Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-10-08
ALBANY Register

VI AfRlCA.-lHc lOlOWlUS WIS
written some time in August by the Washing
ton correspondent Of the n. Y. Journal of Com
merce. The proposed enterprise strikes us
favorably, and we hope the government will
not permit it to be Abandoned
In late letter mentioned that Lieut. M. G.
Watkins of the Navy, had projected scheme
for the exploration of Africa. He laid his plan
before the Secretary Of the Navy a few days
ago. His offer is under consideration, and if
the President should make no objection pre-
sumo that it will be accepted, and the design
put in execution without delay.
Lieut. Watkins plan is simple, and costs the
government nothing. He also asks for the use
of small iron steamer, to be built under his
direction-which steamer he will take out
to Africa in one of the government store ships.
This boat will be made in two pieces, and will
be so light that she can easily be carried around
the falls and other distractions that may be
met with in the rivers.
Mr.. Watkins does not even ask for rations
for his party, rs he expects to procure supplies
very cheaply by traffic with the natives. Ten
thousand dollars will cover all expenses Of the
expedition, which the government is called up
on to pay. Mr.. Watkins will take draughts-
man and a naturalist, and physician, with his
party. Suitable men, who are already accima-
ted, will volunteer for the enterprise. Six or
eight coored men from Liberia, who are accus-
toned to the natives, and have been engaged in
former explorations, will complete the explor-
ing party. One of the men, Moore, accompa-
MED Capt. Trotter, of the British Navy, in his
expedition.
Mr.. Watkins will first explore the st. Paul's
"a very interesting river-and trace it to its
source. The valley of the st. Paurs is very
rich and beautiful, and will be of great impor-
lance to Liberian commerce, by reason Of it's
valuable products. He will next trace the Nj
ger and Congo and other important rivers, from
their mouths to their sources, and proceed to
explore the vast and now unknown regions of
the interior, where for aught we know, natural
products Of novel and rich character, new forms
OF civilization, and unknown races Of men may
exist.
Mr.. Watkins is confident, from the informa-
ton which he derived in Africa, during his for
mer visits, that he can find coal fields on the St
Paurs; and if so, one of the chief obstacles TO
the establishment Of steam communication be-
tween this country and Africa will be removed
The expedition will greatly promote the success
OF the proposed African or Ebony line of steam
ers; it will promote the colonization and civiI-
cation of Africa by ascertaining and making
known its resources and its geography; it will
open to the native tribes of Africa new subjects
for commerce, Of a much more profitable kind
than the slave trade; and it will widen the
boundaries of modern science and knowledge
Certainly such an enterprise as this will, even
if attended with partial success, reflect great
credit on those engaged in it, and upon our ma
val service and upon this country.
1t is the ready objection to the project, that
all the African explorers have hitherto persisted
in their attempts. Still they effected something.
Lieut., Watkins says, I" If we do not come back
our journals will, and there will be many off,
GERS ready to take up our work, where we
leave tn l