Lord Ingestriewished to ask a question of the noble Lord, the Secretary for the Colonies, on the subject of the Expedition to the Niger. He understood, that the steamer had been delayed much beyond its time, and the consequence was, that the expedition, if now sent out, would arrive out at the most unhealthy season of the year. He wished to know, whether the Government intended that it should now proceed?
§ Lord J. Russellsaid, that the steamer was delayed, because it was ascertained, that the waters of the Niger were not sufficiently deep to admit that vessel, till later in the year.
§ Mr. Humewished to ask whether the noble Lord would have any objection to lay before the House a copy of the instructions given to those who had charge of the expedition? The public, in fact, did not know what were the objects of this expedition.
§ Lord J. Russellsaid, that the instructions were laid on the Table of the House last year. He was not prepared to lay any other instructions before the House on the subject.
Lord Ingestrieasked whether the expedition would not arrive on the coast at the most unhealthy season of the year, if sent out at the time fixed for its departure?
§ Lord J. Russellsaid, that the climate on the coast might be unhealthy, but it would not be found so as the expedition advanced up the river.