Travels In Western Africa, In The Years 1818, 19, 20, And 21, From The River Gambia, Through Woolli, Bondoo, Galam, Kasson, Kaarta, And Foolidoo To The River Niger.

London: John Murray, 1825. First Edition of Major Gray's travels in western Africa to discover the source of the Niger River. Gray had assumed command of the expedition after the deaths of former leaders Major Peddie and Captain Campbell and set out from Gambia in 1818. Unfortunately he too was thwarted in his objectives by the loss of pack animals to disease, and by the resistance of uncooperative or hostile local tribes, some of whom feared that the British would interfere with their slave trading operations. His account includes observations on local manners and customs. The attractive aquatint plates based on Gray's drawings depict Bokari, the Kartan guide, a hut at Tallabunchia, the swinging bridge over the Tingalinta, a wandering Foolah, Kongcorong,and Kaartan ceremonial dress, the cane bridge over Wallia creek, Madina - capital of Woolli, Booliany - capital of Bondoo, the mosque and place of assembly at Galam, and musical instruments. The lithographs show native plant species. Abbey, Travel, 282. Gay 2899. 8vo. pp. xv, [1], 413, [3]. with half-title. 14 plates (10 aquatints, 4 lithographs) & 1 folding engraved map. 1 text illus. contemporary speckled calf, rebacked with spine mounted, unidentified gilt cypher in upper compartment of spine (foxing to & offsetting from plates). elala5503