Below is a transcript of a letter written by Pte. T. Bramwell, 1st Battalion Manchesters, to his wife from Caesar's Camp 12 days after the big battle there on 6 January 1900. The original is in the Manchester Regiment archives. The spelling and punctuation (or lack of it) is as Bramwell wrote it.
Ceasers Camp
Ladysmith
18/1/1900
My Dear Wife
Thank God I am still in the land of the Living but I have been very very lucky my word the Colour Sergt, Sgt Connor Drum Major sgt Walsh of the band Billie Frampton & 14 more of the Company Dead I got hit just below the right eye I suppose you have seen it all in the paper I was with Sgt Connor I am sending her the letter he only wrote about 3 weeks before & one he had not finished (if there is any thing in his kit she wants let me know) My word since the 21st of September we have been surrounded by the enemy but we are shortly getting relieved as Buller is just outside fighting his way in. I have not got your Xmas present yet but I hope it is something to eat as we are all dreadfully hungry no sugar this last week & ground Indian corn made into Porridge. I believe they are sending us a lot of eatables out they are badley wanted (I am finished with the army after this) it has been something awful not a wash or change for close on 3 months We have not had any letters since the 24th of September I suppose you read all about the defence of the hill on the 6th I will never forget it from 3 am to 7.30 pm firing all the time we fairly got a belly full that day You might save all the paper that you can get hold of & save them for me as I want to read what the papers say about us. Xmas day it was a day my word. Swetting in the sun all day. I hope to God we are relieved by saturday but I am afraid there will be another fight for the hill but but buck we will pull through allright
With love from your Affectionate Husband
T. Bramwell
The parts in brackets have been crossed out, possibly by a censor or an officer, but are still legible. Bramwell wouildn't have been able to send his letter until after Ladysmith was finally relieved at the end of February 1900. It seems odd to us today that he addressed his wife so formally in his letter.
David