PART I

Friends, Fashion, Fortune, will deceptive veer, Like fickle Seasons, in the varying Year. A sad it is, but melancholy Truth, How small, how slippery is the path of Youth: Many, no doubt, incautious, weak, and blind, Betraying want of prudence, want of mind, Impetuously advance, nor look before-- They unlamented sink--to rise no more: Others again, by observation guided, Step firmly on, determined, and decided; One solid Object steadily pursue, Nor e’er lose sight of what they have in view. Such was our Youth. If truly we him scan, He knew the World, and was a Worldly man; For deep intrigue, or artifice was fit, Endued with ample store of Mother wit: Apt was his mind, and his perception keen, To meditate on what he’d heard and seen. Tho’ few years converse with the World he’d held, He saw how much by folly ’twas impell’d; Saw to their passions that Mankind were Slaves, The dupes to flattery, and the sport of Knaves; Saw exultation, which no art could smother, Greedy enjoy the downfall of each other; Saw honest poverty, by pride opprest, And worthless Scoundrels for their wealth carest; Saw titled Miscreants, to all feeling lost, Disgrace the noble Pedigree they boast; Saw Wealth and Honours shamefully misplac’d, Fortune’s best gifts flagitiously disgrac’d: So much he saw--he found he could insure The Road to Wealth, and Honours quite secure. The first was in his grasp, he knew old John Was wond’rous rich, and he an only Son;-- And for the next, he could, some how, or other, Arrange that too, with aid of his good Mother.

The Plan now laid, he open’d his approach, ‘Mother,’ says he, ‘you ought to keep a Coach. ‘In that, dear Mother, I should feel a pride.’ (Johnny well knew his Mother’s weakest side.) ‘See Lady Jane Tobacco’s gay Parade-- ‘She drives about, tho’ her good Man’s in Trade.’ ‘Ah! my dear John, all this is very true,-- ‘But how to manage it? what must I do?’ ‘O! as to that, I’ll put it in a Train; ‘You know, dear Mother, Dad’s a little vain: ‘So now between ourselves I will disclose ‘A famous scheme, which I have to propose: ‘Old Dad is rich enough, as you can tell-- ‘He first must be, a Banker in Pall Mall; ‘And having once, dear Mother, fixed him there, ‘We’ll have a Mansion in St. James’s Square;-- ‘Then at the Ministers old Dad shall set, ‘To make a Lord of him, or Baronet: ‘Then Lady _Newcome’s_ Equipage so neat, ‘With two smart Footmen rattling in the Street; ‘And with your Routs, your grandeur to evince, ‘Have half a score of Lords, and perhaps a Prince. ‘What, tho’ the great may exercise their wit, ‘Themselves are Scions from some honest Cit! ‘Then here again am I, whom no one knows, ‘A Grocer’s Son, among our City Beaux. ‘I in the Wars who have obtained some credit.’ ‘It shall be done, dear John, and I have said it.’

John’s picture he so artfully had drest, Ambition’s flame now kindled in her breast. It is an apt old adage, known of course, ‘The Grey Mare often proves the better Horse.’ Her end she gain’d; but how, I’m not to name, For many thrifty Wives have done the same. True to her text, the prudent Dame was right, Our honest Grocer soon was dubb’d a Knight; Soon in the West, establish’d in his Bank, Strutted a man of Consequence and Rank. My Lady too, which is not vastly rare, She had her Mansion in St. James’s Square. Now Cards of invitation flew about, Sir John’s gay Dinners, and my Lady’s Rout. The Fashionable World would not decline To touch her Guineas, and to drink his Wine. Thus in gay Circles lavishly they sport, And Lady _Newcome_’s introduced at Court.

