p^'g^'^vlaiK^l^ls^

TUFTS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

mi!

9090 014 536 953

Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine

Cummtngs School of Veterinary Medicine at

Tufts University

200 Wsstboro Road

North Grafton. MA 01536

EIGHTY YEARS' REMINISCENCES

COLONEL J. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON.
l-ivm a I'hoiosinph by G. B. Rotlt^cr, St. Andrews.

EIGHTY YEARS'
REMINISCENCES

Colonel ANSTRUTHER THOMSON

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS

IN TWO VOLUMES. VOLUME L

^6 6

LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.

39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON

NEW YORK AND BOMBAY

1904

fisitrrv::?

MY WIFE

WHOSE ENERGY AND PERSEVERANCE ENABLED ME TO COMPLETE

THESE REMINISCENCES

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I. The St. Clairs and Thomsons .
II. My Schooldays ....

III. Germany .....

IV. QTH Lancers ....
V. Queen Victoria's Coronation .

VI. Hampton Court and Dorchester
VII. 13TH Light Dragoons
VIII. Exeter and Ireland .
IX. Atherstone : First Time .
X. Fife : 1849 and 1850 .
XI. Atherstone: Second Time, 1850
XII. The Crimea ....

XIII. Bicester

XIV. Fife

XV. The Fife Mounted Rifles

XVI. Derby Day ....

XVII. Henry Loch in China
XVIII. Fife Election ....
XIX. Pytchley .....
XX. The Waterloo Run .
XXI. Johan Erasmus Boehm, afterwards

Edgar Boehm .
XXII. Sale of Pytchley Horses and

Grange ....
Appendix

Sir

Leatham

PAGE

I

5
23
36

52
70

85
106
117

^33
141
160
189
219
230
250
267

295
312

344
361

388
417

VOL. L

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Colonel J. Anstruther Thomson. From
a Photograph by G. B, Rodger, St.
Andrews ...... Frontispiece

Arms of John Thomson of Charleton,

Esq., 1786 Vignette on Title-page

Arms of James Thomson of Mildaine and
Montrybo, 1676. From Heralds' Office,
Edinburgh Facing page i

Hon. Grizel St. Clair, Wife of John
Paterson of Preston Hall. From
an Oil Painting at Charleton . - ,» n 2

John Paterson of Preston Hall. From
a Miniature Painting on Copper by
Madame Vorelse at Charleton . . „ „ 4

Colonel John Anstruther, 62ND Regi-
ment, 1803. From a Painting by Martin
at Charleton ...,..„ ,,6

J. Anstruther Thomson, late M.F.H.,
1807. From a Water-colour Painting
by Douglas at Charleton . . . ,, ,, 8

Midnight March to Lynn, 1842. From a
Water-colour Sketch by Soame Jenyns,
i^th Light Dragoons . . . . ,, ,,91

X ILLUSTRATIONS

13TH Light Dragoons at Dublin, J. A. T.
ON "Dhroleen," 1847. From a Water-
colour Painting by Michael A ngelo Hayes Facing page 115

Badminton Group, 1857. Photographed at

Badminton by Luigi Cella . . . ,, ,,211

James, 3RD Earl of Rosslyn. From a

Painting at Dysart . . . . ,, ,,219

John Anstruther Thomson of Charleton,
1830. From a Painting by Colvin Smith
at Charleton ......,, ,, 306

John Walker, Fife Hounds, 1829-1848.

From a Photograph, 1866 . . . „ ,, 334

" Fresco." From a Pencil Sketch in pos-
session of the late Tom Firr . . . „ ,, 341

" Valeria." From a Painting by Corbet at

Charleton ......,, ,, 347

" Rainbow." From a Painting by Corbet at

Charleton ....... ,, 350

Tom Firr, about 1870. From a Photograph ,, ,, 356

IN THE TEXT.
Sketch of Balaclava Charge . . . Pfige^ 179

Plan of the Waterloo Run, 2nd Feb.,
1866

345

ARMS OF JAMES THOMSON OF MILDAINE AND MONTRYBO,
1676.

,,-^^J5*

^2 M^

&^^K

CHAPTER I.

THE ST. CLAIRS AND THOMSONS.

Henry St. Clair, ei^^hth Lord Sinclair, married, in

ERRATA.

Page 65, line 4 from bottom, /or " Masters " read " Musters ".
136, ,, 13, for " wended " read " mended ".
156, „ 13, /o/- " Maude" ymrf " Mawe".
210, „ 5 from bottom, /o»' " Crafton " read " Grafton ".
247, ,, I, /or " 1862 " read " 1861 ".
250, „ 9 from bottom, /or " Rosslyn" read " Loughborough".

John Paterson died in the Fleet Prison, 1716, the
day before he was to have been executed, having
been concerned in the rising of 1715. He had one
son, Colonel James Paterson St. Clair, who succeeded
him, and one daughter, Margaret, who married, in
1744, John Thomson of Charleton. Colonel Pater-
son St. Clair dying without issue, his sister Margaret,
wife of John Thomson of Charleton, became heir-
general of the Lords Sinclair, and the estate of
Dysart went to his cousin, Sir John Erskine of Alva,
son of Catherine, second daughter of Henry, eighth

VOL. I. I

/f^

ARMS OF JAMES THOMSON OF MILDAINE AND MONTRVBO.
1676.

CHAPTER I.

THE ST. CLAIRS AND THOMSONS.

Henry St. Clair, eighth Lord Sinclair, married, in
1680, Grizel, daughter of Sir James Cockburn of
Cockburn. He had two sons and two daughters.
His eldest son, John, Master of Sinclair, never
assumed the title, being attainted for taking part
in the rising of 1715. He died in 1750, leaving no
issue, and was succeeded by his brother James, a
distinguished General, who also died without issue.
Grizel, his eldest daughter, married John Paterson
of Preston Hall, son of the Archbishop of Glasgow.
John Paterson died in the Fleet Prison, 1716, the
day before he was to have been executed, having
been concerned in the rising of 171 5. He had one
son, Colonel James Paterson St. Clair, who succeeded
him, and one daughter, Margaret, who married, in
1744, John Thomson of Charleton. Colonel Pater-
son St. Clair dying without issue, his sister Margaret,
wife of John Thomson of Charleton, became heir-
general of the Lords Sinclair, and the estate of
Dysart went to his cousin, Sir John Erskine of Alva,
son of Catherine, second daughter of Henry, eighth

VOL. L I

2 REMINISCENCES OF

Lord Sinclair, and he left all his personal property
to my father.

James Thomson of Mildaine and Montrybo (Mil-
deans and Montrave) matriculated his arms about
1676. His eldest son, John, married, in 1709,
Rachael, daughter of John Brymer of Edrom, in
the county of Berwick. Her mother was Mary
Bethune of Balfour. Their eldest daughter, Mary,
married John Spottiswoode of Spottiswoode, Co.
Berwick. In 1713 he bought the Barony of Charle-
ton from Colonel John Hope. The barony consists
of the farms of Laddedy, Newbigging of Charleton
(now called Newbigging of Ceres), Newbigging of
Craighall, Wilkieston and Gathercauld. He also
was laird of the lands of Kilmany and Touch, which
he left to his younger sons. His eldest son, John
(who married Margaret Paterson), succeeded him,
built the present house of Charleton about 1760, and
then matriculated his arms again as Thomson of
Charleton. The old house was called Newton,
and was situated where the farm buildings now are.
When it was pulled down the " flooring deals" were
sent for cradling to the coal pits at Laddedy.

They had one son, John, who died at the age of
eighteen, and two daughters — Rachel, married to
Colonel John MacDonell, Younger of Lochgary, who
died young without children, and Grizel, who mar-
ried Colonel John Anstruther (my grandfather).
Colonel Anstruther joined Wolfe's Regiment in
1756. He was afterwards Major in the 63rd Regi-
ment and Colonel in the 62nd Regiment. He served

GRIZEL ST. CLAIR, WIFE Ol- JOHN PATERSON
or T>RESTON HALL.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 3

in the American War in General Burgoyne's division
in 1777, was taken prisoner and twice wounded.
When he retired from the army he sold his com-
mission for ^8,000, and bought the farm of Coates,
near Charleton, and during the latter part of his
life lived at Coates House with his two daughters,
Margaret and Catherine. Margaret married General
Durham of Largo.

John Thomson of Charleton, not having given
his consent to his daughter's marriage, took care that
Colonel Anstruther should have no benefit, and left
the Charleton property to his grandson, my father.
He also put into his will that any one succeeding to
Balcaskie should forfeit Charleton, and that in case
of my father dying without an heir, Charleton should
go to the second son of John Spottiswoode of Spot-
tiswoode.

My father was the eldest son of John Anstruther,
second son of Sir Robert Anstruther of Balcaskie,
and took the name of Thomson on succeeding to the
estate of Charleton on the death of his mother. He
was born in 1776, and succeeded to Charleton in
1797. He raised a troop of the Fife Fencible
Cavalry, of which regiment his father was Colonel.
When they were disbanded the colours were sent to
Charleton, where they now are.

In 1800 he became Major of the Fife Yeomanry,
their Colonel being Morrison of Naughton, to whom
my father succeeded in command in 1807. He was
Master of Hounds for three years (1803-1806), the
kennels being at Charleton. He gave the hounds to

4 REMINISCENCES OF

the county on retiring from the mastership, and they
were the origin of the Fife pack.

My father married, in 1807, Clementina, daughter
of the Right Honourable William Adam of Blair
Adam, Baron of Exchequer, and of the Hon.
Eleanora Elphinstone, sister to Lord Keith. He
had five daughters and two sons, of which I was the
elder.

Old Fife Yeomanry Song, written during the
Peninsular War.

CORNEL TAMSON.

Come a' ye jolly Britons, I pray you lend an ear ;

Cheer up your noble courages and enter Volunteers ;

Come, enter Volunteers, brave boys, and fight for your Queen,

And when we are returned, in whisky we will swim.

We're the Light Horse of Fifeshire, sae merrily we'll go
Along with Cornel Tamson, that valiant hero.

Our coats they are of blue, brave boys, our jackets are of red,
A glittering cap and feathers we wear upon our head ;
A noble horse to ride upon ; ten guineas in advance ;
And sae merrily we'll go, brave boys, we'll lay the pride of France.
We're the Light Horse of Fifeshire, etc.

And now the time is come, brave boys, when we must cross the

seas ;
We'll fight both France and Flanders and foreign countries
With glittering swords and pistols : we'll do the best we can,
And make the Frenchmen tremble when they see a Fifeshireman.

We're the Light Horse of Fifeshire, etc.

And when the wars are ended, and God spare our lives.
We'll bring vast sums of money to our sweethearts and our wives ;
We'll push about the flowing bowl, successes we will sing-
Here's a health to Cornel Tamson and all his valiant men :
We'll push about the flowing bowl, successes we will sing-
Here's a health to Cornel Tamson and God save the King.
We're the Light Horse of Fifeshire, sae merrily we'll go
Along with Cornel Tamson, that valiant hero.

JOHN PATF.RSON OF PRESTON HALL.
I' rum a .Miniature on Copper by Madame I'urelse,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON

CHAPTER n.

MY SCHOOLDAYS.

I WAS born at Charleton on 9th August, 1818. About
the first thing I can remember was when George IV.
came to Scotland in 1822. My father took the Fife
Yeomanry over to be reviewed on the sands at Porto-
bello, and we had a flag on the top of the house at
Charleton and another on the hill above Coates.

Our old nurse, Annie Gordon, came from Bal-
gonie, Lord Leven's place near Markinch, which
was afterwards burned down. She used to sing
about the " Bountree Bank" and the "Warlock
Craigie". She was a wizened old woman with a
mutch, and used to make " so wens " (a kind of fer-
mented oatmeal) in the nursery cupboard, and once
a year she allowed herself a feed of raspberries and
cream. She died at Charleton, and was buried at
Newburn Church.

About this time Sir John Hope gave me a black
pony called " Pinkie". I was put on him on a pad
without stirrups, and I used to cling on by my heels.

One day the hounds met on the top of the hill at
Charleton. I rode " Pinkie " and my sister Mary
was on a donkey. Jimmy Honeyman went out to
take care of us, riding my father's gig horse

6 REMINISCENCES OF

" Dragon," a black horse with a grey tail. Honey-
man had been a private in the Fife Fencible Cavalry,
and afterwards in the Fife Yeomanry, and was a
groom at Charleton all the rest of his life. They
found a fox in the Horse Shoe Wood and ran to-
wards Balcarres, and the donkey ran away with
Mary. Crane was huntsman. He had been hunts-
man in the Peninsular War with the Duke of Wel-
lington. Mr. Rigg of Tarvit and Captain Wemyss
were joint masters. On going to the covert all the
field went through a gate except John Dalyell of
Lingo, who jumped the sunk fence, which is now
abolished.

We were in Edinburgh in the winter of 1825,
and lived at 35 York Place, next door to Colvin
Smith the artist. He painted my sister Jean's pic-
ture. We had the whooping cough, and after that
she was so changed that he could not finish it. While
there I was sent to my first school, a day school kept
by Mr. Knight in George Street, where there were
about 1 20 dirty little beggars.

In 1826 my father, mother and one sister went
to London, and posted all the way, taking me with
them.

My uncle, William Adam, had a house in Great
Russell Street, No. 104. He was a lawyer and
accountant-general, and was also Commissioner for
the Duke of Bedford, whose two sons, Henry and
Cosmo, were committed to his care. I and my
cousin, Willy Adam, were sent with them to school
at Putney at Mr. Carmalt's. He was a big, stout

COLONEL JOHN ANSTRUTHER, 62ND REGIMENT (1803).
(my grandfather.)

From a Painting by Martin at Charleton,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 7

man with a flat nose. There were about 150 boys
there. There was a French master whom we called
" Mousey ". Willy Adam's mother was a Russian
named Polteratsky, so of course he was called Polte-
ratsky, and " Mousey" used to call him " Rattikit".

In those days little boys used to have what they
called skeleton suits with their trousers buttoned over
their jackets, but " Rattikit's " garment was more
extraordinary still. It was light grey, with huge
black buttons down the front, across the middle of
his back, and half way down to his knees. This
"Mousey" called Rattikit's "trap drawers".

My uncle had a house in Richmond Park at
Sheen Gate (where Professor Owen afterwards lived).
My great-aunt, Mrs. Loch, kept house with him there.
He usually drove down from London on Saturdays
and stayed till Monday, and often called for me and
Willy Adam on the way and took us with him.

We were allowed to roam about the park as we
liked. In those days the grand old trees were alive
with birds of all kinds — hawks, woodpeckers, wry-
necks and owls — and the ponds swarmed with herons,
wild ducks, coots and water hens. My uncle gave
me a copy of Bewickes Birds, which I delighted to
study, and got a deal of knowledge about them.

We were constantly in mischief, and the butler
used to lock the doors and take away our clothes to
prevent us getting up too early in the morning. We
jumped out of the window, which was only some five
or six feet from the ground, and ran about the garden
with blankets wrapped round us.

8 REMINISCENCES OF

One Sunday afternoon we were bathing in the
water trough at the cowhouse when a party of ladies
and gentlemen from London appeared. We had no
time to get our clothes, so we scrambled on to the top
of the park wall and hid among the ivy.

In our first summer holidays we and our cousin,

George Loch, went from London to Leith in the

1 ourist. She was one of the first steamers that

sailed from these ports. She was quite small, and

as it was very rough, I was very sick.

At Leith we were put into an Aberdeen steamer,
and from it transferred into a small boat which landed
us on the rocks at Elie, and we walked up to Charle-
ton with George Loch and James Venables, my
father's butler.

About this time percussion guns came to be in
general use, and my father gave George Loch one.
He himself always shot with a flint gun. During
the holidays we went out hunting with Stewart's
Harriers to hunt roedeer at Cruivie, near Kilmany.
A young horse of Stewart's kicked me on the shin,
and my father wrote an account of the accident to
my mother.

" My Dearest Clem, —

" A horse has kicked John on the leg. It
is merely a bruise, but painful. Mrs. Gillespie and
Tom Loch have bathed the leg in warm water and
are going to put leeches on it and then a poultice.
It is now only about an hour since it happened, and
he desires me to say to you that he has now no pain.

J. A.NSTRUTHER THOMSON, LATE M.F.H., 1807.
(MY FATHER.)

From a Water-colour Painting by Douglas.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 9

" Mrs. Gillespie and Tom do not think it even
necessary to send for a doctor, but I doubt he will
not be able to move by the steam-boat on Saturday,
and I think it better that you should come here, as
he will be better in the carriage than a gig to-
morrow.

" He is now asleep, and by the time that you
reach this I have no doubt but that he will be quite
well.

" This house is full of ladies — Mrs. Bruce, Mrs.
Maitland, Norah Loch and Susan Gillespie — so that
you see John's hurt is not of consequence.

" Ever my dearest,

"Yours J. A. T.

" KiLMANY, Half-past Twelve, Wednesday.

" Since writing this I have found him laughing
and eating grapes, so dont come, but send the
carriage to-night to take him home to-morrow morn-
ing, as it is best not to trust to the gig in case of
rain."

Next summer my uncle posted down from Rich-
mond Park to Buxton, accompanied with " Granny
Loch " and Mary, her grand-niece, and myself I
sat at the back of the carriage on the " dickey " with
the footman, who wore top-boots, and was very fat
and marked with smallpox. His name was George
Baldwin.

My father, mother and sisters met us at Buxton,
having driven all the way from Charleton with a uni-
corn team. Two of the horses were named " Sam-

10 REMINISCENCES OF

son" and " Goliath". The other one died at Harro-
gate, and they bought another for ^45, which I
used to ride afterwards at Leamington.

We met Mr. Graham of Airth and his son,
Carolus, who used to go out fishing with me ; Mr.
Owen of Woodhouse and his daughters (the eldest
became Mrs. Middleton Biddulph of Chirk, and the
next one Mrs. Edward WiUiams) ; Mr. Billy Bagge
and his sister, afterwards Mrs. Villebois ; Sir Hope
Grant, who was then a subaltern in the 9th Lancers,
and his sister, Mrs. Speirs. They had balls in the
hotel, and I danced with Miss Bagge ! She was
very pretty. While at Buxton Miss Owen allowed
me to ride her horse — at least her father did. It was
the first big horse that I had ever ridden.

We drove on from Buxton to Leamington, where
my father consulted Dr. Jephson, who was famous at
that time.

One day my cousin, Emily Adam, who lived with
us, lost her watch in Wakerley Wood. I remembered
having cut a hazel stick there, and next day we went
back and found the watch at the very place where I
had cut the stick.

We were all together there for the Christmas holi-
days. It was a tremendous hard frost, and Captain
Hibbert of Bilton Grange, and Captain Pearson,
afterwards the owner of " Achievement," etc., had a
sledge, and gave us a drive on Christmas day. Mr.
Fellowes of Shottisham, Norfolk, was then Master
of the Warwickshire Hounds.

Willy Adam and I were at Putney three years.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON ii

and on going home my uncle got his friend Phil
Williams to examine us, and found that we knew
nothing.

One ceremony at Putney took place every half.
We were marched up to Carmalt's desk two and
two. Two glasses of a horrid compound of bark
were on the desk, and an usher stood on each side.
We had to drink the dose, turn to the usher, and put
out our tongues to show that we had swallowed it !
This was charged in our account, " Wine, 5s."

We were removed from Putney. Willy Adam
was sent to Laleham, near Staines, and I went to
the Academy at Edinburgh. I was boarded at
Mr. Dyer's, the English master. He lived in Rae-
burn Place. There were eight of us in the house —
Stewart McNaughton ; Dick Moubray, afterwards
Sir Richard Hussey ; Bigge, afterwards parson at
Stamfordham, in Northumberland ; Dykes, the
Hereditary Champion ; Dundas, whose sister was
Mrs. Farquharson of Invercauld ; Frank Johnstone,
brother of Johnstone of Alva ; Lumsden, Sam Dyer
and myself.

The night I arrived my tutor was ill in bed. At
bedtime I made a " devil " of wet gunpowder on a
slate, and set the bed curtains on fire. I managed to
pull them down and put them out, but filled the
house with smoke. However, it was forgiven, being
a first fault.

My brother Willie and Tom Erskine, Cambo,
were at school at Loretto, Musselburgh. A horse-
dealer, a great friend of my father's, Matthew Baird,

12 REMINISCENCES OE

lent me a pony on Saturday afternoons, and I used
to ride down there to see them.

Mr. Dyer was too fine a gentleman for his posi-
tion. He used to go out riding on a very good-
looking horse, called " Luck's All," which he hired
from Tom King. While I was still there, he was
arrested for debt and put into prison on the Calton
Hill.

I walked over to Barnton one afternoon and saw
Mr. Ramsay's hounds. Kit Scott, huntsman, Tom
Rintoul and Jim Harrison, whips. One day we
went to Craigleith Quarry. It was hard frost and a
little snow. I was on the ice. One of the fellows
threw a stone at me. I was stooping to pick it up
off the ice, when plop I went in up to my chin.
The ice kept breaking in front of me, but I kept
wobbling on till I suppose I touched the bottom,
when I jumped out and ran home. It was beastly
cold, but I tumbled into bed and was none the worse
of it.

Part of the time at the Academy, John Shairp
(Principal of St. Andrews) was next me in school.
He was as keen about hunting as I was. Our school-
books were full of pictures of horses.

The Christies of Durie were also at the Academy.
Jim used to ride a fine horse of his father's called
"Partner," and they had a pony called "Fidget".
During the holidays they were at Charleton, or I
was at Durie nearly every day, and we used to gallop
all the way along the links and jump the ditches. No
wire in those days.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 13

My first real hunt was in 1830, when I was at the
Academy in Edinburgh and at home for the Christ-
mas holidays. We started on the " Balcarres "
coach from 2 Princes Street, drove down to New-
haven (Granton pier was not then built), were put on
board the steamer, and crossed to Pettycur. If it
was low water we scrambled into a flory-boat, and
were rowed to the pier. All the boatmen had high
top-hats which they had rescued from the sea, having
been blown off the heads of former passengers ! We
got on the " Balcarres" coach, which ran as far as
Anstruther. They had three horses, and the coach-
man was John Beveridge.

My companions on the coach were Mr. James
Melville of Hanwell, Mr. Willy Glass of Smiddy
Green, and James Clark, farmer at Wormiston, the
best and keenest of fox-hunting farmers at that date.
He walked forty-two couple of foxhound puppies for
the Fife Hunt, having kept a couple each season for
forty-two years in succession.

The meet was at Balcaskie ; Whyte-Melville and
Captain W^emyss were joint masters. Walker was
huntsman. He had been with Lord Kintore in the
V.W. H., and also at Turriff in Aberdeenshire, and
succeeded Crane, who died the previous season.

Tom Batters was first whip. Tom (Will) Smith
was second whip. He came from Brocklesby, and
was afterwards with Mr. Grant of Kilgraston, Lord
Kelburne, Lord Shannon, at Castle Martyr in
Ireland, and lastly at Brocklesby. He was also
with Lord Southampton.

14 REMINISCENCES OF

I had a capital pony called "Tom Pipes," the
picture of a little hunter. Mr. Melville had a
beautiful black horse ; Jimmy Rait had a black
thorough-bred called "Cholera Morbus," and a cut
whip " to bring the hind quarters over ". Campbell
of Saddell was also out. They ran all day in the
woods at King's Muir, and while hounds were
running in covert, Saddell sang " Arouse, boys,
arouse".

About this time Sir Henry Bethune of Kilcon-
quhar came to reside at home. He was Com-
mander-in-Chief of the Persian army, and had the
power of life and death in that country. He was a
grand man, standing six feet five inches in height,
very handsome, with the most courteous manners.
He had a falconer and several falcons. It was a
most interesting sport.

The falconers had an old setter dog which hunted
till he found a covey of partridges. The falconer
then threw off a hawk, which rose in circles till very
high, then hovered above the dog. The dog looked
up to see if the hawk was ready, and then ran in and
roused the birds. Swoop went the hawk. If he
missed, the birds generally went into a hedge, and
the hawk soared again and hovered over the birds.
The old dog then went off after them and got another
point. If the hawk killed its bird the falconer went
gently to it and picked it up. If not, he had to fetch
the hawk with the lure, a dummy bird with a bit of
pigeon on it. He called the hawk " Killy, Killy,
Voiyooh," a sort of view-halloo, and hurled the lure

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 15

in the air. The hawk stooped to it and began to eat
the pigeon, and he then succeeded in picking it up.

Our keeper, George Etches, learned the trade.
At that time there was a falcon's nest both at Kin-
craig Rocks and on the Isle of May. We got the
young ones and kept them for two or three years.
We lost a good many, for in a high wind they used
to get so far away that they did not come back
again.

Sir Henry was a man with grand and liberal
ideas. He was asked to make a fox covert, and he
planted thirty-five acres at Belliston, which was the
best covert in Fife for many years. W^hen he gave
up hunting in 1847 ^ bought both his horses, and
took them to the Atherstone country — " Percy" and
" Guy Faux ". Sir Henry went out to Persia again
and died there.

In September, 1832, I went to Eton, and wrote
to my mother as follows : —

" Mr. Coleridge's House,
" Eton, Thursday, 20th September, 1832.

" Mv Dear Mama, —

'' Uncle William brought me out here yes-
terday morning and then left me on his road to Scot-
land. There are a good number of fellows here, but
I do not know how many. I have a room to myself,
which I am in at present, but it smells horribly of
mice. We breakfast by ourselves, but I breakfasted
this morning with Mr. Coleridge, because it was my
first time. We dine all together in the dining-room
with Mr. and Mrs. Coleridge. I am not placed yet,

i6 REMINISCENCES OF

and I do not know when I shall, as to-morrow is a
holiday. I daresay I shall like it well enough when
I can make verses better. There are some very
nice fellows here. Cosmo Russell has not come yet.
There is a fellow named Scott coming into the same
house from the Academy. Mr. Coleridge has a St,
Bernard dog. He is such a fine chap, bigger than
' Neppy,' and just like the picture Eleanor drew of
one.

" How is Nelly's sore throat and sore side. What
have you done with ' Tom Pipes ' ; is he out at grass ?
" My dear Mama,

" Again your affectionate

"John A. Thomson.

" I got a new hat in London. I will write to
Mr. Ferguson when I am placed. Write to me
soon."

In Coleridge's house there were lots of good
fellows— Stafford Northcote (Lord Iddesleigh), Lord
John Manners (Duke of Rutland) and his brother
George, Cosmo Russell, Harry Liddell (Lord Ravens-
worth), Fred Graham of Netherby, John Bastard,
Mat Tiernay, two Champernounes, Scott Murray,
Talbot Clifton and his brother Henry, Gisburne
(called " Keggs"), Herries, George and Dick Curzon
(Howe), Sandford-Graham, Farrar and Harvey
Farquhar (I was his fag). They were all first-rate
gentlemen.

My greatest friends were George Miles, "Kitty"
Claggett and Eustace Arkwright.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 17

Wilkinson was captain of the school. George
Lane Fox was sixth form or Upper Division. God-
frey Arkwright was captain of the boats, and Hare
was captain of the second boat.

Frank Charteris (Lord Wemyss), Charles Scott
and Andrew Blackburne went from the Edinburgh
Academy at the same time Scott and I went to Cole-
ridge's. I was placed in the Upper Remove fourth
form.

Mr. Coleridge to my uncle, W. Adam : —

"Eton, 2ird September, 1832.

"My Dear Sir,—

" I send you these few lines, according to
my promise, to inform you that Dr. Keate has placed
Thomson in the Upper Remove of the fourth form,
for which station he is well fitted by his general
knowledge of Greek and Latin, but by no means so
by his powers of composition in verse or prose. He
is however, I trust, fully sensible of his own deficiency,
and will do his utmost to make up what is now want-
ing from the anomalous system in which he has been
trained. Can it be right or advisable to defer the
practical application of any knowledge so long as it
is usual to do at the Edinburgh Academy.'* Scott,
who has just come to me from the sixth form, has
been admirably trained in Latin and Greek, and is
in all respects a very clever, well-informed and
thoughtful hoy, and yet during the whole five years
he has been at the Academy he has not put pen to

paper once. I am no bigot to our own system ; I
VOL. I. 2

i8 REMINISCENCES OF

think it can be improved in many points ; but I am
sure that Dr. Williams' cannot be right. It would
be a very kind thing in any one, who was so privi-
leged, to converse with him on the subject ; but do
not you on any account commit me. I am more than
satisfied with the system so far as it goes ; the fault,
I find, is that it only goes so far.

" You will not, I trust, fail to visit Eton either on
your way back or shortly after you return. In the
meantime, believe me, my dear Sir,

" Yours very sincerely,

" Edward Coleridge."

Stafford Northcote was, 1 think, in the Lower
Division of the fifth form. He afterwards became
Chancellor of the Exchequer, and was created Lord
Iddesleigh. His principal companion Gisborne, was
very fond of natural history, had a capital collection
of stuffed birds, and drew and painted birds most
beautifully. I never saw him again after we left
Eton, and I believe he died young.

Herries and Farrar were also great friends of
Northcote's. Carew was usually called " Lobby,"
and afterwards became Lord Wexford. He was
called " Lobby " because he always called the pas-
sage " the lobby ".

Ascend the " lobby " now, O Muse !
The great Wexfordian room peruse !

Stafford Northcote had very light hair, and there
was a Windsor boy who sang in the choir whose
name was Jack Tabner, and whose hair was the

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 19

same colour. Northcote was therefore christened
" Tab ".

Selwyn, who was afterwards Bishop of New Zea-
land, was then private tutor to Sir John Thorold, and
they did not live in college.

Another fellow in Coleridge's house was Corn-
wallis Maude, afterwards Lord Hawarden. John
Bastard and Mat Tiernay were in the same remove
with me. We were up to Cookesley, and did six
o'clock lesson with Luxmoore.

Northcote and Gisborne were among my greatest
friends, and I remember them picking up long reeds
and hurling them like javelins at each other, all the
time quoting Homer and fancying themselves Grecian
warriors. One of our great amusements in winter was
toodling — hunting birds in the hedges and chasing
them till they were blown, when we captured them.^

The following summer I was in the Victory, of
which Marriot was captain. She was a horrible old
tub ; it was like rowing in a barge. They gave us a
new boat, and we immediately bumped the Thetis,
the boat in front of us. Next year they promoted
the Victory, and made her the second highest boat
next to the ten-oar. I think Northcote was in the
Victory that year, also Marks and Meux. John
Quick was captain of the boats.

Tom Walsh was captain of the Thetis, and we
pulled together in the lower sixes. He was stroke
and I was five. We won it by half a length against

^ My father died on loth April, 1833. I went home from Eton,
and returned at the end of the Easter holidays.

2*

20 REMINISCENCES OF

Clagget, Green was captain of the lower boats, but
as he was in the eight of the school Clagget was put
on as stroke for lower sixes.

After I became fifth form I used to mess with
Northcote. I think he had then become captain of
the house. He had nine fags and I had one, Harry
Liddell, the present Lord Ravensworth.

I was very idle, and had no turn for doing verses.
Northcote could compose them almost as quick as he
could repeat them, and used to correct mine, and help
me with them. The verses had to be sent in on
Monday at midday school. Once we had a serious
quarrel. One very hot morning I came in and found
Tab at breakfast in his shirt sleeves, and his coat
hanging on my chair. " Tab, take your coat off my
chair." " I shan't," quoth he. " If you don't, I'll
chuck it out of the window." " Shan't," he re-
peated. Away went the coat out of the window, and
floated into the tutor's garden. Unfortunately it was
Monday morning. Tab said, " You may finish your
verses for yourself".

That week the verses were a very inferior lot,
and my tutor was very much puzzled to know the
reason why. However, we soon made it up, and
were better friends than ever.^

My tutor was always afraid that I should influence
Tab for evil, as I was very idle and fond of field
sports. We used to have card parties, and sit on
the floor and play at vingt-et-un for halfpence.

' The verses were done by Tom Walsh, whom I never met again
after leaving Eton till September, 1898.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 21

Once Northcote had to go away in the middle of
a game, having lost about two shillings. He handed
over to the boy who took his place a sheet of paper
with these words, " Here is a schedule of my debts,
and here is the sum of my possessions," and handed
him a halfpenny.

We sometimes had singing parties too. I can
remember a song of Tab's called " The One Horse
Shay," beginning —

Mrs. Bubbs was fat and free,

And fair and forty-three,
And blooming as a peony in buxom May.

She long the toast had been

Of Farringdon-Within,
And took up the better half of the One Horse Shay.

In July, 1833, Mr. Coleridge wrote again to my
uncle : —

" My Dear Sir,—

" As your nephew is to see you on his way
through London I shall send you a few lines to as-
sure you that he is going on very well in all respects,
except his school exercises. He is extremely good
tempered, regular and attentive enough to his lessons ;
but he does not take as much trouble as he ought with
his prose or verse composition. He might do more
without any great act of self-denial, and I wish you
to make a point with him of his raising himself by
his industry. Could we effect this it would be of
value not only for itself, but also as a probable means of
keeping him out of the only evil into which I have any
fear of his falling — namely, a reckless, coarse manner,
and an excessive abandonment to bodily, rather than

22 REMINISCENCES OF

mental pursuits. I do not wish to prevent, but to
moderate his pursuit of such recreations, and to teach
him that a union of the two adds sweetness to either.

" You will be glad to receive from me a good
account of Lord Cosmo Russell. He is doing well,
and might, if he were not a Lord, do excellently.
As it is, I will screw him up to the utmost point I can.
The King will certainly ask for an additional week's
holidays to-morrow, in which case your nephew's day
of return to Eton will be Saturday, 15th September,
unless, indeed, you would wish him to avail himself
of another week, a privilege usually granted to
Scotch boys on account of the distance.

" I am very sorry you have never paid me your
promised visit ; but I daresay you can show cause.
" Ever yours, my dear Sir,
" Very faithfully,

" Edward Coleridge.

"Eton, 28th July, 1833."

I left Eton at Christmas, 1834. On the last day
I went out hunting with De Burgh's staghounds, on
a hack of Bob Davies. Eustace Arkwright went
with me. He wore a red coat ; I wore a green one.
My boots were made (by an order on old Ingleton)
with a seam down the back instead of the old
Wellington pattern, and I gave him fourteen shillings
extra to make a pair of tops. I left them (the tops)
at my uncle's house in 13 Berkeley Square when I
went abroad. When I returned the house was sold,
and I never saw them again.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 23

CHAPTER in.

GERMANY.

After leaving Eton I went abroad with Captain
Lethbridge, Royal Artillery, as tutor. He was rather
a stuck-up chap, but we got on pretty well. We
started on top of a coach from Gloucester Coffee-
house in January, 1835, sailed over to Ostend, ran
aground, and had to wait till the tide rose. Luckily
it was very calm. At last we got to Ostend, and
went on to Saxe- Weimar.

'■'■ (jth January, 1835.

" Mv Dear Mother, —

" We have arrived here at last in the
middle of yesterday morning at two o'clock. I never
felt it so cold in my life, and we got cold rooms
and were obliged to get beds made for us ; but now
we have got into our own abode. Sir John Hope
had written to General Slybach, or Swybach, that
we were coming, so he had got lodgings ready for
us. He is very good-natured to us and very useful.
We had a recommendation to Baron Someone from
Baron Ompteda, and we got an invitation last night
to a ball there ; but it is not proper to go anywhere
and meet the Grand Due till you have been at court,
so we asked the General what we should do, and he

24 REMINISCENCES OF

told us to go, and that if the Due made any objec-
tion the Baron must bear the blame. So we went
and were introduced to the Due. He is a great, fat
man, but goes bustling about and talks to every one.
We go to court next Thursday, and we who have
not got uniforms are obliged to go in a dress like a
Quaker's — all black with a sword and cocked hat.
There are immense lots of English here, viz., Pres-
ton, McFarlane, Miller, Horrocks, Tomline (who
were at Eton) ; two Hopes and Mr. Sproat, their
tutor ; another Miller and Mr. Halley, their (Miller's)
tutor, who I know was an acquaintance of Miss
Applebee's.

" I think I wrote to you last from Brussels the
day I could not go to Waterloo. We passed over
the field the next day in the diligence. The conductor
had been a French soldier and was wounded there,
so he told us all about it. We have been at Cologne,
or Koeln as the Germans call it, and came along the
banks of the Rhine. They are very fine and must
be beautiful when green in summer, but not anything
wonderful, I think. There are immense rocky hills
covered with firs and copse on each side and vine-
yards between them and the river. It has been a
hard frost here and there has been some snow, but
to-day I am sorry to say it is a thaw. Sir James
and Lady Hamilton are here. You may recollect
them at Leamington. We have got a young Ger-
man clod to clean our shoes and brush docs and be
generally useful. He can't sprechcn anything but
Deutch, so we hold telegraphic communications, and

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 25

he tivigs most wonderfully quick. You must direct
to the Poste Rest^, Weimar, Saxe-Weimar. Our
landlady's name is V^oight, and she only speaks
German, but she has a daughter who interprets, I
have filled up my sheet, so I shall stop.
" Your affec.

" J. A. Thomson.

" Write to me directly and tell me all the news.
Tell Nelly that the Captain waltzes so well that the
ladies kept him well employed last night in a dance
(as they do when they pick up any one for a partner),
and he was so tired all the time, for we had not been
in bed for two nights, except yesterday morning."

Sir John Hope of Pinkie had given us letters to
General Seebach, the Oberjagermeister. We went
to call on him, and found a tall old gentleman with
his grey hair cut very close, dressed in a shooting
jacket, standing at a desk reading an English slang
dictionary. He was a grand old man and very kind
to us. Willie Hope (afterwards General command-
ing in Edinburgh), Norman M'Leod (tutor to Tom
Preston), Rocheid (father of Mrs. Briggs of Strath-
airley), Horrocks, etc., were there.

The Grand Duke was very kind to all the boys.
The Grand Duchess was a Russian, and a charming
lady. We were all dressed in court dress — black
straight-cut coats, cocked hats, knee-breeches and
black silk stockings, and we all stood in a row like
young rooks.

The Grand Duke used to walk round and say a

26 REMINISCENCES OF

few words to each of us, " Avez-vous bonnes nou-
velles de vos parents ? " " Have you good news of
your parents ? " The Grand Duchess spoke perfect
English. We were sometimes invited to dinner.
Among the guests was Sir James Ramsay of Bamff,
who had a curious trick of saying, '* Eh. quoi, what?"
On being invited by the Duke to take a glass of wine
(which was the fashion in those days), he replied,
" Eh, quoi, what } "

Our German master. Dr. Weissenborne, was a
most eccentric man — a tall, pale man, with huge
spectacles, and a very strong smell of tobacco. He
usually carried a chameleon inside the breast of his
shirt, and he had a little Dachshund called Waldina.
His knowledge of the English language was not very
correct. On hearing of runaway matches to Gretna
Green, where the parties were married by the black-
smith, he said, " Is it necessary to be a blacksmith to
perform marriages in Scotland } "

Norman M'Leod was much in love with a charm-
ing girl called Melanie Speigel. Many years after-
wards he was at Elie, and came to dine at Charleton.
I had never met him since our Weimar days. I took
his wife in to dinner. He said, " Tell her all about
Weimar — she knows about Melanie Speigel,"

The Duke used to ask us to the Jagd (to shoot
hares). They surrounded the district for two or
three miles with several hundred men, a gun and
a beater being placed alternately. We then marched
slowly in towards the centre. At the end of the Jagd
it was like a regiment firing volleys. The Duke was

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 27

attended by some mounted hussars, who occasionally
acted as retrievers. I have seen one cutting three
and four at a wounded hare. We always had a
grand luncheon in the middle of the day.

"Weimar, Wednesday, 4th February, 1835.

" My Dear Mother, —

" As Miller,^ the bearer of this, starts to-
morrow morning from this place to England, I think
it is a good opportunity to write to you, as he has
volunteered to take it. He has been here for some
time, and has got his commission in the 12 th Lancers,
so he is now returning home.

" I received your and Willie's letter the other
day. Willie's letter is very amusing. I hope the
next will be more extensive. You need not be the
least afraid that there are not enough Germans to
talk German to, as there is a whole regiment of
soldiers, and very few of them can speak anything
else. General Seebach told me that he heard from
Pinkie that some of you had been at a masquerade.
He is a jolly old fellow, and has a son who talks
English very well. Monday was the Duke's birth-
day, so there was a grand dinner, and last night a
ball. W^e could not move last night without treading
on a prince's or a princess's toes. A princess sent
a page to Captain Lethbridge commanding him to
dance with her, which he did. They are the oddest
looking people ever you saw. When we first saw

^ Sir William Millar of Glenlee.

28 REMINISCENCES OF

them Horrocks exclaimed, ' How on earth did they
ever get so many screws together ? ' They have a
splendid room at the palace built of marble ; the
walls are a yellowish sort of marble, and there is a
gallery supported by white columns, and all sculp-
tured at the top. It is quite splendid when lighted.
German is rather a stiff language. Captain Leth-
bridge cannot get out any of the gutturals and is
quite in despair ; but I am not, for I can speak to
the servant, who says ' water ' in English and ' ques-
kesay ' in a sort of German gibberish. We are going
to a soiree to-night at Tomline's, I received a letter
from Aunt Louisa at the same time as yours. We
get English papers here, and I see that Admiral
Fleming lost his election and something about a fire
at Edinburgh. Let me hear about it. I have no-
thing more to say, but I thought it a good oppor-
tunity to write, so I shall stop as I have no more
time,

" So good-bye,
" Your affec.

"John A. Thomson.

" I have directed this to Charleton, as you may
have returned there before Miller has arrived, and I
have enclosed it."

In the spring we went to Berlin, and saw a good
many reviews, and became very intimate with a
number of German officers. One day, when we had
stopped for luncheon in a wood, we found a chap
hanging on a tree. He was quite dry, like a mummy.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 29

We went from Berlin to Dresden and lived in
the Pernieische Gasse. Count Fredro was on the
first floor and I and Lethbridge above him. Countess
Fredro was a Russian — a great tall gaunt woman,
who spoke English very well. A Russian girl lived
with her called Katerina Simionofska. We had a
dancing master who used to dance at the opera, and
taught us gymnastics and waltzing, and we used to
practise with Katerina.

The chaps at Dresden were Lord Alex. Russell,
Bob Balfour of Balbirnie, Lord Stair, Lord Blantyre,
Rashleigh, Pat Baker, John Udny and Gordon
Cumming.

During the summer Lethbridge and I went to the
Saxon Schweiz. We lived at a pub. and ate "■ blauen
Forellen ". We then went on to Teplitz — a most
wonderful country for partridges. There was another
Englishman there whose name I forget, and we went
to interview the Oberjiigermeister to ask permission
to shoot. We found him sitting with his feet in a
tub of hot water. He gave us leave, so we hired two
guns and " Patronen,'' and joined the Jagd next day.
There were about a dozen officers in uniform and
some pointer dogs. All the crops were in narrow
strips and the partridges got up by scores.

We returned to Dresden and remained there the
next winter. We were joined by Henry Gordon,
brother of Khartoum Gordon. His father was an
artillery officer, and a friend of Lethbridge's, and
Henry Gordon remained with us all winter. After
leaving Dresden I did not see him again for forty

30 REMINISCENCES OF

years. One day I was at Woolwich at the Artillery
Barracks, I wanted to get a patrol jacket as a
pattern for the Fife Light Horse. I asked Major
Talbot, with whom I was staying, if he could help
me. He said, *' Come along to the Arsenal," and
being shown into the Governor's room I found my
old friend Henry Gordon. We rushed into each
other's arms. This was not very long before his
brother's death, and he was shortly afterwards made
a baronet.

One morning we saw an execution. Three men
had their heads cut off with a sword. A wooden
shed was erected in the middle of a great plain, and
many thousands of people were present. It took
place soon after daylight on a winter morning. The
victim was placed in a chair with his arms tied.
The Scharfrichter stood on his left rear, with a broad
square- pointed sword. He did not raise his hand,
but brought it from right to left with a sweeping cut,
and the man's head just rolled away down an inclined
wooden trough, and the body was slipped into a coffin
at the bottom. The third man was very much excited,
and I distinctly heard him say, " Ich bin unschuldig
vor die Augen von Himmel ". He would not sit still,
and one of the assistants held him by the hair while
the executioner cut his head off This was about
the last time an execution of the kind ever took
place. They were all three chimney-sweeps, and
had murdered an old woman to get possession of
her money, but only succeeded in finding a few
groschen.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 31

In August, 1835, while I was at Dresden, I was
gazetted to the 17th Lancers. Lord Lucan com-
manded the regiment at that time. My guardians
considered I was too young, and requested the
Commander-in-Chief, Lord Hill, to cancel the com-
mission. A few months afterwards Lord Rosslyn,
then Colonel of the 9th Lancers, offered me a com-
mission, which was accepted with the understanding
I was to have six months leave.

It was a tremendous hard winter, the ther-
mometer 30° below zero. People had their ears
frost-bitten while crossing over the bridge.

