Beschreibung:

East and West Africa.- Church (Robert James based in British East Africa and later Togoland, West Africa, colonial service, fl. 1896-1917) Journey of the Kibwezi Survey Party of the Uganda Railway from Mombasa to Kibwezi Aug & Septr. 1896, manuscript, 49pp., 8vo & folio, 1896; Collection of letters from Church and his wife to their daughters in England, numerous pp. & envelopes, 8vo & sm. 4to, Lamé & elsewhere, 1915-17, describing the journey to Africa, "... nearly all our ships are painted man of war colour. We had two trial shots with our gun soon after leaving home, and had several boat drills with our life saving waistcoats on", and various news from Africa, "... I have been repairing the Kluto bungalow... . It is up in the hills just beyond Misahöle & one of the highest spots in Togoland... . There are lovely streams with waterfalls up there. The gorges are full of little palm trees and beautiful ferns", and an unusual cross dressing dinner party, "... while talking before dinner I happened to say 'how funny everyone would look if the men changed clothes with the ladies'... . Mr Croom dressed up in Mrs. Croom's dress & she wore Mr. Croom's dress clothes... I had to borrow a dress from Mrs. Croom also as Mummies would not fit me. My clothes fitted her all right though. Mr. & Mrs. Rattray looked very well & she looked like a boy!", folds; and a small quantity of family photographs, v.s., v.d. (qty). ⁂ First mentioned: "The Massai are a distinct race by themselves & do not belong to the Bantu or negro family! They are very superstitious & have great faith in medicine. About 3 years ago their chief or medicine man, called Mbatian, died, leaving two sons, the Elder Lanana, & the other son called Sendeyo. These two sons quarrelled as to who should succeed their father as chief of the tribe. Some of the Massai took the elder brothers part & some the younger. Consequently the tribe was split up into two parties which has considerably weakened them... ." - Church.