I am today。 Perhaps you will say it is not much after all； but if you had to encounter all the uphill work that fell to my lot of which you have no conception； and when you are a little older； you will be able to appreciate matters as I do。
I have but little news to send you this time。 Two regiments are expected here in a few days I believe； so that we will have a lot of troops at hand to cope with the Amabull ＇a slang name for the Boers。 — H。 R。 H。＇ or any other obstreperous bulls who might trouble us。 Last evening I heard from Middelburg that the Boers there are very violent and the Landdrost Scoble was anticipating serious results。 All these things happening so continually worry me a good deal； and I am heartily sick of it all 。 。 。 。
Ever your affectionate friend；
M。 Osborn。
The next letter is headed Zululand； April 14； 1880。
My post runner brought me your very wele letter of 3 February yesterday。 I was very glad to get it and to hear that all was well with you。 Before proceeding to business matters I must offer you my sincere and hearty congratulations on the prospect of happiness before you。 Depend upon it you are doing the right thing。 A man is nothing in this life who has no wife to love or be loved by； and I feel certain that you have not erred in your selection and that the young lady will prove not only worthy of your affection but a great stay and support through life。
I write this from the heart of Zululand； where I hold the office of British Resident。 My duties are chiefly to supervise the action of the thirteen chiefs to whom the country has been given； their government and the way they fulfil the treaty obligations。 I am entirely on my own responsibility and have to do just as appears right to me。 And a proper r