International Autograph Auctions Ltd.
Los 175
DU CHAILLU PAUL: (1831?-1903) French-American Traveller & Zoologist, the first modern European outsider to confirm the existence of gorillas. A charming A.L.S., P B Du Chaillu, four pages, 8vo, New York, 23rd & 27th February 1871, to Miss. Ward. Du Chaillu informs his correspondent that he arrived in New York and visited her brother with the parcel she had entrusted to him, 'I cannot tell you how glad he was to see somebody who had seen your dear sisters, and he was so delighted with his present. I did not wonder at it. I told him that several very nice creatures had also given me a beautiful pair of slippers', further recalling the pleasant time he had in Galesburg and remarking 'I wanted to send you one of my large books but there is not a copy to be had at my publishers. They are now printing new editions'. Du Chaillu continues his letter a few days later, having been in Philadelphia, referring to a meeting with his correspondent's father, and also stating, in part, 'While in Philadelphia I thought of “The Happy Family” in Knox Seminary and as the best chocolate of the country is manufactured there I got some. To day I got some candies from our New York and I send both to you with the hope that the Happy Family will think of me when they eat them. In the package are some photographs for the girls. They must remember they promised me theirs in return…..I send to your sister something…..To Miss Bartholomew a little bird that would not sing for me. I hope it will reach Galesburg safely. I have little crosses made of the ebony wood which I cut myself in the mountains…..of Equatorial Africa. I will send you one as a keep sake to remember the lonely traveller of Equatorial Africa by…..' Some very light, extremely minor age wear and a neat split at the base of the vertical central fold, not affecting the text or signature, otherwise VG
