The Festivities at Manor Farm

Dear Journal,

The Pigs image source

     It has been a while since I last wrote here. It seems years must have passed by. Animal Farm is quite different now -- through so gradual changes that I can hardly remember their beginning. The leadership is becoming more and more human. Napoleon smokes a pipe. The pigs don clothes from Mr. Jones' wardrobe, listen to the radio, and read human magazines. Napoleon has also recently asked me to assist in the farm's installation of a telephone. An even more shocking turn of events -- the pigs are now walking on their hind legs!

     Just yesterday the pigs invited neighboring farmers over to inspect Animal Farm. They expressed their wishes for a reconciliation from "past misunderstandings." Mr. Pilkington made an interesting remark towards the middle of the evening, a sentiment which I am sure the pigs echoed: "If you have your lower animals to contend with, we have our lower classes." This is the first time I have heard an expression of unity between man and beast. Pilkington admired the pigs' administration -- their ability to convince the other animals to work harder than before with less food. He added that he wished to implement similar policies to his own farm. Napoleon replied that he had always meant peaceful business with his human neighbors. Moreover, he informed his guests that the animals would no longer greet each other, "Comrade," salute the green and white Animalism flag, or pay respects to Old Major. To top it all, Animal Farm would henceforth be known by its proper name, "Manor Farm." Unfortunately, a quarrel ended the round of cards only a few moments later. Both Napoleon and Pilkington played the ace of spades simultaneously and each accused the other of cheating. The party thereupon broke up on Animal Manor Farm.

- Mr. Whymper

Spontaneous Demonstrations of a Republic

Dear Journal,
     Despite the minor setback of Frederick's excursion into Animal Farm, Napoleon has assured me of the continuing success and vitality of the manor. As a boost for morale, Napoleon has set up a series of parades and speeches known as "Spontaneous Demonstrations." He has also placed orders towards the building of a schoolhouse, with which, I believe, he intends to provide an education for his thirty-one children.
     Furthermore, Animal Farm has recently declared itself a republic, unanimously naming Napoleon as president. With the popularity of Napoleon, there are renewed rumors of Snowball's treachery.
     On a side note in the way of transactions, just yesterday, Napoleon had me send for Alfred Simmonds, Willingdon's horse slaughterer and glue boiler. It seemed a strange request, but a grocer's van has arrived today at Animal Farm bearing a new wooden crate of whiskey. I suppose a transaction has taken place.

- Mr. Whymper