MR. GORSTasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether a joint letter of condolence on the recent disasters to the British Arms in the Transvaal containing advice as to the further prosecution of the War, has been addressed to Her Majesty by Cetewayo, late King of Zululand, and Langalibalele, now in captivity at Robbins island; and, whether the interests of the public service would allow of this letter being laid upon the Table of the House?
MR. GRANT DUFFThe letter from Cetewayo, who, like Langalibalele, is not in Robben Island at all, but in much pleasanter quarters on the main land, will certainly be given to Parliament, and soon.
MR. GORSTDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean to say that there is such a letter, and that it will be laid on the Table of the House?
MR. GRANT DUFFMost unquestionably there is such a letter from Cetewayo; and I may say it is a very remarkable letter. He speaks of the deaths of soldiers as a soldier should—he speaks of them gravely and seriously. It would be of some advantage, I think, if the hon. and learned Member were to take a lesson from its tone.