Government Office
Bloemfontein
3 April 1884

Sir,

I am directed by the President to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th February forwarding a resolution passed by the friends of Samuel Moroka on the 26th February and to state that the president has not the power to comply with the request therein contained. Form the annexed copies of letters from His Excellency the Governor of the Cape Colony of the 22nd November and the President’s reply of the 5 December with Governor’s … you will perceive that the claim of Samuel Moroka to the Chieftainship of the Barolongs at Thaba Nchu was by deed of submission signed by Samuel and Sepinare referred to by the final award and decision of Mr J.H. Brand, who decided against Samuel’s claim and in favor of Sepinare. And on the 25th February 1884 the Volksraad ratified the treaty of friendship and alliance concluded between Sepinare Chief of the Barolongs at Thaba Nchu and our Government.

I am further instructed by the President to inform you that the pamphlet about the case of Samuel Moroka is full of erroneous statements and allegations contrary to fact.

I have the honour to be
Sir
Your obedient servant
…
Government secretary

Sir W. Lawson
Baronet MP
Grosvenor Crescent SW
London