"The last mail from South Africa brought me a letter from her,
dated March 3. In it she implores me to take active measures to
bring before the generous British public the destitute
condition of the nuns, refugees, and civilians generally, in
Mafeking. She writes with authority, having witnessed their
sufferings herself, and, indeed, having shared equally with
them the anxieties and privations of this prolonged siege. Her
letter describes the absolute ruin of all the small
tradespeople, whose homes are in many cases demolished. The
compensation they will receive for damaged goods will be
totally inadequate to cover their loss. Years must pass ere
their trade can be restored to the proportions of a livelihood.
Meanwhile starvation in the immediate future lies before them.
The unfortunate Sisters in the convent have for weeks hardly
had a roof over their heads, the Boer shells having more or
less destroyed their home. In consequence, their belongings
left intact by shot or shell have been ruined by rain. The
destruction of their small and humble properties, in addition
to their discomfort, has added to their misery; and yet no
complaining word has passed their lips, but they have
throughout cheerfully and willingly assisted the hospital
nurses in their duties, always having smiles and encouraging
words for the sick and wounded.
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