Joseph Orpen to Frederick Chesson, 12 February 1880

Griquatown 12 February 80

F.W. Chesson Esq

17 Lambeth Road SE London

Dear Sir,

Could you kindly it not too much trouble return addressed to C S Orpen, Smithfield O Free State, a bundle of papers I once sent you many years since being copies of original correspondence mostly unpublished, between the late chief Moshesh and Colonial Office. Some persons interested in the Basuto tribe and some of themselves want their history republished in more complete form and the originals of these papers have many of them been lost in sieges and wars. Nothing will do more to prevent mistakes than a knowledge of past history and a people whose history is unknown and forgotten must often suffer for it, as history is part of every question which arises affecting them.

You will I think remember me as having formerly corresponded with you. I am at present a member of the Legislative Assembly. I lately published a pamphlet on the Representation of the Colonies which would interest you as affecting questions regarding natives. The Secretary of the Royal Colonial Institute of which I see you are like myself a member has received copies of it from me for distribution. I should be glad you should consider it, from a ‘Protection’ light.

Believe me dear Sir

Faithfully yours

J M Orpen