Lot 323: Autograph - Henry M. Stanley

American-born author, explorer, and special correspondent for the New York Herald (1841-1904). He entered the annals of popular quotation with his famous inquiry, 'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?,' upon finding David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and fellow explorer who had become lost in the wilds of Zanzibar. ALS, one page, horizontally and vertically lightly-lined, 8.5 x 10.5, Villa Victoria, Marini, Cairo letterhead, March 29, 1890. Letter to William Masterman declining an invitation. In full: "I have to thank you for a card of invitation to a dinner at Skinner's Hall on Thursday the 1st May which has just reached me. I regret, however, to say that, owing to previous engagements, it will not be in my power to be present on the day named." In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, some scattered light toning and foxing, and a bit of light bleeding of ink to a few letters of text. Accompanied by an unsigned postcard photo.