Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/137

130 verely than any. Last night I was at the hospital four or five times. I went especially to see Egan, an old soldier, who had been seventeen years in my Company. Poor fellow! he was so grateful; he said, when I wished him good bye for the last time, 'God bless you, Sir; and may the blessings of an old man rest upon your head, for coming to see and talk with an old comrade, when stretched out like this. Yes, Sir, and you have the blessing of every man in the regiment.' I just tell you what he said, because it will give you pleasure. I feel myself that I have not done a quarter of what I ought to have done.

"I had hardly got home from seeing Egan, when I received a message by an orderly from a young drummer, who wanted to see me again. He was very ill of cholera, when I had spoken to him before; but it was thought that he would recover. I hurried to the hospital, but the lad was insensible. However, I offered up a prayer over his bed, the men taking off their caps, and joining in, as well as they could follow me. He died soon afterwards.

"Sergeant Jackson was brought into hospital at eleven o'clock this morning; he was a man I knew very well — much liked amongst the officers. I went twice to-night to see him. The second time his bed was empty. One hundred and eighteen are now dead; all men in the prime and vigour of manhood, except a few lads.

"The French are still dying in great numbers every day. They have lost 700 men and five officers, out of their small force in Greece. The townspeople are clearing out as fast as possible. Yesterday 500 left. The streets are quite deserted except by French and English soldiers.

"Another company of ours started for Mount Pentelicus the day before yesterday. I accompanied them about three miles. Nares went with them; he did not like to leave me, and I feel lonely now he is