A one page autograph letter in French, dated 8 May 1880 to a Mr. Morier. Circa 90 words on a folded 8vo. sized leaf bearing his own letterhead. Seems to relate to his unhappiness about the non response to a confidential letter - not translated but the full text is visible on the image provided.
Alexandre Alberto da Rocha de Serpa Pinto, Viscount of Serpa Pinto (aka Serpa Pinto; April 20, 1846 – December 28, 1900) was a famous Portuguese explorer of southern Africa and a colonial administrator. He is the author of the book "How I crossed Africa: from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, through unknown countries; discovery of the great Zambesi affluents, &c", published in 1881. He was the fourth explorer to cross Africa from west to east, and the first to lay down a reasonably accurate route between Bié (in present-day Angola) and Lealui. In 1881 the Royal Geographical Society awarded him their Founder's Medal, "for his journey across Africa ... during which he explored five hundred miles of new country".
To honour and remember him, streets and squares in many Portuguese towns and cities were named after him, for example the Rua Serpa Pinto in Lisbon, Porto, Tomar, Évora, Braganca, Torres Vedras, Rio Maior and Cinfães, to mention only a few. In Angola, the town Serpa Pinto (now Menongue), main seat of the province Cuando-Cubango, was named after him. His name was even given to two ships, and as trade name for products like cigars and biscuits.
It would appear that Serpa Pinto autograph material is uncommon. The letter has been folded but in very good condition.
- Overall Condition: Very Good
- Size: Small 8vo.
- Sold By: Ronald Levine - Modern First Editions
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- Country: South Africa
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