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Brett,

His optimism does shine through. As I read his letter, I was half expecting Cecil to say he would be home by Christmas!

I dare say he was missing his wife and her company, but, he had his job to do, I suspect he was satisfied with the conduct of his men, in particular, those three immortal companies he led on that wretched ridge on the 6th pf January.

1899 - From the diary of Major George Tatham, Natal Carbineers

Very quiet. Hoping to get signalling sights through to Estcourt. Afternoon heliograph communication established.

Source: Diary of the siege of Mafeking by Edward Ross

Friday, 10 November 1899

Everything fairly quiet all day, of course with the exception of a few of the enemy’s big shells and twelve-pounders now and again, otherwise more quiet than usual; none of us like this, it is the ominous calm before the storm.