File 5 - ALS from Fearon Fallows, Cape Town.

Has lost another child, born prematurely. Refers to Whittaker's news that Jephson is ruined. Doubts his guilt, given the character of the witnesses against him. Refers to the excellence of Lamb's Latin. Repeats Whittaker's advice back to him to avoid involvement in religious controversy and urges him to write something worthy. There is no progress with the observatory. He and his wife have made a 700 round trip into the Colony on horseback, during which he kept a journal amounting to 100 closely written pages. It is not for publication, but he hopes one day to go through it with Whittaker by the fireside. Praises the Moravian missionary establishment and the piety and learning of Mr Holbeck. Has given a full account of the mission's tendency to ameliorate the condition of the Hottentots in his journal, and compares it with La Trobe's book, which is very accurate, as is Mr Barrow's account of the habits of the Boors. Was briefly visited by his friend Harper, whose evangelism he finds foolish. Believes that ill-judged evangelism in India could lose England the jewel of its empire. Gives news of affairs in Cape Town. He has always steered clear of religious or political parties there, though was a rank Tory in England. Recounts the suppression of a new newspaper 'The South African Advertiser', and related events, including the sentencing to deportation of a Mr Edwards for a libel against the Governor. Free speech is impossible in the current political situation. A bounty is being offered to apprehend the perpetrator of an offensive placard accusing Lord Somerset and his medical attendant of an infamous crime. The Colonial Secretary, the Catholic Colonel Bird has been dismissed from office after those associated with Sir Rufane Dorkin were targeted in a factional dispute. Colonel Bird is reduced to beggary, having a wife and 10 children, plus other dependants. Fallows condemns religious intolerance, and the application of religious tests in a colony where the members of the established church form only a fraction of the community. Notes with dismay that the Mahometans appear to live in peace with one another, yet the Christians do not. Reiterates his intention to live quietly and remain distant from all parties.