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406 African Memoranda. one or two of the most acute natives, whom I could find in the extent of the colony, with the consent of their relatives of course; by these means, which I would increase as often as pru dent, we should acquire a slow, but accurate, knowledge of the general route, manners, &c.; and when a sufficient knowledge of these was acquired, I should endeavour to set forward a ca ravan, or number of traders from the West towards the East; but no white man should accompany it. Much caution and prudence are required in the mode of introducing this new course of trade : however, I do not foresee any obstacles which may not be surmounted. It may be objected that the interior African merchants would oppose this innovation, or direct retrograde motion of the course of commerce. By whom will this objection be made ? If by those who are advocates for the abolition of slavery, I say only that it is worth trying. If by those who are advocates for its continuance, I say, that you characterise the Africans as a stupid and indolent people. If they are the former they will not object to our carrying them goods, on the score of its being contrary to their interests; and if the latter, they will rather have merchandise, which they want, put down at their own doors, than have to perform along and tedious journey in order to procure them ; and to both I will say, that it is worth endea vouring, by this mode, to open a more extensive market for the produce of British industry. These western caravans, once established, will make the white character better known, and more justly appreciated in the interior of Africa, than it is at present ; and will pave the way for the appearance of the white trader there himself; which, once acomplished, with security to his person and property, will
