C 195 J
A P P E N D I X . No. I.
A t a time when the civilization and improvement of
Africa, and the extension of our intercourse with the natives
of that long-neglected country, seem to be among the
leading objects of the British government and nation,—
and when, with these views, great exertions are making to
procure information respecting the interior of that vast and
unknown continent ; the following account of Tombuctoo,
and the trade and navigation of the Niger, may perhaps
prove not altogether uninteresting. It was procured on a
journey to Galam in about the year 1764, for a gentleman
who was then Governor of Senegal, by a person who acted
as his Arabic interpreter.
* “ Après bien des difficultés, j ’ai enfin trouvé un homme
qui est revenu de Tombuctoo depuis peu, qui m’a mieux *
* It may seem superfluous in the present enlightened age, to give a translation
of a French paper ; but there may still be some of our readers to whom the
following, if not necessary, may be convenient.
« After many difficulties, I have at length found a man lately returned from
Tombuctoo, from whom I have obtained better information of the country than
from any other person. I have spoken to several merchants, who have reported
some things to me, but I confide most in this last, who is lately returned, who
has assured me that the vessels which navigate in the river of Tombuctoo do