(BURTON, Sir Richard Francis.) 1873 Autograph Letter Signed to Alexander George Findlay.
An exceptional Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) to Alexander George Findlay (1812-1875), discussing reviews and opinions of fellow explorers Samuel Baker, David Livingstone, and Henry Morton Stanley and their explorations into the main source of the Nile River.
ALS on Sir Francis Burton’s Personal Arabic Letterhead, Trieste; dated March 14 1873, 4 pp. on two adjoining sheets, (9.8cm*12.5cm), signed “R. F. Burton”, flattened folds, a tiny hole not affecting any text at centre left margin going through each page, a few pencil annotations on the first and fourth pages; near fine.
Provenance: Sold by Sotheby’s, London, 20-21 July 1981, Lot 323.
The letter reads in part:
"My dear Findlay you have more than made up for your silence since December by your note of March 7 (enclosure all right). It contained the best bit of news we have heard for many a day - about the … Nile. Don’t forget when you have time to underline Livingstone's passages bearing upon the northern... of Tanganyika. I am writing a review of Stanley and it will fit in very well. I have sent to Egypt for some news about Baker and if anything of consequence turns up you shall have it. My opinion always is that he is the very worst - too bull headed - for the enterprize and that it is a more filibustering affair than … and it may become very dangerous...
you are right about there being something inexplicable with … Livingstone. He has… me twice without the slightest reason and will put it back with interest..."
Burton answers Findlay’s queries regarding Istrian harbours, writing in part:
“You ask me about the silting up of the Istrian harbours. I can answer that Trieste is… The effect is a … deposit of sand & silt …”
Burton references “Lacerda” and “the book half done”, a reference to the book published by the Royal Geographical Society in 1873 entitled:
“The lands of Cazembe. Lacerda's Journey to Cazembe. In 1798. Translated and annotated by Captain R.F. Burton, F.R.G.S. Also Journey of the Pombeiros P.J. Baptista and Amaro José, across Africa from Angola to Tette on the Zambeze. Translated by B.A. Beadle; And a résumé of the journey of MM. Monteiro and Gamitto. By Dr. C.T. Beke.”
This was an important work as it included almost everything that was known of the interior of Africa at the time. Burton’s contribution to the book included the first 164 pages. "He had, however, written two appendices, which, being of a controversial and critical nature [quelle surprise], were rejected by the R.G.S. These appendices were published privately at Trieste in July of the same year" (Penzer pp. 89-90.)
Burton goes on in the letter to provide news to Findlay of his future plans, writing in part:
“My studies of botany & chemistry take up a great part of my time. Now there is a chance of leaving Trieste we find that we like it. I shall be in no hurry to go, as my next change will be to something wild – may it only be savage enough!”
Burton then refers to Sir Henry Rawlinson (1810-1895), who was the President of the Royal Geographical Society at the date of the letter. He writes in part:
“Don’t forget Afghanistan, but perhaps … not speak to Rawlinson.”
Burton concludes the letter, “My wife sends kindest regards … R. F. Burton.”
Sir Richard Francis Burton was an Explorer, Author, Translator, Soldier and Diplomat. Burton is regarded as one of the greatest English Explorers and Orientalists due to his extensive travels throughout Asia and Africa, where he developed an unparalleled knowledge of language and cultures. He was also a prolific Author, penning more than fifty volumes during his lifetime.
At the time the letter was written in 1873, Burton was working as the British Consul in Trieste. Although his Government job in Trieste did not excite Burton, it did not require much work, and the Foreign Office allowed a generous amount of leave, enabling him to travel and write.
In 1857, Burton led an expedition with John Hanning Speke into East Africa to uncover the origins of the Nile River. While Burton claimed his discovery of Lake Tanganyika was the source, Speke would state that it was Lake Victoria that supplied the Nile; discovering this when Burton became ill, forcing Speke to explore further on his own. This led to one of the greatest exploration feuds, and a quest that would define Burton’s career.
Eventually Baker, Livingstone, and Stanley individually set off to put their own mark on the expedition of the Nile, and whom Burton would publicly and regularly criticize. In 1877, it was Stanley who ultimately proved that Speke's, not Burton's, initial discovery was correct.
Alexander George Findlay was a leading geographer and hydrographer of his time. His interest in geography was supported by his father, Alexander Findlay (1790-1870), who was an engraver and cartographic and hydrographic publisher and one of the founders of the Royal Geographical Society in 1830. In 1844, Findlay the younger became a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He was “active in mapping the discoveries being made in Africa and the quest for the source of the Nile. He was a friend of David Livingstone and made the official maps of the routes taken by Burton and Speke in their journeys in 1858–9.” (ODNB.)
