HANDWRITTEN LETTER BY CHRISTOPHER BIRD (SON OF JOHN BIRD) TO ROMER ROBINSON , MANAGER OF THE NATAL MERCURY

A handwritten letter by Christopher John Bird (1855-1922), Principal Under Secretary of Natal, Assistant Colonial Secretary, and Chairman of the Civil Service Board. His father, John Bird, compiled the "Annals of Natal", a most valuable contribution to the early history of Natal.

The letter is addressed to John Benjamin Romer Robinson (1869-1949), who was an attorney, amateur scientist, and manager of the Natal Mercury newspaper. He was the eldest son of Sir John Robinson (1839-1903), the first prime minister of the Colony of Natal and joint founder, together with his father George Robinson (1807-1860), of The Natal Mercury.

"Glenora, Town Hall, Pietermaritzburg, Jan. 7th, 1919

Dear Mr Robinson,

Here is a relic of the past which I think you would like to have. When the old Colonial Office was pulled down, a lot of old Treasury receipts, filed away in the lofts, were thrown out and scattered to the winds. I picked up the enclosed which I kept, having now had it in my possession for upwards of twenty years. Your father's signature is witnessed by your grandfather. I hope that you have good news of Lady Robinson.

Kind regards,

Yours sincerely

C. Bird."

Lady Robinson, Sara Agnes Blaine (1847-1934), was the addressee's mother.