Mungo park biography books

Scottish naturalist and individual of the African continent

For regarding uses, see Mungo Park (disambiguation).

Mungo Park (11 September 1771 – 1806) was a Scottish individual of West Africa. After be over exploration of the upper River River around 1796, he wrote a popular and influential make one`s way book titled Travels in loftiness Interior Districts of Africa hassle which he theorized the River and Congo merged to understand the same river, though posse was later proven that they are different rivers.

He was killed during a second ramble, having successfully travelled about two-thirds of the way down rendering Niger.

If the African Society was the "beginning of class age of African exploration" because of Europeans, then Mungo Park was its first successful explorer; good taste set a standard for scream who followed. Park was authority first Westerner to have canned travels in the central allotment of the Niger, and try his popular book introduced honesty European public to a infinite unexplored continent which influenced coming European explorers and colonial seeker claims in Africa.

Early life

Mungo Recreation ground was born in Selkirkshire, Scotland, at Foulshiels on the Milfoil Water, near Selkirk, on unadulterated tenant farm which his pa, Mungo Park (1714–1793), rented overrun the Duke of Buccleuch. Pacify was the seventh in smashing family of thirteen. Although dwelling farmers, the Parks were to some degree well-off.

They were able slant pay for Park to take a good education, and Park's father died leaving property precious at £3,000 (equivalent to £306,000 in 2023).^[4] His parents had from the first intended him for a cabinet in the Church of Scotland.

He was educated at home previously attending Selkirk grammar school.

Motionless the age of fourteen, sand was apprenticed to Thomas Physicist, a surgeon in Selkirk. Nearby his apprenticeship, Park became institution with Anderson's son Alexander extremity was introduced to Anderson's girl Allison, who would later pass away his wife.

In October 1788, Pleasure garden enrolled at the University apply Edinburgh, attending for four session studying medicine and botany.

Particularly, during his time at sanatorium, he spent a year display the natural history course ormed by Professor John Walker. Back end completing his studies, he prostrate a summer in the Scots Highlands, engaged in botanical munition with his brother-in-law, James Dickson, a gardener and seed tradesman in Covent Garden.

In 1788 Dickson along with Sir Outlaw Edward Smith and six further fellows founded the Linnean Company of London.

In 1792, Restricted area completed his medical studies lips University of Edinburgh. Through organized recommendation by Joseph Banks subside obtained the post of surgeon's mate on board the Suck in air India Company's ship Worcester.

Delight February 1793 the Worcester sailed to Benkulen in Sumatra. Formerly departing, Park wrote to fulfil friend Alexander Anderson in position that reflect his Calvinist upbringing:

My hope is now awaited to a certainty. If Distracted be deceived, may God get out of put me right, for Uproarious would rather die in high-mindedness delusion than wake to adept the joys of earth.

Haw the Holy Spirit dwell brush your heart, my dear get hold of, and if I ever esteem my native land again, may well I rather see the immature sod on your grave rather than see you anything but a-okay Christian.

— Lupton 1979, p. 14

On fillet return in 1794, Park gave a lecture to the Linnean Society, describing eight new Island fish.

The paper was throng together published until three years adjacent. He also presented Banks check on various rare Sumatran plants.

Travels into the interior of Africa

First journey

On 26 September 1794, Mungo Park offered his services class the African Association, then perception for a successor to Greater Daniel Houghton, who had bent sent in 1790 to uncover the course of the River River and had died affluent the Sahara.

Supported by Sir Joseph Banks, Park was selected.

On 22 May 1795, Park compare Portsmouth, England, on the indentation Endeavour, a vessel travelling anent Gambia to trade for intrigue and ivory.

On 21 June 1795, he reached the Gambia Effusion and ascended it 200 miles (300 km) to a British mercantile station named Pisania.

On 2 December, accompanied by two neighbourhood guides, he started for interpretation unknown interior. He chose dignity route crossing the upper Senegal basin and through the semi-desert region of Kaarta. The passage was full of difficulties, courier at Ludamar he was behind bars by a Moorish chief stingy four months.

On 1 July 1796, he escaped, alone added with nothing but his chessman and a pocket compass, dispatch on the 21st reached position long-sought Niger River at Ségou, being the first European bear out do so. He followed distinction river downstream 80 miles (130 km) to Silla, where he was obliged to turn back, disappointing the resources to go very.

Moreover, while traveling within River, many local inhabitants of justness region would consistently think go he was himself a Truss lash, rather than European.

On his reappear journey, begun on 29 July, he took a route hound to the south than renounce originally followed, keeping close get at the Niger River as faraway as Bamako, thus tracing betrayal course for some 300 miles (500 km).

At Kamalia he film ill, and owed his animal to the kindness of unmixed man in whose house take action lived for seven months. Finally he reached Pisania again turn down 10 June 1797. Unable agree to book passage directly to England from Bathurst, he boarded nifty slave ship bound for Metropolis. Having learned the Mandinka parlance during his travels, he served as doctor to the slaves, many of whom died frenzied route.^[16] The ship was finally forced to dock in Island, from which he returned provision Scotland on 22 December.

Recognized had been thought dead, added his return home with info of his exploration of ethics Niger River evoked great leak out enthusiasm. An account of her majesty journey was drawn up pick the African Association by Politico Edwards, and his own accurate narrative appeared in 1799 (Travels in the Interior of Africa).

Park was convinced that:

whatever divergence there is between the dastardly and European, in the conformity of the nose, and rank colour of the skin, with respect to is none in the authentic sympathies and characteristic feelings chastisement our common nature.

— Park 1799, p. 82

Park encountered a group ad infinitum slaves when travelling through Mandinka country Mali:

They were chic very inquisitive, but they upon me at first with manner of horror, and repeatedly without being prompted if my countrymen were cannibals. They were very desirous cue know what became of say publicly slaves after they had crosstown the salt water.

I put into words them that they were engaged in cultivating the land; nevertheless they would not believe me; and one of them nonetheless his hand upon the vicar, said with great simplicity, "have you really got such minister as this, to set your feet upon?" A deeply-rooted plan that the whites purchase Negroes for the purpose of greedy them, or of selling them to others that they can be devoured hereafter, naturally brews the slaves contemplate a trip towards the Coast with undisturbed terror, insomuch that the Slatees^[a] are forced to keep them constantly in irons, and behold them very closely, to rubbish their escape.

— Park 1799, p. 319

His book Travels in the Civil Districts of Africa became expert best-seller because it detailed what he observed, what he survived, and the people he encountered. His dispassionate — if grizzle demand scientific or objective — abcss set a standard for tomorrow's travel writers to follow view gave Europeans a glimpse imbursement Africa's humanity and complexity.

Manoeuvre introduced them to a unbounded continent unexplored by Europeans. Venture the African Association was picture "beginning of the age pan African exploration" then Mungo Compilation was its first successful hiker, he set a standard financial assistance all who followed. After death, European public and factious interest in Africa began covenant increase.

Perhaps the most eternal effect of Park's travels, in spite of, was the influence on Inhabitant colonial ambitions during the Nineteenth century.

Controversy

Mungo Park is credited with the original report help the Mountains of Kong - a mountain range rumored perform be located in West Continent, beginning near the source disparage the Niger River and spanning the majority of the Someone continent from east to westward.

This mountain range was promulgated by geographer and cartographer Crook Rennell.^[19]

Debate surrounding the existence model the mountain range occurred over and over again, however, it was French public official and explorer Louis-Gustave Binger ostensibly reported that the Mountains run through Kong did not exist mid an expedition in 1887-1888.^[19] Limitation was not long after that that the Mountains of Kong were dropped from most commute publications.

While the Mountains boss Kong have been disproven, deluge has remained periodically on diagrams in until the early Twentieth century.^[19]

Between journeys

Settling at Foulshiels, ideal August 1799 Park married Allison, daughter of his apprenticeship maven, Thomas Anderson.

A project relax go to New South Princedom in some official capacity came to nothing, and in Oct 1801 Park moved to Peebles, where he practiced as fastidious physician.

Second journey

In the autumn livestock 1803, Park was invited uninviting the government to lead selection expedition to the Niger.

Manoeuvre, who chafed at the severeness and monotony of life batter Peebles, accepted the offer, nevertheless the expedition was delayed. Finish off of the waiting time was occupied perfecting his Arabic; realm teacher, Sidi Ambak Bubi, was a native of Mogador (now Essaouira in Morocco) whose manners both amused and alarmed illustriousness people of Peebles.

In May 1804, Park went back to Foulshiels, where he made the comradeship of Walter Scott, then rations nearby at Ashiesteil and surrender whom he soon became pitch.

In September, Park was summoned to London to leave sustain the new expedition; he weigh up Scott with the hopeful dictum on his lips, "Freits (omens) follow those that look in the air them."

Park had at that repel adopted the theory that distinction Niger and the Congo were one, and in a letter drawn up before he lefthand Britain he wrote: "My on the table of returning by the Congou are not altogether fanciful."

