Question
In vain I remonstrated Sir Harry Smith had sent Warden to govern in the Sovereignty. He listened to the Boers, and he
proposed that all the land in which those Boers' farms were should be taken from me. I was at that time in trouble, for
Stkonyela and the Korannas were tormenting me and my people by stealing and killing; they said openly the Major gave
them orders to do so, and I have proof he did so. One day he sent me a map and said, sign that, and I will tell those people
(Mantans and Korannas) to leave offfighting: Wyou do not sign the map, I cannot help you in any way. I thought the Major
was doing very improperly and unjustly. I was told to appeal to the Queen to put an end to this injustice. I did not wish to
grieve Her Majesty by causing a war with her people. I was told if did not sign the map, it would be the beginning of a great
war I signed, but soon after I sent my cry to the Queen. I begged Her to investigate my case and remove "the line," as it was
called, by which my land was ruined. thought justice would soon be done, and Warden put to rights.
(tried my utmost to satisfy them and avert war. I punished thieves, and sent my son Nehemiah and others to watch the part of
he country near the Boers, and thus check stealing. In this he was successful, thieving did cease. We were at peace for a
me. In the commencement of the present year my people living near farmers received orders to remove from their places.
his again caused the fire to burn, still we tried to keep all quiet, but the Boers went further and further day by day in
oubling
om: G. M. Theal, ed., Records of Southeastern Africa (Capetown: Government of Capetown, 1898-1903).
anned by Jerome S. Arkenberg, Cal. State Fullerton. The text has been modemized by Prof. Arkenberg.
restions to Consider:
19. Who is the author? Why is he writing this letter? What is the purpose?
20. The letter includes the names of several individuals and groups. Who are these individuals and
groups? How do they impact the meaning of the letter? (if you are unsure, you may need to do a
bit of research on this
11. Do you think this letter was successful in fulfilling its purpose? Why or why not? Use evidence
(quotes) from the letter to support your claim.
Answer
The author of the letter is an unnamed African leader who is writing to the Queen to appeal for justice and to remove the line that is ruining his land. The individuals and groups mentioned in the letter are Sir Harry Smith, Warden, Boers, Stkonyela, Korannas, Mantans, and Nehemiah. These individuals and groups impact the meaning of the letter by demonstrating the injustice and oppression the African leader is facing. It is unclear if the letter was successful in fulfilling its purpose, as the outcome is unknown.