PREFACE TO THE JOURNAL, be.
GIVING SOME ACCOUNT OF MR. FREDERICK HORNEMAN ; OF THE
PREPARATIONS'FOR HIS VOYAGE; AND OF EVENTS PREVIOUS TO
HIS LEAVING CAIRO.
A t the time that Mr. Mungo Park, engaged in the service of the
Society instituted for the purpose of exploring the Interior of Africa,
was prosecuting discoveries eastward from the river Gambia, it was
thought proper to extend their researches in another line of direction,
and engage an emissary to explore that great continent,
proceeding westward from the city of Cairo.
Early in the year 1796, Mr. F. Homeman offered himself.to the
Committee of the Society for this service; he appeared to be young,
robust, and, in point of constitution and health, suited to a struggle
with different climates and fatigues: in his manner and conversations
he displayed temper, acuteness, and prudence: he was well apprized
of the dangers and difficulties of the enterprize he was to engage in,
and shewed a spirit and zeal for the undertaking, which strongly
recommended him as a proper person to be employed for the carrying
it into effect.
The Committee accordingly engaged his services; and observing
in him such foundation of good ordinary education, as further
d