I read with considerable interest Jackie Macadam’s article on the reopening of the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre and the influence of women on his life and work.

Reference is made, of course, to his wife Mary, who was a magnificent support to Livingstone during his work and travels. I was particularly interested in the reference to Mary Moffat, wife of the missionary Robert Moffat and mother of Mary Livingstone.

From letters sent by Mary Moffat to her son-in-law it is clear they had a strong and mutually respectful relationship.

In 1854 , for example , in a letter she referred to him as ‘My Dear Son Livingston[e]‘, who had been absent for a long time doing missionary work and exploring. She was concerned about his welfare and said that she had called in aid the 91st and 121st Psalms. However, she realised that every such petition must be made with devout submission to His will. Later in 1862 she responded to Livingstone’s letter letting her know that her daughter had died. Concerning her daughter, she said that she had had the privilege of dying in the arms of her husband. There had clearly been comment that Mary and David could not be comfortable together, because he was often apart from his wife travelling. His mother-in -law dismissed such comment. She ended the letter with: ‘Believe me ever your affectionate mother.’ David Livingstone was, during his lifetime, clearly well-blessed not only in his wife, but also in his mother-in-law.

Ian W Thomson, Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire