International Autograph Auctions Ltd.
Lot 152
LIVINGSTONE DAVID: (1813-1873) Scottish Missionary & Explorer of Africa. A fine A.L.S., David Livingstone, four pages, 8vo, Hamilton, 25th December 1857, to [Thomas Horsfall] 'My Dear Sir'. Livingstone informs his correspondent 'It having been decided that Mr. M. Laird should build a steam launch no farther action on my part is necessary except in the way of thanking you for the trouble you took in the affair' and continues to refer to Lady Chetwynd's £10 which Livingstone thinks 'might be laid out in the purchase of surgical instruments which would answer the end intended by her Ladyship'. He continues 'What is called a “surgical dressing case” and dentist case might be had for the money and if any were over other surgical instruments might be added. I have the impression that the instruments required by an assistant surgeon of the navy or army cost about that sum & would suit my practice well' and asks for his gratitude to be expressed to Lady Chetwynd. In concluding Livingstone writes 'If as is probable we shall sail from Liverpool I shall need a little accommodation for my luggage. Is there any room to be got to which I could send it from time to time. I am here for a week & will return to London after New Years day'. Some very light, extremely minor age wear, VG Thomas Berry Horsfall (1805-1878) British Politician, Member of Parliament for Derby 1852 and for Liverpool 1853-65. Lord Mayor of Liverpool 1847-48. Macgregor Laird (1808-1861) Scottish Merchant, a pioneer of British trade on the River Niger. In 1854, with the support of the British Government, Laird had begun annual trading trips to Africa with steamboats specially built for navigation of the Niger and other rivers. Livingstone's letter is written shortly ahead of his Second Zambesi expedition which lasted from March 1858 until 1868. In collaboration with the Royal Geographical Society, Livingstone commanded the expedition to explore Southeast Africa for mineral deposits and other natural resources. It led to the establishment of the Central Africa Mission.
