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Auction: 20040 - Stamps and Covers of Southern Africa
Lot: 10

Basutoland
Covers and Cancellations
The Basutoland Rebellion, Gun War, 1880-81
1880 (July-Sept.) group of six autograph letters written by Arthur Barkly in Mafeteng to Col. Griffiths, the first beginning "I heard of Molapo's death yesterday. The natives don't seem that much alarmed & I find many of them don't anticipate war"......."I shall have to send an escort to meet the post cart I'm afraid, as there are rumours to stop it...", "...I am strenthening this place daily..."; the final letter, dated 20 September, gives a graphic account of the battle at Mafeteng three days earlier "...unfortunately Clarke, who was in the rear, stopped to assist a wounded man, Leight Magree, & in doing so got surrounded. He was seen fighting with his sword & once got almost clear, but then fell.... when we were reinforced by a few C.M.H. the whole top of the hill by Martimus Village was black with the enemy who must have had 1500 men out. Those who were moving down towards us were again turned back by Macmullen, who was in a very strong position, & whose men (only 15 till reinforced a little later by Carrington) opened so steady & telling a fire", plus a further account of the battle and the defences made for Mafeteng. A fascinating series of letters with this account of the first British losses of the war

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Estimate
£600 to £700

Starting price
£480