Utrecht Transvaal Republic
18 June 1869

Private and confidential

F.W. Chesson Esq
Secretary Aborigines Protection Society
65 Fleet Street London

My dear Sir,

I have seen the discussion in HC respecting the Transvaal slavery question and altho I have not the pleasure of knowing Mr Fowler, pray me send my great satisfaction with what he has done and my sincere congratulations.

I must however add I am amused and astonished at the audacity of Mr Monsell’s reply that Mr Philip Wodehouse had called attention to the matter … in consequence of his wilful neglet and that of [Mr Cardwell?] I was obliged to get you to move in the matter which resulted in an appeal to the House of Commons, and as to his exhortations of the native [administration?] of Natal he might as well ask President Pretorius and the Boers to read the pastoral letter of the pan Anglican synod as these people don’t care about either subject.

The present serves to [inbodice?] my much esteemed friend Rev F [Luftkechet?] minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in this town who is prepared to give you details on the express condition that his name is not betrayed or published in any way and as he is the author of the ‘Voice from the Transvaal’ in the Natal Mercury, every reliance can be placed on his statements.

I notice by President Pretorius’ speech that he complains some evil [despised persons?] are injuring the republic in Europe about slavery. But he [profess?] to revise the law against the system so we at last … him in the … and by all means [embelish?] their defence in England.

What … about the land boundary between the Portuguese and English settlements in Africa. If the former … England’s money why does the latter not buy all the ports and thus save further trouble and … the extension of civilization.

You asked me to send you papers with review of your pamphlets. I said I would with less difficulty get the [Pakiu?] Gazette. Were I in England I would employ a clerk to read the … of colonial papers in London. I can do no more than I have done.

You and your Society have no idea of the prevalence of local feeling and prejudice against reforming the bad treatment of the natives on the spot and the … should [comply?] with the request of the friends to suppress their names. Beside the … matter is to create a party on the spot so if may not be paid. The pressure comes from the families …

King regards to friend Buchanan … may he who rules the … of all aid you in the great and important work in which you are engaged.

…

Wm Martin

It is uncertain when I shall return to natal. Mr Cachel will send some official documents worthy of publication.

…