We made great friends with the Cherini family.
He was General in the Saxon army. He had a
charming daughter, and his son had got a commis-
sion in the Austrian army. I was just appointed to
the Fife Yeomanry, vSir Ralph Anstruther's troop,
and he sent me a uniform. The jacket was almost
the same as the 9th Lancers.

One evening we put on our uniforms, and Cherini
said mine was pr'dcJitig. His was white coat, knee-
breeches and gaiters.

Towards the end of the winter Gordon went
home and Lethbridge and I went to Prague. The
snow was tremendously deep, and the roads so bad
that ropes were tied to the top of the diligence and
men hung on to them at the bad places.

We went on to Vienna and remained there till
the weather got better. We then bought a carriage
and posted all the way to Nancy. Passing Nancy we
went to the salt mines.

32 REMINISCENCES OF

" Horse Guards, 2nd February, 1836.

" Sir,—

" I am commanded by General Lord Hill,
to acquaint you, that on your lodging the sum of
^840 in the hands of Messrs. Cox & Co., Army
Agents, His Lordship will submit your name to His
Majesty for the purchase of a Cornetcy in the 9th
Light Dragoons.

" I have the honour to be,
" Sir,
" Your humble Servant,

" FiTZROY Somerset.

"To John Anstruther Thomson."

I was gazetted on the 12th of March, 1836, and
passed that summer at Nancy in a. pension at Madame
Lerboullet's. My window looked out on the barrack
yard of the cuirassiers. There were two families I
used to visit — Kortwrights and Major Fitzmaurice
(his wife was the sister of the parson at Clyro).
Harry Villebois came there for a bit. At that time
a M. Gastaldi was living near, and invited us all to
a feast (where we got very merry) and a musical
performance (where each guest took the part of a
different instrument). Harry Villebois and I had a
round or two to demonstrate the art of self-defence.
We all slept on the premises, one of the Kortwrights
and I under the billiard table.

While at Nancy I wrote the following letter to
my mother : —

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 33

" Nancy, Tuesday, loth May, 1836.

"My Dear Mother, —

" I received your letter this morning and
one from Mary yesterday, and as I shall tell you all
my news in this, if you will pass it on to her it will
do as an answer to both.

" You did not perhaps know before writing, but I
suppose you will before receiving this, that I am
going to stay here two months longer. I am both
glad and sorry. In another month I shall talk
French like a house-a-fire. Next Saturday we go
to Metz with Mr. Chamberlayne in our carriage (if
we can't sell it) ; if we do sell it, in the ' dilly,' I sup-
pose. Capt. L. will not come back here, but Mr.
Chamberlayne and I will. I am going into a pen-
sion, but have not yet settled where. About a week
ago there was a grand wedding here. The bride's
gown cost y^400, and was made of point lace. Two
days after there was a ball to which we went, but
there was such a crowd it was impossible to move,
much less dance. I suppose by this time you have
seen the 9th, as Mary informs me that they marched
into Edinr. on the ist. You may send me a descrip-
tion of them. The new Cornet Spicer was at Eton
with me, I think, and is a very nice fellow if the
same. By-the-bye, I received Max F.'s letter two
or three days ago. I wonder why on earth he sent
it to Britain — I will row him for it. I am just going
to write to Willie. Do you really think of making

him an engineer or artilleryman ? I think it would
VOL. I. 3

34 REMINISCENCES OF

be a capital plan. Mr, Chamberlayne paints very
beautifully and gives me a lesson whenever I choose,
so I have three brushes and eight colours — oil — and
dab away, and I think I shall succeed when I know
a little more about the palette. When the weather
turns finer we are going out to sketch. By-the-bye,
about fourteen days ago we went to the salt mines
at Deuze. We got into a tub and down we went 450
feet, and found ourselves in a vault about twenty-four
feet broad and high, and perhaps a mile long. There
are a number of streets at right angles supported by
pillars. The salt is as hard as rock, and is all blasted
and cut with pick-axes. They say that the echo of
a blast is very beautiful. Capt. L. and a Count
Gastaldi who was with us sang some duets, which
echoed beautifully. I fancy John Dalyell must be
rather disappointed with his English hunting — he
has got such a bad country. An old gentleman here
lent me (your horror) the Sport. Mag., and I saw all
about it, also that the 9th are all famous riders. I
suppose I must have some horses when I join, but
the Colonel will tell you all about that. I was hard
at work all yesterday afternoon with a pick-axe and
spade cultivating Major Fitz-Maurice's kail-yard,
and am going at it again to-day ! He has got such
a nice boy, three and a half years old — such a manly
little fellow, and if I ever become a colonel he is to
be in my regiment. I suppose Hamilton has left the
castle, but you did not tell me where he is gone to.
At Vienna I got some music and put it into my
shako, and that into my portmanteau, and Capt.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 35

L. did the same. They have been ten weeks on the
road now and are not yet arrived.

" I have not got no more to tell you. By-the-
bye, thinking of negations or negatives, in one of the
travellers' books somewhere or other I read the
following : ' A Cockney having lost his hat at a party
exclaimed, " Hasn't nobody not never seen ne'er a
'at nowhere " '. However, having told you all my
news, give my love to Clem, and tell her to get well.
How glad I shall be to have a chat at home, and I
am,

" Your affec.

"J. A. Thomson."

I left Nancy on the top of a diligence, on a very
hot day, with my poodle " Lorrine ". The dust was
perfectly awful, and the heat stifling. Two French
soldiers were my conipagnons de voyage, and I pro-
duced my commission, which caused them to remark
I was bien heureux to be a sous-lieutenant at such
an early age. I was then 6 feet 2 inches in height,
according to my passport : " Cheveux blonds, yeux
bleux, nez moyen, menton rond, . . , taeli^ de rous-
seaux". I went down the Rhine to Rotterdam, and
there embarked for London.

3*

36 REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER IV.

QTH LANCERS.

On the 30th of July I went to report myself at Piers-
hill. Lord Loughborough was then the Lieutenant-
Colonel. I borrowed a horse from Matthew Baird
in Dublin Street, and rode down to barracks. I
wore a long green bombazine coat (made in Ger-
many), white duck regimental trousers, a high top-
hat with a very narrow brim. Being rather ashamed
of it I rammed it under my chair, but Tom Whalley
immediately discovered it, and said, " Twig his hat ! "
Arthur Williams, who had known my sisters at Eaton
Mascott, took me under his protection, and gave me
good advice, and made me buy a green account-book.
I was appointed to " C " Troop — Captain, Percy
Williams ; Tom Whalley was the Lieutenant.

" PiERSHiLL Barracks,

" Monday, August, 1836.

" My Dear Mother, —

*' I will give you an account of what I have
done since I left you. On arriving in Edinburgh I
got a horse from Baird and trotted to the barracks
with my credentials, but as neither Loughborough
nor Colonel Campbell were there I went to the
Adjutant, a jolly old Irishman named Cooke, and he

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 37

showed me the mess-room, etc., and introduced me
to Arthur Williams, who told me what I should do.
I then went back to Edinburgh and dined at the
Lochs. 1 like Eliza very much, but Mr. Walker
had just gone away, so I did not see him. I slept
at Charlotte Square, and yesterday had my things
sent down here and came myself. In the evening I
went out riding with Spicer and Johnston, dined at
mess at half-past seven, and went to bed. Colonel
Campbell is gone to inspect a troop of yeomanry
somewhere, and they expect Loughborough to-day,
but it is doubtful if he will come or not. I have got
into Meicklam's room. He is on leave, and has left
his bed and furniture ; but as there were and are
sundry bugs in it, the sooner I get my own the
better. I have got a soldier-servant named Jenkin-
son, and his wife cleans my room and washes every-
thing for twenty-five shillings a month. We all
breakfast in the mess-room when and how we
choose, and all the teapots, etc., belong to the mess,
so I don't want any. Send me some shirts as soon
as possible, though only two or three are finished.
I am in Percy Williams' troop. He is very good-
natured and amusing, though rather a rattler. Whal-
ley (pronounced Wayley) is the Lieutenant. He is a
little gentleman-like, rather swell fellow, and has set
me all a-going most swimmingly. I like Spicen
Spottiswoode, Whalley and Johnston best. My
horses are in great strength and beauty — health, I
mean. I rode the mare yesterday, and she is as wild
as a great cat. She is very much approved of, and

38 REMINISCENCES OF

is the laro-est in the reofiment, about sixteen and a
half hands high. Spicer is very unlucky. He
bought two horses from London ; one turned out
a roarer from a cold it caught in the steamer, the
other is coughing. To-morrow is a field day.
Where do the livery buttons come from ? — for they
all recommend putting Mr. Smailum into livery.

*' Don't forget my shirts. By-the-bye, what were
the accounts of Ann Loch which you received on
Saturday ? Eliza wants to know. Send my two
cane hunting whips, my gun and everything else.
Mind the shirts and sheets and blankets, if you have
them, and I am,

** Your affec.

" J. A. Thomson.

" Lord Loughborough is going to take a levy
down to Doncaster races ; perhaps he will take me.
Love to every one. It is beastly weather. When
it is clear I can see the Horse Shoe Plantation."

9TH Lancers (1836).

Colonel Campbell of Craigie was the Major.

Captain Fullarton, a quiet old gentleman, died in
India during the Mutiny.

Percy Williams, my Captain, a capital officer, a
very fine horseman and race-rider ; afterwards hunted
the Rufford Hounds for nineteen seasons.

Arthur Williams, called " Jelly," a dear good
chap, took charge of the mess, and was very kind to
the Cornets.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 39

Hope Grant, afterwards a most distinguished
General, commanded the cavalry during the Indian
Mutiny.

Hankey, called " The Squire" (married), lived at
Rosebank, and drove in every day in a dog-cart,

Archy Little, called " The Corporal," the best of
good fellows, afterwards commanded the regiment in
the Indian Mutiny.

Clark, afterwards Sir James, of Penicuik, called
'• Massa," devoted to playing the fiddle. He had a
huge charger called " Paganini ". One day some
one stuck a pin in his crupper ; the result was
awful.

Tom Porter, a dear good chap, capital sportsman,
afterwards " Father of the Berks Hunt".

Andrew Spottiswoode, a very nice chap, but
queer temper. He was next in the entail of Charle-
ton, a capital horseman, afterwards commanded ist
Dragoons, and married old Campbell's daughter.
He was my second cousin.

John Spicer had been at Eton with me, a capital
fellow. His father lived at Esher Place, now San-
down Racecourse, and drove a team of grey horses
in a yellow coach. Esher Place was sold, and John
Spicer bought Spye Park, Chippenham. During
the winter of 1836 Spicer stayed with me at Charle-
ton, and he had a mount out hunting on " Paddy," my
mother's carriage-horse. The meet was at Kings-
muir. Whyte-Melville was master ; Walker, hunts-
man ; Glover, first whip ; W. Hawtin, second whip.
We got home very late. " Paddy " not going so free

40 REMINISCENCES OF

as usual, Spicer got off to examine, and said his feet
were " all flat ". He had lost both fore-shoes !

Frank Willoughby, brother of Lord Middleton, a
first-rate good fellow, good horseman and keen sports-
man. He died in India.

Fred Isacke, capital fellow, very good-look-
ing, had a beautiful voice and sang nicely. His
brother married Miss Wedderburn, Birkhill. He
married Miss Mary Fortescue in 1846, when I was
quartered in Dublin, and I was his best man. Her
father appeared in nankeen trousers and a blue coat
with long tails and steel buttons. When the clergy-
man in the service asked, "Who giveth this woman,"
etc., he shouted out, '' I do," and made the roof of the
chapel rattle.

Our uniform was : Red jacket (double-breasted),
blue facings, gold embroidered collar, a short bob-
tail ; wore belts outside the jacket, a gold sash for
balls, blue over-alls, red stripe, white trousers in sum-
mer, Wellington boots ; no mess waistcoats, dined in
stable jackets buttoned up ; lancer caps, square top,
very heavy, and blackcock's tail plume. Armed with
lance, sword (curved pattern) and pistols, white sheep-
skin and blue shabraques.

The regiment was very well mounted — great big
well-bred horses with bang tails, which had just come
into fashion. Our men were very good-looking.
Lord Loughborough would not take any man under
5 ft. 9 in.

At that time privates when off duty wore their
swords, and in the event of street rows were some-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 41

times rather handy with them. The infantry also
wore their bayonets, and stabbing was not uncom-
mon. The men were very smart and good riders,
and the regiment was celebrated for trotting in line.

The horses were not so well broke as they are
now, and were very vicious in the stable : no stranger
dare go up to them. It was not an uncommon thing
for a troop horse to run away after a charge, and in
turning out for mounted orderly, there was often a
turn of buck-jumping before the horse could be got
up to the guard parade.

The men were a wildish lot, and very often late
for watch-setting, but as long as the duty was well
done not much notice was taken. When the orderly
sergeant reported men absent at watch-setting, "Give
them half an hour," was the usual answer.

I was one month under eighteen years when I
joined, 6 ft. 2^ in. high, and weighed 12 st, 8 lb.
Before I joined I got two horses from John Elmore
in London. General Wemyss, who then lived at the
Stud House at Hampton Court, and had charge of
the Royal Farm at Windsor, was good enough to go
with me. I got a very good-looking bay mare, about
1 6*2 hands, and a coarse bay horse. They cost me
£jo and ^50 respectively. At that time many of
the horses suffered from diabetes caused by kiln-
dried oats, and my two suffered severely. I bought
a very good brown horse, "John," from George
Inglis in Edinburgh for ^145, and had him for
eleven seasons. I rode him cub-hunting in the
Atherstone country in 1847.

4^ REMINISCENCES OF

At that time Lord Loughborough had a race-horse
called " Shamrock". He was very queer tempered,
and difficult to ride. Percy Williams was one of the
best gentleman-riders of the day, and won many races
on him. He ran at Cupar Races, when the Caledonian
Hunt took place there in 1839, for the last time.

Percy Williams was a capital officer, but he was
always on leave when he could get away. That year
he went to shoot at Glendye, Sir James Carnegy's,
and took old Martin, Lord Loughborough's keeper,
with him.

Tom Whalley was a charming man, very clever,
full of fun and wit, rather sarcastic, and a most fas-
tidious gentleman. His brother was a clergyman
near Northampton. He remained in the regiment
about three years after I joined, and when he retired
I got his troop,

I bought a capital old horse from Clark called
" Charlie," a grand jumper. One day I was riding
him with the Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hounds,
galloping along the side of the canal at Drumshore-
land Wood. A heap of stones was lying in the way
and he turned round and jumped into the canal with
me. We got to the other side. I got my arm on
the coping-stone and bundled out, turned the reins
over his head, and he jumped clean out. I was wet
up to my neck.

