To: Frances Lloyd (a few days after 20 December 1862)

To: Frances Lloyd (a few days after 20 December 1862)

Correspondence

A letter from Wilhelm Bleek to Frances (Fanny) Lloyd, sent from Cape Town and undated (but probably written late December 1862). Wilhelm writes that Lucy sailed for Natal on Saturday evening, 20 December. She was in good health and spirits and would not let him accompany her on board due to the weather. He thanks Fanny and Julia for their letters and says he gave Julia's butterflies to Mr Trimen, who hopes for more from Natal. Jemima sends love to her sisters and the Sandersons but was not fit enough to write, though not from illness. In a postscript intended for Lucy, Wilhelm notes that Jemima has not had Mrs Harris due to her illness; she is managing with Koba, who requires much supervision. Tom will stay on until Captain Joss wants him. Wilhelm reports he is well, though not as well as he might wish. He encloses one of Fanny's last letters to Lucy.

a few days after 20 December 1862

Wilhelm Bleek (letter to Fanny Lloyd December 1862), Frances Lloyd (Fanny), "Fan" (Wilhelm Bleek's letter to December 1862), Julia Lloyd (sent butterfly specimens for Mr Trimen), Jemima Bleek ("Jemmie"), Lucy Lloyd ("Loui"), Sandersons (Mr and Mrs in Natal), letter (from Wilhelm Bleek to Fanny Lloyd December 1862), ill health (Jemima Bleek's), sisters (Jemima Bleek's in Natal), servants (in Bleek household), Joss (Captain), Tom (will work for the Bleeks until Captain Joss needs him), Koba (Jemima Bleek has to supervise), Harris (Mrs), Roland Trimen (Wilhelm Bleek gives him butterflies sent by Julia Lloyd)

1. It is not clear how the letter is structured - different parts appear to be intended for different recipients. A page also seems to be missing, as page 3 does not appear to follow on from page 2. 2. Despite the letter being addressed to Fanny, the postscript is intended for Lucy. 3. The letter is undated, but "[1863?]" is written on the top of the first page in pencil. However, the letter refers to Sat 20th Dec: a date that occurred in 1862, not 1863. Also, Wilhelm sent a letter to the Lloyd sisters on 23 January 1863, and Lucy was in Natal with them by then. 4. Jemima has written across the top of the first page: "Please, dear, read also the letter addressed to Loui!"