Russell E. Train Africana Collection (Smithsonian. Libraries) Search this
Extent:
2 Items (Correspondence, 29 cm)
Container:
Item M094
Type:
Archival materials
Date:
1865
Scope and Contents note:
Two autograph letters written by Livingstone during his stay in England. Livingstone's letter to John Kirk ([4] pages on 1 sheet), written at Newstead Abbey, 28 February 1865, discusses Kirk's draft paper on dye-stuff (probably "On a new dye-wood of the genus Cudranea, from tropical Africa," which was published in the Journal of the Linnean Society: Botany, volume 9 (1867), pages 229-230), and also makes reference to the Tories in Parliament and the debate over the Zanzibar territory. Persons mentioned in the letter to Kirk include Dr. Watson; Mr. Murray; Pine; Lord Stanley; Mr. Hall; Burton; and the Sultan of Zanzibar. Livingstone's letter to Arthur Mills ([4] pages on 1 sheet), written from 8 Dover Street, Piccadilly, 12 May 1865, mentions the prospect of being examined by the Committee (probably the Select Committee on West African Settlements?), against Burton's assertions, and re-confirms Livingstone's convictions on the value of having missions and missionaries in Africa, including Sierra Leone and Luanda.
General note:
Accompanied by typed transcripts for both letters, inserted in the same volume.
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.