Henry M. Stanley (1841–1904) was an American-born author, explorer, and special correspondent for the New York Herald. He entered the annals of popular quotation with his famous inquiry, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?,” in 1871, upon finding David Livingstone (1813–1873), a Scottish missionary and fellow explorer who had become lost in the wilds of Zanzibar on an expedition to find the source of the Nile. Two items: 1) ALS, signed “H. M. Stanley,” one page, 4.25 x 7, Richmond Terrace letterhead, no date [bearing the pencil notation “circa 1885”]. Stanley writes to Messrs. A. & C. Black & Co. In full: “I was asked by Mr. Thomas of Scribner’s to send this chart to you. I inclose his letter. I have revised Boundaries of Congo Free State according to treaties with Portugal France, & British East Africa….” 2) AQS, signed “David Livingstone,” one lightly lined page, 5.25 x 7.75, Cambridge, December 4, 1857. Livingstone pens a Biblical verse in the Sebituana language, providing an English translation directly underneath: “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” The top of the sheet bears a handwritten descriptive caption signed “Wm. Monk” [who published Dr. Livingstone’s Cambridge Lectures in the following year]: “Dr. Livingstone’s Visit to Cambridge, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 3rd, 4th, & 5th of December 1857. His autograph together with those of the Senior Members of the University with whom he came in contact.” The bottom of the sheet bears a notation signed “W. Whewell, D. D.” [prominent scientist and vice chancellor at Cambridge University]: “Who had the pleasure of receiving Dr. Livingstone at Trinity Lodge, Dec. 4, 1857.” The items are presented, together with two photos, in a mat and frame with a decorative foliate arch measuring 19.5 x 26 overall. Mild toning and handling wear to both letters, and faint show-through from notations to reverse of Livingstone sheet, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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