Changes, Transitions and Turning-Points

Changes, transitions and turning-points occurred across Olive Schreiner’s life, with many of these being commented on in her letters. At a young age, Schreiner decided she would work for a living and be financially independent, a decision of far-reaching consequence, particularly given the time (the late 1860s and early 1870s) and place (upcountry South Africa). This led to her living in some remote places in South Africa, contemplating a remove to the United States, and actually moving to Britain and living there for an extended period in the 1880s, and again from 1913 to 1920.

The debilitating heart problems Schreiner and all her siblings inherited from their father Gottlob had serious effects, defeating her attempts to train as a nurse and midwife, eventually leading her to the the conclusion that ‘scribbling will be my only work’. There were other epiphanous events too - the death of her sister Ellie when only eighteen months old, her marriage to a man with a ‘stern hard’ look to him, the death of her own baby daughter very soon after birth, her experience of war and martial law, the point at which she realised her much loved brother Will was dying... But many of the changes that occurred were lower key, like insisting that her family use her baptismal name of Olive, helping a prostitute woman to give birth, receiving a letter from an admiring reader (Havelock Ellis) about The Story of an African Farm, reading books that influenced her thinking...

To: Catherine ('Katie') Findlay nee Schreiner, 11 April 1871: Findlay Family A1199/1051

My dearest Katie!, Your truly welcome letter reached me last post enclosing the likenesses of. I was so glad to receive them ...
[Lines 41-25, please call me Olive not Emily]

To: Henrietta (‘Ettie’) Schreiner m. Stakesby Lewis (1891), August 1872: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/2

My own sister!, I am sitting in my little room at Hertzog, at home at last. I arrived here yes the day before yesterday with ...
[Lines 1-36, Mr Gau to whom I am engaged]

To: Catherine ('Katie') Findlay nee Schreiner, 18 August 1872: Findlay Family A1199/1124

Hertzog, August 18th 1872, My dearest Katie!, You must not expect a long letter from me to day, as I have a bad head ache., I...
[Lines 19-23, engagement to Julius Gau]

To: Catherine ('Katie') Findlay nee Schreiner, 1 March 1874: Findlay Family A1199/1203

Hertzog, March 1st 1874, My dearest Katie., I have a very bad thumb & can hardly hold my pen but I must try & write m...
[Lines 18-21, writing to find out about a governess position]

To: Catherine ('Katie') Findlay nee Schreiner, 19 February 1875: Olive Schreiner: Katie Findlay MSC 26/2.14.2

Colesberg, Feb 19th 1875, My dearest Katie!, I must write to thank you for the money you have so kindly lent me. It was very ...
[Lines 19-26, self-sufficiency, women's independence]

To: Catherine ('Katie') Findlay nee Schreiner, 19 November 1880: Olive Schreiner: Katie Findlay MSC 26/2.14.19

Lily Kloof, Nov 19 / 80., My dear Katie, You have not yet answered my last; but there is a good opportunity of posting; I’...
[Lines 15-19, going to England to become nurse]

To: Catherine ('Katie') Findlay nee Schreiner, 5 January 1881: Olive Schreiner: Katie Findlay MSC 26/1.14.20

Lilys Kloof, Jan 5 / 81., My dear Sister, I was glad when this afternoon’s post brought me a letter from you. Leading t...
[Lines 12-23, leaving South Africa, will sail, Edinburgh]

To: Havelock Ellis, 28 March 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/1a-iii

Edinburgh Hotel , March 28 / 84 , My dear Mr. Ellis, I have just finished reading your article in the Westminster, & I ha...
[Lines 22-40, the stranger in Basutoland who gave her First Principles, his great help]

To: Havelock Ellis, 8 April 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/1a-iv

Edinburgh Hotel , April 8 / 84 , My dear Mr. Ellis , It happens that the book I have been reading the last few days has been ...
[Lines 29-37, about Spencer, he has nothing else to give me now]

To: Havelock Ellis, 2 May 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/1a-vi

Edinburgh Hotel , Ap May 2nd 1884 , My dear Mr. Ellis , Heine is not understood, & I almost doubt whether anything one co...
[Lines 22-30, scribbling will be my only work in life]

To: Havelock Ellis, 7 July 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/1a-xxxiii-a

top of page torn away One reason why I am so bad here is that I get so little food & such bad food. I am almost starved h...
[Lines 6-11, crush & kill out that side of my nature]

To: Havelock Ellis, 10 July 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/1b-i

Bole Hill , Wirksworth , Thursday. , I found your letter waiting for me when I got here., The poems are all powerful except “...
[Lines 42-52, when I began to be a freethinker]

To: Havelock Ellis, 23 July 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/1b-ix

Wednesday , I have read Leckys History of European Morals. That last chapter on women, was the first time thing that I ever h...
[Lines 3-9, read Lecky on women, effect on my whole life]

To: Havelock Ellis, 9 September 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/2a-xviii

Tuesday Evening , I have got all your letters out & sewed them into little books according to the time I got them & n...
[Lines 8-21, when I landed in England, what a sweet thing you should have come into my life]

To: Havelock Ellis, 17 October 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/2b-x

Friday Night , The parcel came safely this morning. I haven’t tried the combinations on yet, but I’m sure they’...
[Line 28, I died three years ago]

To: Havelock Ellis, 16 November 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/3a-x

Sunday Night , I feel very sad, very miserable, very dissatisfied with myself this evening, Henry. Yes, I think you are right...
[Lines 28-37, if I am to live I must leave England]

To: Havelock Ellis, 21 November 1884: HRC/CAT/OS/3a-xii

[page/s missing], when I was ill. These things are somewhat sore to me. I have supported myself ever since I was a child. It ...
[Lines 1-4, I have supported myself since I was a child]

To: Havelock Ellis, 23 March 1885: HRC/UNCAT/OS-19

Monday night , Is my sweet boy sad tonight? I have been sitting in the chair by the fire tonight thinking about him. I wish I...
[Lines 15-28, when a little girl, coming out of church, the mass of clouds around sun, prayer]

To: Havelock Ellis, 25 March 1885: HRC/UNCAT/OS-40

Wednesd , Evening. , I have been working pretty well today. My head is troublesome it doesn’t ach. It is only full of b...
[Lines 10-15, old self, new self, the last 4 years]

To: Havelock Ellis, 8 July 1885: HRC/UNCAT/OS-56

9 Blandford Sq , Wednesday , Harry, I wish I could feel passionate, really passionate, love for you. Life would be so perfect...
[Lines 9-14, I died 2 years ago]

To: Karl Pearson, 12 July 1885: Karl Pearson 840/4/1/8-10

9 Blandford Sq, Sunday., Dear Mr Pearson, Thursday or Wednesday will suit me, & the evening as well as the aftenoon. I am...
[Lines 6-13, meeting Pearson, Sharpe]

To: Karl Pearson, 10 November 1885: Karl Pearson 840/4/1/74-76

Sunday night, After I got into the cab with Miss Müller she said all the women’s papers were first rate &c. I ...
[Lines 7-12, Wilhelm Meister]

To: Karl Pearson, 19 November 1885: Karl Pearson 840/4/1/79-81

9 Blandford Sq, Thursday night, I send you my old copy of Emerson. Don’t read it of course if you’re not inclined...
[Lines 4-12, the day I read Emerson on self-reliance in the pine woods]

