To avoid overburdening an already lengthy list, readers are referred to the card-index for the many references to individuals involved in planning and executing the occupation of Mashonaland (Zimbabwe) contained in the letters from, for instance, Johnson, Jameson, Pennefather, and, in particular, Rutherfoord Harris.

Topics include: Netherlands Railway Company loan for an extension to the Natal (KwaZulu-Natal) border the forthcoming inquiry into the Jameson Raid a publication sympathetic to the latter support for Rhodes from Natal (KwaZulu-Natal), and preparations for his reception at the Cape Transvaal (Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West)...

With related enclosures, including notes by Rhodes of shares in the Selous [Exploration] Syndicate, and a reference to Eckstein's experimental grain plantings.

Assuring him of his continued support while opposing the suggestion that De Beers, 'purely a diamond mining company', should subsidise Charter (the British South Africa Company)'s Northern ambitions; and suggesting that perhaps the time had come for the Cape to take over the diamond mines.

He urges Rhodes to return and restore public confidence after adverse reports on Mashonaland (Zimbabwe), and comments on Cawston's role in the Portuguese negotiations and on his own progress with the railway contract.

Including: Charter (the British South Africa Company) finances, fees for Hawksley and the Directors, and Farquhar's attitude the stock market, improved prospects for gold and share dealings (with a reference to United Concessions) mining development, related transport difficulties, and the Mafeking (Mahikeng) railway Foreign Office reactions to Cawston's...

About: mining machinery the stagnant market the importance of the East coast route talks with the Colonial Office about a hut tax North Zambesia (Zambia) and routing the telegraph through Portuguese territory.