Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/164

Rh "I have not seen a clergyman or a missionary yet. How I should enjoy meeting one who would talk to the men simply about the cross of Christ! The Holy Ghost always blesses such preaching. We have meetings in my tent for Scripture-reading as often as we can get together, and delightful seasons they are.

"I have just returned from another night in the trenches. The rain is descending in torrents. Last night, whilst standing opposite an embrasure, serving out to my men their allowance of grog, a shell whizzed over my head within a foot. The men made a most humble salaam, but I soon got them on their legs again, by threatening to withhold the spirits. The enemy gave us a few more shots, one of which hit the ground so near as to send the gravel into my face.

"The accounts of the Russians killing our wounded officers and men are too true — confirmed by all here. Poor Sir Robert Newman was left wounded on the ground during the temporary retreat of his regiment, the Grenadier Guards; when they returned, he was found stabbed through the head and body in several places.

"I saw the rude tablet erected over his grave at Balaklava. These words are engraved on it — 'And I say unto you, my friends. Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear Him, which after He hath killed, hath power to east into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him.' (Luke xii. 4, 5.)

"We all hope soon to have an opportunity of thrashing these savages, and have not a doubt we shall do so when we come across them.

"I am sorry to hear of the Romish nurses being