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An excerpt from Reminiscences of Sir Charles Cameron, CB
by Sir Charles Cameron
1913

I think the journey of Commander Cameron (Verney Lovett Cameron, R.N., C.B., 1844-1894) across the vast extent of Africa is more remarkable than any of the journeys of other travellers in the Dark Continent.  No one else crossed the vast continent from side to side through its central regions - a distance of nearly 5,000 miles.  It is also remarkable that he had no white companions in his exploration.

Cameron told me that on his return from his first journey in Africa, he strongly pressed upon the Government of the day the desirability of proclaiming a protectorate over the Congo and other regions unappropriated by European powers.  A few forts were all that it was necessary to erect.  His advice was not taken, and regions which he and other British explorers traversed are now largely in possession of Belgium and Germany.

After the banquet at the Criterion, Cameron and I went to the Club House, Adelphi Terrace, where we met another of our name in the person of J. Macdonald Cameron, M.P.  After our chat, we sallied forth for our temporary homes, and as I was the senior of the three, the other two escorted me to Morley's Hotel, where I always put up in London when not staying at a friend's house.  On our way we discussed the subject of the Clan Cameron and their heroic deeds.

Macdonald Cameron was born in Scotland, Commander Cameron (a relative of mine) in England, and I made my first appearance in Ireland.  "It does not matter," said the Commander, "where we were born, for the Camerons are a nation in themselves!"  It was not very long after that night that the Commander met with a fatal accident whilst hunting.  He was one of the most brilliant men I have ever known, and his linguistic attainments were wonderful.

Cameron received many decorations, medals, and presentations.

Editor's Notes: While Sir Charles' autobiographical work is extensive, and also makes mention of an 1892 Gathering of Clan Cameron, this short excerpt is quite interesting.  The quote he attributes to famed explorer Commander Verney Lovett Cameron, is a classic - "For the Camerons are a nation in themselves!"  It is also of interest to hear of Commander Cameron and his fellow clansfolk passing the time discussing the history of their clan.  For while these gentlemen each sprung forth from different portions of Britain, and had accomplished much in their professional careers, they still reveled in that collective, faithful clan bond of their forefathers.

An account of Commander Cameron's journey across Africa, which took over two years, was compiled from his diaries and published under the title Verney Lovett-Cameron, by R.S. Foreman.