and romantic, and I am glad to be able to give it to the world.
The Diary
Arrived at Matadi[1] on the 13th of June, 1890.
Mr. Gosse, chief of the station (O. K.) retaining us for some reason of his own.
Made the acquaintance of Mr. Roger Casement,[2] which I should consider as a great pleasure under any circumstances and now it becomes a positive piece of luck. Thinks, speaks well, most intelligent and very sympathetic.
Feel considerably in doubt about the future. Think just now that my life amongst the people (white) around here cannot be very comfortable. Intend avoid acquaintances as much as possible.
Through Mr. R. C. have made the acquainœ of Mr. Underwood, the Manager of the English Factory (Hatton & Cookson) in Kalla Kalla. Avge comal— hearty and kind. Lunched there on the 21st.
24th. Gosse and R. C. gone with a large lot of ivory down to Boma. On G.[’s] return intend to start up the river. Have been myself busy packing ivory in casks. Idiotic employment. Health good up to now.
Wrote to Simpson, to Gov. B., to Purd.,[3] to Hope,[4]
- ↑ On his voyage from Europe presumably.
- ↑ Afterwards the notorious Sir Roger Casement, who was hanged for treason on August 8, 1916—the very date on which Conrad died eight years later. At this period Casement was in the employ of a commercial firm in the Congo. In 1898 he became British Consul 1n the Congo Free State.
- ↑ Probably Captain Purdy, an acquaintance of Conrad
- ↑ Conrad’s old friend, now living in Essex, Mr. G. F. W. Hope. In 1900 Conrad dedicated ‘“Lord Jim” to Mr. and Mrs. Hope, “with grateful affection after many years of friendship.”
