Belzoni.
The Times, 1824-05-04T00:00:00

The following letter from a yomig Gentleman of Liverpool, to M r. A. Hodgson, corAmunicates the particulars of thc deathi of this enterprising traveller:- " Brig Castor, British Accarab, Jan. 7. 1824. Irote yousnome time since, almost at a venture, mentioning the arrival in Benin River of ilIr. G. Belzoni, the celebrated tra- veller, who was attemirpting to reach Houssa antd Timnnuctoo, by way of Benin. I am sorry to inform yoti that, like all others whoi have made this trial, he has perished. He diel at Gato, the 3d of December, 1823. " He had been a considerable tine a very welcome guest on boarI this brig, waiting for the tinme a Mr. J. Houtson could accom- pRny him to BeniN, whose interest with the King of that place he considered would be serviceable to him. On the night of the 24th of November he left us, with Mr. Houtson, for Gato. On parting with us he seemned a little agitated, particularly wvhen the crew, to each of whom he had made a present, gave hiin thrce loud cheers on leaving the vessel. ' God bless vou, my fine fellows, and send you ahappy sight of vour country and friends,' was his answer. On the 3d of DNecember I received a letter from Dlr. Houtson, request- ilg me to come to Benin, as Mlr. Belzoni was lying dangerouslv ill, and, in case of death, wishing a second person to be present. I was prevented going, not only by business, but a severe fever, which had then hold of me. t)n the .jth, I had a secondi letter frem Mr. Houtson, with the particulars of MIr. Belzoni's cnd, attd one from himself, almost illegible. dated December 2, requesting me to assist in the disposal ef his effects, and to remit the proceeds home to his agents, Mesars. Briggs, Brothers, and Co.,America-square, Lon- don, together with a beautiful amethyst ring he worc, which he seemed particularly ansiOus should be delivered to his wife, with the assurance lie died in the fullest aVfFection for her, as he found himself too weak to write his last wishes and adieus. He was in- terred at Gato next day, with all the respect possible; and I fuir- nished a large board, with the following inscription, and whichi was placed over his grave :- " Here lie the remains of G. BELZONI, Who was attacked witlh drsentery at Bentin (On his way to loussa and Timbuctoo), On the 26th of November, and died at this place, December 3,1823.' The gentlemen who placed this inscription over the grave of this intrepid and enterprisirg traveller, hope that every European visit- ing this spot will cause the ground to be cleared, and the fcnce roind the grave to be repaired, if necessary.' " At the time of iMr. Beizoui's death Mr. Houtson had everv thine arranged with the Kingof Benin for his departure, and had his healtlh continued, there is no doubt he wouild have succeeded. Mlr. Belzoni passed at Benin as an inhltbitant, or rather native of the in- terior, who had come to England when a youth, and was now trying to return to his coumtrv. Tle King and enegrands (or nobles) gave credit to this, D2r. Belzoni being in a 11loorish dress, with his beard nearly a foot in length. There vwas, however, some little jealousy amongst them, which was removed by a present or two well applied; and the King of Benin's meessenger was to accompasy lr. Bel- zoni with the King's canc, and as many men as wvere considered necessary for a guard, and baggage carriers. The King's name is respected as far a Foussa, and he has a nmessenger, or ambassador, stationary there. On AIr. Belzoni's arrival at lioussa, he was to leave his guard there, and proceed to Timbiuctoo, the King not guaranteeing his safely tarther thanl Houssa, and Timbuctoo inot be- tng known a; B nin. On his return to Houssa, he wvould make the necessary preparations for going down the Niger, and despatch his messenger and guard back with letters to his agents and to Mr. John Houtson. The messenger to be rewarded according to the ac count the letters gave of his behaviour, and the King to receive a valuablestatedpresent. This was the plan,and I think it would have proved fortunate had M.r. Belzoni lived." BELZOAIl.