30th Dec 1900

Pinkenba 30th Dec 1900 Dearest Mother and Father and brothers and sister You will be wondering how we are doing here. We have had it very rough with the wet weather, but it is very pleasant weather now. I passed the doctor first rate, but have done poor shooting in fact all the men did the first day. There was a strong side wind and I do not know much about allowing for it, but the Captain told Trickett that they would not put me out on that with my record especially a man like me he said. There are only 7 horses in yet and I have Brady and 2 more men to look after them and see to their feed etc. they are in a yard. Yet the Government are having a job to get good horses. All the men are very kind and sociable and the camp is full of splendid men all eager to go there. There was a lot of quiet boys but they won’t have them unless they are of age. Poor boys some of them were so disappointed; there was one in our tent a fine strapping fellow of 20. Oh he said he did wish he were a year older. Well mother dear I say my prayers although I do say and do wrong sometimes I am sorry for it. The worst of the fellows here is I think the habit they have got so used to, can’t help themselves and which my brothers never did get habited to, thanks to the good example you had set us. Dear mother we were all terribly cut up at learning such a lot of kind friends, dear Mr Foster - he put 2 shillings in to my hand and said it was a present from Mrs Foster. God bless her all the kindness I received made my heart feel like bursting but they say it takes a lot of kindness to kill or I should be dead and dear Ernie he broke down and dear old Art & Charlie. Although they are so brave and keep their feeling under, I could see they were cut up. All I can say is love one another and I am sure you all know I love you all and always will do. I will again ask you to be kind to my dear mother & to dear old dad. There’s not many like them and when I come back from the war we will have such a time, as we shall never forget. Give my love to all friends and I hope I did not go too far by kissing all those pretty young ladies. There is several men did not pass the doctor and they had gone back to Rockhampton. You might try and get me photo of myself and send down before we go. It will be in a fortnight yet I should think. Well good bye for the present and God bless you all. Ted xxxxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxx