The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1841-02-19 00:00:00

THE NIGER EXPEDITION,

THE STEAM-SHIPS WII.BERFORCE, ALBERT, AND SOUDAN.
Our readers are, no doubt, aware that three iron steam-
ships have recently been built at this port by Mr. John Laird,
of North Birkenhead, for the intended expedition to Western
Africa; and, as some accounts of them have recently appeared
in several of the London and provincial newspapers, founded
on inaccurate data, and, consequently, to a considerable ex-
tent incorrect, we supply a brief description , from authentic in-
formation,—now that the expedition is on the eve of starting
on a mission which (whatever difference of opinion may exist
as to the plan of operations), contemplates an object, in the
success of which every friend of humanity must feel deeply
interested,—that object being the redemption of an immense,
a prolific, and populous, but lengthened continent, from moral
and physical debasement, to the humanizing influence of
civilization and christianity.

The expedition, we may promise, has resulted out of the
proceedings of a society which originated in a meeting of
noblemen and gentlemen, (of all parties,) held at Westmin-
ster, in July, 1839—namely, "The Society for the Extinc-
tion of the Slave-trade and the Civilization of Africa."—
Amongst those present were the Bishop of London, the Earl
of Chichester, Lord Ashley, Lord Sandon, Sir R. H. Inglis,
W. E. Gladstone, Esq., M.P., the Right Honourable Ste-
phen Lushington, M.P., and other individuals of eminence
in and out of parliament. The primary object of the institu-
tution was the extinction of the slave-trade, (which previous
means had failed to effect,)—and the means proposed were
" the civilization of Africa, and the encouragement and pro-
tection of the soil, and of legitimate commerce."
A committee was appointed at the original meeting; their
application to government t 3 equip an expedition to ascend
some of the principal rivers of Western Africa was acceded
to ; and in June, 1840,-the parliament voted a sum of money
for the purpose, and the construction of the vessels was im-
mediately proceeded with. The committee instantly took
every possible means to obtain such information from former
navigat,rs to the coast, and travellers in the interior of the
country bordering on the Niger—the great outlet of that part
of the globe—as might be available to those employed in the
expedition ; and the result has been the accumulation of a
vast body of useful and interesting information. They have
also engaged the services of a number of nautical, scientific,
and professional gentlemen of high standing, many of whom
have before visited Africa ; and as every possible appliance
has been resorted to in the fitting up and ventilation of the
ships that-can conduce to the health, safety, and comfort of
all on board, the expedition, it may be said, will start on the
enterpriae armed with the experience of the past, and pre-
pared, so far as human foresight can avail, greatly to lessen,
if not, indeed, to overcome, those perils and obstacles which
have hitherto beset former explorators of that continent, the
climate of which, particularly within the line of confluence of
the sea and rivers, is proverbially inimical to European con-
titutions.

In June last the first public meeting of the Society was
held at Exeter Hall, on which occasion his Royal Highness
Prince Albert occupied the chair ; and a most numerous and
anxious audience gave ample testimony of the deep interest
felt by the public at large in the cause of African civilisation.
The chief intention of the committee (as stated by themselves)
has since been directed to " co-operating with her Majesty's
government in the equipment of the expedition ; in selecting
and engaging the services of scientific men, in every depart-
ment of natural history, to accompany the expedition ; in
preparing vocabularies, (so far as can possibly be done in
this country,) of the principal languages of western and cen-
tral Africa; in procuring the most accurate information as to

. .
the state of the countries bordering on the mighty waters of
the Niger; and otherwise in carrging out to the fullest ex-
tent the preparatory views of the Society." For a detailed
account of these proceedings we refer to a small occasional
publication, by the committee, entitled The Friend of
Africa," an interesting and intelligent periodical of which
the two first numbers have appeared within the present year,
—and proceed to a brief description of the marine to be em-
ployed.
Two of the vessels, the Albert of the Wilberforce, are of
equal tonnage, steam-power, and equipment • the third, the
Soudan, is of a smaller capacity, being calculated for the na-
vigation of small rivers and inlets. The following are their

DIMENSIONS.
Albert and Wilberforce. Soudan.
140 feet. 113 feet.
27 feet. 22 feet.
10 feet 6 in. 8 feet 6 in
5 feet 9 in. 4 feet.
440 tons. 250 tons.

