Author, explorer, and special correspondent for the New York Herald (1841–1904), most famous for his famous inquiry, ‘Dr. Livingstone, I presume?,’ upon finding David Livingstone, a fellow explorer who had become lost in the wilds of Zanzibar. ALS, two pages, 5 x 7, ‘The Dark Continent’ letterhead, January 29, 1886. Letter to Douglas Murray. In part: “The only alloy to the very great pleasure you prepared for your guests…was the dissatisfaction I experienced at being compelled to steal admiring glances at a fair unknown whom you had seated between two gentlemen already well provided with ladies. Strange to say I observe this is a prevalent feature at English dinners. Young ladies are always placed between two well married gentlemen.” Light blocks of toning to borders, otherwise fine condition. RR Auction COA.
