Discusses difficulties that had arisen in Uganda and Toru about Portal's departure from Kampala, and gives detailed advice concerning assistance for Owen, the evacuation of the Salt Lake Fort, letting Toru go and establishing a strong post at Singo, and Portal's decision to go on to Mummia's (Mumias) and await further news from Macdonald.

Discusses the situation in Uganda and a 'serious mutiny'; describes his own movements and the illness of Rhodes, and his intention to send Villiers with all speed to Kampala, and to follow more slowly with Rhodes when he could safely be carried, while Berkeley pushed on to the coast.

Congratulates him on his handling of the situation in Uganda, and advises him as to the 'disposal of the Mohammedans'; and discusses the effect in England of Macdonald's recall of the Commission, Rhodes's illness, and their willingness to return to Kampala if needed.

Discusses the arrival of [Ernest] Gedge with 200 extra people; Mwanga's request for the return to him of Karema's child; Portal's relief at news of the safety of Owen and Grant; and plans for Macdonald's future.

Discusses Bishop Hirth's failure to bring the young princes back to Uganda as agreed, and gives advice on handling the situation without offending French public opinion.

Includes information about the proposal to take over the Italian African possessions, the financial position, the possible establishment of a trading centre at Massowa (Massawa) and of a railway to the Nile, and the potential market for European goods in Abyssinia (Ethiopia).