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Papers of Nathaniel Bishop Harman
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To 'my dear Home folk'

No. 2 General Hospital, Wynberg, Cape Colony. His painting of sunrise over Cape Town. The elegant Mount Nelson Hotel. Military orders. Ugly locals. Disembarkation. Wynberg is a beautiful place. In No. 2 Hospital galvanised iron huts are replacing tents. 1300 patients there, mostly with enteric fever or dysentery. Fine facilities. Rumours of an impending move north. He now has charge of the Convalescent Division, which is 'no joke' with over 560 patients. Living in a bell tent with ingenious camp furniture. The discomforts of a wild storm. The local English Church is nice - an excellent Sunday sermon from the vicar, a Cambridge man.

To 'the old folk at home'

Pretoria. Time spent waiting for the hospital equipment. The search for cheaper quarters, and the occupation of Canon Sidwell's house. Horses drawn for their use. His flirtation with 'most pretty Sister K[endall]'. A service in the Cathedral, sitting behind Lord Roberts and his daughters. The Dutch Church looks horrid. Attempts to 'commandeer' plants by night to beautify Sister K's ward ahead of a visit from General French.

To 'the old folk at home'

No. 2 General Hospital, Bloemfontein. A military haircut. He went north on the first train to Johannesburg since the war began. Crossing the Karoo. A 'town' in South Africa. Pickets on the railway. Slow progress after one engine broke down. His provisions - chocolate and biscuits - see him through as food becomes scarce. The search for scarce food in Bloemfontein; the two youngest and prettiest nursing sisters were his 'convoy'. They have been at Bloemfontein for fourteen days while the Boers skirmish further up the line. Exploring round the town on foot and on horseback. There are now eight military hospitals in Bloemfontein. The ravages of enteric fever. Mild dysentery - the 'modders' - is rampant. Living off tinned food.

To Zelie, his sister

Welsh Hospital, Pretoria. Hopes she can remain at school. Is sorry to hear about Gertie. Is gradually recovering, though still very weak. He is well looked after.

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