Length on deck

Bea
Depth of hold
Draught of water
Tonnage, about

Two sliding keels (each) .. 6 feet deep. 6 feet deep.
A description of the Wilberforce, which we have had the
pleasure to inspect, in company with Mr. Augustin F. B.
Creuze, of her-Majesty's Dock-yard, Portsmouth, and whose
name is well-known as a highly-talented writer on naval ar-
chitecture,—will apply in every material point to her sister
ship the Albert.
The Wilberforce, which was launched on the 10th of Oct.,
is (with the exception of her deck planks and interior
fittings) entirely built of iron, put together in the same sub-
stantial manner as that adopted by the same builder in the
construction of the war-steamers Nemesis and Phlegethon, of
which we supplied a notice in Nov. last, and which are now
highly-efficient and serviceable vessels in the East Indies.
The large plates of iron forming her bottom and sides are so
neatly united, the edges being brought close together, and the
surfaces flush, that no seam is observable at a short distance,
and the whole appears as smooth as if it were one sheet of
metal fashioned, like a copper vessel, into its peculiar form

by the hammer. The model of the Wilberforce is exceed-
ingly fine, combining, so far as that is practicable, the sharp-
ness required for speed with the comparatively small draught
necessary to the navigation for which she is destined. The
disadvantages, however, of a long run of flat flooring will be
amply compensated for, when she is in sufficiently deep
water, by two sliding keels, offering, when down, as ef-
fectual lateral resistance as if the same surface were in one
continuous keel, and which may readily be lowered or
raised at pleasure by two well-contrived winches on
deck, —so that, as a sea-going vessel, she will have
ample hold of the element through which she progresses.
She is fitted with Captain Smith's flat-bottomed boats,
forming the top of each paddle-box, and which, without de-
teriorating from her appearance, may be promptly lowered
alongside, by means of iron davits, peculiarly formed for the

. ._. ....-
purpose. The paddle-wheels rise but slightly over the gun-
waling, scarcily interrupting the line of her sheer, which is
nearly straight. She has a handsomely decorated stern,
forming a segment of a circle, (and thus adding to her
strength); neat quarter galleries, and a handsome figure-head
of the late distinguished fi icnd of Africa, whose name she
bears. She is purposed for sailing as well as steaming, and
is pretty fully and handsomely rigged as a schooner, with a
foretopsail and topgallant sail, approximating to an henna-
.

phrodite brig, but with cross-trees in place of a top, anCla
Jacob's ladder abaft the topmast in lieu of ratlines on the
foretopmast rigging. Her masts rake considerably ; she sets
beautifully on the water, and her whole appearance is at once
smart and mischievous,—a craft, indeed, to which a slaver,
however swift as a sailer, will discreetly concede as wide a
berth as possible. Having greater than the usual beam given
to steam-ships, her deck is spacious, and in her running
rigging, hoisting tackle, &c., many improvements are in-
troduced. She has a poop quarter deck, of about one-third
her length, and rising about three feet above the main deck.
The vessel, between the decks is, with the exception of the
engine and fire rooms, fitting up in a superior manner for the
accommodation of the officers and crew in their respective
grades. It may be here remarked that the interior of the
vessel is divided into five compartments, by water-tight
bulks-heads of iron, fixed athwart-ships, so that a leak in
any one of them may easily be overcome. These rise to
the deck, and forming transverse fastenings, must greatly in-
crease the strength of the vessel. They also afford a propor-
tionate security against fire, in the event of any portion of
the interior wood-work becoming ignited. This admirable
contrivance (which also renders the vessel a sort of life-boat)
originated with Mr. Laird, and has been applied to most of
the iron ships he has recently built.

The Seamen's Cabin, or forecastle, occupies a large space
between decks at the bow, and is fitted up with every atten-
tion to the comfort of the inmates. Convenient shelves,
benches and lockers are fitted round the whole extent of the
sides ; the mess-tables are hinged at one end to the sides, and
the outer end of each is suspended by an iron rod forming an
arch below,—so that when not in use they may be folded
back out of the way. The men will sleep in hammocks, to
be stowed on deck during the day. At each of the two
corners of this apartment, abaft, there is a state-room for the

warrant officers. Under the forecastle are the boatswain's,
gunner's, and carpenter's store-rooms,--in the fore hold.
The whole has the full advantage of the ventillating apperatus,
which we shall hereafter notice.
Descending further aft,from thedeck, is the apartment for the
Midshipmen and Assistant Surgeon. The stair, which is wide,
is amidships, and terminates in a spacious square lobby or
vestibule which, being surrounded with muskets, pistols, cut-
lasses, &c., forms an armoury. The room itself runs athwart..
ships, and is comfortably fitted up and well painted. Here
the young gentlemen havelheir library fixtures,' and we ob-
served several of them laudably employed in study. On one
side of the, lobby is the diSpensary or surgery, and next to it
a pantry for the midshipmen's mess. Ou the opposite side
of the lobby, and also occupying the space between it and the
ship's side, there are two rooms for the engineers. Under-
neath are the chain-cable lockers, the sail and spirit rooms,
and tanks for water.

The next room abaft is the Gun-Room, for the Lieutenants, i
Master, Purser, and Surgeon. This apartment is 15ft. in length
by 12 feet in width, and is neatly empannelled, and painted
--the pannels in bird's-eye maple, and the styles in grained
oak. It is cheerfully lighted from the roof. Venetian
blinds, of varnished mahogany, form the upper panels of the
doors. There are six commodious state-rooms—three on
each side. The furniture is of corresponding neatness. Un-
derneath are the lieutenant's store-room, and tanks for water
and provisions.
The Captain's Cabin is also under the poop, and is spacious
for the size of the vessel, and replete with every convenience.
The staircase is roomy, and is painted in knarled oak. The
cabin may be made into two distinct apartments, by folding
doors running athwart ships. When opened out, it is
about 20 feet square, and forms a handsome room, well
lighted by five stern windows, and two circular lantern deck
lights, the aftermost of which forms also "the binnacle, im-
mediately under which is fixed, in brass-work, the magnetic
apparatus, for the due action of the compass, on the plan of
Professor Airey. There are two spacious.state-rooms attached.
The panels and doors are painted in green and white, with
Venetian blinds of mahogany, at the top of the former. The
furniture is neat and appropriate, without being gaudy—and
includes a dining and reading or desk table. Against the
the rudder-case is an arm-chair, in which we doubt not will
frequently be seated some sable monarch of western
Ethiopia, gazing with astonishment at the splendour of this
(to him) Leviathan of the deep, propelled by an unaccount-
able and fearful agency. Under the cabin sole are the captain's
store-room, the powder magazine, and the shell and rocket-
room. There are sofa fixtures on each side the rudder-ease,
and abundance of conveniences for books, charts, &c. The
floor in this, as in the other cabins, is covered with oil-cloth,
which is cooler than carpeting ; the drapery is neat and
chaste, and there are several handsome frosted globe-lights
appended from the roof. The ship will carry fine chrono-
meters, and many land as well as nautical instruments for
calculation and experiment. The healing art has also been
anxiously attended to, not only as regards the ships' com-
panies in this expedition, but the natives of Africa. An
extra supply of medicines and instruments will be carried
out ; arl4 means have been adopted to introduce amongst the
natives, amongst whom the small-pox make frequent and
dreadful devastations, a knowledge of vaccination, to be
practiced by themselves. Diverging from the staircase of
the main cabin, is also a room for the principal clerk, and a
pantry well fitted up.
The mode of ventillation is well worthy of notice, peculiar
attention having been paid to this department so necessary
to the preservation of health, and consequottly to the success
of the expedition. Our limited space prevents us from en-
tering into detail ; but we may state generally that the system
adopted is that of Dr. Reid,
so far as human means are yet
carried out to an extent that
gives promise of destroying,
available, the deleterious effects of the malaria arising from
the stagnation of the silt and vegetable substances washed
down by the rivers, and which is peculiarly offensive and

