204 EVERYDAY LIFE ON A 



sent him back to take his share in his father's 

 hut with eight brothers and sisters ; however, 

 his father thought otherwise, and I copy his 

 letter on the subject, as being a very good 

 example of the way in which natives express 

 themselves. It begins : — 



" Most respected Lady, 



" I most humbly beg leave to inform your lady- 

 ' ship that I am very grateful to your ladyship for the 

 1 kindness shown towards my humble self and my poor 

 4 son, your ladyship's humble and dutiful servant. It is 

 1 with deep regret that myself and my poor family feel 

 4 very much the absence of my sick child, who I doubt 

 4 not will soon come to himself under your ladyship's 

 tender care ; but our tender feelings and affection 

 towards this sick child who is out of our sight are 

 really made trying and almost unbearable. 1 there- 

 fore beg with due deference and submission that your 

 4 ladyship out of goodness be graciously pleased to 

 1 suffer my child to come to me, and I will send him 

 1 back if it pleases your ladyship after he has recovered, 

 1 or I would prefer if it so please your ladyship to pay 

 1 him off for the benefit of his health, which is the only 

 ' thing we have to look for to get on earning. 



" Trusting that your ladyship will be pleased to grant 

 4 my humble request and in anticipation therewith 

 4 send bearer my mother (N.B. really his wife) to 

 1 accompany or rather bring the boy with her, which 

 4 act of kindness shall with the sincerest gratitude be 

 4 ever remembered by 



" Your ladyship's 



44 most humble and dutiful sevrant, 

 44 C. A. Appoo. 



