DR. DAVID LIVINGSTONE BEFORE SETTING OUT TO AFRICA ~~ REMEMBERS FONDLY  “A REVEREND DR. ROBERT FERGUSON WHOSE FATHER WAS VERY KIND TO ME WHEN I WAS A STUDENT” AND OFFERS: ‘A BLESSING BE ON’ THE RELATIVE OF THAT MAN

LIVINGSTONE, DAVID.  (1813-73).  Scottish missionary and physician, who spent half his life exploring southern and central Africa.  Autograph Letter Signed, “David Livingstone”, 2 ½ pages, octavo.  ‘Clifton, September 25, 1864. To Mr. Robert Ferguson’. Accompanied by the original envelope, bearing a red 1  penny postage stamp, and addressed in Livingstone’s hand. The envelope bears his franked “Dr. L” signature, in the lower left corner.    Both items in very fine condition.  Livingstone writes:

 

“I regret very much my inability to call upon you according to your kind invitation – but I have to go to Nottingham tomorrow morning  — and my time in England is so short, I cannot out off my departure.  I remember a Reverend Dr. Robert Ferguson whose father was very kind to me when I was a student and if the same you are connected with – I say a blessing be on you.   I am etc, David Livingstone”.

  

Following his return to England from Lake Nyasa in July 1864, Livingstone went to stay with his old friend Mr Webb at Newstead Abbey, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire in September. He remained there for eight months, writing The Zambesi and its Tributaries, compiled from his journals and those of his brother, Charles, before resuming his exploration of Africa and the Nile Basin in August 1865.               

 

$2700.00