Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/150

Rh When the mistake was discovered, no small self-accusation was felt, for a want of forethought in having omitted to despatch letters to both quarters, until the news had arrived that he had sailed. But now it is more painful still to read the anxious inquiry and gentlest reproach, more implied than expressed, to those who would never willingly have caused one solitary pang to that gallant, noble, tender heart.

But the stirring change in his circumstances, brought about by the order from the Horse Guards, considerably diverted his attention from these anxious thoughts. It has been seen how ardently his soldier heart and missionary spirit alike yearned to be at the seat of war. That devoted constancy of courage which had enabled him to face Death in the pestilential hospital — stripped of all his glories, and clothed in the sad garb of weakness and decay, yet armed with tortures, was now to be exercised in the field of military action.

In addition to the excitement of this immediate prospect, new responsibilities, full of interest for his genial spirit, now devolved upon him. He obtained his company, by purchase, on the 3d of November, and devoted himself with almost fatherly interest to the welfare of his men.

His own letters will best tell his thoughts and feelings on leaving Greece for the Crimea:

"The order has at length arrived for 'the 97th Regiment to hold itself in readiness for immediate embarkation to join Lord Raglan's army.' The Buffs are now on their way from Malta to relieve us, and will probably be here in two or three days. We are all busily preparing for active service, so I have not much time to spare; but as there may not be another opportunity, I hasten to write a few farewell lines.