Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/189

182 were very glad to get them. He said that he often went to read by the bedside of the sick and dying, and he considered it a privilege do so. We read the first chapter of the First Epistle of St. Peter, and prayed together before parting. He said he had Christian fellowship with a man named Bush in his regiment, whom he believes to be walking with God. He was one of your navvies of Beckenham. Of course you hear from him sometimes; but a testimony of this sort, not intended for you, is very satisfactory."

Sunday night, 18th. — This has been a bright and happy day, in every sense of the words. We had Divine service [as usual in fine weather] near the Guards' encampment, but the Chaplain was not there, so there was no sermon. We therefore had our little service in the tent soon afterwards, and a few of us read and prayed together again this evening. My mansion is much more comfortable for this purpose since I excavated it; there is more room in it, and it is warmer. I have a fireplace now (what do you think of that?) which only smokes two or three times a-day, a small chair I bought at Balaklava, a little table made out of the bottom of an old cask; and as for my bed, with the depth of that fur! — why it is the envy of all who see it! And, although others beat me in having bedsteads and double tents, I think my house now the most comfortable in the camp; at all events, it will be when the candle-stove arrives. I shall never be in want of visitors then."

"February 21st.—One hurried line, to say the great box from Terling has arrived at length, including yours and L——'s. I cannot tell you what pleasure it gave me distributing the various things amongst the men — they seemdseemed [sic] so grateful and delighted; and I am sure you will all have the blessing and prayers of many. Groups of them collect-