Details
cover 1879 (2 June) XU5, with contents, to his sister endorsed "By first opportunity. From Capt. Craufurd 91st Highdr on active service", showing "6d" due h.s. and arrival c.d.s., backstamped with partial "DURBAN/9/6/1879/NATAL" c.d.s. affected by minor damage to cover; letter headed "Fort Crealock". Photo.
Further details
Extract:
But first I must tell you that Captain Caudwell telegraphed to me from D'urban congratulating me on my promotion. I am a Captain at last and feel a very much greater swell. Captain Craufurd it does not sound like me at all. I was woke up last night by our telegraph clerk about 11pm. "A telegram for you Sir", I could not imagine what it was and was agreeably surprised not expecting it to come in that way. Tha mails are very late, not yet arrived at the Tugela, we are almost due two now. Poor MacDonald is down now with this coast fever, everyone that is attacked with it gets dreadfully weak. Mr MacDonald actually fell down on parade, it came on so suddenly. Major Gurney is getting better slowly. Colonel Clarke of the 57th who commands the brigade at Fort Chelmsford is ill and Major Bruce has been obliged to go over there and take command. Four of our men have died here, we have certainly many difficulties to contend against but now they say the healthy season begins so I hope we will all improve. There are no less than nine officers of the 91st on the sick list and the 60th are even worse.
But first I must tell you that Captain Caudwell telegraphed to me from D'urban congratulating me on my promotion. I am a Captain at last and feel a very much greater swell. Captain Craufurd it does not sound like me at all. I was woke up last night by our telegraph clerk about 11pm. "A telegram for you Sir", I could not imagine what it was and was agreeably surprised not expecting it to come in that way. Tha mails are very late, not yet arrived at the Tugela, we are almost due two now. Poor MacDonald is down now with this coast fever, everyone that is attacked with it gets dreadfully weak. Mr MacDonald actually fell down on parade, it came on so suddenly. Major Gurney is getting better slowly. Colonel Clarke of the 57th who commands the brigade at Fort Chelmsford is ill and Major Bruce has been obliged to go over there and take command. Four of our men have died here, we have certainly many difficulties to contend against but now they say the healthy season begins so I hope we will all improve. There are no less than nine officers of the 91st on the sick list and the 60th are even worse.