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Transcript
Coldstream
15 Dec. 1871
Newcastle
Dearest Pater,
I received your letter of the 13th. September quite safely. I had been expecting to hear from you for a long time. I am glad you got back from your trip in good health. I suppose the house looks very nice since the alterations. It is a pitty Grace and Emelia have left you, after having them for so many years.
You will see by my address that I am not living any more at Kalbasfontein. After being there 5 months and having built a nice house, I had to leave. The man I hired the place from had no right to it. It being a disputed farm. I was advised by everybody to leave, before I got warning to quit. So I took all the thatch off the house likewise window and doorframes, etc. I am staying in my Brother-in-law's house close to Hr. Harrison, until I can get a farm. I bought 130 sheep in the winter but last a good many of them from poverty; having to drive them a long way, when I bought them, and no grass. They are doing very well indeed now. I shall be glad when I have 500. I have been doing a little timber trading while I am stopping here. I must be doing something I can not remain idle I am going to ride transport to Maritzburg soon. I want to get a larger wagon, than the one I have at the present. I can earn from £15 to £20 a Fortnight down to Maritzburg and the same up again, in the summer months. In the winter I shall work on the farm. Jacob has left me, after staying with me for nearly 5 years. When I go transport riding, I shall take Eliza with me. I could not leave her for a month alone on a farm. We are as happy as mortals can be.
I will write oftener, you know I am such a bad hand at letter writing. I think I have told you all the news for the present.
With our best love to Mutter and yourself and everybody else at home.
I remain
Your affectionate son
H.A. Lewes
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