Beschreibung:

SPEKE, John Hanning (1827-1864). Autograph letter signed ("JH Speke") to Lieutenant Playfair in Aden, Camp Hadafino (Lat 10 o-47'), [1854-55]. 1¼ pages with 6-line postscript on integral blank, folio, some glue residue and small losses along center fold touching a few letters . AN IMPORTANT LETTER GIVING DETAILS OF SPEKE'S SOMALI EXPEDITION. Writing during his exploration of Somaliland in 1854-1855, Speke describes his state of mind and his activities: "You think me at this time enjoying myself on the backs of the Wady Nogul a fabulous river in the Somali country but not so by a great deal... I have made a collection of all the birds & most unusual animals I've seen but the variety is very small & very plain..." Speke apologizes for his poor writing, as he was forced to write the letter on his knee. After completing 10 years service in India, Speke travelled for Aden, intending to explore Africa. He arrived in Aden at the time the Bombay government was organizing an expedition to the Somali country under the command of Richard Burton Speke was put on service duty as a member of the expedition. His guide took advantage of his ignorance of the language, and he was forced to return to Aden in Feburary 1855 without accomplishing the object of his journey, that of penetrating as far south as possible into Bunder Gori. He started again for Berbara in March and in April was attacked by Somalis and seriously wounded (see lot 12). He left Aden for England and volunteered immediately for the Crimean campaign upon his return there.