John’s turn now came to enter on the Stage; And _Mr. Newcome_ now was all the Rage. John had perceived how much on wealth depends; He was surrounded by an Host of Friends: His lively skiff on Fashion’s surface floated, ’Twas but to ask, and Johnny was promoted. His Game in hand, so well he play’d his Cards, Renounc’d the Line, and glitter’d in the Guards; In fashion’s sportive ring set all agoing-- Deep at Newmarket, and at Brookes’s knowing. In love affairs John managed well his part, He had a golden rule to reach the heart. In the gay vortex now you see him dash, Lively, and volatile, but far from rash; Where dissipation led was always ready, But to his interest firm, and ever steady. Panting to shine in Military fame, For valourous Enterprize to get a Name, He with this feeling mingled with the bevy, And paid his humble duty at the Levee: He knew full well the miserable chance _Subs_ in the Line had ever to advance; He had strong claims to urge in his behalf, A Guardsman was a Passport to the Staff. A Captain now, he look’d for Higher Rank, And knew th’ influence of his Father’s Bank. But all in vain, the odious Regulation That fix’d the time of service to each Station, His object check’d; altho’ in his behest Sir John push’d forward all his interest. All would not do, nor interest, nor wealth, Nor all the wily stratagem of stealth, (Altho’ no doubt there was much deep finesse By some employed, unknown to his Highness), Could move the Duke, who, to his applause, Would not infringe the Military Laws: ‘If Captain _Newcome_’s ardour and his zeal ‘Panted for Honour, or his Country’s weal, ‘The Road to all was evident and plain.’ ‘Why then,’ says John, ‘I’ll to the Wars again. ‘And so, dear Dad, go speak in my behalf, ‘A word from you will get me on the Staff.’ Sir John was proud to see his boy high-mettled, So made his Bow, and every thing was settled. ‘Go then, my Son, rejoin that valiant Host, ‘Led by Old England’s pride, and Erin’s boast; ‘For him does every heart’s best wishes flow, ‘Who taught the Allies how to beat the Foe.’

Now once more Johnny greets the Azure Main, Four gallant Chargers flourish in his Train; Canteens, with Plate, and Prog completely stor’d, To form an elegant and sumptuous board. A Valet, and two Grooms, his Route attends, Teague was gone dead, carousing with his Friends; For scarce was John well settled at his home, When Teague soon felt a secret wish to roam: Long’d for his Native Cot, his Country dear, So Friends, and Whiskey, finish’d his career.

As now Sir John in the first Circle rolls, Important objects his great mind unfolds. The Ministers he counted as his own, And got a thumping portion of the Loan. The Livery now harangued with bold Oration, Extoll’d the prosperous credit of the Nation; The laughter, scoffs, and hisses could receive-- Sir John laugh’d too--but it was in his sleeve. Let him who loses laugh, in spite of dins, Laugh those that will, he’ll surely laugh that wins. Tho’ W--n, W--d, and Q--n would snarl and bite-- Sir John, like others, knew ’twas merely spite: With all their hustlings, hoaxings, and grimaces, They only bellow’d for a change of places. Patriots, no doubt a useful appellation, A treacherous Figure to mislead a Nation,-- My Lord, Sir John, a Commoner, his Grace, Are flaming Patriots--if out of Place; No doubt ’tis useful in some way, or other, And serves one wily Rogue to oust his Brother. Sir John and Lady _Newcome_ now agree He should attend his Son down to the Sea. Sir John had mighty matters to relate About their present, and their future state; Much to consult about, much to advise-- Sir John had suddenly grown wond’rous wise; And Lady _Newcome’s_ fashionable friends, For her dear Johnny’s absence made amends.

Now in a Chaise and Four they onwards travell’d, When thus Sir John his sentiments unravell’d: ‘D’ye see, my Son, as it has been my fate ‘To be a Knight, and Member of the State-- ‘I’m rich enough, no doubt, all that is true, ‘But then the Minister--he knows who’s who. ‘Financial knowledge I’ll not yield to Necker-- ‘Full well they know my value at th’ Exchequer. ‘And you, my Son, I mean when next we meet, ‘Shall at St. Stephen’s Chapel take a Seat. ‘In the mean time, dear John, it would be wise ‘That you in every thing should scrutinize; ‘Transmit your observations in a Note-- ‘They may be useful by and bye, to quote; ‘At present ’tis our plan, you will agree-- ‘All’s right and proper, we no fault must see: ‘But, should a change take place, our Party out, ‘We then shall see most diff’rently, no doubt. ‘Let nothing, John, your observation pass, ‘Purveyors, Commissaries, all that Class; ‘As for the Staff, there’s nothing now to blame, ‘The Duke’s wise measures have cut up that Game.[25] ‘In former Wars we heard of Depredation, ‘A sort of Military Peculation, ‘But now, indeed, ’tis quite a diff’rent story, ‘They nought pursue but Honour, Fame, and Glory. ‘And as in Arms Old England’s proudly grown, ‘The Honour, Fame, and Glory’s all their own.’

To this address John deep attention paid; There was much policy in what he said: For the advice, his gratitude exprest, And in his mind he treasur’d up the rest. Thus mutually on future prospects counting, They Portsmouth reach, and rattle to the Fountain. A Chaise and Four creates a famous bustle-- Landlords and Waiters ’gainst each other hustle. Obsequiously the Landlord bows the way-- Expensive work, for every Bow you pay.[26] But more of that anon--all things arrang’d; The Dinner order’d, and apparel chang’d. John said, ‘Dear Dad, we first must pay our Court ‘To the great Naval Chieftain of the Port’; And slily whispering, ‘It is my drift ‘On board a Man-of-War to get a lift.’ ‘You must, my Boy; I fancy there are few come ‘With so much wealth and power as Sir John _Newcome_.’ The Admiral was civil and polite, And courteously receiv’d the worthy Knight. The Card announc’d his dignity full well, ’Twas Sir John _Newcome_, Knight, M.P., Pall Mall. The Admiral grew sociable and free, And very much increas’d his courtesy. ‘My Son, a Captain of the Guards, intends ‘Once more in Portugal to see his Friends: ‘I would not suffer him to take this trip, ‘You know, dear Admiral, in a common Ship.’ ‘Oh, by no means, Sir John, I’m pleased, I own; ‘A Frigate soon will sail; ’tis the Pomone. ‘Your Son on board can go when he has leisure, ‘Carteret[27] I’m sure’ll receive him with great pleasure; ‘He’ll find in him, you safely may depend, ‘A thorough Seaman, Gentleman, and Friend.’ Sir John express’d his hopes some future Day He might his kind civility repay. Should the good Admiral to Town repair, He hoped to see him in St. James’s Square; Or should he some small object have in hand, His little interest was at his Command.

The time now pass’d in viewing every Sight, The Dock-yards, Ramparts, and the Isle of Wight. Our Knight, to help his memory, now wrote His observations down, by way of Note. The Lines, and Ramparts his attention takes, } The muddy Ditches, and the slimy Lakes. } Note[28]--‘Guineas I’m sure were here made Ducks and Drakes.’ } Then o’er the Dock-yard eagerly he pores, Surveys around the Barrels, Masts, and Stores. The Anchors, Rope-house, and the Piles of Staves; Note--‘I’m sure these Fellows are a pack of Knaves. ‘Sad Peculation here midst great and small, ‘There’s waste of Hemp enough to hang them all.’ The Shoals of Vessels too, that lay in Ordinary, Our honest Knight considered most extraordinary. While of our Ships, the French did Prizes make, And at our Harbours’ mouth our Vessels take. Note--‘Something here was very much amiss; ‘And were they not our _Friends_, should swing for this.’ Not at this time a word he meant to say, But snugly kept it for some future Day.

