Narrative of Voyages to Explore the Shores of Africa, Arabia, and Madagascar

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.