dangerous in their admiTkure with the saline waters of the
ocean. Large pipes, of a square flat \form, run along each
side of the ship, having communication with every- room and
chamber throughout. The working portion of this apparatus
consists of two tanners, enclosed in iron work, resembling a
winnowing machine, or rather the blasting engine used in
raising the furnaces of foundries and smelting works to the
requisite heat. These machines, when the engine is in play,
are worked by a strap over a wheel on the paddle shaft ; and
when the engine is at rest, they may, with facility, be turned
by a common crank handle. Certain valves, formed of thin
plates of iron, regulate the suction or the draft of air, and the
apparatus, acting either as a pump or an injection pipe, may
be applied to suck out the warm or foul air from any part of
the ship, to be replaced by a cold and healthy blast thrown in.
Connected, too, is to be a chamber, in which may be placed
cloths, with lime or other chemical substances, for fumigating
or medicating the ship with any required vapour, the action
of which will neutralize or destroy malignant effluvium. The
" Friend to Africa" well remarks on this contrivance that
" it seems to be quite possible, that, by a careful Observation
of the effects of a ' malaria' atmosphere on the substances in
the chamber, a clue may be given to the nature of this hitherto
unknown but formidable foe to European life in tropical cli-
mates—a result which would deserve to be ranked among
those discoveries by which science may be truly said to have
benefitted mankind. These observations will be conducted
by Dr. M`William, the senior medical officer, who fully enters
into Dr. Reid's views, and is well qualified to render these
experiments subservient to the advancement of knowledge."
From the same work we quote the following passage :
I I" Each of the larger vessels has two engines of 35 horse
power each, and can carry coals for 15 days (of 12 hours).
The smaller one has one engine of 35 horse power, and can
carry coals for 10 dayS. All the engines are constructed by
Mr. Forrester, of Liverpool. The vessels have as roomy and
airy accommodation as their size would permit. The Soudan
is intended for detached service, when required, up smaller
rivers ; for conveying intelligence or invalids, and especi-
ally for sounding a-head of the other vessels in difficult or
unknown navigation. The vessels are thoroughly equipped
with every necessary, nay every comfort that prudence or
foresight could dictate. The supply of provisions of all kinds
is most ample, including preserved meats, chiefly prepared
by Goldner, and sufficient for the consumption of the crews
for four months."

The command of the whole expedition devolves upon
Captain Trotter, R.N., who takes the Albert, well known
for his zealous services in the suppression of slavery, while
in command of the Curlew on the African coast. The two
other officers in command are Captain William Allen, R.N.,
of the Wilberforce, who accompanied the unfortunate
Lander in his last expedition, and author of a chart of the
river Quorra ; and Capt. Bird Allen, of the Soudan, who
was long employed on the survey of the West Indies. All
the officers, we may •remark, are clever and scientific men,
apparently resolved to pull together; and we sincerely hope
they will achieve the object of their hazardous adventure,
and earn for themselves the noblest laurels that can be won,
in elevating from darkness and barbarity, to light and civili-
zation, a large portion of the human family. Their noble
efforts will doubtless be gallantly seconded by the respective
crews, all of whom are chosen men, of approved character,
and ability beyond the general class of their own grade in
life. They will all merit, and in the event of success, we
doubt not, receive, abundant pecuniary as well as moral re-
ward.

The boats over the paddle-boxes are of a peculiar struc-
ture. They are double-planked, the planks running diago-
nally from the keel upwards, with felt between. They were
built by Mr. Jones, boat-builder, of Mason-street in this
town, and will be of much service from their great capacity
and light draught of water. These boats are covered cacti with
a basket—the largest ever made, fitting over their bottoms ;
and these will be covered with water-tight canvas, so that
they may themselves be used as light boats for transit of men
or goods in very shallow water. Each of the ships also
carries a number of smaller gig boats, adapted for rapid
rowing or sailing. An outline, though an imperfect one, of
the intended route into the interior of the country has
already appeared. We have not room to particularize, but
shall return to the subject when the official instructions (not
yet received by the respective commanders) have transpired.
The Soudan and Albert have already made the passage
round to London, where they are taking in their final supply
of stores. On their passage they were found to steam and
sail well, and they are considered by practical men admirably
adapted for the service.

The Wilberforce sailed at half-past one o'clock on Wed-
nesday afternoon, to join them, calling at Dublin, for the
purpose of making some magnetic experiments. She will
also touch, on her way thither, at Plymouth and Portsmouth.
The vessels have been equipped under the inspection of
Mr. Creuze, of whom we have before had occasion to make
honourable mention as a naval architect.

The expedition will probably sail finally in March. May
God speed them !