While Dad was gravely making each remark, John saw his Nags and Baggage safe embark; Saw the dexterity with which they whip The horse with Tackle safely in the Ship. So firmly managed, yet with so much care, Rais’d from the ground, suspended in the air, The astonish’d Animal without a check Is gently lower’d till he gains the Deck. John found the Knight, whose head now chiefly run On the sad way the Nation’s work was done; When having Dined, and o’er the social Glass, He said--‘Dear Boy, strange things may come to pass, ‘’Tis right, as now our Party has the sway, ‘All must be right they do, and all they say. ‘But, should the Minister get his dismission, ‘Our Party then will be in Opposition; ‘’Tis then for us to Badger, and to vex ’em-- ‘I’ve got some ticklers here, that will perplex ’em. ‘Interest now tells us it would be absurd ‘Of these vile Rogueries, to say a word, ‘But if they oust us, then without a doubt ‘Our bounden Duty is to tell it out; ‘For should my Friends so shamefully be treated, ‘I’ll let the Nation know how it is cheated.’ Next morn a Midshipman by times brought word That Captain _Newcome_ must repair on Board; The Captain’s compliments, to let him know The Wind was fair, the Ship to Sea must go. The Knight his Son saw ready to depart, Affectionately press’d him to his heart: ‘Adieu! dear Johnny! I shall be in pain ‘Until I see you safe return again; ‘Adieu! dear Son! my happiness enfold you, ‘But pray remember all that I have told you: ‘Write to me, John, whenever you are able, ‘Disguise your meaning, wrap it up in Fable.[29] ‘You understand me, John’--then squeez’d his hand; John in the Boat was quickly row’d from Land-- Soon reach’d the Frigate, which without delay Her Topsails haul’d, and gently bore away.

And now our Knight with solitary pace Did to the Fountain Inn his way retrace; Tired of himself, he there express’d his will-- ‘To have his Chaise and Four, and have his Bill.’ The bill produced; ‘What’s this I see? why Zounds! ‘For three days’ living, six and fifty pounds![30] ‘Myself, and Son, two Servants, and no more-- ‘A Bill like this I never saw before.’ ‘’Twas true, Sir John, but _meat_, Sir John, was dear; ‘It was, Sir John, a bad time of the Year.’ ‘Aye, aye, ’tis plain, egad! I see it now, ‘You charge D----d dear, my friend, for every Bow.’ In Carriage seated--paid; but swore he meant ‘To lay the Bill before the Parliament.’ To London went Post-haste, with thoughtful cares, Now of his Son, and now on State Affairs.

Brisk was the Gale, with clear, uncloudy Weather; Brisk was John’s heart, for he was in high Feather. His rising Prospects, as he looked around-- What limits now could his Ambition bound? In Fortune, Fashion, Rank, conspicuous shone, From Eastern Hemisphere, a Rising Sun.[31] At Starting Posts, with Note-book, took his stand, Or, midst the gaping throng, drove Four in hand-- He’d gamed with Princes, drank with Duke and Peer, Was foremost in the Field in Leicestershire. All this, ’tis true, conspired to give a claim, A _Newcome_ Title to notorious Fame; And was, no doubt, most grateful to his Vanity-- Still ’twas a Trifling, Tonish, Tincture of Insanity. Ardent he longed with gallant Hosts to Muster, And by Achievement gain a Warlike lustre. He wish’d ’mongst Heroes to be rank’d and known, An Emanation from himself alone.

Alert and active, stretched is every Sail, To catch the impulse from the ready Gale; The Frigate glides with smooth and steady sweep O’er the wide surface of th’ unfathomed Deep. In elegance and ease they pass’d each Day, The willing Breeze impell’d them on their Way.

The Rock of Lisbon, towering in height-- St. Julian’s Castle open’d to their Sight. With press of Sail the Tagus now explore, And Johnny greets the Lusitanian Shore. His thanks return’d for this most pleasant Trip, With glowing spirits soon he left the Ship.

With all the Guardsman’s Nonchalance and Grace, First to the Envoy’s he directs his pace. A kind reception he should meet he knew, A Guardsman’s Costume is, a _passe par tout_. Besides from People in the highest Station He’d Letters too of strongest commendation.

The Envoy[32] was a Man of shrewd discerning, A Man of Wit, of Fashion, and of Learning; Perused the Letters, said, in Friendly way, ‘You’ll make my House your home, Sir, while you stay; ‘For you must know this Casa where I dwell, ‘Is by the Quizzers called, the Guards’ Hotel.’ Our Hero thanked him for the Friendly offer-- It was a pleasing and a flattering proffer.

