DAVID LIVINGSTONE (1813-1873)

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DAVID LIVINGSTONE (1813-1873)
An important 8-page autograph letter on blue paper, signed, from Zambesi, 6th May 1861, to Thomas Berry Horsfall, describing his attempt to find a route into Africa which avoids the Portuguese territories: "We have lately been up at the Rovuma in our new vessel -- we went in order to try if another entrance could not be found to the interior than that which is encumbered with Portuguese claims but our vessel had been so long delayed in the way out that we were too late for successful exploration." He goes on to describe the Rovuma in detail, comparing it with other West coast rivers, and explains why they had to retreat and make their way back to the Zambesi: "We found the water falling fast so to avoid being caught for a whole season we retreated." They are still attempting to find a route: "we now go up the Shire, carry a boat past the cataracts and see if Rovuma comes out of Lake Nyassa or arises in its vicinity with a view of eventually making use of it -- you will understand its importance when I mention that it may be a highway into the vast region explored by Burton & Speke." He takes Horsfall into his confidence -- "I know you will not, as others have foolishly done, publish my letters," and reassures him as to the intentions of Bishop Mackenzie and the Universities' Mission: "our intercourse with the bishop and his associates from the last three months has removed all apprehensions, and very much confirmed my previous opinion that all parties and sects are very much better than while at home they imagine each other to be and when they come out among the heathen the differences vanish, the bishop if you will excuse the word is a real brick of a bishop ... their plan to teach the natives agriculture and to promote lawful commerce as well as christianity dovetails well into our own, and I think that you may safely lend them your influence and sympathy." He states that his next course of action is: "to go up the Shire and locate the bishop's mission on the highlands ... I have prevailed on them to postpone their landing in Africa for three months or until the cold season commences." His own commercial plans concern cotton plantations. "We are expecting another small steamer for Lake Nyassa it is to be taken to pieces and carried past the cataracts a distance of only 35 miles. We shall then try our cotton scheme all along its shores -- and I think our hopes are fair but if unsuccessful shall soon let you all know -- I shall not dawdle away time if there are insurmountable obstacles in the way." He explains that he navigated his new vessel himself -- "we came 200 miles in 8 days partly sailing and partly steaming," and finishes by describing his meeting with an Englishman attempting to establish a sugar plantation (the letter creased and faded on folds). With a second 3-page letter to Horsfall, dated London, 24th October 1857, stating: "As a deputation from the British Association is to have an interview with Lord Clarendon next week on the subject of granting a vessel to survey the Zambesi, and the object is in accordance with the views of your Chamber of Commerce it may be advisable for you to strengthen their hands by presenting your memorial about the same time" (creased on folds). (2)

Provenance

Thomas Berrry Horsfall, Mayor of Liverpool and M.P. (1805-1878). By direct descent.

Lot Essay

In February 1858 Livingstone was appointed H.M. Consul at Quilimane for the East Coast to the south of the dominions of Zanzibar, and for the independent districts in the interior, as well as commander of an expedition to explore Eastern and Central Africa. Lord Clarendon, the foreign minister threw himself heart and soul into the preparations for the expedition and procured a paddle-steamer of light draught for the Zambesi which was named Ma-Roberts. This vessel proved to be inadequate and whilst Livingstone awaited its replacement he decided to explore the Shire river which consequently led to his discovering Lake Shirwa in March 1859. "The Pioneer" and Bishop Mackenzie with his missionaries arrived on the 31st January 1861. Livingstone's aim was to plant the mission at Lake Nyassa and whilst they waited on the Island of Johanna, in the Comoro group, Livingstone and Bishop Mackenzie explored the Rovuma river here descibed. Thomas Berry Horsfall seems to have been crucial to Livingstone in the procuring of the new vessel.

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