e
destruction of their small and humble properties, in addition
to their discomfort, has added to their misery; and yet no
complaining word has passed their lips, but they have
throughout cheerfully and willingly assisted the hospital
nurses in their duties, always having smiles and encouraging
words for the sick and wounded.

"Sitting at home in our comfortable houses, it is hard to
realize the actual sufferings of these besieged inhabitants of
Mafeking. My letter tells me that for months they have not
slept in their beds, and although no opposition to the Boer
forces in the first instance would have saved their town, their
properties, and in many cases their lives, yet they one and all
bravely and nobly 'buckled to,' and stood by that gallant
commander, Baden-Powell. Loyalty was their cry, and freedom and
justice their household gods. Have not their courage and
endurance thrilled the whole world? I feel I need not ask
forgiveness for issuing yet this one more appeal. It comes
last, but is it least? A handful of soldiers, nearly all
colonials, under a man who must now rank as a great and tried
commander, have for six months repelled the Boer attacks. Could
this small force have for one moment been a match for the
well-equipped besiegers if the inhabitants had not fought for
and with the garrison? Some worked and fought in actual
trenches; others demonstrated by patient endurance their cool
and courageous determination never to give in. Would it not be
a graceful recognition of their courage if, on that glorious
day, which we hope may not be far distant, when the relief of
Mafeking is flashed across thousands of miles to the 'heart of
the Empire,' we could cable back our congratulations on their
freedom, and inform Mafeking that a large sum of money is ready
to be placed by this country for the relief of distress amongst
the Sisters, refugees, and suffering civilians of the town?

"I feel I shall not ask in vain, but that our congratulations
to Mafeking will take most material form by generous admirers
in the United Kingdom.

"Subscriptions will be received by Messrs. Hoare and Co.,
bankers, Fleet Street, E.C.

"I remain,
"Your obedient servant,
"GEORGIANA CURZON."

The fund had reached unhoped-for proportions. In our most optimistic
moments we did n