DIAMOND MINING 'An Account of a journey to the Diamond Fields in South Africa in 1872', manuscri...

DIAMOND MINING 'An Account of a journey to the Diamond Fields in South Africa in 1872', manuscript notebook written by American Frederick W. Smith and dated September 1876, a lively account describing the voyage from New York to London ('...Cheeks grow pale, but not with fear. One by one the passengers seeks the sides of the ship...'), onwards to Cape Town, expressing opinions on Royalty and the English ('...This Royal Highness business is disgusting to an American...'), describing the country, climate and wildlife ('...Immense swarms of grasshopper are flying through our camp...'), staying with Boer families ('...something in our room seems to have a very peculiar smell...'), to Du Toits Pan ('...a great camp like that of an army...'), describing the town and its people, the yield of diamonds, stories of great finds ('...When such a stone is found, everybody knows it, but no one hears of the thousands who work for months and find nothing... there is a freedom and excitement about it as long as you have good luck...'), listing his finds ('...a very fine stone 4 ½ karats... perfect everyway – my wife now wears it in a ring...'), flooding of the American camp, the end of his claim and return to New York, 89 numbered leaves, ink on lined paper, half calf, titled in gilt on upper cover, worn, 4to, [1872] Footnotes: 'AMERICAN-LIKE I DETERMINE TO GO ALONE, AND WITHOUT A GUIDE': The reminiscences of an American seeking his fortune in the South African diamond fields. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: • • Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing