THOMSON JOSEPH: (1858-1895) Scottish Explorer & Geologist who played an important part in the 'Scram...

THOMSON JOSEPH: (1858-1895) Scottish Explorer & Geologist who played an important part in the 'Scramble for Africa'. A rare A.L.S., Joseph Thomson, two pages, 8vo, York Gate, Regents Park, n.d. ('Monday'), to 'My dear Clodd'. Thomason forwards his correspondent six complimentary tickets (no longer present) 'on the understood condition of course that you will & faithfully act as an effective claque', continuing to explain 'If necessary I shall send you a copy of my paper marked for applause in case you are not quite sure when it should come in, which would be a pity. We know some one who would know exactly the times to applaud - namely after each paragraph and the majority of sentences. She ought to be with you to lead and give the right key note. But you yourself are not wanting in discrimination. Still you know if you are doubtful a claque copy will be at your disposal'. A letter of remarkable content and rare as a result of Thomson's untimely death at the age of 37. An ink annotation in an unidentified hand appears at the base of the second page. VG £200-300 In 1883 Thomson embarked on an expedition for the Royal Geographical Society to explore a route from the eastern coast of Africa to the northern shores of Lake Victoria. He gave an account of his experiences at a meeting of the Society in November 1884 and was awarded their Founder's Gold Medal the following year.