Great Place,
Pondoland
8th February 1884

F.W. Chesson Esq
Secretary
Aborigines Protection Society

Greeting

Herewith I enclose for the information of the Aborigines Protection Society, copies of two letters received by me from the Cape government, from the contends of the letter dated 10 December 1883 and signed by the chief magistrate of East Griqualand. You will perceive that it has been definitely settled that the St John’s River Mouth and country occupied by the tribes are not to be returned to me. The other informs me that Her Majesty’s government will not received any deputation from me. Will you kindly assist me with your advice as to what I am to do in the face of these two letters, and I should be very thankful if your Society could bring the matter of Lord Derby’s refusal to receive my deputation – before the house of parliament – from the tenor of the letter signed by the chief magistrate of East Griqualand it would seem as if the Cape government are desirous of forcing me to resort to arms to obtain the restoration of my country – I will however be entirely guided by the advice I receive from your Society – with kind regards and sincere thanks for the interest your Society has taken in my country and people.

Believe me to be
Yours very gratefully
Umqikela
His mark
Paramount chief of all Pondoland

Witnesses to the Paramount Chief’s mark
Hamilton McNicholas
Wm Barnabas