I shall guard against the sacrifice of truth to abstracted principles; and
if in the most remote degree, I excite the interference of my countrymen in
behalf of the African, extend our commerce, and enlarge the circle of
civilized and Christian Society, I shall think that I have neither
travelled, nor written in vain.

Africa is a country hitherto but little known; those in general who have
visited it, have been either inadequate to research, or have been absorbed
in the immediate attainment of gain; moreover the European Traveller in
that country has to contend with the combined influence of the native
jealousies of its inhabitants, their hereditary barbarism, obstinate
ferocity, and above all, an uncongenial climate. To surmount these
difficulties, commerce is the most certain medium to inspire its Chiefs and
Natives with confidence, and to obtain a facility of intercourse with the
Interior country. Sanctioned by that pursuit, I have been favoured with
information from a large circle of Native Chiefs, and Tribes, relative to
their customs, their habits, localities, predilections, and the existing
state of society.

The impressions, which ocular demonstration, and personal investigation
occasion upon visiting this uncultivated country, are so different from
those excited in any other district of the globe, and so powerful, that the
mind is naturally led to meditation on the means of its improvement and on
the mode by which it may be ameliorated, and the sources of commerce be
essentially enlarged.

Europe, which merits the highest rank for philanthropy, has hitherto
strangely neglected this country; nor have the attempts of individuals and
benevolent Societies been productive in endeavouring to diffuse the
influence of civilization, and to desseminate the seeds of science