During the time of our quarantine the minister of Mohammed Ali, the Bashaw of Egypt, honoured me with a visit; and after asking me many questions, and ascertaining my knowledge of Arabic, made known to me that his master was about to send, on a progress of discovery, a large armed force, southward and westward from Egypt, and that he was particularly anxious to engage some European to accompany them, in order to survey the countries which they proposed exploring. He hinted, that on the event of my offering my services, I should, no doubt, be very flatteringly received, and that a most liberal allowance would be made for my outfit, as well as for my services; and the month of November was the period fixed for the departure of the expedition: in short, he held out so many advantages, that I only refused on the score of my being in the service of my own government, who might, perhaps, again require me to return to Africa. From the plan thus laid down to me, I saw clearly, that on the event of my accompanying the Bashaw of Egypt’s army, I could with ease ascertain the situation in which the Niger ended, as I should have to pass into a country from whence I well knew how to proceed, and to which, should I ever again return to Africa, I would immediately make my way. On the 29th of June we left Leghorn; and passing overland, arrived in London on the 29th of July, 1820. In travelling through France I was so severely attacked by ophthalmia, as to be nearly deprived of sight; but on my arrival in England, I soon recovered. Belford continued still deaf and much emaciated, and, as I feared, with little prospect of ever regaining health or strength. I must observe, in justice to this my faithful, though humble companion, that during the service on which we were engaged, both prior to, and after the death of Mr. Ritchie, his conduct was such as to ensure my perfect esteem and confidence. He did not possess the advantages of birth or education; but his quiet, unobtrusive manners, and excellent disposition, made ample amends for these deficiencies. In the most trying moments, when all distinction between man and man is levelled, he never lost sight of the respect he considered due to me; but in sickness faithfully nursed me, and in health implicitly obeyed all my directions. On my arrival in London, I waited on Earl Bathurst, to acquaint his lordship with the result of the mission; and delivered up the whole of the public papers belonging to the late Mr. Ritchie. APPENDIX. =APPENDIX.= * * * * * METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER. MORZOUK.