COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 37 



showed me the mess-room, etc., and introduced me 

 to Arthur Williams, who told me what I should do. 

 I then went back to Edinburgh and dined at the 

 Lochs. 1 like Eliza very much, but Mr. Walker 

 had just gone away, so I did not see him. I slept 

 at Charlotte Square, and yesterday had my things 

 sent down here and came myself. In the evening I 

 went out riding with Spicer and Johnston, dined at 

 mess at half-past seven, and went to bed. Colonel 

 Campbell is gone to inspect a troop of yeomanry 

 somewhere, and they expect Loughborough to-day, 

 but it is doubtful if he will come or not. I have got 

 into Meicklam's room. He is on leave, and has left 

 his bed and furniture ; but as there were and are 

 sundry bugs in it, the sooner I get my own the 

 better. I have got a soldier-servant named Jenkin- 

 son, and his wife cleans my room and washes every- 

 thing for twenty-five shillings a month. We all 

 breakfast in the mess-room when and how we 

 choose, and all the teapots, etc., belong to the mess, 

 so I don't want any. Send me some shirts as soon 

 as possible, though only two or three are finished. 

 I am in Percy Williams' troop. He is very good- 

 natured and amusing, though rather a rattler. Whal- 

 ley (pronounced Wayley) is the Lieutenant. He is a 

 little gentleman-like, rather swell fellow, and has set 

 me all a-going most swimmingly. I like Spicen 

 Spottiswoode, Whalley and Johnston best. My 

 horses are in great strength and beauty — health, I 

 mean. I rode the mare yesterday, and she is as wild 

 as a great cat. She is very much approved of, and 



