Lazaretto at Toulon, October 10th, 1828.
Sir,
My zeal for geographical discoveries induced me to undertake, in 1827, a journey into the interior of Africa, to visit the city of Timbuctoo, the object of anxious research to Europe, and which has proved fatal to so many illustrious travellers. Being unable to obtain a mission from the French Government of the Senegal, I determined to undertake the journey with my private resources: for this purpose then I realized all my effects and made preparations for my expedition.
On the 19th of April 1827, I quitted Kakondy upon the Rio-Nuñez, in company with Mandingo merchants going to the Niger: the Arab costume and the religion of the Prophet, which I adopted, smoothed all difficulties; I traversed without obstacle the elevated mountains of the Fouta-Dhialon, the Kankan and the Ouassoulo. I resided five months at Timé on account of severe illness. This village is inhabited by Mahometan Mandingoes; and is situated in the southern part of the Bambara. Early in January 1828, I continued my route; I visited the island and town of Jenné, and embarked on the Niger for Timbuctoo, where I arrived after a difficult navigation of a month: I resided in that town fourteen days, acquired all the information in my power respecting it; studied the manners and customs of the inhabitants, and the commerce and resources of the country; and thence travelled northwards to accomplish my return by the great desert. I passed through el-Araouan; after two months of the most painful privations, I arrived in the Tafilet, and continued my route by Fez and Rabat to Tangier, where M. Delaporte, the French Vice-Consul in that town, lavished upon me all the assistance of which I stood so much in need. I soon after embarked on board the king’s schooner La Légère, which conveyed me to Toulon, where I now am, convalescent, and without means of support, having exhausted my all in a journey of sixteen months.
I am, &c.
Signed A. Caillié.
Extract of a Letter from M. A. Caillié to the President of the Geographical Society.
Toulon, 10th October, 1828.
Sir,