He admits that Trotter had been right about the Formosa Passage, as had been proved by Becroft's experience. He was disappointed that an all-season channel had not been found into the upper reaches of the Niger but was relieved that Trotter had not had to suffer Becroft's anxieties. He rejoices at the information in a sailor's letter printed in the Friend of Africa about the climate, soil, and disposition of the indigenous peoples beyond the delta. He seeks his opinion of the facts brought to light by the voyage of the 'Aethiope'. He promises to bring Craigie's papers about treaties when he returns to London and wonders whether they could use them to support their arguments. He refers to the table of exports of palm oil from the River Bonny, which might be used to refute Jamieson. He asks whether Trotter could let him have Andrew Johnston's memorandum on the right time to ascend the Niger. Trotter's letter advising the Admiralty against sailing until Aug had frightened him, until he realised that he had really meant Apr. He wishes to know when the vessels would assemble at Deptford as that would govern the date of his return to London. (Copy.)