Sir Charles possessed, with elegance and ease, The power of pleasing, and the will to please. Our John was pleas’d--such offers don’t offend, A sumptuous Table, with a lively Friend.

All this arranged, John thought it right he now Should on the General[33] wait, and make his Bow; A Guardsman too, and strictly to his tether, Adhered to the Old adage, ‘Birds of a Feather,’ John, as a Guardsman soon had his _entré_, Greeted, and closeted without delay. For Men in power great etiquette observe (A necessary caution, and reserve), Not that I would insinuate that here There was more exercised than should appear.

The General was obliging, courteous, kind, A Man of much urbanity of Mind; But, Guardsman like, as I have said before, Felt, as a Guardsman, the _Esprit du corps_.

One observation I must introduce By way of hint, it perhaps may be of use; A grateful system by the Duke[34] observ’d, That he who first arrives, the first is serv’d. An honour to his head and heart eternal, The Ensign’s often seen before the Colonel. I’m warranted in this my Postulatum, For it, by general sanction, _est Probatum_.

John seated, now did Anecdotes relate Of Fashion, Gallantry, and of the Great; Who lost at Boodles--who supposed the winner-- The Whispers, Bagatelles, at the Guard Dinner; In Fashionable life, who went astray-- Whose Daughter slipped--whose Wife had ran away; Who was the reigning beauty--who the Toast-- Who at a certain House now ruled the Roast; Whose gay Barouche was sporting in the Park-- What was become of W----l and Ma’am C----k; What Wolf in patriot clothing went disguis’d-- What Machinations ’gainst the State devis’d; Who of our Army systems made a Route-- Who talked of Things, which they knew nought about.

The General listen’d, and enjoy’d the jokes (He’d herded too with Fashionable Folks); Shook Johnny by the hand, express’d his sorrow ‘He was engaged to-day, but hoped to-morrow ‘The Captain would at half-past five repair ‘To meet some Friends, and take his homely Fare.’

’Twas late, but Johnny nicked it to a T, The Envoy’s dinner hour was half-past Three. John heartily enjoy’d the good Repast, And Bumpers fill’d when e’er the Bottle pass’d. At Envoys’ Tables, and some others, I think They give full time to Eat, but not to Drink. I know not that to Wine they have a loathing, Perhaps ’tis a custom, something like their Clothing: For I’ve observ’d at all their Routes and Balls Legation Gentry put on Reg’mentals.[35]

At early hour our Envoy did insist Our noble Captain should cut in at Whist Before he went to bed--he rose a Winner; Then with the General next day took his Dinner. By times in Morn, again he travell’d down To Belem, purposely to call on B----n. No change had driven from his grateful Mind The former conduct--gentle, mild, and kind; Nor Wealth, nor Grandeur could his heart controul, His was the impulse of an honest soul. ‘Feeling!’ could Johnny now expose that vulgar passion, ‘Exploded, obsolete, so out of Fashion’: But Johnny was not spoiled in that particular, Old Friends to meet erect, and Perpendicular; So flew with rapture to the Barrack-yard, To seek his former Chum, kind-hearted Ward. His hand thrust out, when his Friend he espies, With honest pleasure sparkling in his Eyes.

‘How are you, Ward? by Jove, I’m glad to meet you; ‘Give me your Fist--I with much pleasure greet you. ‘How fat you’re grown! I say, you lively Varlet, ‘You’re still a stickler for the bit of Scarlet. ‘I’ll tell you what it is, you D----d old Sinner, ‘I purposely came down to Storm your Dinner-- ‘Parade your Beef, my Boy, and don’t be fine. ‘I say, Friend Ward, how stands your stock of Wine?’ Then whispered in his Ear, of Men in power; Dinners D----d fine, but Wine for half an Hour.

