Vox Meditantis

JOHN TAYLOR & SONS LIMITED
KOLAR GOLD FIELDS, MYSORE
BANGALORE PRESIDENCY

25th June, 1886

Mrs. Mary Baldwin
17 Dawson Street, Holbeck
Leeds, Yorkshire
England

Re: Employee No. 247 – Thomas Baldwin (Deceased)

We regret to inform you that your husband, William Baldwin, Employee No. 247, expired on the 19th inst. at approximately 11:30 hours whilst under medical supervision at the Company Hospital, Kolar Gold Fields.

The deceased succumbed to tropical fever following a brief illness. Dr. James Stewart, Chief Medical Officer, has certified the cause of death as “pulmonary complications arising from climatic conditions endemic to the region.” All appropriate medical attention was provided in accordance with Company policy regarding the treatment of European employees.

Mr. Baldwin has been interred in the European Cemetery at Kolar Gold Fields with due ceremony befitting his station. The Reverend Mr. Hutchinson conducted the service in accordance with Anglican rites. The grave has been marked with a standard Company headstone bearing the deceased’s name, Employee Number, and dates of service.

Outstanding Financial Matters:

Please be advised that the deceased’s account with the Company shows an outstanding debit balance of forty-two pounds, seven shillings and fourpence (£42.7s.4d.) This sum comprises:

• Medical expenses: £18.12s.6d.
• Accommodation charges: £14.8s.2d.
• Subsistence advances: £6.15s.8d.
• Miscellaneous charges: £2.10s.0d.

Against this, the deceased had accrued wages totalling thirty-one pounds, two shillings and ninepence (£31.2s.9d.) for the period 15th March 1885 to 19th June 1886, resulting in a net debit of eleven pounds, four shillings and sevenpence (£11.4s.7d.).

Personal Effects:

The deceased’s personal effects have been inventoried and secured pending instructions for disposal. These consist of:

• One (1) wooden chest containing clothing and personal items
• Mining tools and equipment (Company property)
• Miscellaneous papers and correspondence
• One (1) prayer book
• One (1) gold-bearing quartz specimen (personal)

The Company shall retain possession of said effects until settlement of the outstanding debt or receipt of specific instructions regarding their disposal. Transportation costs for any items returned to England shall be borne by the recipient.

Company Policy:

In accordance with established procedures, we must advise that the Company accepts no liability for personal debts incurred by employees, nor for compensation beyond that stipulated in standard employment agreements. The deceased’s contract contained no provision for death benefits or repatriation expenses.

Further Correspondence:

All future correspondence regarding this matter should be directed to the undersigned, quoting Employee No. 247. Please note that the Company’s administrative offices in London (Messrs. Williams, Hartley & Associates, 47 Threadneedle Street) handle all matters pertaining to deceased employees’ affairs in England.

We extend our condolences on your bereavement.

I remain,
Your obedient servant,

R.M. Thornton
Assistant Administrator
John Taylor & Sons Limited
Kolar Gold Fields Operations

N.B. This communication serves as official notification of death for all legal and administrative purposes. No further correspondence will be entered into regarding the circumstances of the deceased’s illness or demise. The Company considers this matter closed pending resolution of outstanding financial obligations.

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