12 March 1903
Warm regards from Jaimal Singh to my obedient son Babu Sawan Singh.
This is to let you know that a sum of 300 rupees was received through Chanan Singh, and it has been used for the construction work. Also, on 9 March 1903, I received a money order for 10 rupees. This information is being sent so that you may rest assured. On 27th of Phagun1, i.e., 10 March, a hardwood box ceiling, with one set of planks below the cross-ties and another above them, was constructed on the main Satsang hall. Coal tar was coated on the top set of planks, over which a double row of brick tiles was laid and grouted with lime. A layer of clay was then spread over it all. The frames are all ready, except for two or three. The plastering of the walls with lime will start on 13 March. Some bricks will still be left over. The two canisters of coal tar that you sent here were less than half full. Both did arrive, but one was three-quarters full and the other even less than half. So please do not pay for full canisters. All the girders still to be painted have become rusted. It is urgent that you find a painter and send him here. As an alternative, there are painters here, too, from among whom we could engage someone. I do not know how good they are, but they claim that they can do the job. It would be better if you could send a good painter; also write what kind of paint should be used. It would be preferable to do the painting quickly, otherwise the ceiling will become damaged. The canister of red paint which was used for the frames is still one-third full and could be used too. But whatever you write will be done.
Buta Mal has written from Rawalpindi to inform us that Hazur Swami Ji’s books are ready. Many servicemen from the batteries are asking for them. I have written to Buta Mal that I have no idea about their price or if they have to be hardbound. So please let me know the price to be charged for Hazur’s books and also whether they are to be hardbound. I will then inform him accordingly. And have you settled the charges for labour, etc., with him? You have not sent me any information through a letter, nor has any other mail come from you. Please let me know why there has been a delay in writing. Perhaps you have too much work to do, but still the information should have been sent. Anyway, nothing is lost if it hasn’t been done.
Please do your Bhajan and Simran every day, and always feel a mental yearning within, an eagerness in the mind, to listen to the Shabd Dhun. Everyday work also has to be done, but the craving to hear the Shabd Dhun must always remain uppermost in the mind. If you have time, an hour or two of Satsang should also be done. It would be desirable, if you can get leave for two, three, or even up to four or five days, to come and see the construction for yourself, because whatever is lacking could then be taken care of after your inspection. Later on that won’t be possible. Therefore, it is urgent that you take leave to come and see the construction.
Best regards to Chanan Singh, Basant Singh, Babu Gulab Singh, Narain Singh, Nanak Singh, and all the others. All are urged to do their Bhajan and Simran every day. On behalf of Bibi Ji, best wishes to you, her true brother. And best wishes from all the residents of the Dera. You should definitely get leave and come to the Dera without fail. The registers of those on the Path have arrived from Allahabad, but they have come per Chacha Ji’s command. When you come, one will be given to you as well – Chacha Ji’s directive is that one is to be given to Babu Sawan Singh. So please come and take it with you. Warmest regards from everybody here to everyone there. Convey my greetings to Babu Gajja Singh as well, and also let him know about this letter. Keep doing your Bhajan and Simran every day. I have written to Nabi Bakhsh the painter of Sri Hargobindpur, but so far no reply has come. You will be informed when he arrives.
Please give my Love to the little boy Balwant Singh. Reply by return post as to when you are coming. Inform me without fail.
12 March 1903
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Explanation: 1) The 12th month of the Sikh calendar; from 12 February to 13 March.