Andrew Anderson to Frederick Chesson, 7 March 1885

Andrew Anderson to Frederick Chesson, 7 March 1885

Archive location: Bodleian Libraries, MSS. Brit. Emp. s. 18 / C124 – 60

Author(s): Andrew Anderson

Recipient(s): Frederick Chesson

Sent from: England

Date: 7 March 1885

I see by the Standard today Mr Rhodes has made a fool of himself and has done a great deal of harm.

 

Cranleigh Surrey

7th March 1885

 

Dear Sir

 

If you are not already in possession of the information.

 

I have heard from Pretoria that meetings are being held by the Boers with as they say of invading Lobengulu’s territory, with 1500 good shots. They will pass through Sechele’s and Khama’s country and will get them to help. They will start shortly. Of course they will require food on the road which they will obtain by helping themselves of cattle they will rob of the natives on the passage up. This of course will lead to disputes and war with the Bechuanas. The Boers know how to go to work in this way, and as they cannot establish themselves in Montsioa’s territory, it will be strange to me if they do not fix upon the land to the north and fresh complications ensure. As the main and only road to the interior would be closed. This large commando cannot carry food with them, and they will not spend money even if they had it to purchase. This will be a war of extermination all brought about by the retrocession of the Transvaal.

 

That lieing rascal Paul Kruger told General Warren on the 26 Jany at 14 Steams that that murdering Nicholas [Key?] was not a Transvaal Burgher. I have known him since 1871 he has been living on his farms in that state ever since. I have bought butter eggs etc. many times from him and once bought six oxen of him, at his farm in the Transvaal.

 

It is a pitty I did not see General Warren before he left England I could have furnished him with information Mr Mackenzie or Mr Rhodes could not.

 

It is a pitty men like Mr Rhodes who knows nothing of native affairs should be employed on matters of such importance. I know him a few years ago. A boy I may say employed at diamond digging. A Londoner would have been equally as efficient.

 

Yours sincerely

Andrew A Anderson

 

This is how complications come about. Rather an expensive policy in life and money.

 

 

F.W. Chesson Esq