Belmont
South Africa

Dec 30th/99

Dear Mother

I am not going to write a long letter no news different only we are going to move out to investigate another Boer Camp will have little fun perhaps may be nothing in it I am well never felt better in my life only the weather is very hot this last two weeks a little cooler last night how are all the folks at home I sent Joe some whiskey cut off a Boer prisoner as a Christmas present tell willie I will bring him home some thing that will make him laugh the war will be over when you get this I hope plans are already made for the sending of troops home and I tell you I wont be sorry I would not stay in Africa for the whole world two many lizards snakes lice & flees anything worse than that you cannot find and not a post to scratch against nails worn off with constant use what would you advise in this fix a remedy for a fortune there is lots of money in this country Diamonds & gold. labox is cheep on all of so many blacks close wishing you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New year love to all

Noble