Refers to his expenses and income expected; his wife and child and himself were ill.

Has railed the machinery [for printing press] but had no money to cover costs; was successful in trying to raise money in Thaba Nchu and Kimberley; is disheartened especially as sympathetic Zulus bought them the machinery whereas the Tswana have been unable to raise money to support their own newspaper; Mr Msimang has arranged concerts in order to raise money; has heard no news from home and he dreads his return as he is penniless.

A few days ago he went with the Seleka Barolong of Thaba Nchu to see General Hertzog, a report of this visit to appear in the Tsala the forthcoming week; Hertzog is stubborn and although he sees the injustice he spares no pity for the natives; his motto is that now the English no longer dominate, the Afrikaner must be master in his land; despite their pleadings he is continuing to implement his segregation policy; on his return to Kimberley he found his printing works in a mess; the lack of capital retards the development of Tsala; deplores fact that the Tswana give no financial support whereas through their Fund they have given financial support to Mr Mashwa and Mr Moshueshue (Moshoeshoe); asks Molema to get a loan of 100 for him, to improve the machirery and provide a working capital to enable him to print a readable newspaper; in return he will send him ten bags of grain; regrets inability of Seleka and his people to communicate with and understand an interpreter.

Regrets that he has not replied about Leeds Hospital and medical training in England or America but he has been troubled by sickness and death in the family and tribe; this also affected their work in the Transvaal as they were not able to get any money from there which made things worse; Chief Tatinyane [Motshegare]'s arrest has caused great sorrow because of his position; deplores uprising of the children of Mosele from Thaba Nchu; hopos that the year will end well, as it started with sorrows.

Acknowledges receipt of a telegram from the Chief; has written to him that he is still in trouble, and that if he does not get help he does not know what is going to happen; will be satisfied with even less than the 100 he requested; as matters are so serious requests Molema to send him the Koranta [ea Becoana] book file as he wants to copy something immediately.

Copy of 36. Enclosed in 38, TB.

Reports on threats by the printer; has contacted the Chief; the situation is serious but has refrained from borrowing money; has received promises to push the sale of the book but no help to release it; has received queries about the book at meetings which he has addressed; regrets that even after correcting page proofs the scheme may miscarry in which case the natives can give up appealing to anybody with their grievances; requests them to help him.

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.

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.

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.