THE HISTORY OF THE BEL VOIR HUNT 



Ropsley with hounds till rain falls. Been out thirty-two 

 times, and killed thirty-six foxes, which are, as usual, very 

 plentiful. September 22, from Denton Park, twenty-five 

 minutes, and killed Woolsthorpe Cliff. October 17, another 

 clipper from Belvoir, twenty-three minutes, and killed Den- 

 ton Park. October 24, best forty-five minutes from Ropsley 

 Rise I ever remember. I hope you are able to cheer on 

 your men with the same energy and spirit as I've seen you 

 do the hounds at the close of a real good and glorious run. 

 . . . Indeed, in spite of all hardships, I often wish I was with 

 you myself Killed brace in Casthorpe Hill on the day of 

 the Alma, the brush of which I shall keep in remembrance of 

 that memorable day. I hope Captain Allix is well." 



The next letter of this series carries us on two years, 

 though we would fain have told the whole story in Good- 

 all's own bright and homely style. This letter, dated 1856, 

 was written at the close of Lord Forester's mastership, and 

 when Goodall's own career was drawing to an end. It tells 

 of cubbing operations, and ends with a most characteristic 

 touch in the mention of a " screaming volley" which preceded 

 the death of the fox. 



XI 



"Belvoir Kennels, 



" October 2,rd, 1856. 

 •' Honoured Sir, — 



" I beg to thank you very much for your note and 

 game, though I regret exceedingly not being able to give 

 you a day this week, as I have just arranged with his 

 Lordship the Marquis of Granby to hunt (after to-morrow, 

 Tuesday) a week within reach of Belvoir ; consequently, 

 shall take the hounds all home to-morrow and Wednesday 

 for that purpose. I will, however, if possible, get as near to 

 Aswarby on Monday next as I can ; and, if I can, have a 

 pack at Ropsley again for Aswarby at the end of the week. 

 I am delighted to hear of your good sport. I hope my old 

 friend Harrison is leaving plenty of his own stock behind, for 

 he is a real good sort. 



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