SMUTS JAN C.: (1870-1950) South African Prime Minister 1919-24, 1939-48. Smuts served in the field during the Boer War and later as a British Field Marshal during World War II. A.L.S., J. C. Smuts, one page, 8vo, Irene, 22nd April 1929, to Sir Thomas, on the printed stationery of the Library of Parliament, Cape Town. Smuts informs his correspondent that their letter was most welcome and interesting and comments 'Yes, the veterans are rapidly passing away. It is a privilege to have you still with us, giving words of wisdom and good cheer, now as in 1914'. Together with Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr (1894-1948) South African Politician, Deputy Prime Minister of South Africa 1943-48 and widely regarded to be the political successor to Smuts as Prime Minister before his untimely death at the age of 54. A.L.S., Jan H. Hofmeyr, two pages, 8vo, Treasury, Pretoria, 3rd January 1944, to [Professor] Rousseau. Hofmeyr thanks his correspondent for their letter and enclosures and comments 'It is rather a big budget that you have sent me, and, being very busy just now with pre-session work, I have little time to give to it. I must therefore abstain from comment, for the present at least', further adding that he is glad his correspondent's wife is in better health and that he is sorry he did not see more of them during a brief visit to Grahamstown 'which I found quite stimulating'. Some very light, minor creasing and age wear, about VG, 2

Category:
Colonial Africa from the Collection of a South African Gentleman