June 13, 1854. To-day, being the clay I had fixed upon to start for Lagos, preparatory to my joining the Expedition to explore the Tshadda, Messrs. Townsend, Maser, and King, and Dr. Irving, kindly came over to bid me farewell. After Mr. Townsend had offered up a prayer for God's protection and guidance, about eight a.m. I left Abbeokuta with Mr. Phillip and my son Samuel, who were also going down to Lagos; many of my church members followed me to Agbamaya. I took about seven hundred-weight of clean cotton down with me, to be shipped for Manchester.

June 15: Started early this morning from Agboyi, where we stopped last night, and arrived at Lagos about half-past eight a.m. Here I was sorry to hear of the unexpected illness of Mr. Beecroft, and that he was about to leave for Teneriffe by the next mail from Fernando Po.

June 17: The ‘Bacchante’ arrived this morning from Fernando Po, and brought the painful intelligence of Mr. Beecroft's death, which took place the night before she sailed. I felt this very much as the Expedition was just expected, and I knew no other person connected with it besides him; this caused a little anxiety, but I resigned everything to God's good and unerring providence.

June 18: Sunday. Attended morning, service in Mr. Gollmer's church, and in the afternoon at Mr. White's house, where I heard Mr. Phillip address the congregation.

June 19: To-day was spent in making necessary preparations, and writing letters for England, against the arrival of the mail.