An original manuscript letter, circa late 1899 (in the run-up to Anglo-Boer War)

An original manuscript letter, circa late 1899 (in the run-up to Anglo-Boer War)

"Many of the Boers have many curious traits but your correspondent only points out a few of those belonging to the lower class."

An original manuscript letter, signed by "An Englishman", undated but circa late 1899 (in the run-up to Anglo-Boer War), from Makapansgat S.A.R (South African Republic), addressed to the Editor of PM (Pearsons Weekly) and contra to a disparaging article headed 'Home Life of the Boers' which appeared in that paper in July 1899.

A rare document, and case study, from the first media war waged by Britain, and Milner's work in harnessing the jingoe press to generate support for the crushing of the autonomy of the Transvaal (ZAR).  Included with the letter is a reprint of the article from Pearsons Weekly.

An interesting letter, which concludes, "if you will be kind enough to inform your readers that the Boers are not so bad as they a painted and that some of them do sleep on beds and wash occasionally."

A two page, double-sided manuscript letter in ink, with a centre fold, reinforced with archival tape.


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