P M Fincham.

Principal.

Acknowledges receipt of letter of' March 6 and refers to alleged ill-treatment of Barolong poople; accepts with pleasure the assurances sent by the Barolong via Molema of their confidence in and love for the British Government which in highly esteemed; sends by Molema, a saddle and bridle as a token of good will. letter signed sealed. 3p.

Introduces himself as the general replacing Sir George Colley in command of the British troops; has heard with sorrow of the trouble between Montsioa and Machabi (of Polfontein) and that war has broken out; a Royal Commission (for the settlement of the affairs of the Transvaal) is sitting and will shortly proceed to Pretoria to enquire into the affairs of the Transvaal and the disputed Keate Award territory; is sending Major Ernest Buller to enquire into the cause of the fighting; Major Buller will disperse Boer commandos to prevent the Barolong being attacked. letter signed sealed (mutilated).