Description:

Robert Moffat
Brixton, England, March 31, 1871
Robert Moffat, Pioneering Missionary to Africa, 3pp ALS re: "God's messenger [tells]… how man can be saved & …lost"
ALS

A lengthy holograph letter from notable Christian missionary Robert Moffat, father-in-law of the Reverend David Livingstone. 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 4.5" x 7", Brixton, March 31, 1871. Signed at conclusion as "Robert Moffat" and addressed to Chestnut College President Henry Robert Reynolds (1825-1896) following a recent visit. Exhibits uneven toning throughout, with expected letter folds and areas of minor staining. Isolated crease near upper right of second page. Light feathering to signature. Otherwise, near fine with interesting contents.

In full:

"Thro Divine mercy I reached, what I call for the present, home all safe grateful for the opportunity I had had of seeing your people of Chestnut & those of your own important charge. I could not help feeling rather solemn after I got into the train in thinking of the position each of the young men I was addressing is intended to occupy in the Church of Christ either at home or abroad. Gods messenger to men sent to tell how man can be saved & how he can be lost, studying, writing, preaching, praying- the results of which will be seen thro eternal ages.

As I informed you I found on my return the Septuagint version of the Old Test. according to the Vatican text. The translator is Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton, Bart. Published by Baxter & Sons. 2 vols. I feel of course very much under obligation to my friend in not only informing me but supplying me with a copy. I have just sent to the post some letters & a small packet for you which contains the 'Old Man's Story.'"

Robert Moffat (1795-1883) was a Scottish Congregationalist missionary to Africa from 1817 to 1870. The father of linguist Mary Moffat (1821-1862) and father-in-law to David Livingstone (1813-1873), Robert began his missionary career in South Africa at the age of twenty-one. One of Moffat's foremost accomplishments overseas came in the form of translating and printing the Bible into the Setswana language, the first portion of which was produced in 1829. Having spent a total of fifty-four years in Southern Africa, he would embark to England after a series of health struggles on June 10, 1870, less than a year after this letter was written.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 4.5" x 7"
  • Medium: ALS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

October 8, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000