To: Havelock Ellis, 31 May 1886: Olive Schreiner: Havelock Ellis 2006.29/9

Havelock, I've just come back from seeing M. Harkness. Oh, the joy to get back & here again. I could have cried for joy w...
[Whole letter, 'you are changed', I am not living in the world but in my work]

To: Karl Pearson, 19 September 1886: Karl Pearson 840/4/3/65-68

The Convent, Sunday afternoon, Thank you for your letter. It came just when I wanted it. I suppose today you are leaving Made...
[Whole letter, Wollstonecraft, 'kaffir customs']

To: Havelock Ellis, 10 December 1886: HRC/UNCAT/OS-111

9 Blandford Sq , Dec 9 10 / 86 , Havelock I’m very tired in spirit. , Please tell me about that woman. I want to know v...
[Lines 16-19, getting away from England, reckless devil state]

To: Maria Sharpe m. Pearson (1890), 16 December 1886: Maria Sharpe 840/5/11

Dear Miss Sharpe, Please tell members of committee that I am leaving London. Every success to the club. I wish I had heard yo...
[Whole letter, please tell committee I am leaving London]

To: Karl Pearson, 30 January 1887: Karl Pearson 840/4/4/3-8

Hotel Roth, Clarens, Lake of Geneva, Sunday night, Jan 30th 1887, My dear Mr Pearson , I read this morning, for the first tim...
[Whole letter, ending with Pearson, you will please not write]

To: Edward Carpenter, 8 January 1888: Edward Carpenter 359/15

Sante Croci , Alassio, Sunday morning , I’ve come up here. It’s a little ruined chapel on a point sticking out in...
[Lines 42-51, helping a 'half caste' prostitute give birth]

To: Mary Drew nee Gladstone (m. 1886), 16 June 1888: Mary Gladstone (Mrs Drew) Add. 46244, ff.168-171

Roseneath , Harpenden , Herts, June 16 / 88, Dear Mrs Drew, Your letter has just been sent on to me. When I read the first pa...
[Lines 13-19, on dead baby in room laid out (Prelude FMTM)]

To: Havelock Ellis, 22 July 1888: HRC/CAT/OS/4b-v

Saturday , Yes, I can write better now than ever, my imagination has never worked so ligh easily My reason has never been so ...
[Lines 3-9, lost wish to produce for others]

To: Edward Carpenter, September 1889: Edward Carpenter 359/43

Dear Ed , The sandals are quite perfect. I have already lent one to a woman who wants to have a pair made like them. But no o...
[Lines 7-16, the death of Amy Levy, she too much shut in with the personal]

To: Henrietta (?Ettie?) Schreiner m. Stakesby Lewis (1891), September 1889: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/14

My beautiful old sister,, I have taken my passage in the Norham castle which sails on the 11th of October. Please take the ro...
[Whole letter, taken passage to the Cape]

To: Robert Franklin ('Bob') Muirhead, 25 September 1889: MacFarlane-Muirhead/1

St’ Leonards on Sea, Dear Bob, I have had to come down here for a week. I shan’t be back in town till the Wednes ...
[Lines 3-9, staying in Eastbourne till I sail]

To: Mary Drew nee Gladstone (m. 1886), 11 October 1889: Mary Gladstone (Mrs Drew) Add. 46244, ff.173-176

On Board, Norham Castle, Dartmouth , Friday 1889, My dear Mrs Drew, The doctors have ordered me home to my own beautiful clim...
[Lines 8-19, leaving Britain for South Africa]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 16 November 1889: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold1/1889/8

Ceres, Nov 16 / 89., Dear Will,, It was very good to get to know your wife & children. They are more to me that I could h...
[Lines 6-7, 20-22, meeting Fan & the children, more than I dreamed of]

To: Havelock Ellis, 5 April 1890: HRC/CAT/OS/4b-xv

Sitting in my bedroom , Matjesfontein , M April 5 / 90 , It is a wild windy night, a glorious fullmoon & big clouds outsi...
[Lines 30-31, don't feel God so near me as I did in England in all that agony and darkness]

To: Edward Carpenter, 20 July 1890: Edward Carpenter 359/50

Matjesfontein, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa , July 20 / 90, It was such a surprise & pleasure to get your letter last ...
[Lines 16-24, English life a death to me, Pearson is to marry]

To: Karl Pearson, 11 November 1890: Karl Pearson 840/4/5/10-16

Matjesfontein, Cape of Good Hope, Nov 11 / 90 , My dear Karl Pearson , With all my heart keep the letters if they are of the...
[Lines 92-140, you saved my life, turning away from interpersonal]

To: Mary Sauer nee Cloete, 28 November 1890: Olive Schreiner: Mary Sauer MSC 26/2.11.1

Matjesfontein, Friday night, My dear Mrs Sauer, I missed you very much when you went I never feel lonely except when I have h...
[Lines 39-46, not a marrying woman, find life in work]

To: Mary Sauer nee Cloete, 8 May 1892: Olive Schreiner: Mary Sauer MSC 26/2.11.53

Matjesfontein, May 8 / 9., Dear old Mary, How I wish you were here this morning so beautiful & fresh after the five terri...
[Lines 37-43, wonder if when I look back on life, but I had to do the work]

To: John T. Lloyd, 29 October 1892: Olive Schreiner: J.T. Lloyd MSC 26/2.5.1

Matjesfontein , Oct 29 / 92, Dear Mr Lloyd , Thank you very much for the lecture you sent me. Need I tell you that I valued i...
[Lines 75-88, death of Ellie, how it shaped my feeling about death + lines 41-45 on studying physical science + lines 95-101 on influence of Mill]

To: Edward Carpenter, 25 December 1892: Edward Carpenter 359/59

Xmas day, 1892, Dear Ed , I want to write to you this day. It’s so nice here. I’m staying at the old farm where I...
[Whole letter, Ganna Hoek, Story of an African Farm, naked on koppie, met young farmer, no socialists in South Africa]

To: Henrietta (‘Ettie’) Schreiner m. Stakesby Lewis (1891), 4 February 1893: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/27

Middelburg., Feb 4 / 93., Dear old Ellie,, My own darling. How I long to see you. I hope it is beautiful for you to be out he...
[Lines 20-23, dying out of 'self']

To: Edward Carpenter, 18 July 1893: Edward Carpenter 359/61

Highfield, Ben Rhydding, nr Leeds, Yorkshire , Dear Ed,, I think though you are not there I shall come to Millthorpe on Tuesd...
[Lines 17-37, In Africa a man I love, should I marry]

To: Robert Franklin ('Bob') Muirhead, August 1893: MacFarlane-Muirhead/7

New College,, Eastbourne., Friday, My dear Bob, I am going up to Ilkley on Monday. I leave by the 12.25 from St Pancras. When...
[Lines 13-15, thinking of taking important step, marriage]

To: Constance Lytton, 3 August 1893: Lytton 01229/7

Millthorpe, Holmsfield, nr Sheffield, Dear Conny, I thank you so much for your letter. I am sorry I’ve been ill, & ...
[Lines 10-15, around paths and marriage]

To: Mary Sauer nee Cloete, September 1893: Olive Schreiner: Mary Sauer MSC 26/2.11.67

