ENPages
page_0001
High Commissioner's Office Johannesburg.
Jan:25:1903
My dear old Nan
Many thanks to you and Mother for your letters. I also heard from Boulter, Tullibardine & Uncle Willie. I am glad you got a few Xmas presents after all. I enclose a cheque for £20. I will send you whatever more you want, but at the present moment I can't find my pass-book, & I do not want to overdraw my home account. I am quite well off and can easily spare it, so be sure & ask me for whatever more you want. I have been given some rough sapphires which I am having cut
page_0002
and set for you and Mother. I hope the old body keeps well and cheerful. It will be Spring again very soon, just as with us it will soon draw to Autumn. Joe [Chamberlain] has at last gone, and H.E. is breathing a little more freely. He and I are going off for a short holiday in Wood Bush as soon as the great man finally leaves the country.
We had a good dinner party last week - General & Lady Lyttelton, the Ecksteins & Monkbretton. Hugh and I give few but most select entertainments. Last night we had a Burns dinner in Pretoria, thirteen of us, and sang songs afterwards.
page_0003
I have spent most of today talking with H.E. on finance. Really I lead a hard life, with a big department all week, & high political questions in my few moments of leisure. When I return I will go straight to Tweedhopefoot or the Back Hill o' the Buss, & never show face for 2 months.
Aunt Kate sent me the 'Scottish Field' this week - a new publication which I like, especially for the photographs of Scots scenery. It is unprocurable here, so if you can remember I should be very glad to have it sent occasionally.
Our garden is a dream of beauty
page_0004
just now, and the fruit is delicious. We have plums & peaches which would make your mouth water. Also we have got a new cook, a Scotswoman with a Glasgow accent, who, I hope, will make a haggis.
My African book gets on pretty well in the rare intervals of my leisure. John Bouch is coming out next month to farm here, and I shall be glad to see his [?] face. How is my respected father!
With much love to all
Your affectionate brother
Jock
