It is evident enough that little trust can be given to this detail. Some parts of it, indeed, particularly the theatri cal circumstance of jumping into the river, are, doubtless, mere creations of Amacloo's fancy ; but the great fact, the only,important one, of Park's being actually dead, cannot, for a moment, be called in question. How he died, we may, perhaps, never know ; all we are certain of is, that he died in the prosecution of his undertaking—most probably upon the Niger, as he had already professed to be his de. termination, rather than fail in the object of his mission.
The only memorial of this journey, the notes sent by Isaaco from Sansandiug, together with Isaaco's own jour nal, were published in 1815. Being written on the spot, and under events so harassing, the information communi cated by this work (never in the slightest degree intended for meeting the public) is, of course, defective and mea gre. The impression produced by its simple and faithful, though hurried sketches, is perhaps unpleasant on the whole ; we are shocked with the view of such extreme wretchedness endured, with so little advantage to repay it. But the character of Park cannot fail to rise in our estima tion from perusing it. The same qualities of calm intre pidity, strong resolution, and unaffected kindliness, which his former journey had brought to light, are here exhibit ed tinder circumstances of a deeper and more painful in terest ; and the friends of geographical discovery, while they lamt nt the loss of a person every way so qualified to bare extended its boundaries, will be joined by the admi rers of human worth, in deploring the untimely fate of a man, whose energetic yet affectionate character, did honour to the country that gave him birth.
In private life, Park was distinguished by the same mild warmth of disposition so often alluded to; a mildness oc casioned partly, perhaps, by t,. • habit of reserve and shy ness, under which the strong linear_ 9nts of his mind were usually hid. He felt little delight in general society, and the modesty of his nature was distressed whenever he be carne an object of particular attention. The end of all his wishes, the beau ideal of his thoughts, was to retire to the country, and conclude his days in the bosom of retirement and domestic affections. It may be doubted, indeed, whe ther the prevailing activity of his disposition would have allowed him to find much happiness in realising this beau ideal ; but the circumstance of his having formed it, be speaks a simplicity of taste, an honest sensibility which it is pleasing to ste united with a temper so resolute and ardent ; and Park may be pointed out as one of the most unpretending, and at the same time, valuable specimens of humanity, that embellished the age and country in which he lived. See Park's Travels, first and second parts ; and The Life, prefixed to the latter.