(ODNB.)
Please contact us for shipping costs if ordering from outside the UK.
An exceptional Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) to Alexander George Findlay (1812-1875), discussing reviews and opinions of fellow explorers Samuel Baker, David Livingstone, and Henry Morton Stanley and their explorations into the main source of the Nile River.
ALS on Sir Francis Burton’s Personal Arabic Letterhead, Trieste; dated March 14 1873, 4 pp. on two adjoining sheets, (9.8cm*12.5cm), signed “R. F. Burton”, flattened folds, a tiny hole not affecting any text at centre left margin going through each page, a few pencil annotations on the first and fourth pages; near fine.
Provenance: Sold by Sotheby’s, London, 20-21 July 1981, Lot 323.
The letter reads in part:
"My dear Findlay you have more than made up for your silence since December by your note of March 7 (enclosure all right). It contained the best bit of news we have heard for many a day - about the … Nile. Don’t forget when you have time to underline Livingstone's passages bearing upon the northern... of Tanganyika. I am writing a review of Stanley and it will fit in very well. I have sent to Egypt for some news about Baker and if anything of consequence turns up you shall have it. My opinion always is that he is the very worst - too bull headed - for the enterprize and that it is a more filibustering affair than … and it may become very dangerous...
you are right about there being something inexplicable with … Livingstone. He has… me twice without the slightest reason and will put it back with interest..."
Burton answers Findlay’s queries regarding Istrian harbours, writing in part:
“You ask me about the silting up of the Istrian harbours. I can answer that Trieste is… The effect is a … deposit of sand & silt …”
Burton references “Lacerda” and “the book half done”, a reference to the book published by the Royal Geographical Society in 1873 entitled:
“The lands of Cazembe. Lacerda's Journey to Cazembe. In 1798. Translated and annotated by Captain R.F. Burton, F.R.G.S. Also Journey of the Pombeiros P.J. Baptista and Amaro José, across Africa from Angola to Tette on the Zambeze. Translated by B.A. Beadle; And a résumé of the journey of MM. Monteiro and Gamitto. By Dr. C.T. Beke.”
This was an important work as it included almost everything that was known of the interior of Africa at the time. Burton’s contribution to the book included the first 164 pages. "He had, however, written two appendices, which, being of a controversial and critical nature [quelle surprise], were rejected by the R.G.S. These appendices were published privately at Trieste in July of the same year" (Penzer pp. 89-90.)
Burton goes on in the letter to provide news to Findlay of his future plans, writing in part:
“My studies of botany & chemistry take up a great part of my time. Now there is a chance of leaving Trieste we find that we like it. I shall be in no hurry to go, as my next change will be to something wild – may it only be savage enough!”
Burton then refers to Sir Henry Rawlinson (1810-1895), who was the President of the Royal Geographical Society at the date of the letter. He writes in part:
“Don’t forget Afghanistan, but perhaps … not speak to Rawlinson.”
Burton concludes the letter, “My wife sends kindest regards … R. F. Burton.”
Sir Richard Francis Burton was an Explorer, Author, Translator, Soldier and Diplomat. Burton is regarded as one of the greatest English Explorers and Orientalists due to his extensive travels throughout Asia and Africa, where he developed an unparalleled knowledge of language and cultures. He was also a prolific Author, penning more than fifty volumes during his lifetime.
At the time the letter was written in 1873, Burton was working as the British Consul in Trieste. Although his Government job in Trieste did not excite Burton, it did not require much work, and the Foreign Office allowed a generous amount of leave, enabling him to travel and write.
In 1857, Burton led an expedition with John Hanning Speke into East Africa to uncover the origins of the Nile River. While Burton claimed his discovery of Lake Tanganyika was the source, Speke would state that it was Lake Victoria that supplied the Nile; discovering this when Burton became ill, forcing Speke to explore further on his own. This led to one of the greatest exploration feuds, and a quest that would define Burton’s career.
Eventually Baker, Livingstone, and Stanley individually set off to put their own mark on the expedition of the Nile, and whom Burton would publicly and regularly criticize. In 1877, it was Stanley who ultimately proved that Speke's, not Burton's, initial discovery was correct.
Alexander George Findlay was a leading geographer and hydrographer of his time. His interest in geography was supported by his father, Alexander Findlay (1790-1870), who was an engraver and cartographic and hydrographic publisher and one of the founders of the Royal Geographical Society in 1830. In 1844, Findlay the younger became a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He was “active in mapping the discoveries being made in Africa and the quest for the source of the Nile. He was a friend of David Livingstone and made the official maps of the routes taken by Burton and Speke in their journeys in 1858–9.” (ODNB.)
(ODNB.)
