Edward Orger to Frederick Chesson, 2 January 1884

Edward Orger to Frederick Chesson, 2 January 1884

Archive location: Bodleian Libraries, MSS. Brit. Emp. s. 18 / C144 – 54

Author(s): Edward Orger

Recipient(s): Frederick Chesson

Sent from: England

Date: 2 January 1884

[Hongham?] Vicarage

Dover

 

January 2 1884

 

My dear Warden,

 

Samuel Moroka the son of the chief of the Baralongs came to St Augustine’s with Jeremiah the son of the great Basuto chief Moshesh, whom he always treated with respect as the son of his father’s ‘overlord’. They were accompanied also by two kafirs (they were not themselves strictly speaking kafirs), who were fine men but not so high in rank, being sons of councillors and not chiefs. The four had been at the Bishop of Cape Town’s College at Zonnebloem near Cape Town. The two kafirs it is thought would be clergymen. ‘Arthur’ was ordained and I … I believe, conducted himself well. Edward died. Jeremiah and Samuel were not educated with a view to being clergymen, but [for future usefulness?] among their people.

 

We were told that Samuel would succeed his father. And I believe that he would have done so, as he was his father’s favourite, and also popular. But his marriage was unfruitful. And he was urged by many to take another wife, that he might have a son, as they were not likely to be content with a sonless chief. This however he refused to do, as he is a Christian. So far as I know, he has been in a most trying position, as his worldly interests were opposed to the dictates of his Christian conscience.

 

All this I am giving from memory on the knowledge of what I can recollect of the letters of George [Millhall?] He was Samuel’s great friend in College, and went as missionary to his country where he was for many years. But he left some time ago, and is somewhere in the Diocese of Bloemfontein. He is a correspondent of Mr [Castleden?], and has made an admirable missionary. A letter of his containing the account of the disappointment of Samuel’s hopes about the chieftaincy is printed in the occassional papers, but I cannot lay hand on them at present to point out which.

 

Samuel was always well conducted in College. Any not merely that, he had the manners and feelings of a gentleman.

 

If he came to Canterbury I should like to see him here. I have written a short note to him, which you can read; and then close up and forward if you please.

 

I am yours sincerely

E.R. Orger