Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/86



had Hedley Vicars sailed for Gibraltar, when the startling order for an army to proceed to the East, shook the heart of peaceful England to its centre. Partings took place, such as had not been known in the land for forty years, and farewell blessings were given to extend over fields of bloodshed and death.

"Pray for him" was the watchword from friend to friend, as a husband, a son, or a brother, went forth to fight the battles of his country. Every sight of the Queen's uniform called forth emotions of generous enthusiasm from all conditions of men and efforts were made by those who felt that higher interests were at stake than of this mortal life only, to carry the message of peace to men who were on the eve of being engaged in the horrors of war. Every pulse of the country beat only for her soldier sons.

Each time the newspaper was unfolded, the number of some fresh regiment, ordered to hold itself in readiness for active service, or the brief notice of a troop transport having sailed, brought home the trial to the hearts of hundreds more.

At length came the notice of the 97th being under orders. The pang with which this announcement