Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/190

Rh ed outside the tents to read the hymns and tracts tacked so enticingly to the comforters and cuffs. What will you say to my theft? Aa Mr. Huleatt is gone to Scutari, I took the warm flannels for the sick, which you had addressed to him, into my own possession, and carried them to the hospitals; and if you had seen the grateful looks, it would have done your hearts good.

"Give my best regards to your cousins, Mrs. and Miss Austen, and thank them for their kind gifts for the men. And do not forget to tell the servants at the Rectory how much I valued their contributions [which quite affected me as I took them out for distribution]. Nares has sent me a box of useful articles, with several Testaments; also a tin of ready ground (!) coffee, which was highly acceptable. Little Kate's satisfactory present — of not warm but hot stockings — truly amused me. May God bless the dear child and the sweet young sister who is soon to leave England.

"Who do you think brought up with his own hands your last parcel of books and prayers? Duncan Matheson! He sat in my tent some time, and we enjoyed sweet communion for nearly an hour, and, before leaving, he prayed with me. Surely it may be said of him, he is 'a temple of the Holy Ghost.' I feel still the blessing of that visit in my soul."

"—The long expected, box has at length arrived, and its contents are now safely stowed away in my tent, and as the various proofs of loving remembrance from you, dearest mother and from darling Clara, Mary, Georgie, and the children, met my eyes, I was so much affected that I nearly cried. The things you have sent me are just what I wanted.