May 25, 1902
Col. Cookson's column in camp near Klerksdorp
My dear Mother,

We are once more back to our old camp for a rest after a 3 weeks drive across to Vryburg to British Beckuanna Land, about 120 miles from here. A few of our fellows who were left in Halifax sick, rejoined the regiment yesterday. The next trek we make, if all the camp rumors are true, we will leave this part of the country for good & go after DeWet in the Free State. We are having splendid weather just now, but the nights are very cold, our bivies being covered with white frost the last two mornings.

Charlie received your letter of the 7th [?] yesterday & we were pleased to hear you were all moving so near Winnipeg. Well, Mother, I want to tell you of a plan Bert & I have been talking about. If the war ends before one year is up, & the regiment disbands, we are thinking of staying to have a look round & see what kind of chances there are for getting a good situation. And if all what we hear is true, we are likely to get places without looking long.

There were quite a few good football games yesterday between the different regiments of our columns in honor of Victoria Day. Well, Mother, I think I have told you all the news. Tell Jack I am expecting a letter from him. Hoping you are all well, I am your affectionate son,

Geo. C. Rooke