The 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 not 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: