Paris, 31 October, 1828.
Sir,
Although a stranger to the letter which forms the subject of your appeal, I should never consent to participate, even indirectly, in an assertion contrary to truth, or to the reputation of the courageous traveller, whose interests you justly defend. No one is less accessible than myself to impressions exclusively national, and it is on behalf of humanity in general that I am devoted to the cause of science and its indefinite progress. I should, therefore, have sincerely rejoiced in being the first to make known in France the return and success of Major Laing, as I was fortunate enough to do in regard to Captain Clapperton and Major Denham on their arrival. You must be aware, Sir, that it was I who announced to the French public the labours of these intrepid adventurers, who first published their valuable Discoveries in Central Africa, and paid legitimate homage to the memory of Dr. Oudney. With respect to Major Laing, I long questioned and withstood the premature rumours of his death, and exerted myself to point out the contradictions that pervaded the accounts circulated both in Africa and Europe; nothing, indeed, had yet persuaded me of the reality of this catastrophe, and your letter alone, Sir, could oblige me to give entire credit to this distressing intelligence, so ardently did I desire to be informed of Major Laing’s success, and to have the pleasure of proclaiming it, and of contributing, however feebly, to his renown. Major Denham may have acquainted you with the reception which he experienced from me at Paris; and told you how happy I esteemed myself in embracing this brave officer, and in conversing with a man who had ten times courageously hazarded his life, in order to penetrate as far as possible in an unknown continent.
Now, Sir, these are the very expressions which form the subject of your appeal: “He (M. A. Caillié) is the only European who has hitherto succeeded in happily accomplishing an enterprize in which so many brave travellers have fallen.”
You see, Sir, that the matter in question is the fortunate return of the traveller to his country, and not the discovery of Timbuctoo. The merit of having first visited that city is not ascribed to him. Thus, after the death of Dr. Oudney, his more fortunate companions, Clapperton and Denham, again reached their native land: it might then be said, on their return to England, that they were the first Europeans who had come back from Bornou, and brought this enterprise to a successful termination, and that without detracting in the least from the Doctor’s wreath of glory. You will then do justice, Sir, I make no doubt, not only to me, but to M. Delaporte, Vice-Consul of France; and you will have no difficulty in acknowledging, that no one has had any intention of depriving your countrymen of the honour due to them. I take credit to myself for having contributed to establish it as a principle in the Geographical Society, that travellers of all nations are equally entitled to its attention, that its rewards belong to all, whatever may be their nation; in short, that there is no distinction in the feelings of this Society towards foreigners and denizens.
Permit me, Sir, to deplore with yourself the sad event related in your letter; however, several circumstances appear still to leave some small room for doubt; I hope my incredulity may be justified by the event. But, if the catastrophe is certain, it is yet devoutly to be wished that the journal of his travels may be recovered, or that his servant may be able to furnish some information that can be depended upon; also, that the curious documents, which you mention as being in your possession, may be published as soon as possible. We shall soon, I hope, be favoured with the documents brought home by Clapperton’s servant, Lander, and I shall not then be behind-hand in appreciating the merit of this new victim to the cause of science. Allow me here, Sir, to add one remark: had it devolved upon me to make a catalogue of the Europeans who have reached the city of Timbuctoo, I should not have overlooked several individuals who appear to have visited it; I should even probably have mentioned Robert Adams, though his travels have been called in question, and opinions, as you know, are still divided upon them. Neither would M. Delaporte have failed to cite them, had this been his object: but his intention was simply to announce the fortunate return of the traveller, after having crossed the Great Desert; a happiness neither reserved for Hornemann, Park, Oudney, the unfortunate Laing, nor for so many other lamented victims.
It only remains for me, Sir, to congratulate myself on the opportunity you have afforded me for expressing my real sentiments as to what should constitute the object of all geographical discoveries, that is to say, usefulness and the increase of human happiness. I am equally gratified in the opportunity of expressing to you, individually, the high esteem which I profess for scientific men and travellers of your nation. With these sentiments I beg you to believe me, &c.
Signed Jomard.