PREFACE. 



The stories related in this book, incredible as some may 

 seem, are true. The most improbable of all — the one 

 which tells of the dignity conferred on an ancient 

 carriage — actually happened, but at a date prior to that 

 assigned to it. My grandfather. Colonel Wollocombe, 

 of the 2nd Queen's, who was born in 1742, and had the 

 honour of being associated with H.R.H. the Duke of 

 Kent when quartered at Gibraltar, was the envied 

 possessor of the old chariot which the Vicar's wife 

 converted to the use described. 



The two following letters from H.R.H. Her Majesty 

 the Queen's father, though " nihil ad rem," may interest 

 some of my readers, and serve as an introduction of 

 myself to the public. 



Gibraltar, 



April Sth, 179 1. 

 Dear Colonel Wollocombe, 



As a former commanding officer and old 

 friend of the Queen's Regiment, I hope you will 

 not refuse me when I press you to let me have 

 Holmes, Baker, Bromfield, Harrison, and Spice in 

 exchange for the five men of ours mentioned to 



