Baron Van Dedem to Michael Davitt, 18th May 1900. IE TCD MS 9500/5273

IE TCD MS 9500/5273: Letter from Baron Van Dedem, Grand Hotel, Pretoria, South Africa to Michael Davitt dated 18th May 1900: "I was very glad to hear of your safe arrival at Lourenço Marques, and thank you very much for securing my passage on the Gironde. I shall take with me the carabine and pictures, had already informed Gillingham and [Weinthal?]. I have not been able to get away, moreover I wished to see President Steyn who arrived the night before last. I had a short interview with him at Dr. Reitz's where he is staying, but as his wife just arrived I was obliged to take leave. Fancy, the cart and horses were never returned! I shall write to Lord Roberts on the matter. No news from the front, but unless something new turns up the end seems to be near. I have not much confidence in the big stand. Rumours are persistently afloat here that Menelik is marching with an army on Egypt, and that Lord R. pushes on with the greatest activity for that reason. is there any truth in it? Nobody can know here. I shall be glad to get away and to be even on the Gironde. As I want [?] to be able to see you and as I do not know if I can find lodgings at Lourenço, I think best to stop a couple of days at [?] I feel tired and worried. My intention is of starting to-morrow. This evening the mail comes in from Europe and I am very anxious to get news from home before I leave this place. I trust you secured 2d class? We shall probably arrive at the same time in Europe, very likely I may be there a couple of days before you, in all case let me know if your arrival in Paris at 6 Avenue [?]. It must be rather an ordeal for you, sitting waiting in Lourenço, but I trust you have found a comfortable abode at the American Consul's. I shall take leave for the present and wish you a happy voyage, the time will not seem long to you as you have your book which will absorb you. A difficult matter to write now!..."