288 REMINISCENCES OF 



interest in the welfare of the troop as the most 

 efficient member of it." 



Mrs. Carnegy and I wept ; the men cheered 

 tremendously ; altogether it was most spirited. They 

 presented a beautiful "loving cup," which went 

 all round the table ; more than seventy I believe 

 drank the Colonel's health. Songs were sung, and 

 we stayed till the end. The best dinner party I 

 ever saw ! The Colonel was so touched and 

 gratified by their goodness. 



October, 1895. A f ew days after the Dundee 

 dinner I received from John Gilmour the following 

 letter : 



" ROYAL HOTEL, CUPAR-FIFE, 

 October, 1895. 



" DEAR COLONEL, 



" We have had our meeting of officers, and 

 all seemed determined to do their utmost to carry on 

 the regiment. I trust we may be able to carry out 

 our desire. The unanimous wish and hope was 

 expressed that you would allow your name to be 

 submitted to the authorities as Honorary Colonel of 

 the regiment. Please let me know your wishes in 

 this respect, and I shall take the necessary steps to 

 have this carried out. 



" I hear the Forfar dinner was a splendid success. 

 ' ' Yours very truly, 



" JOHN GILMOUR." 



8th December. " Lieutenant-Colonel and Honor- 



