F.G. Cuthbert to Frederick Chesson, 21 October –

Oct 21

10, Maze Hill

St Leonard’s on Sea

To F Chesson, Esq

Sir, 

I enclose a letter to the Times which is the condensation of information I have had at different times in South Africa. My informant was Mr John Bailey, well known in the Transvaal, and I have written in her person and by his authority. Nevertheless he has interests in the Transvaal which would be compromised if it were known that he had said so much of the Boers. And for very much the same reason my name must not appear to anyone. I have also travelled in the Transvaal and can endorse Mr Bailey’s estimate of the Boer character, and can add much about their mode of life that should be enough to make even the London garrison blush. The Free State Boer is of a much better type. The Transvaal is made up principally of Dutch and others who have refused to live in any country which could enforce obedience to the laws, or make them pay taxes. Use my letter as you like, but withhold my name, and allow Mr Bailey’s only as the guarantee the editor requires. I will be glad to give you any further information in my power.

Yours truly

F.G. Cuthbert