THE DUKE AS MASTER 



The next letter tells its own tale, and was written from 

 Cadland, a name that recalls the winner of the Derby in 

 1828. It was the home of Mr. G, Drummond. 



" Cadland, 



" November 2^th, 1865. 

 "Cooper,— 



"I have to thank you for your letters of 9th, 13th, 20th 

 and 23rd, and I return Mr. Heathcote's letters. 



" I don't think I shall be at Belvoir before the middle of 

 December, and even then, owing to Mr. Perceval's selling me 

 some horses that were not hunters, I shall have nothing to 

 ride. 



" The run from Granby Gap must have been very good ; 

 what a pity it was not straight. Of course you will meet 

 Mr. Heathcote's wishes, but ten days seems an unnecessary 

 long time, and Keisby Wood is the second time, making a 

 period of twenty-six days ! 



" I am very sorry to hear you have been so unlucky as to 

 lose Singer and Rockwood ; Singer was very old. I hope 

 Royal is recovered. Who rode over him ? What horse were 

 you riding from Granby Gap ? 



" I have been but poorly, but am better again, though full 

 of aches and pains. I am glad to hear the Bescaby Oaks 

 foxes have re-appeared. 



" Croxton Lings — I think the grass last cut must be 

 ploughed up and re-sown. 



" I remain, yours, etc., 



" Rutland. 



" I go to ' Enville Stourbridge ' on Monday next." 



The next letter is from Sir Thomas Whichcote, who was 

 always interested in the hounds and their doings. The refer- 

 ence to Will Goodall shows that Sir Thomas's protige had 

 by this time gone to the Pytchley. He was serving under 

 Mr. Anstruther Thompson, and had Roake and Firr for 

 colleagues. That he had inherited his father's good qualities 

 may be gathered from the fact that later he earned Lord 

 Spencer's trust and esteem, and in some measure took the 



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