The great mortality which took place amongst the crews of the vessels, was mainly attributed to the injudicious conduct of Captain Harris, who, instead of pushing on direct for the Niger, spent a great deal of time, as he coasted along, in examining inlets, &c., which exposed the crew to the fatal fever, which committed such ravages amongst them.  Captain Harris himself fell a victim to his want of judgement, and Lander, Laird, Lieutenant Alien, and the captain of the Alburkha, were the only persons in office, who survived, and but fourteen whites besides were left alive.

The provisions were found to be uncommonly cheap and plentiful.  A bullock weighing two cwt. cost eight shillings.  Fowls one penny each, and other things in proportion, so that the victualling of thirty men was not more than eighteen pence a day, including yams and rice.

On the 18th May, Lander left Fernando Po in a native canoe as before, in order to rejoin his companions, who were no doubt anxiously awaiting his return.  Richard Lander returned to Attah on the 21st July, in high health and spirits, and immediately made preparations for ascending the river in the Alburkha, accompanied by Lieutenant Allen, and a medical man.  His voyage from the coast in a canoe, occupied him thirty-two days.  From Attah, he wrote to his brother John, of which the following is an interesting extract: 

“You know, that when we were here together, Abucco, chief of Damaggoo, had been at variance with his brother for several years.  On arriving at the former place from the coast, I was sorry to find the brothers, with their respective subjects, still engaged in that petty, but obstinate and ferocious warfare, which had distinguished the quarrel at its commencement.  Determined, if possible, to effect a reconciliation between them, I prevailed on our old friend Abucco to accompany me to Attah, promising to introduce him to his brother, and pledging my life for his safety.  The meeting took place on the 22nd November, and a highly interesting one it was, I assure you.  One party, preceded by Jowdie, and a few drummers, were introduced into a large square enclosure.  The chief seated on a kind of throne, was surrounded by all his mallams, and a multitude of attendants.  His wives were seated under a verandah, from which were suspended several handsome Turkey carpets, which served them for a screen.  Abucco instantly drew back, as he approached the throne, but, taking him by the hand, I led, or rather pulled him towards his brother.  At this moment, his confidence seemed to have forsaken him entirely; his head hung down on his breast, and I could feel him tremble violently.  Whilst I was displaying my presents to the chief of Attah, I perceived him several times bestow a hasty and displeased look on his brother, who had disengaged himself from my hand, and was sitting on the ground.  Though seven years had elapsed since their last meeting, neither of the rulers uttered