Darling, Thanks so much for the ?drapers. ?There's very nice. I enclose the cheque., Thanks my darling so much for the chair....
[Lines 15-19, early relationship with Cron, letters from Cron]

To: Constance Lytton, 23 September 1893: Lytton 01229/8

New College, Eastbourne, Sep 23 / 93, Dear Con,, I shall be coming up to see Adela if possible some day after the second of O...
[Lines 17-20, marriage]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 27 October 1893: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold2/1893/5

Friday, Dear Laddie, I’m much better. It seems too good to be true that perhaps I shall see you here. If I could go on ...
[Lines 21-22, think getting married in January]

To: Havelock Ellis, 11 February 1894: HRC/UNCAT/OS-144

Middelburg , Feb 11 / 94 , Havelock my beautiful old Havelock, who has loved me so much better than anyone else ever has or w...
[Whole letter, I'm going to be married]

To: Havelock Ellis, 19 February 1894: HRC/CAT/OS/4b-vi

Middelburg , Feb 219 / 94 , My Havelock I am to be married on Saturday morning. This is Monday afternoon. Old Theo is kindly ...
[Line 4, to be married]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 20 February 1894: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold2/1894/2

Middelburg , Feb 20 / 94, My dear old Man, Thank you, I have your letter, & Fred’s cheque. I shall return the £...
[Lines 46-99, going to marry, would rather have you there than anyone, he'll take my name, nothing will ever divide you & me]

To: Betty Molteno, 20 February 1894: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold2/1894/3

Middelburg, Feb 20 / 94, Dearest Friend, Have you heard that I am to be married next Saturday morning to Mr Cronwright., Our ...
[Lines 6-13, marrying Cron, keep my name, will wear ordinary walking dress]

To: Rebecca Schreiner nee Lyndall, 27 February 1894: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/28

Krantz Plaatz, Feb. 27. 1894, My own little Mother. I’ve not had time before to tell you about our quiet little wedding...
[Whole letter, about wedding day and days afterwards]

To: Mary Sauer nee Cloete, 1 March 1894: Olive Schreiner: Mary Sauer MSC 26/2.11.69

My darling Mary,, It's beautiful to think you will so soon be here. You will hear when you arrive that I was married on the 2...
[Lines 3-6, married, we are like children]

To: Edward Carpenter, 2 March 1894: Edward Carpenter 359/71

Dear E.C., I was married last Saturday. I am turning into an old farmers wife. I got your sex pamphlet: it’s splendid. ...
[Lines 3-6, I was married last Saturday]

To: William Thomas Stead, 3 March 1894: T120 (M722): W.T. Stead Papers/41- pages 171-172

Krantz Plaats, P.O Halesowen, Cape Colony, March 3 / 94, Dear Friend, I am not quite sure (I have had so many letters to writ...
[Whole letter, my wedding]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 26 April 1894: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold2/1894/8

Krantz Plaats, PO Halesowen, April 26 / 94, My dear Laddie, Thou art ever in the thoughts of this person. It’s the one ...
[Lines 13-18, my daily life happier]

To: Mary Sauer nee Cloete, 7 December 1894: Olive Schreiner: Mary Sauer MSC 26/2.11.80

My darling Mary, Thank you for your note. Things are going allright with us: but I shall be very glad of those books of Mrs G...
[Lines 19-22, anxious the baby will be hurt when born, much rather I died than it died]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 20 April 1895: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold2/1895/1

The Homestead , April 1920 / 95, Dear Laddie, I am specially anxious that a letter should reach Seymour Fort the day he arriv...
[Notation, telegrams about the baby's death]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, May 1895: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold2/1895/2

My old Will, Thank you for your letter. It was a help to me. Thank my dear old sister Fan for being willing to come to me., C...
[Whole letter, the baby's death]

To: Bessie Findlay nee Niemeyer, 9 May 1895: Findlay Family A1199/3589

The Homestead , Kimberley, 9 May 95, My dear Bessie,, Your kind note to your Aunt, about my brother Alfred, arrived yesterday...
[Lines 15-17, death of her daughter]

To: Mary Sauer nee Cloete, 10 May 1895: Olive Schreiner: Mary Sauer MSC 26/2.11.90

The Homestead, May 10th 1895, My darling Mary , Your sweet letter came to me yesterday. My dear one, I am so worn in mind &...
[Whole letter, birth & death of her baby]

To: Betty Molteno, 24 May 1895: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold2/1895/4

The Homestead , Friday morning, Dear Heart,, Yes, Merriman has made a splendid stand. I have had several very interesting let...
[Lines 18-43, Mill's Logic as most affecting her spiritual life, her debt to Mill can never be repaid]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 30 August 1895: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold2/1895/12

The Homestead , Aug 30 / 95, It’s your birth day, my dear old Laddie. No ones heart goes out towards thee more than one...
[Lines 30-36, one day at Matjesfontein, turned her back on Rhodes, walked away]

To: Jessie Rose Innes nee Dods Pringle, 6 March 1896: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold3/1896/9

The Homestead, March 6 / 96, My dear Jessy, I see from the papers Mr Innes is off to Johannesburg. I wish he was coming here....
[Lines 21-5, some chance of us going home, plan for Continent]

To: Betty Molteno, 2 April 1896: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold3/1896/10

The Homestead , April 2nd 1896, It’s such a funny thing, that Cron & I have been talking & thinking of you so m...
[Lines 9-15, wants her baby that died, in fits and starts]

To: Jessie Rose Innes nee Dods Pringle, 11 April 1896: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold3/1896/11

Dear Jessie, Only yesterday I received a New Year’s wire that you sent me to Port Elizabeth? Thanks for it dear. , It w...
[Lines 16-17, get there the second week of December]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, December 1896: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold3/1896/33

Dear Fan, I’m not sure whether you owe me a letter or you owe me one., All is going well with us Cron arm is getting qu...
[Lines 8-10, sailing to England on 6 January by Dunvegan Castle]

To: Harry Gie, 6 January 1897: Olive Schreiner: Miscellaneous: Harry Gie MSB 834/1.3.1

Wednesday morning, Dear Harry Gie,, You will think I & my dog are the greatest bores you ever knew., But would you give t...
[Whole letter, about to get on steamer]

To: Robert Franklin ('Bob') Muirhead, 16 July 1897: MacFarlane-Muirhead/15

Morley’s Hotel, Trafalgar Square, London W.C., 16th July. 97, My dear Bob, (Olive says you are “Bob”), Your...
[Lines 10-15, plans fixed to sail]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 7 August 1897: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold4/1897/16

Eastbourne, Aug 7 / 97, Dear old Will, I was glad of your letter. You must need rest dear, the difficulty is to get it any wh...
[Line 11, sailing to South Africa by Tantallon Castle]

To: Mary Sauer nee Cloete, 7 August 1897: Olive Schreiner: Mary Sauer MSC 26/2.11.110

15 Gildridge Rd , Eastbourne , Aug 7 / 97, Dear Mary, I'm thinking of you all the time, since Jessie has told me of your cond...
[Lines 13-14, sailing to Cape on 21 August 1897]

To: Henrietta (‘Ettie’) Schreiner m. Stakesby Lewis (1891), September 1897: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/184

Do you remember that dear old fr half daft nigger who used to be here, Jolie? He was always so good & did little jobs for...
[Whole letter, the half daft man who lived on the rocks]

