200 coACinNG. 



accident that befell us that day. In driving out 

 of the Knightsbridge Barracks, Aston managed 

 to get his leaders and wheelers huddled to- 

 gether, and, the salute of the sentry at the 

 gate frightening them, the wheel came in con- 

 tact with the post and the pole snapped in two. 

 Fortunately, assistance was at hand, and the 

 only ill result was a delay of some twenty 

 minutes. I was ou the box at the time ; and, 

 thinking probably other difficulties might arise 

 on the road, I urged Fitzroy Stanhope to change 

 places. Stanhope's vocal powers were of the 

 first-rate order, as all will bear testimony who 

 listened to his merry and musical voice when he 

 carolled forth " The Swell Dragsraau," " The 

 Bonny Owl," "The days that we got tipsy in, 

 a lonof time ao-o," and other convivial sonsfs. 

 Poor Fitzroy ! his loss was deeply felt by a large 

 circle of friends. 



And here let me place before my readers a 

 description of the four-in-hand club of 1808. 

 This club was in the habit of meetino: once or 

 twice a month in London, and then proceeding 

 some fifteen or twenty miles into the countrv 

 to dine, returning at night. It was called the 

 " Driving Club," and the carriages turned out in 

 tlie followino^ order: — 