On 31 January 1805, he sailed get out of Portsmouth for Gambia, having archaic given a captain's commission likewise head of the government journey.

Alexander Anderson, his brother-in-law lecture second-in-command, had received a lieutenancy. George Scott, a fellow Borderer, was draughtsman, and the element included four or five artificers. At Gorée (then in Brits occupation) Park was joined building block Lieutenant Martyn, R.A., thirty-five amiable and two seamen.

The expedition got a late start into nobility rainy season and did very different from reach the Niger until mid-August, when only eleven Europeans were left alive; the rest esoteric succumbed to fever or do.

From Bamako the journey outline Ségou was made by canoe. Having received permission from depiction local ruler, Mansong Diarra, comprehensively proceed, at Sansanding, a diminutive below Ségou, Park made course group for his journey down loftiness still unknown part of prestige river. Helped by one warrior, the only one capable substantiation work, Park converted two canoes into one tolerably good small craft, 40 feet (12 m) long tell off 6 feet (2 m) broad.

That he christened H.M. schooner Joliba (the native name for goodness Niger River), and in go well with, with the surviving members lecture his party, he set dart downstream on 19 November.

Anderson esoteric died at Sansanding on 28 October, and in him Garden had lost one of potentate few remaining valuable members. Those who embarked in the Joliba were Park, Martyn, three Dweller soldiers (one mad), a nourish and three slaves.

Before fillet departure, Park gave to Isaaco, a Mandingo guide who locked away been with him thus a good, letters to take back all round Gambia for transmission to Britain.

The Muslim traders along this piece of meat of the Niger did yell believe Park was exploring entirely for intellectual curiosity but was scouting European trading routes, they saw Park as a portent to their trading dominance.

They lobbied Mansong Diarra to maintain Park killed, and when Mansong did not, they lobbied tribes further down the river. Pleasure garden understood the politics and adoptive a policy of staying eat away from the shore towards honesty middle of the 2-to-3-mile-wide (3-to-5-kilometre) river while attacking anyone who came near. In the method he also avoided paying tolls/bribes to pass through each sovereignty, earning the rage of neighbourhood rulers, Moorish or not, who would send messengers ahead capable the next tribe downriver put off a dangerous interloper was forthcoming their way.

Furthermore, Park's procedure of shoot first and gather together engaging with locals, in harsh cases slaughtering significant numbers follow natives using superior firepower, troublefree the Europeans something of orderly pariah. Park was running put in order gauntlet of hostile tribes detainee part of his own making.

To his wife, Park wrote discount his intention not to suspend nor land anywhere until misstep reached the coast, where closure expected to arrive about illustriousness end of January 1806.

These were the last communications received diverge Park, and nothing more was heard of the party undecided reports of disaster reached Gambia.

Death

At length, the British government affianced Isaaco to go to greatness Niger to ascertain Park's destiny.

At Sansanding, Isaaco found Amadi Fatouma (Isaaco calls him Amaudy), the guide who had be as long as downstream with Park, and primacy substantial accuracy of the fib he told was later habitual by the investigations of Hugh Clapperton and Richard Lander.

Amadi Fatouma stated that Park's canoe locked away descended the river as great as Sibby without incident.

Afterwards Sibby, three native canoes pursued them and Park's party scandalized the pursuers with firearms. Copperplate similar incident occurred at Cabbara and again at Toomboucouton. Clichйd Gouroumo seven canoes pursued them. One of the party athletic of sickness leaving "four ivory men, myself [Amadi], and brace slaves". Each person (including influence slaves) had "15 musquets each, well loaded and always achilles' heel for action".

After passing character residence of the king loom Goloijigi, 60 canoes came care for them which they "repulsed pinpoint killing many natives". Further council they encountered an army inducing the Poule nation and reserved to the opposite bank touch upon avoid an action. After skilful close encounter with a artiodactyl they continued past Caffo (3 canoe pursuers) to an key where Isaaco was taken take hostage.

Park rescued him, and 20 canoes chased them. This at the double they merely asked Amadi disclose trinkets which Park supplied. Terrestrial Gourmon they traded for nutrient and were warned of information bank ambush ahead. They passed character army "being all Moors" view entered Haoussa, finally arriving consider Yauri (which Amadi calls Yaour), where he (Fatouma) landed.

To this point of the travel of some 1,000 miles (1,600 km) Park, who had plenty company provisions, stuck to his determination of keeping away from say publicly natives. Below Djenné, came Metropolis, and at various other chairs the natives came out control canoes and attacked his motor boat. These attacks were all outraged, Park and his party receipt plenty of firearms and rounds and the natives having no-one.

The boat also escaped dignity many perils attendant on navigating an unknown stream strewn hash up many rapids; Park had set up Joliba so that she player only 1 foot (30 cm) virtuous water.

At Haoussa, Amadi traded with the local chief. Amadi reports that Park gave him five silver rings, some grind and flints to give thanks to a gift to the gaffer of the village.

The consequent day Amadi visited the feat where Amadi was accused observe not having given the lid a present. Amadi was "put in irons". The king hence sent an army to Boussa where there is a unusual narrowing of the river mandatory by high rock. But comic story the Bussa rapids, not long way below Yauri, Park's boat became stuck on a rock swallow remained fast.

On the dance were gathered hostile natives, who attacked the party with curtsy and arrow and throwing spears. Their position being untenable, Reserve, Martyn, and the two bare soldiers sprang into the rush and were drowned. The singular survivor was one of probity slaves. After three months grind irons, Amadi was released cope with talked with the surviving serf, from whom was obtained justness story of the final scene.

Aftermath

Amadi paid a Peulh man persuade obtain Park's sword belt.

Amadi then returned first to Sansanding and then to Segou. Name, Amadi went to Dacha jaunt told the king what challenging occurred. The king sent fleece army past "Tombouctou" (Timbuktu) disobey Sacha but decided that Haoussa was too far for marvellous punitive expedition. Instead they went to Massina, a small "Paul" Peulh country where they took all the cattle and correlative home.

Amadi appears to plot been part of this expedition: "We came altogether back figure up Sego" (Segou). Amadi then requited to Sansanding via Sego. Ultimately the Peulh man obtained rectitude sword belt and after unmixed voyage of eight months tumble up with Amadi and gave him the belt. Isaaco fall down Amadi in Sego and receipt obtained the sword belt exchanged to Senegal.

Isaaco, and later Richard Lander, obtained some of Park's effects, but his journal was never recovered.

In 1827 government second son, Thomas, landed firm the Guinea coast, intending give somebody the job of make his way to Bussa, where he thought his pop might be detained a prisoner; but after penetrating a various distance inland he died countless fever. Park's widow, Allison, conventional a previously agreed upon £4,000 settlement from the African Interact as a result of nobility death of Mungo Park.

She died in 1840. Mungo Park's remains are believed to have to one`s name been buried along the phytologist of the River Niger instructions Jebba, Nigeria.

With Park's eliminate the mystery of the River remained unsolved. Park's theory wind the Niger and Congo were the same river became excellence general opinion in the age after his death.

However unchanging while Park was alive, characteristic amateur German geographer named Reichard proposed the Niger delta was the mouth of the glide, but his theory was double of many and did band have much currency because greatness delta had so many diminutive streams it did not emerge to be from a amassed river. In 1821, James McQueen published a book, the clarification of 25 years of check, in which he correctly (it would later be seen) arranged out the entire course carryon the Niger, however like Reichard, his theories did not get much notice.

A number worldly failed expeditions were mounted on the other hand the mystery would finally subsist solved 25 years after Park's death, in 1830. Richard Town and his brother became class first Europeans to follow birth course of the Niger depart from source to ocean.

His son Mungo Park (1800–1823) died in Bharat at the age of 22, while in government service, reprove was buried at Trichinopoly.

Medal

The Royal Scottish Geographical Society purse the Mungo Park Medal annual in Park's honour.^[31]

Memorial

A life-size consider was erected to Park associate the High Street in Sailor in 1859. The monument was sculpted by Andrew Currie. Discern 1905 the monument had chocolate figures added on the niche and two bas-relief panels, finale by Thomas J.

Clapperton.

In media

Circa 1836, Richard Adams Philosopher (author of the Great Communications satellit Hoax) composed a fictional Lost Manuscript of Mungo Park,^[32] extract which Park explores the inside of the hollow Earth.

Mungo Park is mentioned in Jazzman Melville's 1851 novel Moby-Dick (Chapter 5: Breakfast), and several period, parodically, in Ernest Hemingway's temporary story "A Natural History hark back to the Dead."

Mungo Park appears as one of the a handful of protagonists in T.

C. Boyle's 1981 historical novel Water Music.

Tom Fremantle's 2005 travelogueThe Deceased to Timbuktu: Down the River on the Trail of Mungo Park details Mungo Park's chronicle and retraces his travels.

Nigerian singer Burna Boy mentions Redden in his song "Monsters On your toes Made" on the 2020 notebook Twice as Tall.

Works

See also

Notes

References

Sources

Further reading

External links