I was set to drill and do the " goose step " with
John Spicer, and got on so fast with it that the
sergeants thought I had been in the German service.
The riding-school was no trouble to me.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 43

Our principal drill-sergeant was Sergeant Baird,
a little ugly man, with his chin-strap behind his jaw,
but very smart and a capital soldier. In teaching
sword exercise he desired us to " thrust the pint
(point) well home and turi^n the sivorrd to render
the wound incurable ". Cooke was the Adjutant, an
Irishman who had risen from the ranks and was a
fine specimen of an old soldier. He had been pro-
moted over the head of the Regimental Sergeant-
Major, named Payne, father of Charles Payne, the
Pytchley huntsman. Payne broke his sword in two
and placed it on the fire saying his soldiering
days were over. This was told me by Charles
Payne at Pytchley kennels fifty years after. The
Sergeant-Major of the " C " Troop, Doyle, had a
very good-looking grey horse which I sometimes
rode. One day, when orderly officer, the horse
being very fresh clattered about on the stones, and
unfortunately Lord Loughborough saw it from the
office window and called Captain Williams' attention
to it. He selected the four biggest brutes in the
troop for my benefit.

A few months afterwards the Earl of Rosslyn,
full Colonel of the regiment, came to inspect us.
The field-day took place on Portobello sands. I
was his orderly officer, and he rode Sergeant-Major
Doyle's grey horse. It had a very bad mouth, and
behaved no better with him than it did with me, and
his lancer cap got on to the back of his head, and was
rather uncomfortable. On returning to barracks he
remarked that the horse had a bad mouth. Lord

44 REMINISCENCES OF

Loughborough then rode it himself, and said he was
ashamed that the General should have been mounted
on such an ill-mannered quad ! !

One day when I was orderly officer I turned out
and inspected the guard without having my sword on.
In the afternoon it was raining hard when the o"uard
mounted, and I was proceeding to inspect it with a
mackintosh on, when the office window was hurled
up, and a stern voice said : " Don't go and get into
another scrape ; I saw you inspect the guard without
your sword," and turning to Colonel Campbell said :
"Is that the way you allow the duty to be done ? "

Hope Grant was junior Captain when I joined.
He was the truest and kindest of friends, and a most
agreeable and cheery companion. He was a dear
friend of mine all his life. A first-rate horseman,
with good hands and undeniable nerve — no matter
what country or what horse — he was sure to be in
the front rank. His horses, although always well
bred, were not always quite first class. I remember
his buying at Laing's Bazaar in the Lothian Road,
Edinburgh (now the site of the Caledonian Railway
Station), a grey half-bred Arab mare, which had
been bred at Dalkeith, for £"]. A few days after-
wards he appeared on it out hunting, and went as
well as other people. His hack was a wall-eyed
Highland pony which had cost ^5, the value of the
whole establishment being thus £12. He was also
a keen golfer, and a most enthusiastic and accom-
plished musician. In the evening he would play
for hours on the violoncello. At that time Signor

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 45

Emiliani, a celebrated violin player, was in Edin-
burgh, and he delighted to get him to accompany
him.

He rode in the military steeplechase at North-
ampton in 1 84 1 previous to going to China with
Lord Saltoun. I think I can see him now, after the
race, with a red worsted comforter round his neck, a
hunting cap, and his knuckles covered with blood
from contact with the bullfinches, and saying "It was
capital fun ".

On his return from China a dinner was given to
him by the members of the Club at St. Andrews.
The toast of the family at Kilgraston was entrusted
to me, and I said: "We have all met here to do
honour to our noble guest, who has served his coun-
try well and done his duty ; but we also are assembled
here as a party of gentlemen to welcome our old
friend and playfellow, and it is very gratifying to
find that this successful General, who has led vic-
torious armies, is still our old friend, the same frank
Hope Grant, the same genial hearty good fellow.
Sir Francis has also made a name for himself. His
works will exist when this generation has passed
away, and his name will be handed down to posterity
among the great artists of his country. I now turn
last, but not least, to the genial Laird of Kilgraston.
No mean artist himself, a keen golfer, a first-rate
sportsman, in every good work always ready to
assist by advice and example, he possesses all the
qualifications of a true country gentleman. Nor
must we forget the amiable lady who presides over

46 REMINISCENCES OF

the fireside at Kilgraston, and by her gentle influence
diffuses pleasure to all around her."

The following anecdote is told of John Grant.
A lady said to him, " Sir Francis is a great painter,
Sir Hope is an accomplished musician — what can
you do, Mr. Grant ?" "I managed to be their elder
brother, and that is what neither of them can do ! "

I had an allowance of ^300 per annum. I had
a private servant named Thomas Smailum. My bat-
man was named Jenkinson, a big, good-looking man.
He was paid two shillings and sixpence a week. His
wife did my room, washed and mended, for two
shillings a week. My room was in the back of the
barracks, and I could see Fife and Charleton out of
the window.

I began to hunt in earnest when I joined the 9th
Lancers at Piershill in 1836.

The first day cub-hunting the Duke of Buc-
cleuch's Hounds met at Craigmillar Castle, and
found directly (it would bother them to find a fox
there now). Williamson was huntsman and Hugh
Burns was first whip. The men wore cut-away
coats, and all rode with snaffle bridles and martin-
gales. Old Frank Collinson, who rode the young
horses, wore a cap and a red "spencer," a short
round jacket like a strapping jacket.

The following were the packs of hounds in Scot-
land at that time : —

" The Duke of Buccleuch." Huntsman, Will
Williamson ; whip, Hugh Burns.

" Fife." Whyte-Melville and Captain Wemyss.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 47

Huntsman, John Walker; whips, Tom Batters and
Will Smith.

" Lothian." Huntsman, Lord Elcho ; whips, Joe
Hogg and Bob Carlyle.

" Linlithgow and Stirling." Master, Ramsay
of Barnton ; huntsman. Kit Scott ; whip, Tom
Rintoul.

" Lanark and Renfrew." Huntsman, Lord Kel-
burn ; whips, Jim Harrison and Sam Graham.

** Perthshire." Murray of Abercarnie. Hunts-
man, Arber ; whips, John Hall and John Harvey.

"Forfarshire." Huntsman, Mr. Dalyell of Lingo;
whip, Jack Skinner.

" Aberdeenshire." Huntsman, Lord Kintore ;
whip. Grant.

About April, 1837, we marched to Glasgow, and
were relieved by the 14th Light Dragoons, com-
manded by Jack Townsend. Two Dohertys, Robert-
son of Foveran (" the W^hisperer "), etc., were in the
regiment. The horses had bobtails.

On the Queen's accession to the throne we fired
2l feu-de-joie on Glasgow Green.

There was no riding-school in Glasgow barracks.
The young horses and recruits were at Hamilton.
We often went over there to play cricket.

The 42nd Highlanders were also quartered at
Glasgow, having come from Edinburgh, and their
barracks were in the worst part of the town.

A battery of artillery were quartered in the
cavalry barracks with us. Charlie Bingham was in
command. He was a capital fellow and very popular.

48 REMINISCENCES OF

" Fatty " Sutherland joined about this time, He
was seventeen years old, and weighed seventeen
stone. He was in the same troop with me, and
Fullarton was our Captain. Fullarton was about

5 ft. 4 in., and on foot parade he had to stand be-
tween his two subalterns. Sutherland was about

6 ft. I in. and I was 6 ft. 3 in. and right-hand man
of the line.

At Glasgow Fair there were two giantesses
(Americans) in a booth. I was put between them,
being the tallest man in the place. I could just
reach the tops of their heads.

In August Ralph Anstruther invited me to go
and shoot at Braemore. John Dalyell and Hamilton
Anstruther were the rest of the party. I went on the
mail, and drove it part of the way, through Dingwall
arriving at Dunbeath at three o'clock in the morning.
Next day I got a cart and pony for the luggage,
and walked to Braemore.

The year 1837 was the last the Fife Hounds
went to Forfarshire. I had four horses — " Charlie,"
" John," a grey horse and a grey mare. The club
assembled at Sandy Ross's hotel in Forfar. The
horses were kept there, and the hounds in a timber-
yard just outside the town. Walker (the huntsman)
lived at Sandy Ross's, and the waiter, an old red-
headed man, was the earth-stopper. Old Lord
Panmure presided over the first dinner. James
Rait, John Kinloch, Balfour Oglivy and Archie
Douglas were there. Admiral Wemyss, John
Whyte - Melville, Fred Wedderburn and myself

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 49

came from Fife. About eleven o'clock, having eaten
and drank more than was good for me I went to
bed. I was told that about three in the morning the
chairman slipped off his chair, and as he was so fat
they could not pick him up again ; so they put some
pillows under his head, and left him there till morn-
ing. They then got him into bed, where he re-
mained all day and all night, and went home in his
carriage at 3 p.m. on the following day. He was
very hospitable and kind, and I often spent a happy
time at Brechin Castle.

Archie Douglas was a grand sportsman and a
first-rate horseman. About 1826 he was sent for to
ride a steeplechase at Melton — I think against Cap-
tain Ross — but he did not win it. Latterly he was
very deaf Once at dinner Lady Panmure said,
"Will you have some fish, Major Douglas?" He
replied, " We had a capital run to-day ". When
quite an old man Lord Rosslyn, M.F.H., gave him
a mount one day in Fife. We met at the New Inn.
Peter Paterson of Carpow said to him, " Douglas, that
horse is a capital fencer". He replied, " I'll try".
The first fence was a ditch, a wall and a hedge. He
cleared it all and went on with the hounds alone.

In autumn I got out hunting a few times with

Lord Kelburn. He hunted the hounds himself.

Will Smith was his kennel huntsman, who had been

in Fife the previous season, and whipped-in to

Walker. It was a tremendous hard winter, seven

weeks of frost, and all the roads blocked with snow.

The first day after the frost Lord Kelburn's hounds
VOL. I. 4

50 REMINISCENCES OF

met at Erskine, Lord Blantyre's place. Power lent
me his grey mare to hunt, and Hope Grant lent me
a thoroughbred horse to ride to covert, and gave me
a silver pocket flask.

Lord Kelburn was very keen and full of zeal,
but he was too irascible for a huntsman, and his
language was by no means parliamentary. His field
were so frightened at him that if he turned back
going along the road, they would all jump out of it
to get out of his way. Mr, Whyte-Melville was out
hunting with him, and followed him down the ride
in a large wood ; presently Kelburn trotted on to
where his second whip was standing, and gave the
lad a good double thonging with his whip. Melville
quietly turned round and rode out of the wood.

In 1838 Willie Campbell of the Bays was the
best gentleman-rider in Scotland.

In the spring of 1838 I rode to Bogside Races.
Johnstone lent me a restive black horse. I sent
" John " on half-way, and rode him on to the course.
Jim Fairlie had a great raw-boned horse called
" Splendour," and Sir David Baird a bay horse called
" Wings". Lord Macdonald also rode in the races.
Bob Richardson (General Richardson Robertson)
rode " Zohrab," a horse of Jim Fairlie's, and Tommy
Dallas a grey horse called " Pyramid ".

On the 31st May, 1838, we marched up to
Nottingham, and headquarters went to Leeds. I
think Fullarton was in command of the squadron,
and Andrew Spottiswoode and I were subs.

When we crossed the bridge on the border the

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 51

men ofave " Three Cheers for Old England ". When
we got to Penrith Spottiswoode and I went for two
or three days to see Ullswater, and rode to Patter-
dale and Lowther Castle and rejoined them at Ken-
dal, A troop of the 15th Hussars were quartered
at Clitheroe in Lancashire, who invited us to dinner.

Lowndes was one of the officers. He was rather
a rat-catcher. During dinner he said, " Should you
like to see a regular up-and-down fight .■* " " All
right," said we. A stable sentry came in without his
jacket with a rat-trap and a ferret. The rat was let
loose and we all stood on chairs. After it had run
about for a little the ferret was put down. It put its
nose to the ground, lashed its tail about, and galloped
off just like a little hound. Presently it came to the
corner where the rat was and it began to squeak.
The ferret ran in, caught it by the neck and killed
it. We sat down and finished our dinner.

On arriving at Nottingham we put up at the Ram
Inn. The landlord had formerly been messman to
the 9th Lancers.

I used to drive the " Commercial " coach to
London whenever I went. Sam Taylor was coach-
man.

52 REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER V.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S CORONATION.

I WENT up from Nottingham for the Coronation ; the
first time I ever travelled on a railway. The North-
Western line was open to Denby Hall where there
was no station, and they drove the coach up to the
side of the rails in a "-rass field, shoved it on to a
truck and took it bodily up to London. The only re-
freshment-place was Wolverton, and the only refresh-
ment hot elder wine and " parliament" ginger-bread.

Not having a ticket for Westminster Abbey I did
not take my uniform with me. On arriving in Lon-
don I found they had got me a ticket, but I had
no means of getting the uniform in time. My sister
Mary went with my uncle, General Sir Frederick
Adam. My uncle, Sir Charles Adam, was at this
time one of the Lords of the Admiralty, so we were
allowed to get on to the top of the archway in front
of the Admiralty to see the procession.

My sister wrote the following account : —

" Dover Street, Friday, 1838.

•'My Dear Jean, —

" As it has begun to rain, I think I may
find time to write to you and tell you about our
gaiety, so expect a regular journal of nonsense.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 53

" On Monday I went with Aunt Charles to
Lord Fitz-William's ball, which was very beauti-
ful, and I liked it. I saw more people than I
expected to know, and had some dancing. I saw
John Balfour who had heard from Tina. I danced
(as I suppose Louisa likes particulars) with Captain
Grey and Frederic Romily and Edmund Elliot's
brother, and a German attachd of Prince Putey-
buss. The Elliots and Listers were there. In
short, it was much better fun than I expected ;
there were thousands of foreigners, which makes a
ball more amusing. Soult was there and the Due
de Nemours, who is very good-looking, and is
supposed to wish to be King of England. I
was introduced to the Due de Vicennes, who has
brought over his own hairdresser and his ajni,
Count Pralin, and the Baron von Gottsch, the
German.

"On Tuesday we went to a party at Lady
Minto's. Uncle Fred went also (very pleasant I
thought, though that is a disputed point) ; and after
it we went to the Highland Ball (not Uncle Fred),
but Ann and William Elphinstone joined us. It was
capital, such numbers of Scotch people. Lady Keith
and Emily in a very pretty fancy dress, the Hume
DrummcJnds, Mrs. Pitcairne, the Randolphs, Jane
Dalyell, Alexander Carmichael, Augustus Hamilton,
Mr. Gibson Craig, the Montgomeries, Lord Elibank
and brothers — in short, plenty of people we knew.
I forgot to say that the Duchess of Gloucester was
at Lord Fitz-William's. He gave the ball because

54 REMINISCENCES OF

Lord Milton is going to marry Lady Fanny Douglas,
Lord Morton's daughter.

" At the Caledonian Ball there was the Duke of
Sussex, Prince George, Princess Augusta and the
Duchess of Cambridge, and numbers of noblemen,
beginning with Duchess Maggy, ^ Tell Louisa Mr.
Douglas Stewart was there, having been so ill and
looking so. We were quite tired of reels and bag-
pipes, but the thing most worth seeing was Prince
Zichi, His coat is all embroidered in turquoise, the
whole of the front and cuffs, and the buttons are, I
think, nearly as large as blackbirds' eggs, studded
with turquoise. The feather in his hat is quite full
of them, and his sword is quite superb, and he has
some on his leggings, I think — in short, I did not
think one man could have put so many on, it was like
something in the Arabian Nights. There were num-
bers of foreigners, all so polite ; one could hardly move
for the giving one seats and bowing. One with whom
I danced led me to the quadrille by the tips of my
fingers, much to my amusement. I saw Mary Kerr.

