S T R A T H C O N A ' S H O R S E
Green Point Camp
Cape Town, 27th, May, 1900.
Dear Lord Strathcona,
On Tuesday last I received orders to move the Regiment to the front and in accordance there with "A" and "C" Squadrons, under Major Belcher embarked on Thursday on the S.S.'s "Chicago", "Mohawk" and "Maplemore", with all the transport and baggage.
Sufficient men were taken from "A" and "C" Squadrons to make up "B" up to a strength of 200 officers and men, and this Squadron will leave tomorrow morning on the S.S.'s "Wakool" and "Columbia".
Everything connected with this movement has been done with so much secrecy that it is impossible for me to tell you what our destination is, but it looks as though we will disembark somewhere in Natal.
The authorities here have given us a great amount of transport, consisting of 350 mules with 30 wagons, carts and a sufficient number of drivers. These went with the column under Major Belcher. Then there are 300 pack animals which will go with me tomorrow.
"B" Squadron has been fitted out for speed, carrying nothing but what can be carried on the saddle and person - the pack animals being for the ammunition. You will see by this that we have some special and important work at hand.
The men and horses are in excellent condition to undertake anything. The long delay here has been particularly trying on them. Lord Roberts' rapid advance has made them think that they would not see any real active service. But the delay has not been our fault. I am convinced that a plan for us was under consideration even before we arrived here but only matured a day or two ago when we got our orders to move. Whatever it is the whole Regiment will do its duty not only from patriotic moves but to do honour to yourself and Canada.
On Friday we furnished a party of 80 Officers and Men to take part in the Review in honour of Her Majesty's birthday. Over 2,000 troops were on parade and I was more than pleased with the splendid appearance of Strathcona's Horse. They marched past His Excellency the Governor like a wall and received a tremendous ovation, far grater than any of the other Regiments.
I will cable you tomorrow and will send you a full report frequently as we proceed.
I am,
Yours respectfully,
(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.
The Right Honourable Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal.
