As he is the first European who has succeeded in the journey to Timbuctoo, and returned from that place, I doubt not, whatever the results may prove for which the sciences may be indebted to him, that the Academy will learn the news with a lively interest.
On the 19th of April, 1827, M. Caillié set out from Kakondy on the Rio-Nuñez, whence he travelled easterly nearly three hundred leagues, to Timé, beyond the great river Dhioliba. He embarked upon it near Jenné, and after a month’s navigation reached Timbuctoo, in April last. After a residence there of several weeks he pursued his route to the north and N. N. W. Seventy-five days were occupied by his journey from this capital to the Tafilet, across the Sahara, or Great Desert, amidst the severest fatigues and most painful privations.
The first part of his journey coincides with that of some English travellers[172]. He subsequently crossed the different stages of the chain of mountains of the Fouta-Dhialon, in the midst of which he crossed the route taken by Mollien, and perhaps the Senegal near its source.
As he travelled little more than twelve geographical miles a day, he had time for attentive observation. He traversed the countries of Belia, Kankan, and Ouassoulo, which we barely know by name; and finally, before arriving at Jenné, had an opportunity of seeing Bamakou, Yamina, Sego, and Sansanding[173].
Such is a sketch of the journey which M. Caillié has just completed, extending to about fifteen hundred leagues, a thousand of them through regions almost unknown. We may at once infer from it, that Timbuctoo lies much nearer to the ocean than it is marked upon all the maps. His marches confirm the conjecture which I have already brought forward that this great town is not far from the seventeenth degree of north latitude.
I have the honour to be, &c.
Signed Jomard.
Letter of the Presidents and Secretary of the Geographical Society, to His Excellency the Minister of the Interior.
Paris, 20th October, 1828.