Source Analysis Project

Primary Source Analysis Project

The letter I have researched was written by Livingstone to his son Robert M. Livingstone. It was sent from River Zambesi May 31, 1859. In this letter, there are three major themes including: slavery, religion, and fatherly advice. He made it clear in the end of the letter that his words were written specifically for Robert and his brother Thomas and no one else, leading to the conclusion the words in this letter are from his heart and very personal. He trusts his sons therefore his writing was not influenced by anything but his guilt for not being there for his sons as much as he’d like but also a passion for his work. The letter begins with Livingstone apologizing for not being an active father and not writing as much as he would like, but making sure his son knows he’s on his mind. However, he does not regret this as he wholeheartedly believes he is “doing good service to the cause of Christ on earth.” He goes on to speak of his dream of slavery being abolished and of God’s love spreading throughout Africa. As the letter goes on he writes of a lake called Shirwa he discovered and illustrates the scenery of Africa. He describes the mountains a narrow neck of land separating the Shirwa and a larger lake called Nyinyesi. He then goes on to explain
Towards the end of the letter it becomes evident just how much he misses his family and wishes to be with them. He explains that he hasn’t heard from his wife in a long time and that there had been no news from England in twelve months. He says this quickly and concisely though, as if he doesn’t want to dwell on it. To make up for lost time in a sense he starts giving his son advice on how to be successful. He tells him to work hard at whatever he does, smile pleasantly and easily, and to seldom show displeasure. He signs the note with “Ever yours affectionately, David