and a frank view of the risks, finances, and practicalities of colonial-era exploration. The opening of the work presents a dedication letter from General Faidherbe praising the mission, followed by the author’s preface promising an unembellished, useful record. The introduction sets the political and commercial stakes, reproduces official instructions and a letter to El Hadj Omar, recounts conflicting news from Tombouctou and the Macina, and details the modest funds, trade goods, equipment, and a ten-man African escort alongside Dr. Quintin. The story then moves from Saint‑Louis to Bakel and Médine, where the party organizes pack animals and a light boat, probes the Sénégal above the Félou falls, and battles rapids up to Gouïna. On the road a confrontation at Kotéré is calmed, tensions flare within the escort, and the shifting politics of Khasso, Logo, and Natiaga are sketched, including a cautious visit to Altiney Séga. It closes with a vivid view of the Natiaga landscape and preparations to press toward Bafoulabé and the Niger route. (This is an automatically generated summary.)