Soldiers of the Regiment
Major James Paton
Letters from the Crimean War
No address or date given. Received at Crailing 12th
December, 1855. Charge 3d
Dearest Mother,
I have scribbled a few lines to John in Canada which I wish you to
forward after detaching this page. I read your & Willie’s letters on
Friday 12th Inst.
A Man in the Rifles told me that Col. Lawrence is not coming out this
Winter, so my box had better be sent to Hayter & Howell; they are as
safe as a church & the box is sure to come. Bt. Major Batley of ours has
just gone home on 3 months leave, the Colonel is going to forward
Sheppard’s application for the same in a few days. Major Hart & Hamilton
are the only Officers senior to me doing duty with the Regt. who have
been here the whole time. I saw W Eliiot on Sunday. He is looking very
well again & told me that he wrote regularly. Yesterday Bob & I were
going out to Baidar to look for Cock, but my being on a District Court
Martial prevented me. I rode over & saw him in the afternoon.
A Kelso Mail came last night. We have most glorious weather, never saw
the like of it in my life. The Pointer I got out of the Redan
accompanies me in all my rides & walks now, knowing me perfectly. I am
rather envied the possession of him. I am glad my Father has got his
crop in so well, prices are still high I suppose.
The nasty work on the roads still continues. An Officer of the 50th is
to be tried by Court Martial as he was found asleep, when he ought to
have been overlooking the men – very hard that. I am afraid of this
being late for the Mail. For any news read over my epistle to John.
With best love to all, Ever dear Mother your affect, son J. Paton
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