Letters to family and friends, written mainly from Kuruman, describing his work amongst the Bechuana. Names of correspondents include C.A. Alington, J. Maclehose, E. Marjoribanks, B. Pyne, H.E. Rutherfoord and Mrs. Sewell. The later letters refer to his explorations in Eastern and Central Africa and include one written from Bombay, 23 Jun. 1864, to Sir Bartle Frere on trade between India and East Africa.
'Journals of a residence in South Africa kept by C.T. Bird while in charge of a flock of sheep, the property of Colonel the Honourable H. Hely Hutchinson and himself'.
Including: 5 manuscript documents relating to the municipality of Stellenbosch 1841-1872 re tax collections and rates; papers relating to the colonial volunteer corps, Cape Town, 1894-1896; bound file of correspondence on defence matters in the Eastern Province 1901-1902; bound Ts of minutes of evidence submitted to a government enquiry into the administration of the Frere hospital 1902; report on plague at East London 1904-1905; miscellaneous papers on the influenza epidemic at East London 1909; correspondence with A. Elliott, press clippings and a Ts appreciation of Elliott by Laidler published Cape Town 1943; Ts draft of 'Pre-Victorian products of the Cape Press 1796-1837'; 1 scrap-book 1909-1919 containing samples of 'passes'; 5 scrap-books 1920-1936 containing personal letters, documents and press clippings relating to South African antiquities and the early history of the Cape.
Extracts from his Journal, describes journey in 1841, from March 4-10, including rudeness of a young Dutchman and kindness shown to them by Mr von Zijl with whom they stayed at Uitkomst; showered with provisions when they departed; crossed Elephant's river and arrived at Ebenezer, a Rhenish Society institution; greeted in friendly way & helped across river by Rev Haahn.
Describes Rhenish station and Terlingen family - a new station, bare & uncomfortable but work going ahead for building. Leaves on 10th March, meets with Boer herder poorly clad and with little shelter, yet father a rich man. Describes barren nature of the Karoo; stayed with Mr Newhout, field cornet. Comments on poverty-stricken nature of Boer houses and their own ill-kempt appearance. Reached Zwart Doorn River. Covers period 11th-13th March 1841.
