King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

Lancaster

HOME
Museum & Collections
Sales
Donations
Events
Contact Us

REGIMENTAL HISTORY
17th Century
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century
First World War
Second World War
Actions & Movements
Battle Honours

FAMILY HISTORY
Resources
Further Reading

PHOTO GALLERY
ENQUIRIES
FURTHER READING
LINKS


Captain James Paton, 4th King's Own, at Chatham, 1862
Accession Number: KO2590/394


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

 

Only a proportion of our collections are on display at anyone time.  Certain items are on loan for display in other institutions.  An appointment is required to consult any of our collections which are held in store.

© 2012 Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum