ON AFRICA. 49s Commercial Intercourse *mith the Interior of Africa.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE JOURNAL OF TRADE, &C.

Sir, Eton, June 30, 1818. The last expedition from Sierra Leone, in addition to many others sent out for the purpose of exploring the interior ofAfrica, having failed, andthe enterprising and persevering Mr.Burckhardt, having frustrated the well grounded hopes of the African Association, by his having paid the debt of nature, it is not improbable that His Majesty's government mil now direct their attention with energy to the only plan that can possibly make thai interesting and extraordinary country ajewel in the British croxvn.

This important discovery, which would immortalise the prince, who should cherish it to its maturity, can be effected only through the medium of commerce. But it should be attempted not only with energy and decision, but with dispatch, before the enterprising and commercial spirit of a foreign power (seeing how abortive our efforts have been), shall snatch from us the glorious opportunity now offered of laying open the interior regions of Africa to the commercial enterprise of Great Britain.

I am. Sir, Your most obedient servant, Vasco de Gama.