To: Betty Molteno, 31 March 1898: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold5/1898/6

Dear Friend, Your wire adds to my disappointment. I did, & do long so for the Kowie, & the big waves, & the sand....
[Lines 24-25, wants to see Amajuba & Doornkop]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 26 May 1898: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold5/1898/9

May 26th 1898, Dear Laddie, I wrote you a letter just after I returned from Johannesburg telling you how much I liked old Hud...
[Lines 36-38, the Raid and aftermath altered entire body of South African politics]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 22 June 1898: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold5/1898/11

Monday morning , Dear Laddie, I expect when this reaches you we shall know the worst. The only thing that gives me a ray of h...
[Lines 9-11, Doornkop; victory of vote as important in South African history]

To: Betty Molteno, October 1898: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold5/1898/31

Parrys, c/o Mrs Po, 67 Esselin St, Hospital Hill, Johannesburg , Sunday , Dear Friend, I got here this morning & am alrea...
[Lines 15-19, OS independent since she was a child]

To: Betty Molteno, 10 November 1898: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box1/Fold5/1898/41

Dounan’s House, Hospital Hill, Johannesburg, Nov 10th 1898, Dear Friend, I am sending you a note from John X (private, ...
[Lines 24-41, giving up on writing as a death, her soul under table in box of MS]

To: Jan Smuts, 23 January 1899: Smuts A1/186/75

Primrose Terrace, Berea, Johannesburg, Dear Mr Smuts, Some time ago my husband told me that Mr Rous had mentioned to him that...
[Lines 42-53, Doornkop]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 2 June 1899: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold1/Jan-June1899/27

2 Primrose Terrace, Berea Estate, Johannesburg, June 2nd 1899, Dear Laddie, Your wire was one of the most valued of the thing...
[Lines 16-21, Doornkop monument, Slachters Nek]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 6 June 1899: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold1/Jan-June1899/34

Private, Yes dear, you have hit the nail on the head. What they will try to do here is get up some kind of a "row," (I have b...
[Lines 19-22, Neta as a puppy]

To: Betty Molteno, 14 August 1899: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold2/July-Dec1899/17

Monday, Dear Friend, Thanks for your letter. If war comes I think it cannot break out for another 14 days till the troops fro...
[Lines 5-11, war coming, sending MS]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 25 August 1899: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold2/July-Dec1899/20

Dear Will, Thanks for your letter. Things look dark here but I am quite in the dark as to the real movement of the moment. Th...
[Lines 3-7, South African War looming]

To: Betty Molteno, 28 August 1899: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold2/July-Dec1899/21

Saturday , Dear Friend, We are just leaving. Thank you for your wires. I don’t think or feel any more I suppose I shall...
[Lines 8-11, war, not war, war]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 24 September 1899: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold2/July-Dec1899/32

Karee Kloof, Sunday, Sep 24th 1899, Dear Laddy, Your two notes of the 20th & 18th enclosing the cable are to hand. Always...
[Whole letter, impending war, possible outcomes]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 12 October 1899: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold2/July-Dec1899/37

Oct 12th 1899, Dear Laddie, So the blow has fallen. I had a letter from Reitz today telling me of the Ultimatum. It had to co...
[Lines 5-6, so the blow has fallen, war begins]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 1900: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box 12/Fold1/Undated/18

Sunday, Dear Laddie, I find that the Rhodesian curs of Adderly St have been diverting themselves by Premier bating! Both ther...
[Lines 68-74, Doornkop]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 13 September 1900: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold3/1900/45

Hanover, Wednesday, Dear Fan, I hear Hannah & Mrs Gie are from home visiting about the country & that Hannie has take...
[Lines 6-15, arrives in Hanover, how much I like this place]

To: Betty Molteno, 18 September 1900: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold3/1900/47

Hanover, Monday, Dear Friend, I got your note here this morning on my arrival. I hope Miss Greene is really better. Cron read...
[Lines 10-17, arrived in Hanover today]

To: Betty Molteno, 22 September 1900: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold3/1900/48

Hanover, Sep 22nd 1900, I am so sorry Miss Greene is so ill. Caledon is said to be very good for rheumatism., Cron says he is...
[Lines 10-16, house in Johannesburg destroyed, loss of MS]

To: Henrietta ('Ettie') Schreiner m. Stakesby Lewis (1891), 1901: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/40

Hanover, Sunday morning, My darling, I hardly know whether I am sorry about your accident because I believe that some such th...
[Lines 13-25, Hearts of Men & Soul of a People]

To: Henrietta ('Ettie') Schreiner m. Stakesby Lewis (1891), 1901: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/55

My own darling, I have just got your letter. Is the name of the people Smyth? Oh my darling I know what that tiredness is. Th...
[Lines 10-12, quiet mountain top at Kraantz Plaats where I shall rest at last]

To: Betty Molteno, 27 January 1901: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold4/1901/4

Hanover, Jan 27 / 01, Dear Friend, I want to know how things are going with you both. Cron says you are going to live in a li...
[Lines 42-48, bury baby after war on top of mountain at Krantz Plaats, where she and Cron will be buried]

To: Betty Molteno, 10 May 1901: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box2/Fold4/1901/34

My own dear Friend, Thank you for your letter. To-day the news came to me that my brother Fred died suddenly, while attending...
[Lines 3-10, death of Fred, large part of me dead with him]

To: Betty Molteno, 16 April 1902: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold1/1902/10

Hanover, April 16 / 06, Dear Friend, Did I tell you that Cron was starting business here as a law agent? He has got a nice li...
[Lines 13-15, talk of peace]

To: Edward Carpenter, 20 December 1902: Olive Schreiner: Edward Carpenter SMD 30/32/d

Dec 20th 1902, Dear Edward, Have you ever read a most rare & beautiful book called "the soul of a people" by Fielding Hal...
[Whole letter, Soul of a People]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 21 December 1902: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold1/1902/33

Dear Will, Have you ever read a book called "the Soul of a People" by Fielding Hall? If you have not get it & read it. It...
[Lines 3-6, Soul of a People, rain on thirsty ground]

To: Henrietta ('Ettie') Schreiner m. Stakesby Lewis (1891), 24 December 1902: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold1/1902/34

Hanover, Dec 24th 1902, My own darling, I am so glad Effie has got that house so near to you. Not only for her sweet little s...
[Lines 24-28, heart dying up last 5 or 6 years, Soul of a People like rain falling on dry parched soil]

To: Mary Brown nee Solomon, 25 December 1902: Olive Schreiner: John & Mary Brown MSC 26/2.2.11

Xmas morning, My darling Friend, How beautifully you timed your Xmas greeting. It got here to Hanover just a couple of hours ...
[Lines 17-33, Soul of a People, comfort & joy]

To: Edward Carpenter, 5 January 1903: Edward Carpenter 359/86

Hanover, Jan 5 / 03 , Dear old Ed,, A good new year to you all, especially Mat & his wife. Cron is going down to Cape Tow...
[Lines 15-29, Soul of a People]

To: Mary Sauer nee Cloete, 31 January 1903: Olive Schreiner: Mary Sauer MSC 26/2.11.129

Hanover, Jan 31st 1903, Dear Mary, Thank you so much for the book. I would like to keep it till mine comes. Can I, or are you...
[Lines 8-9, Soul of a People, never like any book as much as that]

