To: Wilhelm HI Bleek (22 June 1862)

To: Wilhelm HI Bleek (22 June 1862)

Correspondence

A long letter in two parts from Jemima Lloyd to Wilhelm Bleek, begun in Antwerp on 10[?] June and continued in Bonn, 22 June-2 July 1862. She writes briefly before meeting Wilhelm's brother in Cologne, recounting a difficult journey marked by seasickness and fatigue. She wonders if he has received May's Concise History. At Wilhelm's family home in Bonn, she warmly describes "our" mother and his siblings. On 28 June, she receives his letter and another sealed one addressing intimate matters of marriage, sex and childbirth. On 29 June, she responds emotionally to this private letter - grateful for his trust but pained by its subject - assuring him she read it "as his wife". A misunderstanding follows with his mother regarding Wilhelm's health, as Jemima withholds details of his "accident". She later explains her behaviour to his mother, is forgiven, and hopes for their deeper bond in time. She muses on her future home in the Cape, insisting she needs neither comfort nor luxury. Acknowledging high costs at the Cape, she does not want him to overburden himself preparing for her and believes their united means will sustain them. As the mail deadline nears, she attempts to answer his "precious" letter. She embraces their "holier... oneness" and feels as if she is his wife. There is extended discussion of her physical fitness for marriage "realities". She shares that she consulted Dr. Russell in London on the subject and affirms the need for clarity in such conversations. 1 July, she reports on a visit from Dr. Wolff, whom she dislikes, and her decision not to tell him of Wilhelm's accident. A note from Dr. Russell arrives urging rest for her spinal irritation. She describes fluctuating health due to anxiety, travel and planning, alongside reflections on Wilhelm's siblings and relations, Bonn activities and family friends. Having received Wilhelm's photograph, she discusses their respective likenesses and how she has changed since their engagement. She explores options for returning to the Cape/Natal and responds to details of his recent letter including marriage plans.

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1. Wilhelm's "plain" and "delicate" letter to Jemima, in which he discusses the "married state" and the implications of their poor health on the "whole of the position", is dated 28 April 1862 [see C4.14] 2. See Jemima's letter of 4 January 1862 [C8.10], in which she does not want to call Wilhelm by her father's name, "William". 3. For more on "Heinrich" see JL to WB 2 and 13 April 1862 [C8.17 + 18]). 4. Wilhelm addresses Jemima as "my own dear wife" in his 28 April 1862 letter about their physical "fitness" for marriage and having children [see C4.14] 5. Regarding Wilhelm's "accident", it does not appear as if the boys meant to injure him. See WB to JL 4 May 1862 [C4.16] 6. Dr Dale was Trustee at the Library, and Wilhelm's walk to Salt River to see the Dales was a "trial of strength" that caused inflammation. See WB to JL 4 May 1862 [C4.16] 7. Professor Christian August Brandis, philologist and Professor of Philosophy at Bonn University. 8. Jemima refers to Bishop Colenso's soon-to-be published book on the five books of Moses. See WB to JL 4 May 1862 [C4.16]. 9. There are photographs of Professor Brandis, Dr Wolff, Dr Russell and family and the Sandersons. See Photographs and Portraits on this website.