" For a week nearly there has been no moving in
the streets. The town is so full and people so mad,
and they put up barriers at the ends of the streets to
prevent a crowd in the procession at the Coronation,
so that only one or two carriages could pass at a
time. We stood one hour and ten minutes on Mon-
day near the Park Gate without being able to move,
and all the small streets are as full as the large ones
generally are.

^ Duchess of Somerset, nic Shawe Stewart.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 55

" All Wednesday I was in a state of excitement
as to whether John could come to take me to the
Coronation, as I had two tickets for the gallery above
the north transept. Uncle Fred, who did not intend
to go, remained in town instead of going to Rich-
mond Park, in case John should not come in time,
which was so good-natured, for he would much
rather have stayed at home. On Wednesday night,
after I was in bed, John arrived, having had great
difficulty in getting leave, and came off so quick that
he could not bring his uniform. So he was in despair,
and sat up for an age, sending to his tailor and Cap-
tain Williams and all the world, in vain, to try to get
a uniform to go with me. However, he could not.

" At a quarter to five Uncle Fred and I set off,
he in full uniform and such a number of orders, and
me having trimmed my last year's tulle gown with
gold vine leaves, and got a wreath of gold leaves for
my head. We got into the line in Regent Street,
and got to the Abbey after six. On the way Lord
Glenelg saw my uncle, and gave him two tickets for
the choir gallery, thinking we should see better.
When we got into the gallery we could see nothing,
and only be made deaf with the organ ; so Uncle F.
went to see if he could manage to put me among the
Privy Councillors, but that would not do. Mr. Gray
and Mary Anne were in the same scrape. At last
Uncle F. and I went to the gallery above the north
transept and opposite the peers. We were so high
up we could hardly make out faces, but we saw the
throne, and the place where the Queen sat when she

56 REMINISCENCES OF

first came in. There we sat from six till twelve,
when the Queen came. We could not see the altar,
but saw her come in and sit down ; and then she
went to the altar, and we saw the Bishop of London
preach a sermon ; and then all the peers shouted, and
we saw them put on their coronets when she was
crowned at the altar, which we did not see. It was
a beautiful sight, but the music is rather lost in the
Abbey. Back came the Queen from the altar, wear-
ing the crown, and sat down in her chair ; and the
Archbishop read something, and she got up and
walked to the throne, all the Dukes' daughters bear-
ing her train, and she seated herself on the throne, all
the people shouting, and the music also ; then all the
nobles did her homage, beginning by her two uncles.
They first touch the crown on her head, then kneel
down and kiss her hand, but the Royal Family kissed
her cheek. When the Duke of Sussex knelt down
he was a long time, and said something to her, and
she bent forward and gave him a kiss. They cheered
for such a time when the Duke of Wellington did
homage, and waved handkerchiefs, (I was so glad.)
" Old Lord Rolle is so old he tumbled down in
going up the steps to do homage. They say the
Queen started off her seat, but I did not see it,
though there seemed to be a great commotion for a
moment. While the peers were doing homage we
went round to the south transept to see the peeresses,
who looked most splendid. After that we could not
see the altar, and it was nearly over, so we went
down the House of Commons back stair, and got

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 57

over to Westminster Hall to get the carriage, but
found it would not be up for an hour and a half. So
we walked round the outside of the Abbey, and saw
all the mob and guards and got into the nave, a long,
immense passage by which the Queen and peers
enter, lined with guards and men-at-arms, which I
should never have seen except for being with my
uncle. Then we met Sir R. Otway, who went and
asked Sir Frederick Rowe's leave to cram one young
lady into the place near the door of the Abbey, where
all the old Generals and Admirals were. Sir F.
Rowe said I might go if they could manage it with-
out his having to give leave, so in I went to the
Abbey again (before the peers had finished doing
homage) and was put among such charming old
heroes, all of whom one has heard of. There was no
other lady near, so I felt rather queer. However
they put me in a good place in front, and told me
* not to be in a fright, as there were plenty of soldiers
to defend me '. I found Sir Philip Durham ^ there,
and they were so good-natured to me. The Queen
passed, and all the suite, quite close to us as she went
out, so three of these old heroes told me who every
one was. The Duke of Wellington stopped to talk
close below as he went out, and Lord Melbourne, so
I took a good look at him. Soult and all the foreign
Ambassadors, Turks, etc., etc., passed close. Soult
was well cheered, thanks to Uncle Fred, who gave
the ^rs^ cheer for him.

'Admiral (of Fordel). His brottier, General James Durham,
married my aunt.

58 REMINISCENCES OF

" After they had passed we stood among the
peers till they went, and then went to look at the
altar, and then tried to get away in vain. So at last
the police said we could walk quite well to the Ad-
miralty. So off we set, gold wreath and white shoes,
with a policeman before us to make way. We had
some little trouble, as we did nothing but meet bodies
of guards going in different ways, but they let us pass
between their ranks. We got on so well that we bid
the policeman good-bye, and got on quite well till we
came to the end of King Street, where we found a
crowd and numbers of tipsy women. However we
got through, thanks to the police, and got on till past
the Horse Guards, so there we were fairly stopped.
The mob was quiet, very polite, but seemed to think
us great fun. The procession I believe had caused
it, as it had not quite passed, so there we were close
to the Admiralty, but no hope of ever getting to the
gate. Some gentlemen and an old Italian woman
and man were y^x^j polite and kept the mob off me.
Though they were quiet it was not pleasant to be in
the middle of them in full dress and my uncle's uni-
form, so we were rather too much stared at to be
agreeable,

" At last, seeing the Admiralty was hopeless, my
uncle thought we might squeeze back a few steps to
the Horse Guards, which, with the help of our Italian
old body and man and some difficulty, we managed,
and seeing his uniform they let us in. So I was put
into Colonel Egerton's room till Uncle Fred got
the gate of the Admiralty open, and he and Colonel

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 59

Egerton took me to the garden. In crossing the
office we found John and Willy going to take " Miss
Apples " home, who looked amazed to see us there,
as we were to have come straight here from the
Abbey. Many ladies walked home, but after the
procession had passed, and before. We found the
remains of a large ddjeund and party at Aunt
Charles's.

" I shall leave the procession to some one else to
tell, as I only saw the Duke of Newcastle's carriage
like some fairy tale. The horses were covered with
blue satin bows, and blue satin ribbon manes. W^e
got home here in the carriage in about an hour, and
I slept a round of the clock. I never saw such a
quiet mob. John and Captain Williams saw the
fireworks and illuminations, which were quite superb ;
many ladies did also, but we were too tired. Emily
Montgomery went and saw, but was considerably
alarmed at the mob, and no wonder.

" The Duke of Wellington gave a grand ball last
night, so there was enough done.

" Mrs. Broke and Kate Muir and Glenace came
to see us to-day, all looking so well. I don't know
how long leave John has got, but I hear Lord Rosslyn
has given him some ; but he has gone to get it settled
with Sir John McDonald. We go to the opera to-
night to see the Puritani with the Montgomerys,
who go to Scotland to-morrow.

"" There is a fancy fair in Hyde Park to-day and
to-morrow. We are going to see it — in short, every
one is mad here. The foreigners say, ' Everything

6o REMINISCENCES OF

in dis contree vary parfit, but die crowd everywhere,
a crowd ballroom, even — always a crowd '. I sup-
pose they think it is always as bad as at present.
" Your affectionate

" Mary A. Thomson.

" Uncle Fred thinks of going to Scotland on
Wednesday or Thursday, The only thing I was
sorry for at the Coronation was his going with me
instead of being in his proper place as a Privy
Councillor.

" I believe I have left out words and made many
mistakes in my letter, but have no time to read it
again. I hope Granty keeps better since he went to
Blair. John stays till Thursday, so I don't know
when we go to Richmond Park, as it is full ; besides
John has numbers of friends in town and would rather
remain.

" I was glad Clem did not go to the Abbey. She
is better, I think, since we came. But it was such
hard work, and even I had to stand on a bench on
tip-toes till I could hardly move — many little people
saw nothing.

" I think you will be tired of this letter, it is so
long. Have you any commissions ? I wish you
could have been here yesterday, for I really did en-
joy it. Tell Louisa that for once I could not sleep
from excitement the night before the Coronation.
Think of sage old me being such a goose ! The
opera to-night is the Puritani, so good. I expect
that Albertazzi will sing the part Fanny Windham

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 6i

used. Tell Louisa old Mrs. Villiers is as good-
natured as last year, and Miss Lister's friendship
continues. Anne Elphinstone is living at Kent
House.

" I found Sir P. Durham among the old Admirals
and Generals — most agreeable, and so fond of Teddy
Adam. Col. Wemyss managed the procession."

[The writer was Mary, my fourth sister. She
married the Rev. Ramsay Campbell, son of Sir
Archibald Campbell of Succoth. Her daughter,
Clem Campbell, sent me the letter.

" Dover Street." — She was staying in a lodging
in Dover Street.

" Aunt Charles." — Wife of my uncle, Admiral
Sir Charles Adam, who was one of the Lords of the
Admiralty. Lord Fitz- William was grandfather of
the present Earl.

" John Balfour " (of Balbirnie).

" Tina," his sister, now Mrs. Robert Ellis. She
had gone to America.

"Frederick Romily " married one of the Elliots.
Edmund Elliot was Colonel, 79th Highlanders.

" Elliots." — Daughters of Lord Minto. He was
First Lord of the Admiralty. Lady Minto and Lady
Adam were sisters.

" Lister." — Lord John Russell's first wife was a
Lister, his second wife an Elliot.

" Uncle Fred." — General Sir Frederick Adam,
commanded a Brigade of Guards at Waterloo.

" Ann and William Elphinstone." — My mother's

62 REMINISCENCES OF

cousins. My grandmother was Hon. Eleanora
Elphinstone, sister of Lord Keith the Admiral.

'' Lady Keith " (in her own right) married Count
de Flahault. " Emily," her daughter, afterwards
Lady Lansdowne.

"The Hume Drummonds." — Late Duchess of
Athol was one of them.

" Jane Dalyell." — Sister of Sir Ralph Anstruther
of Balcaskie.

" Augustus Hamilton," Captain, (?) Highlanders,

" Gibson Craig," father of the present Sir James.

" Montgomeries." — James Montgomery married
my eldest sister, Eleanor.

" Elibank," married Montgomery's sister.

'• Lord Milton," late Lord Fitz-William, died
1902.

" Duchess Maggie." — Duchess of Somerset,
Margaret Shawe Stewart.

"Apples." — Miss Applebee, my sister's gover-
ness.]

Lord Rosslyn lived at Gedling, a house of Lord
Chesterfield's, and was in command of the regiment.

In the autumn of 1838 I was sent from Notting-
ham to Derby, where we had one troop in billets.
Percy Williams was Captain, and Spottiswoode and I
subalterns. Percy Williams spent most of his time
at Melton whenever he could get away. We lived
in a little house in the Osmaston Road, and our chief
allies were Peter Colvile and Jack Story of Locking-
ton. He then lived at Spoondon, and was after-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 63

wards master of the Donnington Hounds. Col vile
lived at a place called Duffield, six miles from Derby.
He used to drive in and out in a trap with a little
bay mare. He often came in to dine with us. Spot-
tiswoode's brother-in-law was Lord John Scott. He
lived at Causton, near Rugby. He one day sent us
a hare, so we gave a dinner party and had a carouse.
Our guest was Peter Colvile, and he dined in Spot-
tiswoode's dressing gown. When it was time to go
home he put on a forage cap, got into the buggy,
put his legs into the boot, and his back to the splash-
board, twisted the reins round his hand and put his
hands in his pockets. At daylight Poyser, the old
butler, found him at the gate at Duffield in the same
position.

One day the Meynell Hounds met at Kedliston
Inn. I saw a thin solemn man standing holding a
good-looking brown horse which I recognised as
Ellis's, who was quartered at Nottingham. Later
in the day my horse leaped into a new-made drain
and fell, and the solemn man nearly jumped on to
me. The rider was Captain Mildmay Clark, after-
wards my greatest friend in the Pytchley country.
He and Ellis had been together in the i6th Lancers.

Hugo Meynell was then a schoolboy and used to
come out on a black pony, and Jack Leedham, the
second whip, used to look after him.

About this time John Madocks joined — my
dearest friend all the rest of his life — the picture
of a soldier and a gentleman, very good looking and
strong as a horse, about 5 ft. 11 in., like Prince

64 REMINISCENCES OF

Albert, but more manly looking and more expres-
sion. A first-rate horseman, capital cricketer, could
run like a stag, full of fun, very popular with every-
body, and the best-dressed man in the regiment.
He came from an infantry regiment, the 68th I
think. About Christmas I was sent to Notting-
ham.

On the 20th April, 1839, my grandfather died.
I came from Nottingham to attend his funeral at
Greyfriars Church, Edinburgh. After the funeral,
as I had a few days' leave, I went over to Charleton
with my sister Louisa.

The hounds met one day at Auchmore Bridge.
I rode over to Leslie, and Lord Rothes lent me a
capital little horse called " The Barber ". They had
a capital run over the top of Benarty. The frost
was not out of the ground, and galloping on the side
of the hill, " The Barber " slipped up, and I broke
the small bone of my leg just above the ankle.
James Johnstone of Alva came to help me and got
me on the horse again, and I rode down to the Blair
Adam Inn, put my leg into a bucket of hot water,
got some eggs and bacon and sent to Kinross for a
post-chaise and for Dr. Gray, who had attended us
at Blair Adam when we were children.

I was moved to Kirkland's Inn at Kinross and
put to bed, and my sister Louisa was sent for. I
think she came next day, and the day after we got
home to Charleton.

About the same time my special friend and play-
fellow at Nottingham, John Madocks, was out hunt-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 65

ing with Fred Isaac. They were engaged to dine
out, and so were anxious to get home. There was
a short way to the barracks across the park, and an
iron-bound gate which was kept locked, but a man
was usually there with a key. This time he was not
there, and as they were in a hurry Madocks says,
" I key, will you have a shy at it ? " He said, " All
right, go on ". Madocks rode at the gate, his horse
caught it with his knees and turned right over, falling
with his hip bone on the middle of Madocks's back.
It was just opposite the " Admiral Warren " public-
house, and some people came to his assistance and
got a door to lay him on. Isaac galloped away for
the doctor. By this time Captain Little had arrived,
and Madocks said to him, " It's all up with me.
Corporal ". He answered, " Not a bit, my boy,
you're worth a dozen dead ones ". He was carried
into barracks, and it was found that his os coccyx,
the lowest bone of the spine, was fractured. If it
had been an inch higher it would have been fatal.
He was laid up many weeks, and could only move
his shoulders by lifting himself by a rope fixed to two
crossed lances. But eventually he got quite well.
During this season we hunted with the Marquis of
Hastings, who then had the Donnington country.
Will Head was his huntsman ; Jack Ransom first
whip. The Marquis was a very charming man, and
very hospitable to us. Old Jack Masters had the
South Notts. Markwell was his kennel huntsman.
We often hunted with him.

