Table Bay
30 April 1889
My dear Chris
We anchored here on the 27th after a long fine weather passage of fifty five days. All well.
I shall be anxious to know how you got on after I left – how long you stayed and if you picked up strength. I am very sorry you had to return to Croydon so soon. After the several attacks of fever you have had at different times, and not being strong, you will be more liable to have returns if you remain in that sweet spot. I would urge you to wind up the first chance you have and seek a more congenial clime. You have had enough exposure of business now to start off in any part of the world and your surroundings at Croydon are far from elevating, apart from other considerations.
If you have not written from Melbourne be sure you do so when you receive this, if only a few lines to say how you are, and if you can sell those shares in the Croydon Queens, do so, The field there has so many disadvantages I am convinced it will not be a success within the next few years.
The fields here or rather in the Transvaal are turning out large quantities of gold and thousands of men have come out last twelve months. There has been great speculation in shares both here and in London for some months. The collapse has come and all are depressed and almost unsaleable at present. But the country is progressing rapidly notwithstanding. The Transvaal is a fine country – the best in South Africa and well watered – just the place for you.
I will send you some Cape papers today by the Ruapehu if they ever find their way to you.
I hope to hear of your being strong and in perfect health again, and that the Croydon mines are having a turn of good luck.
With sincere affection, I am your ever loving Father
Jas A Elmslie