climate and ordinary perils of voyage in these countries; which I
trust successfully to oppose, with a good constitution and strength
of body, and with courage and suitable temper of mind.
“ It remains only for me to recommend to the Committee, the man
whom I mentioned in a former letter. I met with the person in
question, Joseph Frendenburgh, who was bom in Germany, just
on the eve of his intended departure from Cairo for his native country.
I engaged and employed him as interpreter; and, pleased with
the office, he offered to continue in my service, and attend me in
my expedition. He had been ten or twelve years past forced to
embrace the Mohammedan religion; had three times made the
voyage to Mecca, and spoke perfectly both the Arabic and Turkish
languages; in short, he was precisely the man that suited me. The
connection with him will ensure me character and confidence from
others, and indeed, without him, I should scarcely be able to pursue
my journey, without actually embracing and professing Mahom-
medanism myself, I now well know him on ten months experience,
and in just reliance on him, have no apprehension of the
calamity incident to travellers, of being robbed by their servants.
« I shall consign to him the care of my camels and my horses,
(for we merchants of the caravan all go armed, and on horseback,)
he will further have the care of my merchandize, and altogether, I
shall have leisure for my inquiries, and for attending to the general
objects of my undertaking. The demands of this man are far from
exorbitant, and I request of the Society, the attending to a just
PREFACE TO THE JOURNAL. XXV
remuneration of his services, and specially, if in case of my death,
he should faithfully preserve my journals and papers, and proceed
with them to England.
“ I have been in some doubt as to the means of sending this letter,
but on my request, General Bonaparte has with great goodness,
himself condescended to take charge of its safe conveyance.
“ I hope my next will be from Fezzan, and that after three years,
I shall be enabled to give account of the interior of Africa.
“ I am, &c. &c. &c.
“ FREDERICK HORNE MAN.”
To Mr. Edwards, Secretary to the Society,
instituted for exploring the interior of Africa.
The above letter was transmitted to the African Committee, under
the seal of General Bonaparte, who in addition to other marks of
favour and protection shewn to the enterprise of Horneman, took
on himself the care of forwarding his dispatches, as above stated.
Mr. Horneman’s Journal of his Travels from Cairo to Fezzan
commences five days after the date of this letter. It was by him
written in German, and in that language transmitted to the Committee
of the African Society. Under their direction, a translation
of it was made by a native of Germany, sufficiently versed in the