1 14 May 1917 Dear Reverend Father Provincial, P. C. You will be wondering where I have
got to. I am still alive, and in the best of form. I have
had a very pleasant stay in Durban. I was two nights
at a camp, but them the O. M. I. Fathers who have the
Naval Vicariate brought me into the Cathedral where I have
been since. They have all, including the Bishop,
Mgr. Delalle, been exceedingly kind to me. One of them
is Irish — Fr James O' Donnell, the rest French — but they
all speak English. I think in case you want to
write to me that a letter addressed c/o Jesuit Fathers
Bombay will reach me sometime or other. At present
Fr Garrold S. J. is staying here. He arrived last night. I have preached several times in the Cathedral so I
will be ready for the Lenten Lectures at Gardiner St.
when the war is over!! I did not send you the cheque
after all. I was not sure of what expenses I would have
before reaching my destination. But I will send something
along first opportunity. I have not said any masses for
your Reverence lately — I should be obliged if you would tell
Fr Farley all the masses I say here are for Church
intentions; and on the ship I would only say Mass half
the time. He will be safe to cancel half March, all April, and 2 half May, as any Masses I did say on board were also for
intentions. I hope all are well in Ireland. There are several Irish
families here and at the Cape all of them very nice,
and true to the old country. I saw in last nights
paper that the Sinn Feiners have captured another seat
S. Longford. I shall write again as soon as possible. Your Reverences servant in Christ, Francis M. Shaw S. J.