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High Commissioner's Office, Johannesburg,
Jan: 20:: 1902
My poor old harassed Mother
I got your letter on Saturday just as I was about to telegraph. I have been very much worried to think of you having so much anxiety, but it really has not been my blame. 5 letters of mine must have gone astray. You might talk to the P. Elizabeth Post office people about it. Do you really think I would give you annoyance like that intentionally,
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and you in such an 'unco' way?
I got a great budget of letters on Saturday - from Anna, Willie, Uncle John, Richard Brown, etc some of which I will send you when I have answered them. It is no easy business for me with all my other work to keep up with my correspondence. I really can't write anything for George Orr's magazine, but I wrote him a long letter, & I shall soon write one to Malcolm Campbell. I have written, of course, to Malcolm McCaskell, & I will write to
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Dan Hamilton as soon as I get my bandana. You might send on Malcolm's books by book-post
I am sorry you are troubled by mosquitos. They leave me alone now. And you mustn't be homesick, poor old body. The time will soon pass, & it will do you all good. By & by, too, I shall come down to see you, I hope.
I know Duncan very well. He is at the head of the Treasury, and a very good fellow.
Has Father's book been accepted by Blackwood. I am very glad about it. I think the dedication you
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suggest would do admirably.
I wrote you about passes in one of my missing letters. You see we have nothing to do with C. Colony, wh. is under a diff.t Governor. Up here I could have given you a pass myself. I am afraid a general pass would be impossible, but I daresay if you found any trouble about getting about I could write to the Commandant.
I am glad you are all well. Thank the Mhor & Father for their letters & try & enjoy yourself
Your affectionate son
John
