Cwmparc, South Africa War

Mr. John James, Cwmparc, has received another letter from his son, who emigrated to South Africa four years ago, and worked at Johannesburg till the war broke out. The following is a copy: -
"Since we have joined this regiment we have been very busy; making trenches by day, picket by night, and at other times guarding. We have not had an opportunity of pulling our boots off or of changing clothes for the last six weeks so you may judge what we experience out here. But nevertheless, we are joyful together, camping and on the hills oft-times watching movements throughout the night. Our three companies and the Cape police attacked the Boers once at the Bethulie Bridge, and we had the best of them. Our side lost two killed and nine wounded, while the Boers lost 31 killed and wounded. We buried 17 Boers out of the 31. This was the first attack I have made. I do not care much for this work, but I have got to do the best of it. It is very hard to live on dry biscuits with a drop of tea or water when out on picket or marching. I joined this regiment for want of money, but I think I would have had sufficient to last this war out. Besides, everybody went to join this regiment, and so I thought I would go as well. The Australians and Canadians are here fighting, and after all it is only my duty towards my country to do what I can. There are thousands of lives lost, of faithful comrades, but thank God I am alive so far. I do not know how soon my time will come. I would exceedingly like to see the war over, but I hope that the home authorities will not give in to the Boers until the British soldiers have conquered them. A few of the Boers have been placing our soldiers, after capturing them, in front of their lines, so that our troops in firing would shoot our own soldiers. I do not think this war will last much longer; our side have captured so many of the Boers, and rebels are also giving up arms. You will be surprised that I do not give any more news of this country. But probably you know more about the war than I do. We do not see a paper or a dispatch from anywhere owing to General French's order, I hear. We know nothing but simply about the place we are travelling to. Send me word back as to how the people of Cwmparc are. I suppose there is a great change there since I left. There ought to be plenty of work there now that so many volunteers and militia men have come out here. Do not trouble yourself about me. Give my best respects to Mr. D. Davies, Mr. T. Thomas, Cwmparc, and P.C. Danks, Clydach Vale, and all the family; also to Eddie Brown and Alf Bowyer, and my brothers and sisters."

(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 26th May 1900)
__________________________________________________