To: Betty Molteno, 23 February 1903: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold2/1903/1

Hanover, Feb 23 / 03, My darling Friend, I have just got your letter & also have seen in the paper that Mrs Anderson has ...
[Lines 26-38, Soul of a People]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 2 March 1903: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold2/1903/2

Hanover, March 2 / 03, Dear old Man, Emma Schreiner writes me that she sent to your care asking you to send on to me a photog...
[Lines 10-16, Soul of a People, most beautiful book ever written]

To: Betty Molteno, 19 March 1903: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold2/1903/3

Hanover, March 19 / 03, Dear Friend, Don’t send any fruit please. It’s got so bitter cold here, heavy frosts at n...
[Lines 8-12, Soul of a People under her pillow]

To: Betty Molteno, 28 March 1903: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold2/1903/4

Hanover, March 28 / 03, Dear Friend, I was to grieved to see in the paper yesterday that your brother Percy’s eldest bo...
[Lines 45-56, wrote to author of Soul of a People, received an attack about war, but doesn't affect love for book]

To: Alice Greene, 31 March 1903: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold2/1903/5

Hanover, March 31 / 03, Dear Friend, Thank you so much for your letter telling me of the dear little boy’s death. You k...
[Lines 6-13, all life would have been different if she had had her baby + the 'Kaffir' woman]

To: Mary Sauer nee Cloete, 17 May 1903: Olive Schreiner: Mary Sauer MSC 26/2.11.130

Monday, May 17 / 03 , Darling Mary, Did you ever get the "Hearts of Men"? Cron is very ill, I have to feed & dress & ...
[Lines 29-34, last 9 years physical labour killed out brain]

To: Betty Molteno, 25 September 1903: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold2/1903/19

Hanover, Sep 25 / 03, My darling Friend, I’m so glad its nice at your brothers farm. The climate here is quite perfect ...
[Lines 45-62, death of the little mother]

To: Henrietta ('Ettie') Schreiner m. Stakesby Lewis (1891), 12 November 1903: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/71

Nov 12 / 03, My darling, I am so sorry about the sweet old eyes. You know when I was in Town I didn’t like the look of ...
[Lines 79-86, O's relationship with Rebecca Schreiner, change in later years]

To: Alice Greene, 1904: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box 12/Fold1/Undated/38

Dear Friend, The grapes came yesterday & were lovely. We have not even milk now, so ones diet is very limited., I will go...
[Lines 40-44, Soul of a People, book touched me most in world]

To: Betty Molteno, 23 July 1904: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold3/1904/29

Dear Friend,, I’m so glad it has been such a good time with your brother, & I’m so thankful you are keeping w...
[Lines 27-41, as I sat writing a terrible blow]

To: Betty Molteno, 19 May 1905: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold4/1905/19

Cape Town, May 19th 1905, Dear Friend, To day my little Neta was crushed to death under the wheels of a cab in which I was dr...
[Whole letter, Neta crushed to death]

To: Isie Smuts nee Krige, 24 May 1905: Smuts A1/188/73

Eastberg Holt, Tamboer’s Kloof Rd, May 24th 1905, Dear Isie , Thank so you so much for Cato’s picture. She is so ...
[Lines 12-14, death of Neta]

To: Edward Carpenter, 27 May 1905: Edward Carpenter 359/88

Cape Town, May 27 / 05, Many thanks for the book about Prisons. If one were young that is a subject one might well devote a l...
[Lines 7-14, death of Neta]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 11 July 1905: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold4/1905/25

Hanover, July 11 / 05, My dear old Laddy, Thank you very much for your note from Nauheim. I am so glad they think your heart ...
[Lines 24-30, curious effect of Neta's death, like Fred's, unable to face it squarely]

To: Frederick ('Fred') Pethick-Lawrence, 25 October 1905: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box8/Fold4/MMPr/AssortedCorres/FredPL/3

Hanover, October 25th, 1905 , I’m glad to know it has been so pleasant at the Falls. I am writing this in the hope of i...
[Lines 35-36, Du Bois, sending 'Souls of Black Folk' to Fichardt, don't like to part with it even for a time]

To: Edward Carpenter, 26 October 1905: Edward Carpenter 359/90

Hanover, CC Cape Colony , South Africa, Oct 26 / 05 , Dear Edward , It was nice to see your handwriting again. The Lawrence s...
[Lines 12-30, Souls of Black Folk]

To: John X. Merriman, 31 October 1905: John X. Merriman MSC 15/1905:199

Hanover, Oct 31st 1905, My dear Mr Merriman, It was rather strange that your letter should have come just when I was thinking...
[Lines 7-21, Souls of Black Folks]

To: Lyndall (‘Dot’) Schreiner, 4 November 1905: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold4/1905/46

Hanover, Nov 4th 1905, My dear Girl, I have not forgotten the 7th of November. That one day I never forget! It seems almost i...
[Lines 6-12, dividing line between girl & woman]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 25 September 1906: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box3/Fold5/1906/18

The Hotel, de Aar, Sep 25 / 06, Dear old Sissie, Your wire has just been sent on from Hanover. We were only a few days in Han...
[Lines 7-12, De Aar looms]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 10 May 1908: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box4/Fold1/1908/29

Sunday afternoon , 10 May 1908 , Dear Laddie, I was glad to see thy handwriting. Yesterday afternoon the servant came in with...
[Lines 30-35, Peter Halket nearly killed me, when dead write 'she wrote Peter H' on my grave]

To: Robert Franklin ('Bob') Muirhead, 16 November 1908: MacFarlane-Muirhead/21

Box 24, De Aar, Nov 16th 1908, Dear Bob, I am sending you two photos of my self, take one for yourself & Lenie & send...
[Lines 35-39, people don't recognise me]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 16 July 1909: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box4/Fold2/1909/35

De Aar, 16 July 1909, Dear Laddie, I was glad to get your letter from Maderia, & find the voyage had been pleasant to you...
[Lines 58-63, what Peter H cost me, no one will ever know the price I paid]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, 5 November 1909: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box4/Fold2/1909/46

Cape Town, Nov 5th 1909, Dear Lucy, I shall like so much to come on Thursday. I do hope your cold is quite better. I am very ...
[Lines 19-21, call me Olive]

To: Henrietta (‘Ettie’) Schreiner m. Stakesby Lewis (1891), 1910: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/112

De Aar, Thursday, My darling, I’ve been so ill since I came here I could not write. Last night we had a little thunder ...
[Lines 8-11, two things O will never get over, death of baby and living at Hanover]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, 16 March 1910: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box4/Fold3/1910/7

Wednesday afternoon, Dear Lucy, I shan’t be able to come. I’d love to be with you but I’m up to making any ...
[Lines 20-26, Ettie dying]

To: Betty Molteno, 22 June 1910: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box4/Fold3/1910/12

I am back at De Aar. Cron is away at Prince Albert to hold a political meeting. The pol future of South Africa seems to me to...
[Lines 2-3, future of South Africa grows darker]

To: Frederick ('Fred') Pethick-Lawrence, 18 October 1910: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box8/Fold4/MMPr/AssortedCorres/FredPL/18

de Aar , October 18th, 1910, Thank you for your interesting letter. The passage in "Rebel Women" I think so fine is that of t...
[Lines 7-11, 'Kaffir' woman on anguish of being a woman]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, May 1911: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box4/Fold4/1911/8

