THE SQUIRE OF ASWARBY 



party killed their fox within ten yards of each other. I en- 

 close you a sketch of the run. 



" I was delighted to hear from General Reeve that they 

 had that morning heard from the Colonel/ and that he was 

 much better. I have also taken the liberty of writing to him, 

 giving him a little of our fox-hunting proceedings. I shall 

 indeed be well pleased to hear of his return, but not before 

 the battle's won, for it's a most glorious fight ; it seems to 

 blunt everything else in the papers. But to return to sport. 

 I have for the ensuing week made the following fixtures : — 



" Monday, Croxton Park ; 



" Tuesday, Barkston in the Willows ; 



" Thursday, Keisby Village ; 

 and I shall, if agreeable to you, be pleased to rouse your cubs 

 the following week, but not unless you are there, or you wish 

 it. Should you not be at home, we have plenty of other 

 places to go to as yet undisturbed. If no more rain falls, I 

 think it will be almost impossible to come, as we can't stop at 

 Ropsley for want of water. I shall be obliged to go home 

 after hunting at Keisby, which cuts the hounds all to pieces 

 trailing home so far after a hard day. 



" Our young hounds please me very much, full of mischief 

 in Charley's absence, but particularly attentive to that gentle- 

 man when at home. 



" Trusting we may get some moisture before long, 

 " I beg to remain, 



" Honoured Sir, 

 " Your most humble and obedient servant, 



"Wm. Goodall." 



The letter referred to above was preserved and valued 

 through the Crimean campaign by Colonel Reeve, and is 

 now at Leadenham House. It runs as follows : — 



" Satisfactory cubbing, considering very dry season ; 

 oldest man can't remember so long drought. Country 

 hard as iron, and full of immense cracks. Can't get to 



^ Then in the Crimea. 

 199 



