Francois Daumas to Frederick Chesson, January 1870

Waterloo near Liverpool

1 Adelaide Terrace 1870

My dear Mr Chesson,

It is only this morning that I have received from Mr Casalis a translation from Moshesh’s letter. I am sorry he did not send it sooner, but he tells me he has been so much engaged that he could not forward it sooner. As the letter was not addressed to me but to [Tlekelo?], who had Mr Casalis near him I thought that it would be better to forward it to Paris, being myself a too interested party. It is an excellent translation and ought to be known not only at the colonial office but amongst those who have so generously interested themselves to the Basuto question. Mr Casalis writes to me: 

“Moshesh’s letter is beautiful, and if it was not to late it might be of great use. The brave Moshesh acts as a true king and there is greatness in his policy, it is only a pity that he is not backed by a body of [guards?] and artillery men.”

It appears that [Tlekelo?] has been pleased to receive such a letter and has good courage. See what you can do, do you not think it would be well to have it printed, to be distributed and after reproduced in the intelligencer. I am sure Dr Duff would be glad to have a copy of that letter, because during his visit at Thaba-Bosigo he was delighted with the old chief who opened his heart to him. Mr Buchanan has sent me a printed copy of Dr Duff’s letter to be kept for him. I have admired it very much I am happy to see that a man of such celebrity has the same opinion than us on the Boers. I would be glad to have two or three copies within to send one to Paris if you have not already sent one, and also two or three copies of my letter if you have had it printed. I have sent you Mr McFie signature I hope you have received it. I hear from Mr Buchanan you have not received the signature from Mr Morley. I regret it very much. I cannot conceive what can be the cause of this. I hope you have received the three newspapers I sent you a few days ago, and that Mr B has forwarded the Natal Witness to Paris as I wish very much Mr Casalis and [Tlekelo?] the affidavit published by Mr [Pinsent?]. Though we have our doubts about the convention been ratified, we must do all what we can for the cause of justice. I am afraid Lord Granville is not favorable to us notwithstanding all what has been written to him. I have read again in the intelligencer Mr Casalis’s letter, I find it unanswerable. I trust that your time will allow you to write a paper on the Basuto question if not a pamphlet as you were saying one day for the coming parliament. You are now so well acquainted with this question, that I think you could make a great good not only to the Basutos but to all the natives in general of South Africa. Really they need the help of philanthropic hearts to take their parts otherwise there will be little help found in those who are at the head of affairs.

Believe me my dear Mr Chesson to be

Yours very truly

F Daumas

P.S.

Will you be so kind to allow Mr Buchanan to take a copy of Moshesh’s letter. Mr Casalis asked me to send him a copy and one to you but I could not have two copies made.

When I go to London I will let you know.