De Aar, Monday , Dear Lucy , I got your letter yesterday. Its news filled me with gladness for you. Not only for your sake bu...
[Lines 9-13, life & death of Ellie, most precious thing]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 7 September 1911: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box4/Fold4/1911/45

De Aar, Thursday , Dear old Sister, I hope you enjoyed your stay at Worcester among old friends & that you’ve come ...
[Lines 16-18, slips of pen - Ellie for Ettie]

To: John X. Merriman, 1912: John X. Merriman MSC 15/1912:207

De Aar, Sunday night , Dear Mr Merriman, Thank you very much for your letter. The woman question, as you know, lies so near t...
[Lines 31-50, South Africa on a downhill path, Milner before Boer war]

To: Unknown, January 1912: Olive Schreiner: Ruth Alexander MSC 26/2.1.29

It was not a personal matter than made me leave the society, The women of the Cape Colony all women of the Cape Colony, These...
[Why left WEL, all women of Cape Colony]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, April 1912: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box11/Fold1/Dated/10

Darling Laddie, Just as I’d finished my screed to you Cron came in with your so very welcome letter & the enclosed ...
[Lines 40-44, only beginning to realise Ellie's death now - my Ellie! - slips of pen, Ellie for Ettie again]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, 3 June 1912: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold1/1912/24

Dear Lucy, I shall arrive in Cape Town on Wednesday evening to attend my sisters funeral. I shall leave again on Monday morni...
[Whole letter, Ettie's funeral]

To: Betty Molteno, 11 June 1912: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold1/1912/25

Tuesday, I did not get away last night. I was too tired to go I shall stay till the end of the week. Cron’s mother died...
[Whole letter, lots of family deaths including Ettie and Cron's mother]

To: John X. Merriman, 2 July 1912: John X. Merriman MSC 15/1912:122

De Aar, July 2nd 1912, Dear Mr Merriman, It would be impossible for me to tell you the depression I felt when I heard Hertzog...
[Lines 7-17, internal death because of Union, South Africa a backwards moving wagon]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 26 September 1912: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold1/1912/46

De Aar, Thursday afternoon , Dear Fan , I’ve been thinking so much of you the last two day. I know it’s been a ha...
[Lines 11-15, my little girl would be 16, a stick in my side, the pain never passes]

To: Julia Solly nee Musprat, 17 April 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/15

De Aar, April 17th 1913, Dear Mrs Solly, As I lie here in pain I so often think of you. I know that with you as with myself i...
[Whole letter, not being able to do the work O should any more]

To: Betty Molteno and Alice Greene, May 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/23

Dear Friends, I’m very ill. I think the end is coming, but it may be such a long end, like Etties. Oh you must be so gl...
[Whole letter, the end is coming, going to England, can't go on till then]

To: S.C. ('Cron') Cronwright-Schreiner, 24 May 1913: Olive Schreiner: S.C. Cronwright-Schreiner SMD 30/34/b(ii)

Sunday night, Dear Pal,, I would like to go to England. Don't think that treatment can cure me, but it might mend me enough t...
[Whole letter, want to go to England, will not spoil your holiday]

To: Robert Franklin ('Bob') Muirhead, 28 May 1913: MacFarlane-Muirhead/23

De Aar, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, May 28th 1913, My dear Bob, I hope the world goes well with you all. How is your own...
[Whole letter, coming to England for medical help, my old friends]

To: S.C. ('Cron') Cronwright-Schreiner, 2 July 1913: Olive Schreiner: S.C. Cronwright-Schreiner SMD/30/34/c

My dear Pal, You have so many letters to read I'll be as short as I can, darling. A year & a half ago when Emily Hobhouse...
[Whole letter, don't want to burden you, regarding Mrs Philpot]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 17 July 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/28

Thursday , Dear Laddie, Thank you much for your letter. You don’t know what a few words of greeting to me on the road a...
[Lines 11-29, new era in South African history; Botha and Smuts troops, railway men strikes]

To: John X. Merriman, 25 July 1913: John X. Merriman MSC 15/1913:150

Dear Mr Merriman, Yesterday afternoon came the sad news & at a quarter past two this morning I heard the train go past wi...
[Whole letter, death of Sauer, I deeply sympathize with you]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 25 July 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/29

Friday morning, Dear Will, Jim Sauer’s body went past this morning at a quarter past two. Oh Will, the tragedy of it th...
[Whole letter, Sauer dead, his body going past, his legacy is the 'Natives' Land Act, his death affects me strangely]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, September 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box11/Fold2/Undated/44

De Aar, Sep Sunday, My dear Laddie, I’m perhaps coming down to Cape Town just for one day, to see Dr Thomson. Please ha...
[Whole letter, feels like beginning of end, can't live at de Aar, all my life seems a failure, good bye darling]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 12 September 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/37

Thursday, Sept 12th 1913, Private, My dear old Man, It was good to see the dear old face for a moment Saturday will be a sad ...
[Whole letter, plans to leave South Africa, financial arrangements, leaving MSS to Will]

To: Isie Smuts nee Krige, 29 September 1913: Smuts A1/195/47

de Aar, Sep 29th 1913, My darling Isie , I am sailing on the 6th of December for Europe, to try some medical treatment for my...
[Whole letter, leaving South Africa for England, always know how I valued your love]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, October 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/40

Dear Fan, Thank you very much for your note. Its very good of you, dear. I shall try to stay on here as long as I can, but I ...
[Whole letter, plans for departure, soon to Britain]

To: Francois Stephanus ('FS') Malan, 16 October 1913: Olive Schreiner: F.S. Malan 1000/9

De Aar , Oct 16th 1913, Dear Friend, You will have wondered why I never answered your kind letter, but I have been too ill to...
[Whole letter, departure from South Africa, can't write to you on public matters]

To: Minnie or Mimmie Murray nee Parkes, 26 October 1913: Olive Schreiner: Mimmie Murray 2001.24/16

De Aar, Oct 26th 1913, Dear Friend, I would love to see you here for a couple of days but I am only afraid you will find me s...
[Lines 12-21, I sail to Europe on 6 December]

To: Edward Carpenter, 26 October 1913: Olive Schreiner: Edward Carpenter SMD 30/32/o

De Aar, Oct 26th 1913, Dear Edward,, Thank you for your letter. I sail from Africa on the 6th of Dec= in the Edinburgh Castle...
[Whole letter, departure from South Africa, friendship]

To: Alice Greene, November 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/44

Dear Alice, It will be good to see you & Bettie when I come down I sail on the 5th of December; have got a splendid airy ...
[Whole letter, voyage back, plans]

To: Anna Purcell nee Cambier Faure, 16 November 1913: Olive Schreiner: Anna Purcell MSC 26/2.9.4

De Aar, Nov 16th 1913, My darling Anna, I shall arrive in Cape Town on the evening of Friday the 21st if I am able to get my ...
[Whole letter, burning old letters is like burning your own heart, seem to have lost my hold on things]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 17 November 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/46

My dear little sister Fan, I have been spending the last days in writing & destroying old papers & letters, as I have...
[Whole letter, destroying letters, sad work]

To: Wynnie Hemming, 17 November 1913: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/162

