r Mooi River （a distance of thirty miles）； which we did not reach until about 8 o’clock in the evening。 The roads were in a positively fearful state： we could only go very carefully at a foot’s pace the whole way； and even then we got into some very nasty places。 I walked a good part of the way； in fact we all did； as it was quite as hard work hanging on driving as walking。 Yesterday we came on here； which was not half such a tiring day； as the roads were paratively very good； and we are told that they will be so now for the rest of the way； which is a fort。 If we are not detained by rain or other mishaps we expect to get to Newcastle next Saturday。 I quite forgot to tell you that the unhappy Gibbs came to sad grief on the way from Maritzburg to Howick； and all on account of her devotion to Bob。 She was nursing the said spoilt animal on her knee when suddenly the carriage went into a hole； gave a lurch and nearly sent Bob flying。 In her efforts to save him out fell Gibbs right between the wheels； but marvellous to relate she was not a bit hurt； only bruised her arm a little and got a good shaking。 。 。 。 At almost every stage we meet fugitives from the Transvaal； but they all seem to look upon Newcastle as safe。 。 。 。 With much love from us both to you all；
Your affectionate daughter…inlaw；
M。 L。 Haggard。
Truly this was an awful journey； especially as my wife was in a state in which great exertion was undesirable。 The roads； as she says； were terrible； being cut up by the passage of guns and troops。 Indeed； there were no roads — simply； in that wet season； breadths of mud…holes sometimes a hundred yards wide； of which holes you might take your choice。 It was into one of these that poor Gibbs fell with the beloved terrier； Bob。 Never shall I forget th