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Livingstone, David (1813 – 1873)

The explorer hopes that Africa ‘may indeed be opened to receive the truth of Christ’s holy gospel’ 

A marvellous four-page autograph letter signed (‘David Livingstone’), 22nd July 1857, to the Rev Dr Buchan, written while writing Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa, and asking him to share in his prayer of thanks, and discussing the true aims of his life as an explorer. Livingstone writes here to an autograph collector whose request just happened to arrive at the point he had finished describing, in his book, the four-year journey that took him 5000 miles, culminating in the epic crossing of the continent from the west coast to Quilimane on the east.

Livingstone opens his remarkable letter by noting, ‘I have just got to Quilimane in my narrative and have recorded my unfeigned thanks to that gracious being who watched over me in every position in which during the four preceding years I had been placed. It may not be amiss in complying with a rush for my autograph to beg you to join with me in thanking our heavenly father for his unspeakable mercies to a most unworthy servant, and also to hope for your prayers that Africa may indeed be opened to receive the truth of Christ’s holy gospel.’

The explorer continues, ‘I always feel that the end of the geographical feat for which I have received abundant honours is but the beginning of the missionary enterprise. I have not the smallest doubt as to the commercial resources of the new country but knowing the insalubrity of the coasts and the folly of men I sometimes fear that both religious and commercial enterprises may be rashly entered into, and on want of success people may become soured on the whole subject.’ He concludes, ‘Excuse my entering on a point in which perhaps I feel more interest than others and believe me, Dear Sir, yours, David Livingstone.’

A few tiny edge tears, otherwise in very fine condition.

One of the most remarkable Livingstone letters to have surfaced. The explorer’s enthusiasm, in concluding the writing of his book, is palpable. He sets out the religious motives for the exploration of Africa, whilst also voicing his fears about that continent’s ultimate exploitation.