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Silas Thelensho Molema and Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje Papers Text With digital objects
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Plaatje, S T, London. To Bra [Silas Molema Mafeking]

Has not heard any news from home; is happy about the release of Dr Modiri Molema's book and was surprised at his writing ability; it is a tremendous task and wonders at his knowledge and the time spent to undertake such a task; he met Modiri Molema in Glasgow in May and from there they went to Edinburgh on the day that his book was released; thinks that the Barolong will now he scorned and hated by the other tribes an they will be jealous; is busy writing two books, one is a novel, a romance based on historical facts of Barolong history, "Just like the style of Rider Haggard when he writes about the Zulus"; is now looking for a publisher and is also finishing a political work, an updated version of "Native Life"; when he was in Edinburgh a Scottish docter wanted to engage Dr Molema as his assistant but he did not accept as he wants to return home; hopes that he will find work near home and that he will not have to go to Johannesburg; he has also received an offer to go to Johannesburg but if he goes he will lose all his political rights; he [Silas Molema] could help him revive the Tsala so that he would not have to write in other language newspapers; he nearly died of hunger but the thaba Nchu people came to his rescue.

Plpatje, S T, London. To [Dr S Modiri Molema, Glasgow]

Congratulates him on the excellence of his book [The Bantu, past and present] and discusses the difficulties in getting people to buy it; regrets that Joshua Molema did not live to see it; unfortunately F Z S Peregrino the journalist who would have ably reviewed his book in the South African press has also passed away; comments on the humour in the book; has asked his friends to try and get reviews published; comments on arrangements between his publisher and Juta, as the latter claims commission on all books sold in South Africa; asks if he can obtain three copies which he will use to his advantage.

Incomplete.

Plaatje, S T, Longfield, Kent, England. To Fen [Chief Fenyang, Thaba Nchu]

Is enclosing the report of their case in Parliament which confirms his opinion that the English people are more amenable to reason; is unhappy about their financial position which will impede their success, has had to settle some of the old debts; is addressing meetings in Kent and hopes to get further resolutions sent to Parliament; Thema and Mvabasa are working in the London area because there is no money, but their main hope is in the country; was promised 100 by Mr Makgatho but has not received it yet; the cost of living is higher than his last visit and the delegates are losing heart because there is no money; if the delegation in disgraced they will never again manage the Boer; before he departed he spoke to Mr Malan who promised to investigate the question of the Barolong money at Mafeking but he has heard no further; asks him to find out if his wife is receiving the money from Makgatho and Pilane as promised.

Enclosed in typed letter signed, W C Fenyang to Silas Molema, 1919 September 18.

Plaatje, S T, [on board Llanstephan Castle]. To Bra [Silas Molema, Mafeking]

Describes activities prior to his departure for England; had difficulties before sailing from Cape Town on June 11, because Mr Gumede's passport was not in order; before he left home he received a telegram from Mr Molema informing him that the Government refused them money which was to assist them in their trip; he contacted Mr Malan and saw him together with Rev Mahabane and pointed out that the Barolong had collected the money in order to finance the trip and the Government had no claim to the money; all the White people on board are sick while they are well; they are busy making their plans so that on arrival they can start immediately; hopes that they will he able to send them money as without it their work is hampered.

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