Wynnie dear , I am burning all my old papers as I have no one to do it after I am dead I thought you might like to keep this ...
[Whole letter, burning papers]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, December 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/51

Edinburgh Castle, Day before crossing the line, Dear Laddie, I’m writing now as it may be too late hot later on & I...
[Lines 6-22, description of voyage]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 18 December 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/53

Union Castle Line, RMS Edinburgh Castle, Thursday, Dear old sister, I’m just a third through the voyage now. So many th...
[Whole letter, en route to Britain]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 22 December 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/56

Edinburgh Castle, Friday , Dear Laddie, We passed Madeira this morning & I got a great pile of English letters from my de...
[Lines 31-32, arrival, seems like heaven]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, 26 December 1913: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold2/1913/57

London , 26 December 1913, Darling Lucy, Do you know it was only to-day when I went out to cash the cheque that I found out w...
[Lines 14-18, Lucy, your love for me, what you are to me]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 11 February 1914: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold3/1914/8

Le Grand Hotel et D’Alassio, Alassio, Riviera, Italie, My dear old Sister , Thank you for your interesting long letter....
[Lines 36-40, love Africa but agony of public affairs, Smuts, beginning not end]

To: Havelock Ellis, 11 September 1914: Olive Schreiner: Havelock Ellis 2006.29/14

30 St Mary Abbott's Terrace, Kensington, Friday, Dear old Havelock, I went to Eastbourne yesterday. It was too sad., I came b...
[Lines 7-10, Eastbourne, too sad, ghosts of my dead youth]

To: Anna Purcell nee Cambier Faure, December 1914: Olive Schreiner: Anna Purcell MSC 26/2.9.6

Address c/o Standard Bank, 10 Clements Lane, Lombard St, London, Anna dear, I hope your are all having a happy Xmas. My love ...
[Whole letter, I am quite out of fashion, no one wants anything to do with me, no woman's movement here any more just war]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 14 April 1915: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box5/Fold4/Jan-June1915/19

Telephone: 3675 Kensington., Telegrams: Apartment, London., Kensington Palace Mansions & Hotel, De Vere Gardens, W., Wedn...
[Lines 11-14, old London is dead to me, exists in memory of long ago]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, 22 July 1915: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box6/Fold1/July-Dec1915/3

Telephone: 3675 Kensington., Telegrams: Apartment, London., Kensington Palace Mansions & Hotel, De Vere Gardens, W., My d...
[Lines 13-14, I had hoped to keep about to the end, not like Ellie - slip of pen again ]

To: Havelock Ellis, 29 June 1916: HRC/CAT/OS/5b-xiv

Llandrindod Wells , Wales , Thursday. , Dear Havelock. , I’m glad you had a nice time in the country. , You I thought y...
[Whole letter, destruction of letters, the vulgar herd]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, 18 July 1916: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box6/Fold2/1916/33

Thank you much for your letter. I have just heard that Oliver has been wounded on the arm., Olive,
[Whole letter, Oliver wounded]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 25 October 1916: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box6/Fold2/1916/48

My dear old sister, Friday will be your birthday. Many happier returns of it, with all your children & your friends about...
[Whole letter, Fan's birthday in England, old birthdays remembered]

To: Robert Franklin ('Bob') Muirhead, 13 February 1919: MacFarlane-Muirhead/36

Feb 13th 1919., Dear Bob Thank you so much for your letter. Yes, I expect I did distress Edward very much the first time I sa...
[Whole letter, feel more hopeful of world's future, dawn will come, don't forget me]

To: William Philip ('Will') Schreiner, May 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold1/Jan-July1919/7

My old Brother , Your face haunts me. Your dear eyes. My poor old Will. , I know, dear., Olive,
[Whole letter, I know, dear; I know]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, 6 June 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold1/Jan-July1919/12

Dear I’m so glad to hear your Lucy is coming to London; it will be such a pleasure to see her, like a bit of you. Tomor...
[Lines 5-6, Will dying]

To: May Murray Parker nee Murray, 6 June 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold1/Jan-July1919/11

Private, 9 Porchester Place, Edgware Rd, Friday, My darling May,, My brothers heart has been very bad. He must have a rest or...
[Whole letter, Will very bad]

To: May Murray Parker nee Murray, 24 June 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold1/Jan-July1919/16

Tuesday, Dear May, Thank you deeply for your letter. Always let me know exactly how my brother is. Please let me know if you ...
[Lines 11-16, have long known how bad Will was]

To: Frances ('Fan') Schreiner nee Reitz, 25 June 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold1/Jan-July1919/19

My dear old Sister, I got long letter from May this morning telling me all about Will. I won’t let him think I’m ...
[Lines 3-7, Will dying, he doesn't know]

To: Betty Molteno, 30 June 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold1/Jan-July1919/24

Darling Betty,, We were going to have the funeral on Wednesday, but General Botha & General Smuts & Sir James Innes w...
[Whole letter, Will's funeral]

To: May Murray Parker nee Murray, 30 June 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold1/Jan-July1919/23

Monday , My darling May, How can I ever thank you & Freddie enough for all your love, & sweetness to my darling. Than...
[Whole letter, went to Golder's Green to see Will for the last time]

To: Georgiana Solomon nee Thompson, 30 June 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold1/Jan-July1919/25

Dear Mrs Solomon my brother is to be buried tomorrow (Tuesday) at 12 o clock at the Crematorium at Golder’s Green., My ...
[Whole letter, Will's funeral]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, July 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold1/Jan-July1919/27

My dear old sister, I tried to come & see you last night as I heard Ol & Edna with the Lochs were to dine at Dr Corth...
[Lines 11-14, Will's death, comes upon me like a new blow]

To: Wynnie Hemming, August 1919: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/177

Wednesday, London, Darling Wynnie, I send you a letter from May Parker - the doctors wife at Llandrindod wrote me when Uncle ...
[Line 7, Will's death, is passing on letter from May Murray Parker]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, 14 August 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold2/Aug-Dec1919/4

Aug 14th 1919, Dear Lucy, Thank you for your dear letter. My brother’s death has been the hardest blow I have ever had ...
[Lines 5-7, Will's death ended everything for me]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 29 August 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold2/Aug-Dec1919/8

Aug 29th 1919, My dear old sister, Tomorrow will be our Will’s birthday. I know what you will be thinking of. Oh I am s...
[Whole letter, a shipwrecked mariner, first time for 50 years not writing to him]

To: May Murray Parker nee Murray, 30 August 1919: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold2/Aug-Dec1919/7

My darling May, I never wrote to thank you for those lovely lettuces & potatoes you sent me! I’ve just not been abl...
[Lines 10-16, Fan gone, a ship-wrecked mariner]

To: Jessie Rose Innes nee Dods Pringle, 1 January 1920: Olive Schreiner: Jessie Rose Innes MSC 26/2.6.7

9 Porchester Place , Edgware Rd, London W, New Year's Day 1920, A happy new year to you, dear. I've never had a word of news ...
[Lines 23-6, terrible for me that Oliver and Edna going to South Africa]

To: Caroline Murray nee Molteno, 13 January 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold3/Jan-Feb1920/6

9 Porchester Place, Edgware Rd, Jan 13th 1920, Dear Mrs Murray , Betty is asked me to write to you as she feels so unable to....
[Lines 7-27, Alice's end is near]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, 18 January 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold3/Jan-Feb1920/10

