Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-11-06


IL was with prospects like these, and with u view
TO secure the advantages in question for our own
country, that proposals made to his Maiesty's
Government totako immediate possession of Land
cr's newly Discovered river. Why this project was
not eagerly adopted, il dflcult to determine lis
1t that our nation is now ruled by tina miserable
kind of economy, which, placing farthing over
each eye, is prevented from seeing guinea at u
distancci BE this as II may IL is clearly our best
policy that strongly fortified settlement should
instantly he formed ut some commanding point in
the healthy country above the swamps of the Delta
To- prevent Intrusion of vessels not under English
colors. We should thus hold the keys of Africa in
our grasp, and it's vast resources will be open to us
alone. Eve neglect this, The prize will soon be
snatchcd by America, France, Spain, Portugal, O,
some Other nation less supine than Great Britain.
Surely, should even the Ministry persist in their
incomprchcnsiblc apathy, this matter must soon
attract the notice of Parliament since no subject
OF greater national Importance could occupy its
consideration.
Finding disposition on the part of Govern.
mcnt to assist in approprating the commerce of
Africa, Mr. Laird and some other merchants of
Liverpool determined 10 fit out expedition at
their own expense; and so little encouragement did
they receive, that the Treasury actually refused
to permit the vessels their return, to land their
cargoes duty free. Yet, sooner had MIR. Laird,
Jun accomplished the equipment OF his squadron,
than tho Admiralty requested permission TO send
out a surveyor OF their own to take observations,
determine c,itudcs, longitudes, &c. Fortunately
for The nation at large, Mr.. Laird did not object
to this appointment, and Lieut.. Allen, X. N, was
selected by the Admiralty photographer; an officer
whose conciliatory, amiabe, and gcntlcmauy mar
nc's soon secured him the personal regard of Mr.
Laird, and of every person on board. Every thing
being at length prepared, and Mr.. Lander having
promised to accompany the expedition, the three
vessels composing it assembled i'm Milford Haven,
as follows:
Qnorra--Steam vcssrl-having on board Nj
Laird, junior, of Liverpool as director aud super
cargo If the squadron;
Snil Mr. 1aeto nff bo
ROYAL Navy, an officer well acquainted with the
coast of Africa
| Lieutenant Allen, surveyor, furnished with nu-
mcrous instruments for observing the dip, attitudes
longtudcs, &C.;
Richard Lander. African traveller, and discover
of the termination of the Niger, acting guide,
adviser and partly interpreter to the expedition:
Also "A gentleman of ability, who has volunteer
cd 10 accompany the squadron surgeon and ma
turalist.
The Quarra is lis feet in length over all,
breadth of beam l6 feet; depth of hold feet;
traught of water, with every thing on board for
ascending the Niger, feet inches; tonnage l46,
including the engine room. One engine of 10
horse power, to be used only i'll Gains, in
cending rivers: constructed to burn either coal
wood as may be required.
1iburkdh-so named from an African express
ion, signitying bLessing-a small steam vessel,
built entirely of iron, by Mr.. Macgregor Laird, di
rector OF the expedition; fitted with ono steam
gine Of ID horse power, constructed to burn coal
of beam l3 feet inches; depth Of hold Cd feet;
draugh'. of water when launched only 8 inches !
with engine in and boiler full, drew feet inches;
drew feet inches on leaving Milford Haven
having provisions and water for IL men for SO
days. besides 10 tons of coa bottom of the vessel
onc-tourth of inch thick; sides three sxtecnths
of an inch thick. Gross weight when built, and
wooded decks laid, 16 tons; tonnage Sc, including
engine room. Schooner rugged, like the Quorra.
! Commanded by Mr.. Joseph Hill.
n. The greatest interest has been excited
about this dminutve vessel, it is certainly bold
undertaking to navi gate the Atlantic in small
boat built entirely Of iron She is intended to ex-
pore the TSchadda and other tributary streams of
the Niger
Coiumbine--mcrchant brig of 176 TOMS COM
manded by Mr.. Miller. This vessel conveys
considerable cargo of coal, and very curious in
ycstment of goods for trading with the natives.
Her bill of ladng would, indeed, have furnished
most ludcrous assortment of articles, from a
penny whistle to u kingly crown.