Attended the meeting and is sending him the newspaper reports; regrets that he lost the Tsala [ea Batho] after it had been built up with so much difficulty; if he had not gone to England it would not have ceased publication; this time he will not go unless he is given 1000; the Mbelle children are with him on their way to Lovedale.

Arrived home from Basutoland on October 4 to find his wife and nearly all the children ill, as well as relatives from Pniel; relates many deaths of family and friends including Elias Plaatje, the Evangelist, his brother [Ramokoto?'s son and Lucas Mashoko; there were also deaths at Thaba Nchu; at home Richard Mojanaga has a lung disease and Robert Setlogelo and his wife, the daughter of Mbelle have died a few daps after their marriage; at Bethany people were sick but did not die and at Lovedale School where his wife Ma Sainty teaches, ssven hundred were ill but only six died; Kimberley has been left desolate.

Draft telegram which Chief (John) Montsioa should send to Plaatje in Kimberley apologising for not being able to attend the ceremony but to convey to Lord Buxton the loyalty of himself and the Barolong to the Imperial and Union Governments, as well as their thanks to the Directors of Mgibisa [Ds Beers] as most of his workmen go to Kimberley [Refers to the opening of the Lyndhurst Road Native Institute Assembly Hall in 1918].

Enquires further about Chief Joshua's illness; while he was having the trouble with Boyce Skota, his mother fell ill, Teto scalded her arm and Lovedale threatened to expel Sainty [St Leger]; the Boyce Skota trouble is over as he has gone te the Cape, his mother has recovered, Teto's arm is healing and Sainty has not been expelled; the supporters of Barrett and Skota have turned away from them; would appreciate it if a representative of the Barolong could attend the ceremony and also send a donation.

Regrets that all donations could not he announced at the ceremony, but they will be announced at the next rally; the Chief should send a wire by Tuesday so that it can be announced with Mr Minchin's donation; in Mr Boyes' speech he mentioned Chiefs Montsioa and Kgama and they should therefore wire money; refers to trouble caused by Boyce Skota who, supported by Mr [E] Barrett of the Department of Native Affairs, proposed that the money collected should be given to the latter; they want to turn the Black people away from him and not support his activities; the situation became dangerous but Rosane, Makapela and Mr Mbelle and Christian ministers supported him as well as the Governor [-General, Lord Buxton]; his opponents were Boyce Skota, Ko-Kozela? James Ngcezula and the Wesleyan preachers Sidlai and Diphuko; regrets Chief Joshua's illness.

Has new troubles; Teto scalded her arm when she fell with a pot of boiling water; Sainty [St Leger Plaatje] is in trouble at school and they have asked him to go down to Lovedale at once; cannot go as he is preparing for the receptien of Lord Buxton who is to lay the foundation stone [ of the Lyndhurst Road Native Institute Assembly Hall] on August 7; asks that Chief John send a telegram of congratulations, and donates a sum of money; Rev J S Moffat has promised to send 10 and he has received money from Makgatho and Chief Fenyang; is still waiting for other contributions but because of his troubles has not written to all that he wanted to; has heard of Chief Joshua's sickness; the Natal Congrass is sending Dr Meshach Pelem te represent them at the ceremony.

Has given a letter of introduction to the cattle buyer; while in Mafeking visited his home to find out why he had not written; wan told by Molema's wife that Mr Slaughter would not be able to come because of urgent husineas in Johannesburg; was worried about his appointment with him and the collection of the Barolong; there in drought all over; is wondering about their agreement about the type.

Is sending him the envelope which he asked him to address; was ill but is now going to Kroonstad, Orange Free State; had previously asked what he thought about him returning to Mafeking as he has been warned that hin possessions might be taken; sends greetings to his mother; his family find it funny that he was in Mafeking yet did not see anyone.

Jewish traders want to make a deal with Mr Mbelle who in away so he has referred them to him; they want to buy cattle for slaughtering and want a trustworthy man to work with them and will pay him per head of cattle; they want a large quantity and hope to persuade the Bechuanaland Protectorate chiefs to give them the monopoly; he will be interested to hear that they know Gordon and want to compete with him; he will have to bargain for a price but they are not stingy with money; the runners will be paid monthly and not per head of cattle.

Passed by Mafeking on his travels; went to his home but was not allowed to sleep there as Chief William Letsapa wanted to see him; Letsapa informed him that those who did not have two shillings could bring him corn which he would exchange for money; arrived here today; the Chief dismissed the Batlou people's case until they can bring more witnesses; heard that he missed meeting Rev Moshoela who has gone to Mafeking; the Barolong arrived on Saturday with a sum of money; is hurrying on to Kimberley on Sunday and will send him his agreement.