- -
THEATRE-ROYAL

As we noticed in our last, this theatre opened on Monday.
Mr. Clarke is now the sole lessee and manager; and if the
season is carried on with the spirit manifested au commence-
ment, without doubt la fin will be advantageous to the ma-
nager, and leave the " gentle public" nothing to complain
of. The drama of " Mungo Park," which has been written,
expressly for Mr. Van Amburgh, as a vehicle for the intro-
duction of his lions, tigers, &c., was produced, and is one of
the very best pieces of the sort we ever saw. The plot is
fully developed, and the scenes lead on to a termination,
without that senseless jumble usually prevalent in amphi-
theatrical pieces. The incidents of this drama are as fol-
lows :—Mungo Park (Mr. Gray) having induced the govern-
ment of this country to assist him in exploring the interior
of Africa, lands at Kayee on the river Gambia, with an order
upon the governor, Colonel Laidly (Mr. Chaplin), to furnish
him with men and equipments for the expedition. Although
the season is near the most unhealthy period, Park is deter-
mined upon prosecuting his intentions, and, after much diffi-
culty and in spite of all remonstrance, sets out, having pur-
chased Karfa (Mr. Van Amburgh), an Arab of the Niger,
and promised him liberty on condition that he conducts him
and his retinue to the banks of the " Great River." Pre-
vious to his setting out, Park is joined by Toby Gander
(Mr. Baker), a naturalist, who visits Africa fur a zoological
society, to select specimens for their garden and museum.
The expedition meets with dreadful disasters, and at the
commencement of the second act, when a period of seven
weeks is supposed to have elapsed, only five out of thirty-
seven men remain. These fall into the hands of a Moorish
chief, who has vowed vengeance and destruction to all Euro-
peans, in consequence of the abduction of his wife in former
years by a party to whom he had sliewn hospitality. By this
chief the unhappy explorers are doomed to death, and, to
make their fate more terrible, they are ordered to be cast
into a den full of wild beasts. The daughter of the chief,
Immalee (Mrs. Baker), however, induces her father (in
consequence of a vow he had made her to grant any favour
she might ask of him for having nursed him during sickness)
to throw the Arab Karfa alone into the den, having been
privately assured by him that he has a charm which gives
him a power over all wild animals. The consequence is,
that Karfa enters the den, and the animals are seen to
crouch at his feet, and, instead of destroying, fondle and
caress • him. The chief Ali, astonished at the sight, sets
Park and his companions at liberty. Mr. Gray played
Captain Park extremely well, and dressed equally so. Mr.
Baker, as 'Toby Gander, presented us with an extraordinary
impersonation. Being left amonst the five survivors, he dis-
covers that he has come " four thousand miles to his own
funeral," and that he is destined indeed " to stuff animals."
If numerous other artistical efforts had not stamped Baker
as an actor of great ability, Toby Gander is one he may hang
his fame upon. Voice, manner, action, and appearance are
all indicative of a person in the very last stage of want and
disease. Although it is impossible to refrain from laughing
at the oddity of his observations on his situation, one cannot
but shudder at the melancholy spectacle.before us, and cast
an anxious thought upon those who are shortly leaving this
port for the interior of Africa, without a fearful presentiment
of their fate perhaps being similar. It is a truly artistical
effort. We were pleased to see Mr. Baker so well and enthu-
siastically received on his entrance. Mrs. Baker looked well,
and played Immalee very neatly. She was handsomely and
tastefully dressed. Of Van Amburgh's Karfa we can only
say that it is a wonderful performance, and we are in doubt
whether to give the palm to him or to Carter. Van Am-
burgh's collection is the finest, but Carter certainly plays
more tricks or feats with his animals, and appears to bully
them more than Van Amburgh. They are par nobile fra-
tram, and neither may be jealous of the other's fame. Van
Amburgh's fight with a tiger is more extraordinary than
Carter's with a leopard. The scenery in " Mungo Park,"
as well as the dresses, are all new, and the former is very
beautiful, and most admirably painted. The first scene,
representing the Bay of Kayee, has a charming effect.
The jungle scene is very well painted also, and the rocks are
admirably arranged. The view of the desert and banks of
the Niger is very cleverly done, and the appearance of Karfa
dragging the boat up the stream gives great life to the picture.
The sun is seen rising from the morning mist, and gradually
throws its beams upon the waters. This is very well con-
trived. The tent of Ali is another extraordinary effort of
scenic art : it is decidedly the cleverest thing we ever saw,
and it is hardly possible to believe that the tent is only a flat
surface. In the last scene a very good deception is also ex-
hibited. These scenes do very great credit to Mr. John-
stone ; they are quite after Stanfield's manner, and equal to
Danson. Van Amburgh seems to have a perfect command
over his animals, and the most timid need not fear any
painful result from his performance. The idea that the ani-
mals can introduce themselves amongst the audience is quite
ridiculous, as every precaution is taken to guard against ac-
cidents. The animals are fine specimens, and well worth
seeing. The drama of " Mungo Park" is decidedly, we re-
peat, the best of its kind ever put upon the stage. The dia-
logue is full of point and wit, and the situations extremely
interesting. A variety of capital farces have been produced
each evening since the opening, which have served to intro-
duce Mr. J. S. Balls, after an absence of some years, and
other new faces, of whom we shall speak on a future occa-
sion. Mr. Balls is as, vivacious and as full of life and spirit
as ever

