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Sergeant H. J. Cox, Wycombe Special Service Contingent, Oxfordshire Light Infantry, wrote a letter to a friend who worked on the South Bucks Free Press, which was published in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and included with it a copy of the first issue of the S.S. Tintagel Castle's on-board newspaper. The newspaper reprinted the content of that issue, and I've transcribed nearly all of it below. Some of the Wycombe paper was damaged before it was transferred to microfilm, so I've put a dash through where lost words should be.
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Sergeant Cox's letter was dated 14th March 1900.

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" . . . One young lady, anxious to swell the funds of the Daily Telegraph Orphan Fund, is on the troop deck selling kisses to the highest bidder. At the time of writing the top price is 2s. 6d. Another young lady is selling copies of our daily paper at 6d. each for the same fund. I enclose a copy which was issued to-day for the first time. . . . "
. ....A daily paper published weekly or oftener to supply a long felt want and to furnish the latest news from the front. Price nothing; extra editions double. Subscriptions payable in advance. All receipts to be devoted to the expense of enlarging the second class smoke room. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the accuracy of any of the statements contained in this paper.
. ....On the 12th instant several gymnastic displays were given by the military element during the day. Wrestling on horseback was a favourite amusement; the gentle manner in which the combatants handled one another was a revelation to the ordinary mortal, and promises well for the treatment in store for the Boers.
[When will these displays be properly organised.—ED. ] ....We hear wth much regret that one of the passengers has lost his eyesight since coming on board.
N.B.—We understand he could not see a joke. ....A lady has just advised us that she considers the best looking lady on board a Scotchman.
....We presume she is Irish. ....Another lady tells us she considers it a beastly shame that she should be sent below while the troops parade.
....The language is vigorous, possibly the occasion justifies it. ....Complaints have been received by us from all quarters as to the parade of the troops from 10.30 to 11 a.m., and suggestions have been made that the parade should be held at a time when the comfort and convenience of the passengers would not be so interfered with—say 8 to 8.30 a.m. ....The following has been translated from Kaffir for the benefit of those not acquainted with the language:—"A boy found a half-a-crown which he returned to his 'Baas,' who told him he might keep it for his honesty. A few days later his 'Baas' missed his gold watch, and on meeting his boy said to him 'Mishabe! Have you seen my watch,' and was answered thus, 'Jah, 'Baas,' me find him, 'Baas,' on the floor, and me keep him for mine honesty." ....A young lady tells us that she is anxious to get past Las Palmas, as, owing to the number of ladies leaving there she will then receive more attention from the male sex. (Poor dear.) ....Lovatt's scouts are a grand body of men, and they have excited general admiration on account of their splendid physique and manly bearing. ....A trooper writes as follows:—"Altogether we are being fed like fighting cocks to fare on such as I suppose no British soldier would ever have dreamt of getting as his regular rations." ....After the tug-of-war between the Scouts and Londoners our correspondent attempted to ascertain the result. On interviewing the Scouts he learned that they had undoubtedly won. They said so themselves and they ought to know. He then interviewed the other team, and found that they had also won. We can only say this must be satisfactory all round. ....A generous contributor who does not wish his name to be known has offered a prize for a swimming contest—the course to be three times round the steamer. Prizes, a silver-mounted ship biscuit and a bronze medallion of the Queen. ....We hear that Lovatt's scouts are taking their bagpipes to the front with them. A reader wonders if Joubert will protest against them as inhuman. ....During the last few days we have had no fresh news from the seat of war. This is due to the strict paper censorship. ....We hear from Mafeking that Baden Powell has offered a bag of sweets and an orange to every Boer who surrenders. We hope this generous offer has been taken due advantage of by the enemy.
. ....................................................................................Softly the moonlight glistens o'er the sea,
....................................................................................And in my dreams the recollections rise
....................................................................................Of a fair sight, a girl with soft grey eyes,
....................................................................................With auburn hair, and still they seem to me
....................................................................................But empty thoughts, for surely such as these
....................................................................................Give fever to the heart, heat to the brain,
....................................................................................That make the world almost a place of pain.
....................................................................................So banish them; gaze on the rolling seas,
....................................................................................The skies, the world, all from the Mighty Hand
....................................................................................Of Him who guides the stars—that blinking band
....................................................................................Of myriad lights above. For woman's ways
....................................................................................Are like the stars, in that they seldom please
....................................................................................But for a moment; for my dream bus stays
....................................................................................To fade to dimness with the rolling seas.
The above has been sent to us by a passenger. The effects of the moon are at times unaccountable.
. ...."O. N. DECK."—No, it is not true that passengers are to be confined to the stoke hold during the period the military are parading. ...."B. LOW."—We understand the report that the deck will be required for the use of the crew from 2 to 6, and that passengers will be kept to their cabins during those hours, is an absolute fabrication. ...."S. OFTY."—No, you ——— not bound to believe it, th——— you see it in print. The knots you refer to have nothing to do with ropes, they represent the distance travelled. ....Facilities are wanting ——— publish a more extended first copy. Contributions to further issues thankfully received at the Purser's room. ....Proceeds of the sale of this paper will be devoted to the Daily Telegraph Widows and Orphans' Fund. .
....Ships' newspapers are quite an institution now-a-days. In addition to the above from the Tintagel Castle, a couple of copies of the "Norman Mail" have reached me. They are interesting souvenirs of the voyage of the Imperial Yeomanry, and I note that Colonel Lord Chesham figures as Editor, with Major W. H. Edwardes as his "sub."
South Bucks Free Press, Friday 30th March 1900