by Thomas Nelson

TO THE SAME.

“Mourzuk, April 12, 1822.

“I arrived here on the seventh instant, in high spirits and the best health. Our journey to this place was exceedingly pleasant, and far surpassed my most sanguine expectations. The people have all been exceedingly kind, and have treated us in the best manner possible. Every respect has been shown us since we left Tripoli, and we have not experienced the slightest difficulty, or been exposed to the least danger. The country over which we passed was dreary in the extreme. In many places not a blade of grass, nor a single shrub, for several days together, was visible. Notwithstanding that circumstance, there is always something interesting in Nature; even in her most sterile states there are objects to observe and admire. The different Oases, in our way, were visited with pleasure, and the flowing accounts which travellers have given of these spots were found to possess a considerable degree of correctness. It is only necessary for a person to be travelling for several days over nothing but gravelly and sandy plains, to have his mind brought into a fit state to admire these fertile spots. It is as yet doubtful how long I may be obliged to remain here; but you may rest assured it will be as short a time as possible. The town is much better than I expected, and the house allotted for the accommodation of the mission is a very excellent one. The principal people have treated us with every kindness, and all endeavour to make us as comfortable as possible.”