An autograph letter from explorer Henry M. Stanley + another dated 1891

STANLEY, Henry Morton (1841-1904); LYALL, Sir Alfred (1835-1911). Two autograph letters signed concerning arrangements for Stanley's visit to Canterbury, Kent. London, 21-22 June 1891.
 
Two autograph letters signed. Comprising: (1) Henry M. Stanley ALS to Sir Alfred Lyall, 2 Richard Terrace, 22 June 1891, one leaf folded, written on two sides; (2) Sir Alfred Lyall ALS to "Sibylla", 18 Queen's Gate, South-West, 21 June [1891], one leaf folded, written on three sides. Stanley letter approximately 180 x 115 mm when folded; Lyall letter approximately 90 x 110 mm. The Stanley letter with some loss and staining to the lower left corner, not affecting the text; the Lyall letter foxed; both otherwise good.
 
A pair of letters documenting arrangements surrounding a visit by the explorer and journalist Henry Morton Stanley shortly after his return from Africa and at the height of his public fame. Writing to Sir Alfred Lyall, Stanley thanks him but explains that he would prefer hotel accommodation during a forthcoming business visit to Canterbury in Kent, remarking that "a hotel leaves me greater freedom to perform it." He further observes that although a host may have duties to a guest, "the latter must perform his duties to the former", and fears he would make only a poor impression owing to the demands upon his time.
 
The accompanying letter, written the previous day by Sir Alfred Lyall, explains that Stanley is returning from a lecture engagement and arrives with little time available before leaving again. Stanley had a crowded public schedule during this period following the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, when lecture tours, public appearances, and social obligations competed for his attention.
 
A rare pair of letters from two notable figures of late Victorian imperial Britain: Stanley, the celebrated African explorer, and Lyall, the distinguished civil servant, diplomat, historian and man of letters.