ot expect to collect more than two or three thousand
pounds, but subscriptions had poured in from the very commencement, and
the grand amount of L29,267 was finally the total contributed. This sum
was ably administered by Colonel Vyvyan of the Buffs, who had been
Base-Commandant of Mafeking during the siege. He was assisted by a
committee, and the principal items allocated by these gentlemen were as
follows:

L
Widows and orphans 6,536
Refugees 4,630
Town relief 3,741
Seaside fund 2,900
Churches, convent, schools, etc. 2,900
Wounded men 2,245
Small tradesmen 1,765
Hospital staff, nuns, etc. 1,115
Colonel Plumer's Rhodesian column, etc. 1,000

Lady Georgiana Curzon's eloquent appeal proved to be the salvation of
many a family in Mafeking.

The popularity of the fund was enormously helped by the interest of the
then Prince and Princess of Wales, now our King and Queen, in the town
and in the assistance of the same. This interest was evinced by the
following letters, given to me later by my sister:

"TREASURER'S HOUSE,
"YORK
"_June 20, 1900._

MY DEAR LADY GEORGIE.

"The Princess and I thank you very much for sending your
sister's letters for us to read. They are most interesting, and
admirably written. She has certainly gone through experiences
which ought to last her a lifetime! If the papers are correct
in stating that you start on Saturday for Madeira to meet her,
let me wish you _bon voyage_.

"Ever yours very sincerely,
"(Signed) ALBERT EDWARD."

The Princess of Wales had already written as follows:

"MY DEAR GEORGIE,

"I saw in yesterday's _Times_ your touching appeal for poor,
unfortunate, forsaken Mafeking, in which I have taken the
liveliest interest during all these months of patient and brave
endurance. I have therefore great pleasure in enclosing L100
for the benefit of the poor nuns and other inhabitants. I hope
very soon, however, they will be relieved, and I trust poor
sister Sarah will be none the worse for all she has gone
through during her forced captivity. Many thanks for sending me
that beautifully drawn-up repor