After spending nearly a week most agreeably at Fernando Po, we sailed for Calabar, but were overtaken at the mouth of the river by Captain Beecroft, in the Ethiope steamer. At his desire we went up the river in his vessel, as it would arrive at Duke Town a day before the Warree. Mr Sturgeon was on board. His object in following us so soon, he said, was to complete his arrangements for our joint occupation of the Calabar country. He would take Creek Town, and leave Duke Town to us; and he expected their mission-vessel, The Dove, to be over in a few days with building materials, to enable him to commence operations. I could say nothing about the practicability or propriety of the division he proposed, not yet knowing the country; but expected rather that he would leave both those towns to us; as we looked for reinforcements enough, ere long, to occupy the whole district of country; and thought he should adhere to the arrangement made by the two societies at home.

The noble river up which we were proceeding seemed to be ten or twelve miles wide at its mouth, and to retain that breadth clear to Parrot Island, about thirty miles from the bar. Above it, James', Alligator, and other islands, prevent its full width being seen; and the junction of the principal, or Cross river, which there takes place is likewise concealed. The sides of the river were low and marshy, covered with forests of mangrove trees.