Please contact us for shipping costs if ordering from outside the UK.
An exceptional Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) to Alexander George Findlay (1812-1875), discussing reviews and opinions of fellow explorers Samuel Baker, David Livingstone, and Henry Morton Stanley and their explorations into the main source of the Nile River.
ALS on Sir Francis Burton’s Personal Arabic Letterhead, Trieste; dated March 14 1873, 4 pp. on two adjoining sheets, (9.8cm*12.5cm), signed “R. F. Burton”, flattened folds, a tiny hole not affecting any text at centre left margin going through each page, a few pencil annotations on the first and fourth pages; near fine.
Provenance: Sold by Sotheby’s, London, 20-21 July 1981, Lot 323.
The letter reads in part:
"My dear Findlay you have more than made up for your silence since December by your note of March 7 (enclosure all right). It contained the best bit of news we have heard for many a day - about the … Nile. Don’t forget when you have time to underline Livingstone's passages bearing upon the northern... of Tanganyika. I am writing a review of Stanley and it will fit in very well. I have sent to Egypt for some news about Baker and if anything of consequence turns up you shall have it. My opinion always is that he is the very worst - too bull headed - for the enterprize and that it is a more filibustering affair than … and it may become very dangerous...
you are right about there being something inexplicable with … Livingstone. He has… me twice without the slightest reason and will put it back with interest..."
Burton answers Findlay’s queries regarding Istrian harbours, writing in part:
“You ask me about the silting up of the Istrian harbours. I can answer that Trieste is… The effect is a … deposit of sand & silt …”
Burton references “Lacerda” and “the book half done”, a reference to the book published by the Royal Geographical Society in 1873 entitled:
“The lands of Cazembe. Lacerda's Journey to Cazembe. In 1798. Translated and annotated by Captain R.F. Burton, F.R.G.S. Also Journey of the Pombeiros P.J. Baptista and Amaro José, across Africa from Angola to Tette on the Zambeze. Translated by B.A. Beadle; And a résumé of the journey of MM. Monteiro and Gamitto. By Dr. C.T. Beke.”
This was an important work as it included almost everything that was known of the interior of Africa at the time. Burton’s contribution to the book included the first 164 pages. "He had, however, written two appendices, which, being of a controversial and critical nature [quelle surprise], were rejected by the R.G.S. These appendices were published privately at Trieste in July of the same year" (Penzer pp. 89-90.)
Burton goes on in the letter to provide news to Findlay of his future plans, writing in part:
“My studies of botany & chemistry take up a great part of my time. Now there is a chance of leaving Trieste we find that we like it. I shall be in no hurry to go, as my next change will be to something wild – may it only be savage enough!”
Burton then refers to Sir Henry Rawlinson (1810-1895), who was the President of the Royal Geographical Society at the date of the letter. He writes in part:
“Don’t forget Afghanistan, but perhaps … not speak to Rawlinson.”
Burton concludes the letter, “My wife sends kindest regards … R. F. Burton.”
Sir Richard Francis Burton was an Explorer, Author, Translator, Soldier and Diplomat. Burton is regarded as one of the greatest English Explorers and Orientalists due to his extensive travels throughout Asia and Africa, where he developed an unparalleled knowledge of language and cultures. He was also a prolific Author, penning more than fifty volumes during his lifetime.
At the time the letter was written in 1873, Burton was working as the British Consul in Trieste. Although his Government job in Trieste did not excite Burton, it did not require much work, and the Foreign Office allowed a generous amount of leave, enabling him to travel and write.
In 1857, Burton led an expedition with John Hanning Speke into East Africa to uncover the origins of the Nile River. While Burton claimed his discovery of Lake Tanganyika was the source, Speke would state that it was Lake Victoria that supplied the Nile; discovering this when Burton became ill, forcing Speke to explore further on his own. This led to one of the greatest exploration feuds, and a quest that would define Burton’s career.
Eventually Baker, Livingstone, and Stanley individually set off to put their own mark on the expedition of the Nile, and whom Burton would publicly and regularly criticize. In 1877, it was Stanley who ultimately proved that Speke's, not Burton's, initial discovery was correct.
Alexander George Findlay was a leading geographer and hydrographer of his time. His interest in geography was supported by his father, Alexander Findlay (1790-1870), who was an engraver and cartographic and hydrographic publisher and one of the founders of the Royal Geographical Society in 1830. In 1844, Findlay the younger became a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He was “active in mapping the discoveries being made in Africa and the quest for the source of the Nile. He was a friend of David Livingstone and made the official maps of the routes taken by Burton and Speke in their journeys in 1858–9.” (ODNB.)
(ODNB.)
Please contact us for shipping costs if ordering from outside the UK.