Belmont S A

Feb 12th, 1900

Joe,

Dear Brother we are now off for Graspan by train then a march across country of twelve miles I dont know where we are going and it may be some time before I can get to a place to post another letter so dont be alarmed if you dont hear from me for some time but we may be able to post mail and if so I will write immediately if not sooner after we arrive I guess it will be some time before I get any word from home but never mind I am coming out all right and will be home in time to weed the turnips this leaves me enjoying the best of health at present I expect we have some hard work ahead of us I mean marches I dont know whether we will do any fighting but I expect some anyway I hope none of the boys will get hurt and all come back but we will have to do the best we can to dodge the Boer bullets we are great on the catch as you please plan well it is as hot as ever never more than 110 in the shade that is not bad I believe hammond got on the second contingent poor fool he will curse the day he ever enlisted for South Africa he has no Idea what he has to go through but I have no more to say at present so good bye for the present I close with love to all

Noble