On the re-establisment of his health, Horneman found that some
months yet must elapse before the .caravan could be expected from
Bornou : and in the interval of public resort from the arrival or
passage of the caravans, Mourzouk affording no further objects of
curiosity or interest, he determined to proceed to Tripoly, for the
purpose of transmitting to the Committee of the African Association,
such intelligence as he had hitherto collected in their-service.
He arrived at Tripoly, after a journey of two months, about the
middle of August ; transacted the business he had in view, and on
the ist of December, 1799, set out on his return to Mourzouk,
where he arrived January 20th, 1800.
Two letters from Mourzouk have been since received, and at
date of writing the last, Mr. Horneman was on the eve of setting
out with the caravan for Bornou ; and with intention from that remote
kingdom to prosecute further discoveries to the westward, and
in the heart of Africa. i
The letters from Mourzouk are as follow : '
“ S lR , - “ Mourzouk, February 20, 1800.
“ I left Tripoly the ist of December, 1799, and arrived here (the
capital of Fezzan) January 20th, 1800, after a safe and good journey,
though protracted and slow. I am in the best health, and with
fair probability of its continuance.
“ The route from hence to Soudan, is not yet secure enough for
me to undertake proceeding by way of the Agades.
“ There is now at this place, a Shereefof Bornou, a man o f sense,
and very much considered by the Sultan of that country. I have
made him my friend, and it is in his company I shall depart from
this place about the 15th of March for Bornou, whence in the
months of August or September, I think to reach Cashna, distant
from Bornou about fifteen days journey.
■ “ F shall write as often as opportunity offers, that at least some
letters may arrive for your information, and the tranquillity o f my
family.
“ 1 remain, with great esteem,
“ S i r ,
“ Your most obedient,
“ FREDERICK HORNEMAN.”
Sight Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, K. B.
President of the Royal Society, Ufe.
“ Sill, u Mourzouk, April f), 1800.
“ Our caravan is on the point of setting off forRornou, myself
shall join it in the evening.
“ Being in an excellent state of health, perfectly inured to the
climate, sufficiently acquainted with the manners of my fellow-travellers,
speaking the Arabic language, and somewhat of the Bornou
tongue, and being well armed and not without courage, and under
protection of two great Shereefs, I have the best hopes of success
in my undertaking.
“ The Soudan caravan left this place, about a month ago; I did
wellnot to joiu it, as sometime past a number of Tibbo were seen
hovering, with an intention of attacking that caravan.