FOREWORD The life-story of Sir Henry M. Stanley is not only of intense human interest but presents a noble example of the possibilities of real manhood in the face of unceasing and overwhelming obstacles. Stanley made every obstacle a stepping-stone, and thus rose from waifdom to high estate. He rendered unparalleled services to the cause of humanity and civilization by his fearless penetration of darkest Africa, opening mysterious regions for the first time to the world’s knowledge, to Christian Missions and to peaceful commerce. His work resulted in the suppression of the worst horrors of African Slavery. We may well note Stanley’s qualities of honest ambition, sense of duty, untiring industry, tenacity of purpose, dauntless courage, breadth of view and steadfast trust in God. Stanley was my greatly-valued friend, and I treasure my memories of him and of his life work. Pray accept this Autobiography with my Christmas Greeting. [Illustration: Henry ] _Christmas, 1914_ THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SIR HENRY MORTON STANLEY [Illustration: HENRY M. STANLEY, 1890] THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SIR HENRY MORTON STANLEY, G.C.B., * * * * * D.C.L., (Oxford and Durham), LL.D., (Cambridge and Edinburgh), etc.; Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Halle; Honorary Member of The Royal Geographical Society, and the Geographical Societies of The Royal Scottish, Manchester, etc.; Gold Medallist of The Royal Geographical Society of London; Gold Medallist of Paris, Italy, Sweden, and Antwerp Geographical Societies, etc.; Grand Cordon of the Medjidie; Grand Commander of the Osmanlie; Grand Cordon of the Order of the Congo; Grand Commander of the Order of Leopold; Star of Zanzibar; Star of Service on the Congo; etc., etc. * * * * * EDITED BY HIS WIFE, DOROTHY STANLEY. _WITH SIXTEEN ILLUSTRATIONS, MAP, AND ONE FACSIMILE LETTER._ FOURTH EDITION. LONDON: SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON AND CO., LTD. COPYRIGHT REGISTERED IN GREAT BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA REPRINTED FROM AMERICAN PLATES BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON EDITOR’S PREFACE In giving to the world this Autobiography of my husband’s early years, I am carrying out his wishes. Unfortunately, the Autobiography was left unfinished. I am, however, able to give very full extracts from his journals, letters, and private note-books, in which, day by day, he jotted down observations and reflections. My best introduction is the following passage from a letter he wrote to me on November 30, 1893:--