ened our march, and for the first time since our shipwreck, a
smiling picture presented itself to our view.--The trees always green,
with which that noble river is shaded, the humming birds, the red
birds, the paroquets, the promerops, &c. who flitted among their long
yielding branches, caused in us emotions difficult to express. We
could not satiate our eyes with gazing on the beauties of this place,
verdure being so enchanting to the sight, especially after having
travelled through the Desert. Before reaching the river we had to
descend a little hill covered with thorny bushes. My ass stumbling
threw me into the midst of one, and I tore myself in several places,
but was easily consoled when I at length found myself on the banks of
a river of fresh water. Every one having quenched his thirst, we
stretched ourselves under the shade of a small grove, while the
beneficent Mr. Carnet and two of our officers set forward to Senegal
to announce our arrival, and to get us boats. In the meanwhile some
took a little repose, and others were engaged in dressing the wounds
with which they were covered.

At two in the afternoon, we saw a small boat beating against the
current of the stream with oars. It soon reached the spot where we
were. Two Europeans landed, saluted our caravans, and inquired for my
father. One of them said he came on the part of MM. Artigue and
Laboure, inhabitants of Senegal, to offer assistance to our family;
the other added, that he had not waited for the boats which were
getting ready for us at the island of St. Louis, knowing too well what
would be our need. We were desirous of thanking them, but they
instantly ran off to the boat and brought us provisions, which my
father's old friends had sent him.--They placed before us a large
basket containing several loaves, cheese, a bottle of Madeira, a
bottle of filtered water and dresses for my father. Every one, who,
during our journey, had taken any interest in our unfortunate family,
and especially the brave Captain Begnere, had a share of our
provisions. We experienced a real satisfaction in partaking with them,
and giving them this small mark of our gratitude.

A young aspirant of marine, who had refused us a glass of water in the
Desert, pressed with hunger, begged of us some bread; he got it, also
a small glass of Madeira.

It was four o'clock before the boats of the government arrived, and we
all embarked. Biscuit and wine were found in each of them, an