Belmont,
South Africa

December 20th /99

Dear Mother

I am writing you a few lines now as I am idle I am Just in from outpost duty among the hills been out since yesterday at 3 oclock in the morning no work Just lying around it is a little dangerous but it is exciting to see everything and without been seen there is not much fun in it it is a reality but the danger is slight as there are none of the enemy within miles of us the officers are always expecting an attack but it has never come for which I am very thankful you want to know if my comrades can be relied on I wish I had as good friends in our own neighborhood danger makes every body good friends & comrades
good bye love to all

Noble