1842 ROBERT MOFFAT. Superb Autograph by Moffat, Quoting Bechuana King on the Evils of War, Oppression, and Slavery.

A very fine single sheet autograph document entirely in the hand of pioneer African Missionary and anti-slavery worker among the Bechuana, Robert Moffat [1795-1883]. He was also father in law to David Livingstone.

The present sheet is fascinating. He titles it, Part of a speech of an unconverted Bechuana Chief. It seems likely Moffat intended the "unconverted" descriptor and his observations on war to act as a reproof toward English military colonialism, often supported by British Christians. 

Moffat saw its effects among the Bechuana; the intermingling of war, oppression, and slavery; and he was opposed to it all because of the way it effected the people he felt called by Christ to love. 

He then quotes the chief in Bechuana and translates it into English.

War, what is war? It builds no towns. It plans no gardens. It rears no children. War is the world's destruction. It breaks the mother's heart. It **** the orphan's soul.