Lot 32: GRANT, James A. (1827-1892). Autograph letter signed ("J.A. Grant"), to Carl Christian Giegler

GRANT, James A. (1827-1892). Autograph letter signed ("J.A. Grant"), to Carl Christian Giegler, 18 May 1878. 8 pages, 8vo, with envelope. [With:] Carte-de-visite photograph signed in ink.

"AFRICA REQUIRES A CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE TO DEVELOP ITS RESOURCES AND NOT TO BE KEPT IN DARKNESS..."

Grant begins with the tragic news of the murder of two European missionaries, then turns to the grand prospect of a continent-wide telegraph. "The Cape people are very anxious to have an overland Tel. from Cairo to the Cape via the Lakes of Central Africa and held a meeting on the question at the Cape in April last." Grant hopes such technological progress will serve to unite Europe and Africa: If we have no war, I feel that many will join in the great undertaking of a union between Europe and the most-easterly parts of Africa--Mauritius & Madagascar...Therefore it is that Africa requires Christian influence to develop its resources, and not be kept in darkness to share the fate that Turkey has brought upon itself....I do not care much about the conversion of the natives...I do not certainly approve their being made Mohammedans and would rather see them take the leap to Christianity..." He goes on to discuss Col. Gordon's recent appointment as governor-general, mentions the British governor of the Cape Colony Sir Bartle-Frere, and bemoans the lack of news from "your side of the Equator." Such silence makes people in England "forget there is such a region as the Nile, unless they receive accounts such as Baker & Stanley always sent us of their well-being." (3)