EXTRACTS FROM DR. KIRK S LETTERS. 3 



of what, in my opinion, was the route followed by Dr. 

 Livingstone, and with it a rough map showing what 

 seems to be the probable position of the leading places 

 mentioned. You are well aware how impossible it is 

 from such data as we possess to arrive at a certain 

 conclusion. I may, however, assure you that there 

 seems nothing improbable in the narrative as I re- 

 ceived it in regard to its geographical features. Still 

 I regard the sad story as true when stripped of what 

 was obviously meant to conceal, or apologise for, 

 cowardice. The recovery of the later despatches of 

 Dr. Livingstone written at Mataka is imperative, as 

 they will give a clue to the proposed course of action. 

 I think it very likely that Dr. Livingstone again wrote 

 before plunging into the Mavite country, of which none 

 knew the danger better than he. 



" From the confused and contradictorv statements 

 of the nine Johanna men, now in Zanzibar, represent- 

 ing themselves as the only survivors of Dr. Living- 

 stone's party, it is impossible to indicate with certainty 

 the route followed, the nature of the country passed, 

 or the spot where Dr. Livingstone is said to have been 

 attacked and murdered. A personal knowledge of 

 Lake Nyassa, and acquaintance with the various tribes, 

 have aided me in arranging what I trust may prove 

 in its geographical points as approximate to the 

 truth. 



"" It will be remembered that the statements upon 

 which the following is based require verification, com- 

 ing as they do from men whose cowardly behaviour 

 gives an obvious motive for concealing the truth. 



"After due allowance has been made I regret be- 



B 2 