Before we dose this notice we shall make a remark

in reply to an observation made in a contemporary respecting
the introduction of Van Amburgh and his lions upon the
stage of the Theatre-Royal, and its alleged desecration of the
drama. Without entering into the question, by the follow-
ing statement it will be seen that the palmiest days of the
drama, in the times of the Kembles, tame quadrupeds were
brought forward to back those great actors' performances.
We give the following :
In 1784, " She Stoops to Conquer," " The West Indian,"
" The Way to Keep Him," and other fine comedies were
the novelties of the day. In these, John and Stephen Kem-
ble, G. F. Cooke, Mrs. Moss, Mrs. Maddocks, Mrs. Knive-
ton, Mrs. Robinson (Perditta) all performed. They were
backed up by dancing dogs, as will be seen by the following
postscript, which underlined the bills of the day—" On ac-
count of the great demand for places at the Theatre-Royal
from the universal satisfaction Signor Scaligoni has given
with his amazing exhibition of the Dancing Dogs, and the
Dublin Packet's not sailing until Friday morning, he will
perform again this evening for the last time." It' the Kern-
bles, " the great George Frederick Cooke," and the beautiful
and fascinating Perditta required " dancing dogs" to back
their matchless performances, a Manager, now-a-days, is not
to blame in producing a drama where the triumph of man
over the wild and fierce denizens of the forest is exhibited.

ANOTHER CHARGE OF STABBING.—On Wednesday, at
the Police-court, a joiner, from Upper Mann-street, was or-
dered to pay a fine of £5 or be imprisoned two months for
attempting to stab his brother in the head with an open
razor.

AMMONIATED VAPOUR IN DEAFNESS.—The sufferer from
this affliction will read with pleasure that this simple, yet
important application, has been successfully applied to 20
persons during the last fortnight, many of the persons to
whom it has been applied having been deaf from 10 to 20
years. We insert a few of the worst cases :—Mr. Arundel
(from London), Commercial Inn, Lime-street, deaf 20 years,
with foetid discharge, cured ; Mr. Cookson, Berry-street,
very deaf, with discharge ; Mrs. Eltnar, Duke-street, 14
years, nervous deafness; Mr. Lucas, 1, Guania Grove, 14
years, nervous deafness; Mart. Jones, Lydia Ann-street,
some years; Mr. Bennett, 7 years; Mr. Fosbrooke, Oxford-
street, Scotland-road, improved.—See Advt.

THE EXHIBITION ROOMS.—FINE ARTS.—We are glad
to find that this fine collection of paintings is becoming ex-
tremely popular. In the evening, when lit with gas, the
room forms an agreeable lounge. Several of the pictures
have been sold in Liverpool, which shows that there is an
appreciation of works of a first class amongst us. As soon
as the works sold are removed, they will be replaced by
others, equally valuable and rare ; thus a succession will be
kept up throughout the season. Those who purchase season
tickets will be enabled to enjoy many gratifying visits at a
cheap rate. The " Death of Nelson " attracts much atten-
tion, and never fails to excite the most lively sensations of
patriotism and pride for the glory of Old England.