Ward was delighted, charm’d, and gratified, To find Friend John, without a spark of pride; He thought his former Friends would off be thrown, When, for the Guards, he’d quitted the King’s Own.

‘And I,’ said Ward, ‘dear _Newcome_, for my part, ‘Am glad to see you back, with all my heart. ‘But come along--I do not boast variety, ‘The poorest fare’s a Feast with good Society. ‘We will reverse the thing, for at my Treat, ‘We’ll drink like Fishes, tho’ no Fish to eat. ‘’Tis thus we Soldiers live, it can’t be worse, ‘Always on Beef, and with an empty Purse.’ ‘Of honest Beef,’ says John, ‘pray don’t speak slighting; ‘’Tis thought, you know, our stimulant to Fighting: ‘Its loss to Britons is the worst of Evils-- ‘Give them but Beef enough, they’ll fight like Devils. ‘But this I know,’ says John, ‘at our great Battle ‘Our Commissaries really had no Cattle; ‘And though our Lads had scarcely aught to Eat, ‘The Enemy in famous style they Beat.’

An Officer observed, ‘Now where’s the wonder? ‘The hardy Vagabonds, smelt out the Plunder: ‘I’ve seen the Rogues dash to the very Muzzle, ‘But all for Plunder, all to get a Guzzle.’

‘Come, come,’ says John, ‘now that a mere pretence is, ‘Tho’ drunk the Foe, we Fight in sober senses. ‘For if a Drunkard Fights, they can’t do less to him-- ‘First beat him, then get Drunk, Drinking success to him.’[36]

The Commandant now took up the debate: ‘Our Troops no doubt at first were in sad state; ‘All Ranks and all Departments were the same; ‘The Chief harsh censures was obliged to frame: ‘Reduced by Discipline, not now so Fiery, ‘Our Book of Orders is a Newgate Diary. ‘The way I estimate a British Soldier-- ‘He’s stouter than a Frenchman, and is bolder; ‘But such a set of wanton idle Knaves![37] ‘You’re forced, by G--d! to treat them all like Slaves. ‘It shocks one’s nature, outrages one’s feeling, ‘Compell’d to use such rough and rigorous dealing.’

‘Idle,’ says one, ‘see them on out-post planted, ‘A cold and frosty Night, and firing wanted; ‘Tho’ merely for their comfort and their good, ‘No man will Volunteer to fetch in wood.[38] ‘Orders I’ve given, and very often Rum for’t-- ‘You’re forced to coax them, to consult their comfort. ‘Look at the French; those active lively Elves ‘Are always Devilish careful of themselves. ‘John Bull will Fight, and take their Post by Storm, ‘Then coolly round their Fires have a warm.’

The Toast went round, & then with brimmers flowing, The Guests were getting wiser, and more knowing. ‘Here come, my friends,’ says Ward, ‘each take your Potion, ‘Here’s to a speedy and a quick Promotion!’

‘Aye,’ says another, ‘that’s all mere derision; ‘Promotion’s one thing--give me the provision. ‘What signifies the Rank; with truth I say, ‘Some Generals have but half a pound a Day[39];-- ‘High Rank no doubt is merely but a Cheat, ‘Unless with it we something get to eat. ‘Men who have interest rise, there is no doubt; ‘The Rich get all--the poor Man goes without.’ ‘Merit,’ says B--n, ‘it is my fixed belief, ‘Leads merely to Promotion with our Chief. ‘Some instances, I candidly must own, ‘That don’t originate with Him alone. ‘Others are oft indulged to recommend ‘(A small convenience to serve a Friend); ‘And when for folly, interest makes a Push, ‘The Chief assents, no doubt, but with a Blush.’

‘Ah, well! some rise, we know, without _Achievance_.[40] ‘You know, Friend B--n, we’ve every one our Grievance. ‘Come, push about the Glass, and drown Hostilities-- ‘Men who have interest rise, D--n their Abilities.’

‘True, honest Ward,’ says John; ‘I’m one I know it: ‘Give us a Song, my Boy! a good one--go it!’

Now Song and Glass, and Glee alternate roll, Reason now left it to the flow of Soul. At length, good Night! and John got in his Chaise; He’d not forgot the Feast of former Days. The Fleet arriv’d, his Equipage on Shore, As John considered purchasing a Bore. His Groom four Mules had bought, for he was heedful, With all the Tackle, every thing was needful. John took his leave, with all things in good plight, Dashed with his Suite, for Santarem that Night.

END OF PART I. OF SEQUEL

FOOTNOTES

[25] At the close of the American War, such a number of Officers retired so astonishingly enriched, that it is imagined it excited the jealousy of Government. Hence enquiries and investigations were made; means were taken to put a stop to such iniquitous practices; and His Royal Highness, the Commander-in-Chief, has since taken measures to put an effectual termination to such disgraceful conduct.

I speak from authority when I assert, that when the Peace of 1783 took place, one Military Officer retired to his own Country (a Sister Kingdom) with the enormous Sum of £190,000, when the income arising from his Regimental Commission, together with his Staff situation, could not have been equal to £1000 a-year. He was seven years on service in America.

[26] It is certainly a gross imposition on the Public, but falls particularly heavy on the Naval and Military departments.

[27] The Officer whose gallantry took a praam in Boulogne Harbour, in sight of Buonaparte.

[28] We have seen M----rs of P----t driving to places, and scrutinizing into matters that did not concern them; when, had they turned their active powers to the circumstances above mentioned, they at least would have obtained more credit, and perhaps not have subjected themselves to a disgraceful defeat and general contempt.

[29] It has been whispered, that strange means were resorted to in order to get at the opinions of men in high rank, respecting the operations on the Peninsula. I own I do not credit the malicious story, but, as Sir John was conversant in state politics, I must leave him to form his own conjectures, and his directing his son to write typically might be defended.

[30] A _true_ Bill.

[31] Many ‘wise Men have come from the East,’ of late Years.

[32] The Right Honourable Sir Charles Stuart, K.B., &c. &c.

[33] Major-General Peacocke, of the Guards.

[34] The custom was introduced by H.R.H. the Duke of York, and is as follows: if any Officer, no matter the Rank he may hold, is desirous to pay a dutiful respect to the Commander of the Forces, or may have business to transact with His Royal Highness, he is directed to repair to the Horse-Guards at an early hour, on the day appointed for the Levee, and write down his Name and Rank in a list presented to him. He is then told at what hour the Duke commences his Levee, and according to the situation of the Signatures on the list, he is introduced.

A similar system is observed at the Offices of the Adjutant and Quarter-Master-General.

[35] I am afraid I expose my ignorance in making this remark; but, as I observed, those Gentlemen were not all dressed in the same kind of Uniform: (for instance, one in the Uniform of the Guards; another in the Uniform of some Militia Corps; a third, in the Uniform of a Light Regiment; but all with two blazing Epaulettes) I must own I was puzzled in endeavouring to account for this Masquerading.

[36] This has happened in a variety of instances; but particularly at the storming of St. Sebastian, where our Soldiers were seen arm in arm, Drunk, with the French Soldiers, and actually tumbling over the Bodies of their dead Companions.

[37] This is a melancholy truth. The immorality of the British Soldier is disgusting, and it is only by strict attention and severe discipline it is at all kept within bounds.

[38] The astonishing difficulties against which Lord Wellington had to struggle, from the disorganized state of his Army, may, in some respect, be understood by reverting to his Lordship’s General Orders. Three volumes are filled with recapitulations of General Courts-Martial.

[39] The handsome addition of Pay to General Officers is highly creditable to those who originally were the promoters of so well-timed a remuneration.

[40] I am but a poor Poet, and if I have taken the advantage in the invention of the word _achievance_ in this instance, I hope I may be excused, as we have instances of the richest Poets having done the same.

In respect to the term Grievance, I conceive it does not require explanation in our Military classes.

SEQUEL TO THE MILITARY ADVENTURES OF JOHNNY NEWCOME