Sold For $2,276
*Includes Buyers Premium
Author, explorer, and special correspondent for the New York Herald (1841–1904), most famous for his inquiry, ‘Dr. Livingstone, I presume?,’ upon finding David Livingstone, a fellow explorer who had become lost in the wilds of Africa. ALS signed “Henry M. Stanley,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 7, personal letterhead, February 6, 1899. Handwritten letter to Major J. B. Pond, a veteran of the Civil War who turned to managing prominent speakers on lecture tours. In part: "I do not think I need bother myself with the clipping you sent. Years ago I used to attribute far too much importance to this form of fame and now I read as little as possible of anything that is 'personal.' If an interesting item gets into a Press paragraph, one cannot prevent it from running round N. America do whatever you may and therefore since I have observed that this is also one of the inevitables, I say 'let it slide.'
The year 1899 is starting so smoothly in England that the blank page might serve for a newsletter. We have long ago calmed down about the mad French attempt on the upper Nile and we are so interested in the Czar's Peace Circular that we have relaxed our attention to Russian misdoing in China. With Germany we have no questions, and America has civilly refrained from twisting our 'Lion's tail.' Old Kruger is probably more concerned with his personal infirmities and the colonists are following their usual orderly habits, so that all around 1899 promises to be very quiet for us.
I wish I could feel your prospects were also as satisfactory. I don't know what you think of it but it seems to me that this Imperialism is going to prove costly and disturbing to America and her well wishers are in doubt whether it would be wise in her to take upon herself the task of regenerating the Phillipinos. If you don't mind the expense and bother of reforming these barbarians and making them orderly, we will not do more than wish you well through this self imposed task.
Trade seems to boom in America just now judging from the wonderful rise in railway stocks. I suppose you say, like I do 'may they continue to rise?'
At home we are all quite well, unchanged in appearance or vitality. Mrs. Tennant if anything looks younger and Mrs. Stanley is of such an amiable disposition that Time is very partial to her. Baby is thriving. He is getting on to four now and has a predilection for politics. Every morning I take him a ride by train to some distant part of the States, Chicago to San Francisco or to New Orleans and he delights in playing the conductor's part and calls out 'Salt Lake City!' 'Sacramento!' or 'Atlanta!' etc. He believes in Picquart and condemns Esterhazy.
The influenza is doing its best here also sometimes, at least I hear a good deal of complaint, and now often it startles us by carrying off somebody—like Miss Atherton, the young actress—very suddenly." In fine condition. Accompanied by an original carte-de-visite portrait of Stanley by Gurney, and an original printing of the "Sketch Map of the Route of the Emin Pasha Expedition" from the Royal Geographic Society's 'Stanley Reception Meeting,' held at Albert Hall on May 5, 1890.
From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$50.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
Third-party authentication service applies only to signatures and handwriting, and does not cover the addition of sketches, artwork, musical quotations, etc.
