BAKER (Florence, Explorer, wife of Sir Samuel White, 1821-1893, Explorer & Sportsman, bought in an Ottoman Slave Market)

Autograph Letter Signed to Mrs Plumptree saying that they will “be delighted to see any friends whom you may have staying with you, & hope you will bring your niece. We were so disappointed not to have the pleasure of seeing you last night...”, 1 side 8vo., no place, no date

Florence was born in Transylvania (then part of the Lands of the Hungarian Crown), she became an orphan when her parents and brother were murdered by the Romanian marauders led by Ioan Axente Sever. She fled with the remnants of the Hungarian army to the Ottoman Empire, settling in Vidin. There, she was sold as a slave in 1859. Years later, Samuel Baker encountered her during a visit to the Vidin white slave auction. Florence, a white slave girl destined for the Ottoman Pasha of Vidin, caught Baker’s eye. Although outbid by the Pasha, Baker bribed her guards, and the two escaped together. Florence became Baker’s companion and later his wife.

Item Date:  0

Stock No:  43611      £225

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