The British government was in the mean time indefatigable in their endeavours to find out the channels for exploring the interior of Africa.

The pashaw of Tripoli, although he had usurped the throne by violent means, showed a disposition to improve his country, by admitting the arts and learning of Europe, while the judicious conduct of Consul Warrington inclined him to cultivate the friendship of Britain.

Through his tributary kingdom of Fezzan, he held close and constant communication with Bornou, and the other leading states of central Africa, and he readily undertook to promote the views of any English expedition in that direction.

The usual means were supplied by the government, and the ordinary inducements held forth by the association.
In consequence of these amicable dispositions evinced by the bashaw of Tripoli towards the British government, it was resolved to appoint a vice-consul to reside at Mourzouk, the capital of Fezzan; and the late Mr.Ritchie, then private secretary to Sir Charles Stuart, the British ambassador at Paris, was selected for the undertaking.

He was joined at Tripoli by Captain G.F.Lyon, who had volunteered his services as his companion; and to this enterprising and more fortunate traveller, who has braved alike the rigours of an Arctic winter, and the scorching heats of central Africa, we are indebted for the narrative of the expedition.
On the 25th March 1819, the coffle, (_kafila_, _kefla_,) consisting of about two hundred men, and the same number of camels, commenced its march from Tripoli for the interior.