One day I was out with the Belvoir when Lord
VOL. I. 5

66 REMINISCENCES OF

Forester was master and old Goosey huntsman, and
sometimes with the Quorn, with Lord Suffield,
master ; Charles Tread well, huntsman. He bought
Sir Matthew White Ridley's hounds. It was not a
successful season, and at the end of it the bailiffs
came and seized the hounds, Lord Suffield being
bankrupt. Mr. Robertson of Lady Kirk bought
them, and engaged Treadwell as his huntsman,
and hunted Berwickshire.

We went to Norwich, and soon after our arrival
there was a sale of all Lord Suffield's things at Gun-
ton. Archie Little and I bought four guns, one of
which I have now.

Our principal amusement was cricket, and there
was a capital club at Blickling, to which we went
once a week. We also started a coach. In the
winter we hunted with Lord Sondes and Sir Jacob
Astley. Chapelow was huntsman ; Harry Taylor
and Brett whips.

In the year 1839 I got my first and only lesson
in gambling. We went to Newmarket Races, and
Little, Willoughby, Isaac and I posted up to London
to go to a " hell". We arrived about 10 p.m., and
went to the " Cocoanut Tree," either in Haymarket
or Waterloo Place. We sat down, Willoughby next
me, and rattled the dice, and called " Seven is the
main," but the dice never turned up right. I lost

£25, and said to Willoughby, "This is d d bad

fun — I'll have no more of it ". He said, " I agree
with you ". So we stopped and never played again,
and got our lesson cheap. We got into our chaise,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 67

and posted back to Newmarket in time for the races.
Willoughby went to India with the regiment, and
died there.

This year the order came out that cavalry soldiers
wei^e not to shave their uppei" lip. When William
IV. came to the throne the 9th Lancers were at
Hampton Court, and the escort were ordered to cut
off their moustaches. This was in 1830.

On 25th April, 1840, the regiment marched to
Hounslow. There was a little barrack at the gate
of Hyde Park at the top of Queen's Gate. The
regiment at Hounslow had to furnish thirty men and
four corporals and one sergeant to do the orderly
duty and escorts in London, and I, being senior
subaltern, was stationed there.

I was presented to Her Majesty Queen Victoria
by Lord Rosslyn at one of the first levies.

I had all the picked men of the regiment and
picked horses. They were a real fine lot of old
soldiers. In those days they enlisted for twenty
four years. Many of them were six feet high, and
in stable dress they looked like lifeguardsmen. My
sergeant was a very smart chap named Nile, who
was always for making a good appearance. They
were all men of good character. The only punish-
ment was to be sent back to the regiment, and it
never happened all the time I was there. One
chap was taken ill and was afraid he would be sent
to hospital, so he took eight ounces of salts in eight
doses! We had to send four men and a corporal
every day to the Horse Guards. Lord Rosslyn's

5*

68 REMINISCENCES OF

orders to me were, " Inspect every party yourself,
and attend to the shoeing ". They paraded at nine
o'clock, so I cut out before breakfast and sometimes
back to bed.

Lord Rosslyn lived in Grosvenor Place and rode
down to Hounslow almost every day. My rooms
were on the ground floor, and sometimes he tapped
on the window with his whip before I was up and
called out, "Do you want anything?" "Corporal
Home's horse did not trot on escort yesterday."
" Send him back, and I'll send you another."

My first escort was from Buckingham Palace to
Claremont, about fourteen or fifteen miles. I had a
great big high stepping bay horse called "Cannibal,"
and all my escort were about the same pattern. We
were drawn up at the gate of the palace facing in-
wards, six men on each side, officer on the Queen's
side, sergeant on the other. When the carriage left
the palace door two first men moved off, then about
a hundred yards behind them four more closely in
front of the outriders. When the carriage came the
officer saluted and took his place, the sergeant on the
other side. The Queen looked me over from the top
of my plume to the soles of my boots. The other
six closed in close behind the carriage. It was a
Saturday afternoon, and pretty hot in those days.
We wore overalls, trousers and Wellington boots ;
and the blood ran through the knees of my overalls
before the end of the journey. Our lancer caps
were an awful weight and top-heavy.

The carriage horses were changed on the top of

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 69

the hill above Kingston, which gave our horses a
moment to get their wind. The Royal carriage goes
about ten miles an hour. We then went on to Clare-
mont and marched back quietly to Kingston, where
we were billeted for the night.

I went back to Claremont in a cab, where there
was dinner in the ante-room for the officers of the
guard of honour and escort. I forget who they were,
but the Hon. Charles Murray, who was comptroller
of the household, came and talked to us. We went
back to London on Sunday evening after dinner, and
it was quite dark when we got back. I reported to
Lord Rosslyn that it was too long a job for troop
horses, and he arranged that they should be relieved
every six miles.

Relieving escort was a very pretty sight. The
new escort was formed on each side of the road facing
inwards. The two leading men of the old escort
formed up on the new escort, and the two leading
men of the new escort broke away, and so on in
succession without any check in the pace of the
carriage.

A lunatic named Oxford fired a pistol at the
Queen's carriage one day while driving in the park.
Soon after this I had the escort for six miles out of
London. The park was lined with carriages and
crowds of people cheering, and the school children
threw flowers on the road in front of the carriage, and
the Queen wept and sobbed the whole way. After
this we were ordered to ride close to the Queen to
protect her person.

70 REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER VI.

HAMPTON COURT AND DORCHESTER.

In 1840, when I was quartered at Kensington
Gate, in the 9th Lancers, my uncle, Sir Charles
Adam, was one of the Lords of the Admiralty. My
sister Mary lived with them all that season. Lord
Minto was First Lord. Lady Adam and Lady
Minto were sisters, and my cousin Mary Adam
(afterwards Mrs. Lindsay Antrobus) was about the
same age as my sister.

I had lots of opportunities of attending parties
and balls, as I was often included in their invitations.
At that time Almack's was all the fashion, and Lady
Willoughby d'Eresby was one of the lady patron-
esses. She was my mother's cousin, and was very
kind in giving me tickets. There was a good deal
more formality in those days. You asked a lady to
" do you the honour of dancing with you ". Qua-
drilles were the mainstay ; no lancers, no gallops, no
polkas, no flying about with deux temps. Waltzing
was a solemn proceeding : a pirouette — one, two,
three ; one, two, three. Charles Mathews (the
famous actor) in a play about that date, in a song,
describes a ball : "You look down at your shoes, and
glide about like melancholy kangaroos." No sitting

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 71

out, or Hirting in the corners ; when the dance was
over the young lady was marched straight up to her
chaperon, and handed over to her with a low bow.

The first time I saw a polka danced was at
Leamington in 1843. ^ chap named Bradshaw
danced it, and everybody looked on. When we
were quartered at Exeter we got a bandsman with
a flasfeolet to stand behind the screen in the mess-
room to play for us while we practised ; and we soon
became pretty good at it.

20th June, 1840. — When quartered at Hounslow,
Frank Willoughby and I were driving a gig to Lon-
don with "The Flying Horse," and going about six-
teen miles an hour, when we met a tax-cart in the
middle of the road. We were on the right side, and
I believe the driver of the cart pulled the wrong rein.
We went crash into it, broke both shafts, and were
shied out. The horse ran away and was captured
somewhere in Turnham Green. I pitched on the
back of my head and cut a gash in it ; Willoughby
landed on his nose and cut it badly. We had just
scrambled on to our feet when a beastly man ran up
and gave us in charge of a policeman for furious
driving, so we were marched off to the police office.
The policeman was a very good fellow and rather
spoke up for us, as we were on the right side of the
road, and the inspector released us on payment of
;^i to the man in the cart, as some of his harness
was broken. He had come from Windsor with the
Queen's plate.

We got a fly and went on to Limmer's Hotel, and

72 REMINISCENCES OF

then tried to get some one to doctor Willoughby's
face. The man at the chemist's shop looked out of
the window and thought we were chaffing him, and
we had great difficulty in persuading him to come.
I saw stars for a little while, but Willoughby was on
the sick list for several days.

One night coming up from Windsor on Watkin
Wynne's coach with a team of post-horses I was
driving and going about fifteen miles an hour. At
the turnpike gate at Brentford there was a waggon
between us and the light, and I was close to the gate
before I saw it. I said, " Catch hold of the whip,
Pat, I can't stop them ! " I reached my right hand
down, got a good grip of the reins, and pulled them
well together. The leaders half rose at the gate and
caught it with their collars, and burst it open. There
was no harm done, except our main bar broke, but
we had a spare one and were off again in two
minutes.

On 1 6th August I went on leave, and got my
troop before I returned. I was at Hounslow the
rest of the season and hunted with the Queen's stag-
hounds.

Sir John Halkett was living at Pitfirrane in 1841.
The Fife Hounds were at the Green Inn, Kinross.
I was staying at Blair Adam, and also Jim Mont-
gomery ; John Grant and John Whyte-Melville at
Broom Hall. I forget where they met, but they ran
through Dhu Craigs to Tulliallan. I was riding
" Cannibal " and got into a bog, a real bad one, and
there was nothing sticking out except his head.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON y^^,

Presently I saw Walker and Stephen Goodall trot-
ting along the road over the moor about half a mile
off. Walker said, " Stephen, see that — that's Sir
John " (thinking I was Sir John Halkett). " That's
what will happen to you if you don't mind where you
are going," and trotted on without taking any further
notice of me. Presently Mr. Whyte- Melville ap-
peared, and he was more charitable and came to help
me. A girl came from a cottage and said, '' They
once had a coo in it". Then Jim Harrison came,
whose horse had shut up. At last we got " Cannibal "
out by digging bits of turf and putting them under
him, but he was dead beat when we got him out.

26th January, 1841. — The regiment was still
at Hounslow. I was at Leamington on leave in
January. There was a prize-fight between Jack
Hannan and Johnny Broome somewhere in Oxford-
shire. We started with a team from Leamington —
John Madocks, Charlie- Brooke, Clarke, Charlie
Synge, and, I think, Billy Williams. The loth
Hussars were quartered at Coventry. We changed
horses at Banbury and also somewhere near Bices-
ter. We passed Sir Henry Peyton's (Swift's house),
drove across fields and all sorts of places.

The first part of the fight was very pretty. The
men looked like marble statues, and every movement
was graceful, and they were a long time before they
hurt each other. Broome was a very handsome man,
rather the taller and heavier of the two. Jack Han-
nan had a real fighting mug. The fight lasted a long
time and both men were much exhausted. Lord

^4 REMINISCENCES OF

Queensberry said to Hannan, " How are you getting
on, Jack?" " Werry bad, I sees two on em."
" Then knock one of them down," said Queens-
berry. He had at last to give up, and, I believe,
broke a bone in his hand. As he got into the chaise
to go away, he was holding his hand and saying
" My poor 'and ".

Getting home was a job. There was a string of
carriages, and on a sudden stop just as we were
crossing a bridge at a gateway, our off wheeler's hind
leg slipped into a ditch, but when we went on the
other horses pulled him out. One of the leaders got
so done that we took him out and turned him loose
on the road, intending to go on with a "pickaxe".
We gave him a pint of sherry. When we started
some one blew the horn and he trotted on. He ran
before us for two miles. We then caught him and
put him to again, and we got back to Leamington
late at night.

28th January, 1841. — We had a steeplechase at
Southam when I was on leave at Leamington.

Piers Mostyn, first.

John Madocks on " Creole".

Edward Mostyn, 8th Hussars, on " Seventy-four".

Chas. Brooke.

Billy Williams on " Coronet ".

Robertson (Foveran).

J. A. T. on " Prisoner".

I think the weight was thirteen stone. I reduced
myself to 12 st. 8 lb., in my shirt about three days
before the race ; but I got tired of starving and

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 75

drank a pot of porter, and was a good deal over-
weight. My horse was a very hard puller and not
very fit. I was obliged to make the running, for my
horse would not be denied. He jumped the first
three or four fences beautifully. Andrew Robertson
then came alongside of me. The next fence was a
wall rather up hill. His horse refused it and so did
mine, but I turned him round and got over all right
and on to the brook, which he jumped like a bird.
The journey was about half over when I felt him
collapse, and all the others in a ruck caught me.
There was a grip running slant way down the field,
and I could not get my horse to cross it. He ran
down it to the end of the field. Billy Williams
bumped Charlie Brooke here and said, " Beg your
pardon, old fellow ". " Go along, this is no time for
buffoonery," was the reply. Piers Mostyn was first.
I forget how the others were placed, but I was fifth.

On 4th April, 1841, I marched from Hampton
Court to Dorchester. I think that Little was in
command.

The Exeter up mail used to go through Dor-
chester at 7 P.M. and return at 7 a.m. Bill Cherry
was the coachman who went to Salisbury, forty-four
miles and back. We arrived at Salisbury about
11.30, used to lie down and sleep till 3.40 a.m. and
then off again.

I used to go about twice a week, and it was
grand going over Salisbury Plain, just when it was
getting daylight. The proprietors got to know me
pretty well, and made no objection to my driving.

76 REMINISCENCES OF

I took my chance, heavy loads or light, and got
practice which was useful to me ever afterwards.

Poor Bill Cherry a few years after (when the rail
was opened to Southampton, instead of going to
Salisbury the mail went through the New Forest)
got off the road in a fog and upset the coach. It
fell on his head and dashed his brains out.

13th April. — The day after arriving at Dor-
chester I got out roe-hunting with Major Shirley's
harriers at Milton Abbas. I rode " Cannibal " and
mounted Spicer on " Viceroy ", Had one day with
Farquharson at Moreton, and one more day roe-
hunting, and that finished the season.

I had got my troop before the regiment left
Hounslow, when Whalley retired. It cost ^5,000.
I insured my life for ^5,000. I have been a good
bargain for the Insurance Company as I have paid
;^ 1 1 9 for sixty years.

At that time the regiment was under orders for
India. One night when I returned to barracks at
7 A.M. I found John Madocks in my bed. He had
come up from Exeter. I laid down on the sofa and
went to sleep. By-and-bye he said, " Where have
you been, and what have you been doing ? " I said,
" I have been to London to see about an exchanpfe,
and I mean to go into the Carabineers". "Oh,

d n it, no. Don't be a heavy, and wear a brass

hat." I said, "The only other regiment in which
there are any vacancies is the 13th. There is a
Captain and Lieutenant who wish to exchange."
" Let's go together wherever we go," said he. " All

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON jy

right," I said, and we wrote at once and effected the
exchange. I exchanged with Captain Reid and paid
;!{^ 1,500 for the exchange, making my troop cost
^6,500.

From Dorchester my troop was sent to Maiden
Newton during an election, in July, 1841. I was in
London, and came down on Sunday morning by the
mail, arriving at 7 a.m. I got a hack and cantered
off. Meeting a boy on the road I said, " Is this the
way to Maiden Newton ? " " It wor, but 't wor
burned down this morninpf."

I quickened my pace, and on arriving there found
twelve or fourteen houses burned down, and if my
men had not been there it would have been burned
down altogether. All the garden walls were built
of mud and thatched with straw, which they call
" cob " walls, and the fire ran like lightning fi-om
house to house. My men were marching to church.
A chap was frying bacon, and some one shouted,
"Come and see the soldiers". He upset his pan,
the grease flared up, and set the chimney on
fire.

Nicholson was with me, and we were kept there
about a month. Before we left the authorities gave
us a supper and a sum of money to pay for new
overalls for the men.

