This was sent to me by Lesleigh Kardolus. This letter was sent to John O'Driscoll in Utah from his sister Annie in South Africa. (A note added on January 27, 2012: I also received a copy of this letter from Karen Squires, who is also a cousin and is living in Utah. See note about the letters on "History Page").
May 17th 1898
My Dear Brother
Your wel come letter to hand I cant tell you how glad I was to
receiveit 1wasstayingwithMary whenJack broughtit tome I gave
it to her to read. She told me she had written to you 1 spoke to Henry also. he says he
has never recieved a letterfrom you yet 1suppose you know he has a wife and 8
children asfor James 1 cant get a linefrom him although I have written to him. 1 have
been very ill withfever or 1 should have written before 1 never thought 1 wouldpull
through but Jack took me to Pretoria I had a good Doctor I am on my legs once more:
Theplace I am in now is known as thefever country It is very severe this year but I hope I
and trust in the goodnes of God that Jack and my /ittle one will escape getting it.
Dear brotheryou talk about com ing out As much as 1 should like to see you i will not
advise you you must knowyourself you are old and the Journey is long and to come to
a strange country to start Afresh you canpicture toyour self what It will be If on the
other hand you could Jetyour farm to some trusty person come outfor 6 months or
more seefor yourself how things are if the climate will
suite you andfamly I say come Jack will write to you he will tell you how things are
here what wages are he says if he had the money he would go to America himself I had
all my workto stop himwritingto his Fatherfor moneytogo whenwegot your letter
they are very rich but Jack is a stepson Mother tells him im every letter that there is
better days in storefor him but he must have patience the old man has helPed us a lot
he is more like his own Father than a step soperhaps some day you will see me out
there I must tell you he is a scotchman a country man of your wifes if 1am not mistaken
but tell her a good one when he likes now 1 must close as I want to drop your wife a line
as well I am not very strongyet
Good by May God bless and keep you in health and strenath is the Earnest prayer of
your ever loving sister
Annie Bathgate
p s lots of kissesfrom Baby to uncle and aunt Nell and all the Children
yours Annie
