Loyalty was their cry, and freedom and justice their household gods.

Have not their courage and endurance thrilled the whole world?
I feel I need not ask forgiveness for issuing yet this one more appeal.

It comes last, but is it least?
A handful of soldiers, nearly all colonials, under a man who must now rank as a great and tried commander, have for six months repelled the Boer attacks.

Could this small force have for one moment been a match for the well-equipped besiegers if the inhabitants had not fought for and with the garrison?
Some worked and fought in actual trenches; others demonstrated by patient endurance their cool and courageous determination never to give in.

Would it not be a graceful recognition of their courage if, on that glorious day, which we hope may not be far distant, when the relief of Mafeking is flashed across thousands of miles to the 'heart of the Empire,' we could cable back our congratulations on their freedom, and inform Mafeking that a large sum of money is ready to be placed by this country for the relief of distress amongst the Sisters, refugees, and suffering civilians of the town?
"I feel I shall not ask in vain, but that our congratulations to Mafeking will take most material form by generous admirers in the United Kingdom.
"Subscriptions will be received by Messrs.