9 Porchester Place, Edgware Rd, Jan 18th 1920, Dear Lucy, I expect you & her father are rejoicing over your big beautiful...
[Lines 20-24, Alice's end is near]

To: Betty Molteno, 30 January 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold3/Jan-Feb1920/18

Friday , Betty, you know how I am with you. I wanted to go down to the funeral, but I can’t. I might only trouble you a...
[Whole letter, Alice's death, epitaph]

To: Frances (Fan') Schreiner nee Reitz, 3 February 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold3/Jan-Feb1920/22

9 Porchester Place, Edgware Rd, Feb 3rd 1920, Dear old sister, I must tell you that I saw Edna & Oliver at their rooms ye...
[Lines 21-36, Alice buried, Theo's death, last of old brigade]

To: Betty Molteno, 3 February 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold3/Jan-Feb1920/24

Dear,, I have your letter. I long to see you but want to be wherever you rest most. May enclosed these letters for you not kn...
[Lines 7-9, going to South Africa]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 9 February 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold3/Jan-Feb1920/27

Feb 9th 1920, My dear old Sister , At last yesterday I managed to get to see Edna. She looks very well, so pretty; she looks ...
[Lines 13-18, put name down for passage]

To: Georgiana Solomon, 21 February 1920: Olive Schreiner: Georgiana Solomon MSC 26/2.13.7

Saturday, My dear Friend, Thank you for your beautiful beautiful gift. I will keep it to wear on board ship, in case I am abl...
[Lines 9-10, Will's death]

To: Wynnie Hemming, 10 March 1920: Schreiner-Hemming Family BC 1080 A1.7/174

9 Porchester Place,, Edgware Rd, March 10th 1920, My darling Wynnie, I can’t thank you enough for your beautiful letter...
[Whole letter, better to die in the heat there, than alone here in the fog]

To: Jessie Rose Innes nee Dods Pringle, 28 March 1920: Olive Schreiner: Jessie Rose Innes MSC 26/2.6.8

9 Porchester Place , Edgware Rd., March 28th 1920, Dear Jessie, I know you are feeling anxious about our Dorothy. I have writ...
[Lines 10-11, last chance to travel]

To: S.C. ('Cron') Cronwright-Schreiner, 11 May 1920: Olive Schreiner: S.C. Cronwright-Schreiner SMD/30/34/e

[page/s missing], 3, or as long as you want it you are sure of that small room, & lots of room to store your luggage but ...
[Lines 13-44, want to say before I die, I never thought you loved Mrs Philpot]

To: Frances (‘Fan’) Schreiner nee Reitz, 13 May 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold4/Mar-Dec1920/10

May 13th 1920, My dear dear old sister, I have not seen Edna or the babe for ten days but Ol wrote me they were doing well. I...
[Lines 23-30, returning to South Africa, my last chance]

To: Joan Hodgson nee Wickham and John Hodgson, 21 May 1920: HRC/OliveSchreinerLetters/OS-JOANHodgson/6

Friday Night, Dear John & Joan, Thanks so much for thinking of me. I long to see Mary Elizabeth, & you both & you...
[Lines 9-16, O's plans to return to South Africa, last chance]

To: Ruth Alexander nee Schechter, 1 June 1920: Olive Schreiner: Ruth Alexander MSC 26/2.1.26

My lovely lovely jacket has come. Such a priceless comfort it will be to me. I am sailing on August the 13th but it's curious...
[Lines 1-5, leaving Britain for South Africa]

To: Lucy Molteno nee Mitchell, 2 June 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold4/Mar-Dec1920/11

9 Porchester Place, Edgware Rd, Ma June 2nd 1920, My darling darling Lucy, I don’t think you could quite understand how...
[Lines 12-13, booked passage back]

To: John Brown, 4 June 1920: Olive Schreiner: John & Mary Brown MSC 26/2.2.19

June 4th 1920, London, Dear J.B. , How goes the world with you? I've not seen Ray again. Alice Corthorn tells me she's in the...
[Whole letter, curious foreboding feeling, what happens will happen]

To: Minnie or Mimmie Murray nee Parkes, 15 June 1920: Olive Schreiner: Mimmie Murray 2001.24/18

Address - 9 Porchester Place, Edgeware Rd, London, June 15th 1920, My darling Friend , Soon you will be losing your Andre, bu...
[Lines 16-21, dread of going to Cape, the face I will never see again]

To: John Hodgson and Joan Hodgson, July 1920: HRC/OliveSchreinerLetters/OS-JohnHodgson/1

My dear Children, Thank you for your sweet letter. I would like so to come to you once more but the train journey in this hea...
[Whole letter, the loneliness has been terrible, good bye]

To: Edward Carpenter, 4 August 1920: Edward Carpenter 359/102

Dear Edward , Cron send me a letter - he did not ask me to send it on to you, he only said in the P.S. you can send this on t...
[Lines 12-18, leaving Britain, Cron, glad to have lived]

To: Havelock Ellis, 4 August 1920: HRC/UNCAT/OS-153

Aug 4th 1920 , Dear Havelock , I hope you will have a happy holiday in Ireland. It will be so interesting. I am so sorry I sh...
[Whole letter, sailing for South Africa, good bye dear]

To: Betty Molteno, 24 August 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold4/Mar-Dec1920/17

Union-Castle Line, R.M.S “Balmoral Castle” , Aug 24th 1920, Dear Betty, I am always wondering how it is going wit...
[Lines 13-20, description of voyage and tropics]

To: May Murray Parker nee Murray, 1 September 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold4/Mar-Dec1920/18

Birzana Plumstead, Sept 1st , Darling May, I landed on the 30th We had a terrible storm the last two days, but got here all r...
[Lines 1, 22-23, Landed on 30 August, splendid food here; hope of South Africa in its young people]

To: Jessie Rose Innes nee Dods Pringle, October 1920: Olive Schreiner: Jessie Rose Innes MSC 26/2.6.10

Oak Hall, Tramway Terminus, Wynburg, Thursday, Dear Jessie, I'm so glad to think you've come back again. I hope you've had a ...
[Lines 19-22, the mistake of my life coming out, all is so changed]

To: Betty Molteno, 2 October 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold4/Mar-Dec1920/25

Birzana, Plumstead, Oct 2nd 1920, Darling Betty, I wonder how the world is going with you & if you have gone to France wi...
[Lines 17-28, Smuts last card; should never have come out]

To: Betty Molteno, 5 November 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold4/Mar-Dec1920/33

Oct Nov 5th 1920, My darling darling Betty, Oh how I wish you were here: all this trouble with the poor natives makes me long...
[Lines 10-12, greatest mistake in my life coming out to South Africa]

To: Betty Molteno, 23 November 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold4/Mar-Dec1920/37

Midwood, Palmyra Road, Newlands , Sunday, My darling Betty, I am spending a few days with Jessie Rose-Innes. I had a great tr...
[Lines 26-32, the cottage, Alice's walking boots]

To: Caroline Murray nee Molteno, 30 November 1920: Olive Schreiner BC16/Box7/Fold4/Mar-Dec1920/41

Oak Hall , Tram terminus, Wynberg, My dear Mrs Murray, I am so glad to think next week you will be here. As you will be at Mi...
[Lines 27-35, the mistake of my life in coming out]