Rev. E. Edwards, Griqualand, to Secretaries of Wesleyan Mission, London
A long defence of his conduct in leaving Rev. Broadbent alone at Maquassi to go and work among the Corannas, for which conduct he has been censured. Denies that his leaving caused Maquassi to be attacked by Mantakes and mission property destroyed. Also says that geographical position of Maquassi will always make it unsafe.
Rev. E. Edwards, Griqualand, to Secretaries of Wesleyan Mission, London
Gives more details of how Maquassi was abandoned in face of invading tribes, how he informed the Govt. Resident at Griquatown, Mr. Melville, and was persuaded to accompany him on Commando against the invaders. Explains how Chief Sibbonnel was unjustly found guilty by Griqua chiefs and fined 600 cattle. Agrees with Rev. Moffat of L. M. S. that tribal warfare is making missionary work impossible in Botchuanaland. Wishes to return to England.
Rev. E. Edwards, Moos, to Secretaries of Wesleyan Mission, London
Gives an account of his stay among the Botchuanes; he is building a house before winter arrives, much troubled by lions. No desire for gospel among the natives but at least not antagonistic to missionaries.
Rev. G. Sass, Campbell, to Wesleyan Mission, London
Comments on money demanded of Revs. Broadbent and Hodgson by the natives for helping them to ferry their wagons across the river; feels sorry that these men could not recruit guides; the people do not seem to want preachers and the school is very poorly attended. Reports that Gert Engelbrecht has been forced to retreat to Griqua Town because of drought and danger from the Corannas. In Sass's opinion the Corannas are "so stiff-necked and hardened that they make a mockery of almost everything that is good.".
Rev. R. Moffat, Griqua Town, to Rev. Dr. J. Philip
Conveys gist of Mr. Hamilton's report; tells of tribal warfare and destruction done at Kuruman Mission Station; very scathing remarks made about Archbell and Hodgson and on. Methodism in general.
Rev. R. Moffat, Lattakoo, to Rev. Richard Myles
Gives account of activities of marauding parties from the Orange River, in particular one consisting of Griquas, Bastards, Corannas and Bushmen; difficult to convince the Bechuanas that this marauding party was not aided by the authorities at the Cape; for example where had the Corannas procured their guns? Result of these raids will be much famine; feels that Andreas Waterboer would have put a stop to raids but embarrassed by home difficulties.
Describes how during Rev. Hodgson's absence in Griqua Town for Stores a large invading force threatens mission station and Hodgson is forced to return to save Rev. Broadbent and his family but fortunately the enemy passes by.
Rev. S. Broadbent, Griqua Town, to Wesleyan Mission, London
Relates how marauding force from East was defeated by the Griquas. Hodgson was recalled to Cape Town and Brother Edwards had insisted on going to work among the Corannas near the Yellow River which left him and his family alone. A strong premonition persuaded him to go to Griqua Town and during his absence a force of natives attacked Maquasse, defeated Sibunell and ransacked the mission, destroying everything. Other mission stations have also been attacked. Fears that his health is so bad he can no longer go on as a missionary.
Rev. S. Broadbent, Maquasse, to Brother in England
Discusses family affairs; then comments on native situation. Situation is now more settled because 6 months ago an army of about 30, 000 were defeated by a force of Grikwas, accompanied by missionaries and the Government Resident at Grikwa. Gives account of the lucky escape they had at Maquassa because invading force passed by.
Rev. S. Broadbent, Maquassi, to Secretaries of Wesleyan Mission, London
Covers period 2n February - 22 March 1824. Tells of his blindness due to opthalmia, despite which he is progressing with his study of the Sechuana language and is having a primer in Sechuana printed in Cape Town.