have the effect of preserving the memory of two interprising men who sacrificed their lives in the discharge of their duty, from being lost in oblivion, they will, at the same time, serve to assure the reader, that he may safely repose the most unlimited confidence in the accuracy of their details. After both the memoirs had been composed, and indeed printed in a different form to that in which they now appear—a circumstance which will account for the frequent use of the editorial WE—the Author had the good fortune to meet with Captain Clapperton’s sister, from whom he received some valuable information respecting the early part, especially, of her adventurous and lamented brother’s life. In consequence of this accession of materials, he has been enabled to correct several passages, and greatly to enrich his narrative. And now he begs leave to offer his cordial thanks to that lady, as well as to all the gentlemen mentioned above, to whom he has been so much indebted. With regard to the Memoir of Major Laing, the Author of those of Oudney and Clapperton must disclaim both the merit and the responsibility. It was compiled from a variety of previously published notices of that gentleman, who like many others met an early grave in the interior of the African continent. As, however, he was the countryman of the other two travellers, and met his death while engaged in the discharge of similar duties, as well as nearly about the same time, the accompanying notice of his career seems to form a suitable companion to the narratives in which theirs are recorded. CONTENTS. * * * * * DR. OUDNEY’S LIFE. * * * * * Dr. Oudney’s birth, enters Edinburgh University, passes as Surgeon, enters the Royal Navy, 3—Put on half-pay, 4—Returns to Edinburgh, 5—Practises as Surgeon, 6—Appointed member of expedition to explore the interior of Africa, 9—Letter from London on the eve of his departure, 10—Letter from Malta, 11—Two letters from Tripoli, 12—Letter from Tripoli, 16—Letter from Gardens, near Tripoli, 18—Letter from Mourzuk, 19—Ditto, 20—Ditto, to Professor Jameson, 22—Letter from Mourzuk, 25—Letter to Professor Jameson from Mourzuk, 27—Letter from Mourzuk, 30—Letter from Gatroni, 31—letter from Kuka, kingdom of Bornou, 32—Letter from Kuka, 34—Sets forward to Soudan, 36—Falls ill at Katagum, letter from Captain Clapperton to Mr. Consul Warrington from Kano, giving an account of his illness and death, 37. * * * * * CAPTAIN CLAPPERTON’S LIFE. * * * * *