Abstract:
THE intention and extent of this expedition
will in some measure be shown by the annexed
instructions from the Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty; in addition to which, Captain Owen
had a further power to increase the limits of the
survey, if required, by any local information.
These instructions, as stating the deficiencies in
our hydrographical knowledge of the African
shores, were sufficient in themselves to point out
the course to be pursued by Captain Owen; and
had it been left to his own discretion, he might
have obtained the required information without
the dreadful sacrifices, which it is the duty of
these pages to record; for in a climate subject to
such varied and deadly changes, a discretionary
power was certainly advisable, in order, by a judicious
arrangement and attention to the seasons,
to avoid as much as possible its fatal effects upon
Europeans. It will be observed that this power
was not given to Captain Owen, and in the course
of the work it will be seen how melancholy were
the consequences.
