Went down with Baroness Burdett-Coutts to Guildhall, arriving there 12.45 P.M. I received Freedom of City of London, and am called youngest citizen. Afterwards lunched at Mansion House, a distinguished party present, and affair most satisfactory.
Telegraphed to Brussels to know if Friday convenient to King. Reply, "Yes at 9.30 a.m."
January 14th.—Crossed over Channel last night towards Brussels viâ Ostend to see King Leopold. Saw King and gave my farewell. He was very kind. Left for London in evening at 8 P.M.
Telegram arrived from Sandringham requesting visit.
January 15th.—Sir Percy Anderson requested interview.
Mr. Joseph Thomson at this late hour has been writing to Geographical Society wanting to go with Expedition.
Arranged with Ingham to collect Congo carriers. He goes out shortly.
Telegraphed Zanzibar to recall rice carriers from Mpwapwa. This will cost 2,500 rupees more.
Wrote some days ago to the donor of the Peace Mission Steamer on the Congo requesting loan of her for the relief of Emin Pasha. Received the following quaint reply:—
"Leeds, January 15th, 1887.
"Dear Mr. Stanley,
"I have much regard for you personally, although I cannot, dare not, sanction all your acts.
"I am very sorry if I cannot give assent to your request; but I fully believe you will be no sufferer by the circumstance of not having the s.s. Peace. Yesterday I was able to come to a decision.
"Mr. Baynes, of the Baptist Missionary Society, Holborn, will, he hopes, make to you any communication he judges proper. If you have any reverential regard for 'the Man of Sorrows,' the 'King of Peace' may He mercifully preserve and save your party.
"I have no doubt of the safety of Emin—till his work is done. I believe he will be brought through this trial in perfect safety. God seems to have given you a noble soul (covers for the moment, if on your sad sin and mistakes), and I should like you should 'repent and believe the Gospel'—with real sense, and live hereafter in happiness, light, and joy—for ever. Here delay in you is more dangerous than delay for Emin.
"Your faithful friend,
"(Signed) Robert Arthington."