Never smoke before breakfast, and don't smoke in bed

De Beers Consolidated Mines. Limited.

Kimberley Sept 12th 1898

My dear Joe

Your last letter came earlier in the week than usual. On Thursday morning I got my letters. I hope you have survived the heat. By the telegrams I see it still continues and water has become very scarce in some parts. Is there any fear of the Thames drying up? Is it true you left Teddington because there was not enough water in the river to row upon?