HG12/10/202b

Letter to Gertrude Longuet-Higgins, from sister, Mildred Sampson. Sent from Grahamstown, South Africa.

11 Nov 1914

From: 1914 To: 1914

Thanks for letter with anniversary wishes and cheque. 'I see Kitcheners new army is in the field, I wonder if John and Kenneth are with them.' Goes to church every Wednesday morning to specially pray for the sildiers and sailors. Oswald is a lieutenant in the Cape garrison artillary guarding Cape Town and Simons Town where warships are stationed. He is married to a girl we do not know, to whom he has been engaged for four years. Basil will pass his final exam soon and will then offer for the RLC [?] and recieve the rank of lieutenant. Harold, when writer last heard, was training with the Artists Corps [28th (County of London) Battalion (Artists Rifles)] on Lords crisket ground. In Africa affairs seem very small; the German trouble seems to be developing into a civil war between loyal and disloyal Dutch. German preparations for taking possession of South Africa seem complete; 'there are crowds of Germans and all seem to be spies ...' Kept up to date with telegrams and when any news comes in it is published at once and people made aware by a siren. This goes on day and night. Encloses an example of the latest news sheet [present]. All the women are making garments and learning first aid. Have given £5 to the Belgian fund, and more to the Governor General's fund. Gives example of someone being supported by tha fund. Comments about ostrich farmers being poor because of the slump in demand for ostrich feathers. Mavis is very well, getting a grasp of French and her music is improving rapidly. Is surprided that Hugh [Longuet-Higgins] is coming out to Johannesburg. Writer has not been there. Wishes it was nearer as would like to see him and have him close. Will write a letter to greet him when he arrives at Cape Town. General comments about the war 'I hope that when the time comes for settling with the Germans that the world will not be too lenient.' Pleased Kathleen [Longuet-Higgins] has found congenial work.

item

Longuet-Higgins, Gertrude Mary,
Sampson, Mildred Alice Longuet,
Sampson, Basil,
Sampson, Oswald,
Sampson, Harold,
Sampson, Mavis,
Longuet-Higgins, Henry Hugh Longuet,
Longuet-Higgins, Kathleen

family correspondence, South Africa, World War One, first aid, charity, ostriches, Johannesburg