A very solid proof has lately been afforded of the value attached to
Colonel Somerset's services by the Colonists of South Africa. The
estate of Oatlands, formerly in the possession of Colonel Somerset, was
purchased by a number of landholders, principally farmers of Lower
Albany, whose property Colonel Somerset was so instrumental in saving
during the war of 1846-7, is presented to this gallant officer as a
residence. The act is alike honourable to Colonel Somerset and to the
subscribers.
The correspondence on this interesting occasion was very brief, and I
therefore can have the pleasure of giving it entire. Two of the
Colonists, in the name of the rest, thus wrote to Colonel Somerset:
"Graham's Town, 24th July, 1850.
"Sir,--We beg to inform you that we have been appointed the Trustees of
the Oatlands property by a number of landholders, by whom it has been
purchased; and it becomes our duty to acquaint you, by desire of those
gentlemen, that, impressed with a sense of the benefits which they, in
common with the inhabitants at large, have derived from your public
services, they have purchased the Oatlands Estate, with a view of
offering the same to you as a permanent residence during such time as
you may remain in the Colony, in testimony of their respect, and of
their appreciation of your services.
"We have, therefore, the satisfaction of offering for your acceptance a
lease of the dwelling-house and the grounds immediately adjoining it,
and shall have much pleasure in communicating to the proprietors your
acceptance of their offer.
"We have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your obedient humble servants,
"Signed P.W. Lucas.
"F. Carlisle."
The Colonel's answer was as follows:
"Graham's Town, 25th July, 1850.
"Gentlemen,--I have had the honour to receive your letter of the 24th
instant, in which you inform me that you have been desired by the
gentlemen who purchased the Oatlands property, to acquaint me that,
impressed with a sense of the benefits which they, in common with the
inhabitants at large, have derived from my public services, they have
purchased the Oatlands Estate, with the view of offering it to me as a
permanent residence during such time as I may remain in the Colony. In
reply I request you will do me the favour to convey to those gentlemen
how highly I appreciate their kind intentions so handsomely expressed in
your letter; and that I accept with pleasure this handsome testimony of
their estimation of my services. I beg, gentlemen, you will receive my
sincere thanks for the kind manner in which you have done me the honour
to convey to me the sentiments and kind wishes of these gentlemen on
this occasion.
"I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
"Your obedient humble servant,
"Signed H. Somerset.
"To P.W. Lucas and F. Carlisle, Esqrs."