Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/61



97th landed in England in the month of May, 1853, and went into barracks at Walmer. Shortly after its arrival, Hedley Vicars wrote the following letter, which is characteristic of the warmth of his gratitude for spiritual benefit:

"— When I wished you farewell from the deck of the Simoon, I felt that I was parting with my best earthly friend, and although homeward bound, I never felt more truly depressed. And, oh, what a Sunday! What a contrast to the happy Sabbaths I had passed for the previous eighteen months! I shall never forget it. The band on the poop placed lively and profane airs as we sailed out of the harbour. I might have liked it well enough any other day, but then it grated harshly on my ear. My thoughts, however, were in the garrison chapel on shore, and I wished that I were sitting in my old seat, listening to the sound of your voice proclaiming pardon and peace through the blood of the cross.

"Then at the close of the day, instead of our delightful evening class, which we began by raising our voices in praise to our dear Redeemer, loud oaths and