Letter Book, containing carbon copies of letters of Rhodesian interest.

Fourteen pages, quarto. In letter book by Philpott & Collins (and with their label on front pastedown) On aged paper, with some chipping to extremities, but with text clear and entire, though faded in places. In heavily worn leather half-binding. The first five leaves carry Hale-Helps' dated oval despatch stamp, as Honorary Secretary of the 1896 Volunteers. In ONE (to Viscount Gladstone, 9 March 1914, two pages) Hale-Helps requests that his 'Rhodesian Medal for the 1896' is sent to him. He gives full details of his service during the campaign, adding that he holds the 'Queen's Medal and the King's Medal 8 bars for the late War in S[outh]. A[frica].' TWO (to G. J. Bowen, Commisioner of Mines, Salisbury, 8 March 1914, one page) gives details of 'a certain block of claims pegged by myself in January 1897', asking why this has been forfeited in 1898. THREE (to 'My dear Jack', stamped 17 March 1914, two pages) makes suggestions regarding what the recipient 'can do while in London towards getting influence to bear on our claims'. These include 'look[ing] up Lord Ashburnham' and 'Capt. F. C. Selous'. FOUR (to the Mining Commissioner, Salisbury, 23 March 1914, one page) requests further information regarding the block of claims. FIVE is a two-page agreement between Hale-Helps and Jack William Savage of Bulawayo, dated 6 April 1914, sets out the terms by which Hale-Helps will act as Savage's attorney and agent in his claims against the British South Africa Company. SIX (to the Secretary of the British South Africa Company, London, 15 April 1914, two-page typescript) concerns Savage's claim, the details of which (including pioneer farm rights 'promised by Mr. Rhodes to the Pioneers in 1890', and again 'for services rendered in the Matabele Campaign' of 1893) are outlined. SEVEN (to Cawse & Malcolm, Machinery Brokers, Johannesburg, 22 April 1914, two pages). He is 'thinking of opening a Mining Office', and as there 'is a good opportunity up here of doing business in your line', suggests that he might act as their agent. 'I could do a good business provided you let me have bed rock prices, so that I can compete against the firms here.' Asks for more details. 'I am well known up here all through Rhodesia & if prices are right I am sure I can work up a good business for you.' EIGHT (to the Resident Commissioner, Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, 11 June 1914, one page). He is sending his 'form of claim for my 1896 Rhodesian Medal'. NINE (to the Resident Magistrate, Bulawayo, 31 August 1914, one page). He has been 'instructed by the Resident Commissioner, Salisbury that I am to apply to you for the Medal'. With carbon copies of Hale-Helps' signature ('C. E. Hale Helps') and those of other parties.