J.H. Speke | autograph letter signed, to Lt Playfair, sending his journal, 20 December 1854

J.H. Speke

Autograph letter signed, to Lt. Playfair

sending his Journal of his first expedition to Somalia, announcing his intention of meeting Burton at Berbera on 15 February 1855, discussing the reasons for his slow and unsatisfactory progress, blaming his incompetent guide and translator and servants who have stolen his provisions and gives details of his difficulties in transporting food and stores, suggesting that Burton should make alternative arrangements for the next expedition, 2 pages, folio, Camp Hadofino, Somaliland, 20 December 1854 (extracted from a letter-book), creased at folds, paper deterioration at centre fold, filing-holes, stained

"...I have the honor to forward my journal kept precisely in accordance with the spirit of Lt. Burton's orders, & to state that I have been daily expecting from the first to be able...to send in my progress report in a short time, to give some guide as to my future movements, but as will be seen by the diary I have never been able to make my arrangements..."

Speke's journal was later to be published by Burton as an appendix to his 'First Footsteps in East Africa', 1856, but in a mangled form, suggesting at best an air of condescension on Burton's part. Speke was furious when he read it, but said nothing at the time, and it was only later that Burton learned how deeply he had offended him.

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's London, 21 July 1981, lot 316; Sotheby's New York, 10 & 11 December 1993