Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/191

184 I intend distributing the comforters, &c., to my men, to-morrow; and I shall let them know who sent them, that you and my darling sisters may not lose their prayers. Thank you, my own most precious mother, for your affectionate remembrance of your son. This has been a delightful day. I took a short walk with one of my brother officers, to have a look from the height near which the Guards are encamped, rather to the right of us, at the Valley of the Tchernaya. Seldom have I seen a more beautiful view. The valley extends three or four mile across, from our advanced posts to the Russian position on the opposite side. It is partly under water now, but the enemy do not trust to that to prevent our making a nearer acquaintance with them, for I could plainly perceive, through a glass, a Cossack vidette on the look out near the stream, and I believe swarms of them occasionally come down into the plain.

"As I gazed on the magnificent scenery, on the wildness and grandeur of the distant lofty and snow-capped mountains, giving an additional charm to the surrounding loveliness, all around was so still and calm, that my thoughts wandered to more peaceful climes, and to that not far distant day, when Jesus shall return to this beautiful, although sin-marred world, when wars shall cease for ever, and love and holiness fill the breasts of His redeemed people. Oh, dearest mother, there are times when I long for this filial consummation of all things. What a blessed thing it will be to serve Christ, with a heart wholly renewed and made like unto His, when sin can no more afflict us with its presence, or bow us down under its intolerable burden. But it is not always thus that my soul longs and prints for that great advent of my glorious and precious Saviour. Oh that I were ever waiting and ready to welcome Him, on His triumphant return to a world, where once 'He took