Boer War: ORIGINAL Mafikeng Mail Siege Slip #117

The Mafikeng Siege

THIS was the longest siege of any, and the story, which shows the pluck and resource of the garrison and inhabitants, is full of deeply interesting incidents.

Mafeking is a smart little town on the Bechuanaland railway, about eight miles from the Transvaal border, and 237 miles north of Kimberley. It has hotels, churches, and a race-course, and is 4,194 feet above the sea level. At the outbreak of the war it had no fortification. 

Among the pastimes was the publication daily of " The Mafeking Mail"—a special siege slip; the terms for it were 1/- per week, "payable in advance." It contained " General Orders by Col. R. S. S. Baden-Powell, Commanding Frontier Force," and in one number we see the garrison was allowed the use of paper money for lack of coin.

Very rare find.

Postage charged at R55 with SAPO or R135 with a courier.