29 April 1900
Green Point Camp
Cape Town
Dear Mother,
I must write a few more lines to you today, as I may have no more time before leaving here. I think we are almost sure to leave here on Wednesday for the front. As far as I can hear, we will be going from here to Kimberley & then going north into Rhodesia, but you will be able to get our movements through the papers almost quicker than we do ourselves. I am sending you enclosed a little card of painted silver leaves from Table Mountain. They are natural leaves & the picture is of the mountain itself.
I have had some rheumatic pains in my legs lately, but I think it will wear out alright. We have had no letters from home yet except one from Stan which he wrote to us at Montreal & which arrived here the other day. I hope there are some on the road. We have had quite a few presents since we started, a pipe and tobacco pouch from Lord Strathcona, 4 lbs tobacco from Macdonald & Co., 12 shillings each from Red Cross Society of Montreal & 1 tin tobacco and writing case from Elder Dempster Co.
I must close now & get to work, so goodbye for the present and remember me to all the people & tell the boys to be sure to write, as everything from home goes alright.
With love to you all,
Your affec. son
Bert