Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
1 Item (Correspondence, 4.5 x 7 in.)
Container:
Item M003
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
circa 1874
Scope and Contents note:
The letter's recipient was apparently a tribal chieftain. The writer asks for permission to hunt in the vicinity of "Schashani." Describes the breakdown of his "waggon" and other difficulties. Sends the king two muskets and ammunition.
General note:
The author is unidentified, but is thought to have been Frank Oates, who was traveling through Matabeleland to Victoria Falls in late 1874. The letter has been tentatively dated to September or October of 1874.
Collection Rights:
The collection is housed in the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, which is open to researchers Monday through Friday in the afternoons, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.; morning visits are by appointment only. Please call (202) 633-1184 or email AskaLibrarian@si.edu for an appointment.
