ithstanding the many adventurous expeditions that
252 have been undertaken_,) by opening a communication with the natives
of that vast and little-known continent, and BY CALLING TO OUR AID
THE CO-OPERATION OF THE NATIVE CHIEFS, BY HOLDING OUT TO THEM THE
BENEFITS WHICH THEY WILL DERIVE FROM COMMERCIAL INTERCOURSE AS A
REWARD FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AND EXERTIONS IN PROMOTING THIS
DESIRABLE OBJECT.
For these purposes it is proposed--
That the funds to be raised be one hundred thousand pounds, in
shares of one hundred pounds each. Ten shares to constitute a
director.
The spot proposed to be fixed on as the point of communication, and
commercial depot, between Great Britain and the interior of Africa
is SAFE AND HEALTHY: it will afford a _direct communication with
Timbuctoo and the interior regions of Sudan_, without being subject
to the uncertainty of securing the favour and protection of the
various sultans and sheiks of the respective territories of the
interior, through which the merchants and traders may pass--a
measure which would have been indispensable in every plan that has
hitherto been suggested for the discovery of those interesting
regions.
The plan now to be adopted, on the contrary, will be subject to
none of those impediments and uncertainties; but the merchants and
travellers will pass through territories where they need fear no
hostility, but will be received with hospitality and attention by
the natives, who will give them every assistance and accommodation
253 in their progress through their country.
Connected with this plan, a school for instructing the British
youth in African Arabic, so as to initiate them in the rudiments of
that language previously to their departure for Africa, might be
established, under the direction of JAMES GREY JACKSON, professor
of African Arabic, &c.
The present scheme has been many years in contemplation, but no
favourable opportunity of making it thus public having hitherto
occurred, it is now offered to the public, in consequence of the
energies lately manifested by France and by America for African
colonisation, and also by Holland.
The projectors, for the honour of their own country, are anxious
that Great Britain may not, through supineness, suffer this
important discover
|