his decease, and a board, with the following inscription, was placed over his grave : : 'Here lie the remains of G. BELZONI, Who was attacked with Dysentery at Benin, (on his way to Houssa and Timbuctoo,) On the 26th of November, and died at this Place, December 3rd, 1823.' "Mr. Belzoni had been landed by Captain Filmore, R. N. at Benin. Captain Filmore exerted himself arduously in assisting the intrepid traveller, and discharged a man from his vessel, who was a native of Houssa, that he might accompany Mr. B. on his route. The following extract of a letter contains most of the late particulars respecting this enterprizing and scientific individual: "On the night of the 24th of November, Mr. Belzoni left us, with Mr. Houtson, for Gato. On parting with us he seemed a little agitated, particularly when the crew (of the brig which brought him-to each of whom he had made a present) gave him three loud cheers on leaving the vessel: "God bless you, my fine fellows! and send you a happy sight of your country and friends," was his answer. On the 3rd of December I received a letter from Mr. Houtson, requesting me to come to Benin, as Mr. B. was lying dangerously ill; and, in case of death, wish ing a second person to be present. I was prevented going, not only by business but by a severe fever which had then hold of me. On the 5th I had a second letter from Mr. H. with the particulars of Mr. B.'s end; and one from himself, almost illegible, dated December 2, requesting me to assist in the disposal of his effects, and to remit the proceeds home to his agents, Messrs. Briggs, Brothers, & Co., America-Square, London, together with a beautiful amethyst ring, which he seemed particularly desirous should be delivered to his wife, with the assurance that he died in the fullest affection for her, as he found himself too weak to write his last wishes and adieus. "At the time of Mr. Belzoni's death, Mr. Houtson had every thing arranged with the King of Benin for his departure, and, had his health continued, there is no doubt he would have succeeded. Mr. Belzoni passed at Benin as an inhabitant, or rather native, of the interior, who had come to England when a youth, and was now trying to return to his country. The kings and emigrands (or nobles) gave credit to this, Mr. Belzoni being in a Moorish dress, with his beard nearly a foot in length. There was, however, some little jealousy amongst them, which was removed by a present or two well applied; and the King of Benin's messenger was to accompany Mr. Belzoni with the king's cane, and as many men as were considered necessary for a guard and . baggage-carriers. The king's name is respected as far as Houssa, and he has a messenger, or ambassador, stationary there. On Mr. Belzoni's arrival at Houssa he was to leave his guard there, and proceed to Timbuctoo, the King not guaranteeing his safety farther than Houssa, and Timbuctoo not being known at Benin. On his return to Houssa he would make the necessary preparations for going down the Niger, and despatch his messengers and guard back with letters to his agents and to Mr. John Houtson: the messenger to be rewarded according to the account the letters gave of his behaviour, and the King to receive a valuable stated present. This was the plan, and I think it would have proved fortunate had Mr. B. lived. 66 6 "Mr. Belzoni was a native of Padua, and had known England many years. He first visited Egypt with a view of erecting hydraulic engines for the Pacha, to assist in irrigating the country. In stature he was above six feet and a half, and possessed of great bodily strength. His manners and deportment were marked by great suavity and mildness, and he had a genuine love for science in all its branches. He was brave, ardent, and persevering in pursuit of his objects; and his decease, at the moment of a strong hope of success, must be deeply felt by all who estimate the true interests of science and the light of discovery at their due value."" CONTENTS. CHAP. I. Bernard's picture.-Situation of Egypt.-Belzoni introduced.- Bernard's perseverance.-Belzoni's second voyage.-Rapid jour- Emily amused with a description of Greenland.-Belzoni makes the valley of Beban el Malook the scene of his researches.—He enters and explores the tomb of Psammuthis.-Receives a visit from Hamed Aga.-Returns to Cairo.-Visits the Pyramids.- Time and purpose of their erection uncertain.-Enters one Belzoni's journey to the Red Sea.-Motives for going there.- |