KESWICK GUARDIAN SATURDAY 8 MARCH 1879
A NATIVE OF KESWICK IN ZULULAND.
The following letter has been received by Mr and Mrs Isaac and Sarah ( Martin ) Wren, of Keswick, from their son, who volunteered into the
99th Regiment : -
Natal, South Africa, 25th Jan., 1879.
DEAR FATHER. - You will see by this letter that I have volunteered for
active service in South Africa. I have been in this regiment about nine
months, and I like the change very much. We landed at Natal, 9th January.
We marched from there to Tugela, crossed the river, then we were in the
enemy’s country - Zululand. We are on the march now as convoy, with 142
waggons, up to the front. We have just received reinforcements - two
companies of the 3rd Buffs, and two troops of Native Contingent Corps -
and they tell us there has been a great battle fought about twenty miles
from us. Nine of ours were killed and fifteen wounded. The Zulus have lost
about 4,000. We expect to reach our head-quarters in two days’ time. You
must excuse this short letter, as we are rather pushed for everything just
now. You must expect a longer one next time. I must now conclude, hoping
this will find all well as it leaves me at present. With my kind love to
all at home and all inquiring friends. From your affectionate son.
THOMAS WREN.