He had not heard from Becroft since he was in the Cameroons (Republic of Cameroon) in Sep; therefore, he could not see what help he could give Trotter unless the 'Albert' was in danger up the Niger which, from newspaper accounts, it did not seem to be. The most recent news he had heard was that the expedition was in Clarence Cove, which seemed to indicate that Trotter had returned from the river; therefore, he saw no need to divert Becroft from his purpose of ascending the Calabar River, for which reason he had remained on the coast for the year. (Copy).