In order to increase the funds and create a provision against contingencies, I volunteered to write letters from Africa, which the Committee might dispose of to the press as they saw fit, and accept whatever moneys that might receive as my contribution to it. The estimate of time required to reach Emin Pasha, after a careful calculation, was formed on the basis that whereas I travelled in 1874-5 a distance of 720 miles in 103 days, therefore:-- 1st route.--By Masai Land, march to Wadelai and return to coast 14 months. Reserve for delays 4 months = 18 months. 2nd route.--By Msalala, Karagwé, Ankori, and Usongora to Lake Albert. Land march to and return 16 months, delays 4 months = 20 months. 3rd route.--_Viâ_ Congo. Zanzibar to Congo 1 mth. = 1st April, 1887 Overland route to Stanley Pool 1 " = 1st May " By steam up the Congo 1-1/2 " = 15th June " Halt 25th " " Yambuya to Albert Nyanza 3 mths = 25th Sept., 1887 Halt 9th Jan., 1888 Albert Nyanza to Zanzibar, land march 8 " = 8th Sept. " Delays 3-1/2 " = 18 months. The actual time, however, occupied by the Expedition is as follows:-- Arrive at Congo 18th Mar., 1887 " " Stanley Pool 21st Apr. " " " Yambuya 15th June " Halt at Yambuya 28th " " Albert Nyanza 13th Dec. " Return to Fort Bodo 8th Jan., 1888 Halt while collecting convalescents 2nd Apr. " The Albert Nyanza, 2nd time 18th " " Halt until 25th May " Fort Bodo again 8th June " Banalya 90 miles from Yambuya 17th Aug. " Fort Bodo again 20th Dec. " Albert Nyanza, 3rd time 26th Jan., 1889 Halt near Albert Nyanza until 8th May " March to Zanzibar, 1400 miles, 6 months. 6th Dec. " So that we actually occupied a little over 10-1/2 months from Zanzibar to the Albert Nyanza, and from the Nyanza to the Indian Ocean. 6 " Halt at the Albert 1-1/2 " ------- 18 " I was formally informed by letter on the 31st of December, 1886, that I might commence my preparations.