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A Private Journal Kept During the Niger Expedition
A Private Journal Kept During the Niger Expedition Author:William Simpson Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. Excerpt from book: Section 3CHAPTER III. Journal from August 15th to September.—Alburka Island.—The Benin branch of the Niger.—Oguberee.—Ivandee.—The King of Ibu.—Conferences and Treaties.—Commissioners at Iddah. ... more » textit{August I5tA.—-Yesterday we were engaged all day in receiving on board our stores, and part of this morning has been occupied in the same way. At 10 A.m., our steam was up, and we are now about entering the river. 1 o'clock we crossed the bar with fine smooth water, but little wind, and sailed in a N.N.E. direction; our lowest soundings being three fathoms, and that only for two or three soundings; the greater part of the bar being from three and a quarter, to three and a half. At this latter depth we anchored within a short distance of our three companion vessels ; but where the textit{Albert crossed, it would appear that she had only two fathoms of water. On our right, are to be seen dreadful breakers extending a long way to sea; and on our left, is a sea raging from the encounter of the tide with the fresh water. The banks of the river at its entrance are separated about one mile, and exhibit great luxuriance, especially the right-hand bank, which is clothed with vegetation, even to the water's edge, consisting, principally, of mangroves and the stately palm. A few huts are discerned in the distance. surrounded by rank verdure. REPAIRS. A DEATH.—DEPARTURE. 35 When we had fairly crossed the bar the men went aft, headed by the boatswain, and gave three cheers, which seemed to take the captain by surprise. textit{18th.—Since our entrance into the river the rain has poured almost without cessation, night or day; we lie in very smooth water. Several of our people have been on the left bank, and they report of the country that it is almost impossible to penetrate it, owing to the thickness of the bush,...« less