d be immediately commenced,
contributed to console us.

Among the things expected, and which arrived in due time, was a boat
built by order of the Government in Malta dockyard. It was sent in two
sides, and I wished to carry it in that state. But this proved
impossible, and just before starting we were compelled to saw each side
into two pieces, which were to be carried slung in nets upon a couple of
powerful camels. This boat was expressly intended for the navigation of
Lake Tchad.[1]

[1] It has since been launched under the British flag, and has
proved useful in the examination of the shores of the great
lake of Central Africa.--EDITOR.

It was universally admired at Tripoli; and, as it will be useless to
bring it back, will form a most acceptable present for the Sultan of
Bornou. I cannot omit to notice, in passing, the courtesy and attention
of the authorities of Malta with whom I have been in communication; they
have all done their best to forward the objects of the Mission.

A good deal of the delay that took place at Tripoli arose from causes
over which it was impossible to exert any control, and principally from
the bad weather, which cut off all communication with Malta. We used to
go about relating the anecdote of Charles V. illustrative of the
inhospitable seasons of this coast. "Which are the best ports of
Barbary?" inquired the Emperor of the famous Admiral Dorea. "The months
of June, July, and August," was the reply.

Whilst waiting for the winds to waft us so many desirable things, we
actively engaged in hiring camels, procuring servants, and otherwise
making ready for a start. The details of all these preparations, which
cost me prodigious anxiety, as I was obliged to study at the same time
efficiency and economy, are described in a voluminous mass of
correspondence; but I should not think of presenting them to the general
public, which will be satisfied probably to know that at length
everything was found to be in due order, and our long-expected departure
was fixed for the 30th of March.

I had taken care, immediately on my arrival at Tripoli, to write to Mr.
Gagliuffi, the British Consul at Mourzuk, announcing my approach and
enclosing a despatch from the Foreign Office. Moreover I had requested
this gentleman at once to send to Ghat for an escort of Tuaricks, so
that we might not be unnecessarily detained in Fezzan; and to suggest
that the Sheikhs should be assembled by the time