24th September. — First day of the season 1841.
Drax's hounds met at Stock House. John Last,
huntsman. Farquharson was Master of Hounds
in Dorsetshire. He was very like old Keate of
Eton. He had just lost a son in the 7th Hussars,

78 REMINISCENCES OF

and was very down. Jim Tread well was hunts-
man. One of the whips called Penny was nearly
black.

Old Lord Portman came over one day to try to
persuade old Farquharson to give up some of his
country, but he did not succeed. He was very kind
to me, and I went often out hunting with him, and
stayed at Langton. I met old Billy Butler, the
sporting parson, who was a friend of George IV.
He rode thoroughbred horses, and was followed by
a groom in a blue coat down to his heels. One day
about luncheon time he said to his servant (they were
standing in a turnip-field at the time, hounds draw-
ing covert), " Jan, gi'e me a turnip ". " Maester,
they be Swedes." On 12th November I went on
leave.

The 9th Lancers went to India in 1842, and
served all through the Indian Mutiny under Sir
Hope Grant. The following notice appeared in the
Times on their return : —

" The remaining squadron of the 9th Lancers,
which had been sent for the morning previously,
had joined us from Bareilly, and the regiment was
now complete. It would be unjust to officers and
men if one were to allow them to pass without a
word of praise for their appearance in the field and
their efficiency in all points. They have been now
sixteen years in India, and it would be difficult to
find any cavalry regiment in the world which could
compete with them in all the qualities which consti-
tute a perfect service regiment. Notwithstanding

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 79

the sickness from which they have suffered during
their long-continued and arduous duties, the squad-
rons are tolerably strong, and horses and men are
in good condition, although the former seem occa-
sionally to overweigh their chargers, all of them
being tall and muscular men. Most of the troopers
have seen much service before Delhi, and under Sir
C. Campbell they have acted as cavalry, as infantry,
as artillery, and as military train ; and the quickness
with which they turn out, after a long and dusty
march, in clean white cap covers and pantaloons and
well-brushed jackets, with horses well-groomed and
polished accoutrements, shows that the men have a
soldierly pride in looking smart. They have taken
the flag off their lances, and many of the men have
substituted the long bamboo used by the native
Lancers, instead of the ash shaft according to
regulations."

About the beginning of September my uncle, Sir
Charles Adam, went out as Admiral on the West
Indian station. My sister Louisa went with Lady
Adam and Mary (afterwards Mrs. Antrobus). Cap-
tain Katon was his Flag- Lieutenant. They went
out in the Pique — Captain Boxer. Harry Loch, the
late Lord Loch, was a midshipman. I went down
to Southampton with them and stayed on board two
days.

My sister Louisa was on board the Admiral's flag-
ship, and she wrote the following letter : —

8o REMINISCENCES OF

" Bermuda, ijth December, 1844.

" No. 95. Thermometer 60*^.
(Shivering, and got a fire.)

• • ■ • " Now, let me consider what we
have been doing for the last month. On the 24th
there was the most beautiful eclipse of the moon I
ever saw ; it lasted upwards of an hour. Then we
have been riding a little and sailing, and having
people to dinner ; but not Bermudians, only officers
of the army and navy. Captain Scott is a com-
fortable sort of man, who seems as if he belonged to
us, and Captain Sturt of the J^ose is a prim, pleasant,
oldish man. He is either brother or cousin to the
Mr. Sturt that married Sir R. Sale's daughter. I
do wish you could see a boat-race here. We were
four hours sailing in the //cde without being tired.
There were upwards of fifty boats sailing in every
direction, and the racing-boats like white fairies
skimming along. The sailing boats, you know, are
not open, but decked, so that you can stand and
move about as much as you please. On the 28th
we went to a subscription ball at St. George's.
Uncle Charles excused himself. The day proved
calm, so Mr. Katon drove the phaeton, in which
went we three ladies ; our goods went by water.
We being grand had the garrison gig (which means
a boat belonging to the officers) to meet us, so we
sent it to bring our clothes, otherwise they would not
have sailed in till eight o'clock, which was the fate of
much of the beauty and fashion from this end of the
island. We went to Colonel Hutchinson's, where

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 8i

we had a very nice room, but only one among us, as
Mrs. Hutchinson has no drawing-room, but sits on
the verandah, which did very well, as the night was
fine. She has such little ducks of children, full of
fun and ready to play with any one. After dinner
we walked down a very dusty hill to the old town
hall, which was clean and well lighted ; a capital
band, a superfluity of partners, and plenty of funny
people to amuse us. A ball in a warm climate is so
nice from all the windows being open ; the only mis-
fortune is that everybody walks, and brings in a peck
of dust a-piece. There is a Miss Althea Tucker,
like a very fat Georgina Hay, with curls all over her
head, who danced fine steps to my delight, and a still
fatter Humpty Dumpty, who boasted the name of
Mrs. Washington. Frocks and tunics of all kinds
and dimensions ; very few pretty faces, and never a
good figure. Next day my aunt and Mailly came
home in the phaeton, going first to a ploughing
match, for five guineas, given by*hiy uncle. There
were actually sixteen ploughs. There were only
three six years ago, and the cultivation has improved
wonderfully since we were here. The Governor and
Admiral and all the big wigs were there. I had a
four hours' beat, with the wind right against us, in
the Hebe, having the two Miss Reids, one a non-
entity, the other a great talker. Captain Erskine and
Mr. Katon, so we were pleasant enough, and ap-
proved of our expedition very much. Then we have
had visitors (ladies) staying in the house. I've va-
cated my room for Mr. and Mrs. Hallowell, and went
VOL. I. 6

82 REMINISCENCES OF

to a small one made in the corner of the verandah for
Willie, and Mailly gave hers to a stupid little Miss
Oldershaw, an engineer's daughter, who she fancies
she is very fond of, but she gets very tired of her,
and returns to recover the fatigue of entertaining her.
We generally have midshipmen on Sunday. So, al-
together, without my uncle and aunt, we went a party
of ten to fetch a walk, and met a party of nine from
Government House. It is lucky we are a long mile
asunder, otherwise, I think, they would try to run in
and out.

" You can't get up races in Fife ; but we are
much grander. On the nth we all set out for St.
George's, after various doubts and fears. The morn-
ing being rainy, it cleared, and down we sailed in an
hour, and this time we had a whole lodging-house to
ourselves. Most of the Bermuda houses have the
staircase entering the sitting-room (for coolness I
suppose). This was a good large one and three
small bedrooms off it ; so John Erskine and Mr.
Katon went to their friends at the barracks. We
walked up to the racecourse, which was about half a
mile round a field, and went into the stand, where we
found the Reids, Hutchinsons, various officers, ladies
and dockyard belles. Four started for the first race
— The Ladies' Purse — but in the first heat Lord
Mark Kerr, who was running, had a bad fall and
was distanced. It was just in front of the stand ;
some ladies wept and some turned white, some red ;
but he was not hurt, only being very light, he carried
three stone dead-weight, which was not pleasant to

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 83

fall with. Mr. RatcHffe, our next friend, rode beauti-
fully, but had a bad horse. So Captain Crofton's
won, rode by Mr. Autley, neither of whom we cared
about. The fourth horse was a Bermudian's, with
an American jockey, who everybody expected would
do something unfair, as such things are allowed in
America ; but, on the contrary, he lost very good-
naturedly. Then there was a hurdle race, which
Lord Mark did win, and a third race. This was all
charming, and I could not help thinking what I would
have given ten years ago to have seen so many
certain and undeniable partners for the approaching
ball. A new friend is Mr. Paget, in the Artillery,
brother to the maid-of-honour, good-looking and con-
ceited ; never wishes to be ten miles from London,
and always keeps his mouth open. Then there is
dear, good-humoured Mr. Baring, covered with
turquoises ; and fat Captain Crespigny, and a silly
Major Home, and a solemn Captain Gordon of
Park, and Captain Birdmore, with Valenciennes
ruffles (is that the fashion ?), besides all the sailors ;
and there is a rarity, a civilian, Mr. Kennedy, the
flagship's eldest brother, visiting his uncle, who is
Colonial Secretary here ; scarcely been out of Ire-
land, and so entertaining ; he has been travelling,
and has discovered why the Yankees eat so quick —
it is because they keep their mouths for eating and
speak with their noses ! All his discoveries are in
the same vein with a strong brogue. We mis-
managed our affairs sadly, except my aunt, who said

she was tired and would dine on the cold meat we

6 *

84 REMINISCENCES OF

had brought. My uncle dressed, and we pegged up
the hill to Mrs. Hutchinson's. It was then beginning
to blow. We had a pleasant dinner ; the verandah
was uninhabitable, so went into the nursery to have
coffee, and then were to walk all through the town
home to dress. When I saw how pitch dark it was,
and knew the difficulty of finding the way through
lanes and wynds in the daylight, I took fright with
only a servant ; so I popped my head into the dining-
room, and said, ' We shall meet at the ball, uncle,'
which meant, ' Will some one come with us ? ' So
Mr. Katon said, ' Stop, you are not going alone '.
So off he came ; patent-leather boots and gold-laced
trousers. It was an even downpour, the road in
puddles. Very soon the light went out, and off ran
the servant to get another. We floundered on. At
last, seeing a light, we rushed into a miserable
vegetable store (shop), where a black woman and
some children could give us no help, and to everybody
that passed Mr. Katon called out, ' Goldsmith ' (the
servant). At last a man with a light said, ' Sir, can
I be of any use ? I will show you your way ? ' ' Oh,
thank you — to Mrs. Higgs.' ' Mrs. Sammy Higgs ! '
screamed Mailly, so proud of having learned the
' Sammy ' from a black boy, when asking her way
in the morning. Our unknown preserver guided us
there, and remains unknown to this moment. ..."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 85

CHAPTER Vn.

13TH LIGHT DRAGOONS.

I JOINED the 13th Light Dragoons at Hampton
Court on 21st January, 1842. Billy Gore (Lord
Harlech) joined at the same time. He came from an
infantry regiment, and was much chaffed, as they said
he gave the word of command, " Fix bayonets ! "
My troop was billeted at Colnbrook, and a squadron
at Slough.

The regiment was sent from Canterbury to do the
escort for the King of Prussia, who had come over to
be godfather to the Prince of Wales. The regiment
had just returned from India and were a very untidy
lot (the horses were all four years old and most of
them had sore backs). They had abominable shakos
with broad tops and oilskin covers, that looked like
black band-boxes ; blue jackets with buff facings, red
and yellow girdles, blue overalls with two buff stripes,
Wellington boots and long hair. The best thing they
had was " Sammy stone," a soft green stone which
they brought from India, wonderfully good stuff to
polish steel. They had marched up from Canterbury.

Our Colonel (Brunton) had been in an infantry
regiment in the Peninsula. He was a fine old
soldier, and a most amiable agreeable gentleman ; a

86 REMINISCENCES OF

first-rate drill, but no use as a cavalry soldier ; a very
bad horseman, and knew little about horses.

The Major, Wathen, came from the 15th Hussars.
He had had Lord Cardigan tried by a court-martial
and removed from the regiment. Cardigan was
afterwards appointed to the nth Hussars. Mrs.
Wathen was a pattern Major's wife, an excellent
horsewoman, and very kind to all the boys in the
regiment. She was one of the Rothes family.

Digby Hamilton, senior Major.

Jim Sergeaunt, a married chap and a great
favourite. He died while in the regiment, so his wife
lost all his purchase money. She had four sons, all
of whom enlisted in the regiment. One of them
was afterwards drill instructor to the Fife Light
Horse, but he was not steady. He was a pattern
dragoon and a first-rate drill. Another son was
many years Regimental Sergeant-major in the 13th.
He was specially allowed to retain his appointment,
although past his time.

" Paddy " Knox, a pattern Irishman, with a black
wig.

Charlie Doherty, from 14th Light Dragoons, com-
manded the regiment in the Crimea, but was not
present at Balaclava, being on sick list.

Henry Hamilton (" Whisker"), a nice fellow who
died of consumption some years afterwards.

Sam Dickson, from the 32nd, a very smart, good-
looking chap ; a capital ofihcer and a good sportsman ;
was afterwards Master of the Limerick Hounds. A
capital coachman.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 87

Tom Bateson, afterwards Sir Thomas, M.P., very
good-looking and a charming gentleman.

Hunter Allgood, Nunwick, Northumberland,
afterwards M.F. H., Tyndale, a rare good fellow,
very witty and full of fun, and a capital horseman.
He had a famous little horse by " Dr. Syntax ". His
o-un burst at Norwich and blew his thumb off. He

o

rode in a steeplechase with one hand.

John Madocks, by good luck, was my Lieutenant,
and our ambition was to get the men to look like the
9th Lancers.

John Morgan Gwynne- Hughes, from 14th Light
Dragoons, was my Cornet, in height about 6 feet
3 inches. A wonderful musician and a wonderful
man to eat. He had a pack of hounds at home at
Tregyb Llandilo, which he gave to the regiment,
and they became the 13th Light Dragoons' Stag-
hounds.

I wrote from

" CoLNBRooK, Tuesday, 2 Sth January, 1842.

"My Dear Mother,—

" I suppose you would like to know my
operations since I left you. I had a very prosperous
journey by the ' Chevy '. When I got to Eckington,
near Derby, who did I see but that everlasting ' Sam
Slick' standing with his carpet-bag. I did not speak
to him, so I don't know where he went to. I had
two very pleasant companions going to Oxford —
Seaton. a friend of Graham Montgomery's, and
Mercer, who, I think, had been at Langhorn's with

88 REMINISCENCES OF

Willie. He and a Miss Calder managed to change
portmanteaus at Melrose, much to his disgust as he
had to go on without it. At Derby I found an old
Derby friend — Mr. Palmer Morewood, who said he
had just come to Derby for the ball, and offered me
a ticket and a dinner ; but the train was just starting,
so I could not get my baggage. On Friday morn-
ing I drove down to Hampton Court and found three
troops there and the Colonel, etc. He is a very nice
old fellow, and I liked the whole of them very well.
They are the tallest lot of officers I ever saw. In
our three troops there is no one under six feet. On
Saturday I packed up all my kit, and found Madocks
in London in the evening. On Sunday I went to
Watford with him and saw the other three troops.
Yesterday they marched to Slough ; two troops are
billeted there and mine here. Madocks and I go to
Slough to dinner and sleep here ; we are to dine with
the Blues to-day and the nth to-morrow.

" Wednesday. — Yesterday the baby ^ was christ-
ened. Madocks had a ticket for it, so he saw it all ;
the rest of us got into the quadrangle of the castle.
It was a very pretty sight, the Guards, the 72nd and
a guard of honour of the Blues all drawn up in it,
and their bands playing by turns. Willy x^dam
(72nd) gave us a luncheon at his barracks. The
banquet in the evening was very fine, but no tickets
to be got, so I did not see it. Some of the officers
of the Blues put on the band dress and marched in
with their band, so they saw all the fun. This morn-

' King Edward VII.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 89

ing there was to be a review of horse artillery in the
park, and the 72nd to have their new colours pre-
sented to them. We are just going to ride over to
see what is going on. It has been raining cats and
dogs all morning. To-morrow I expect the King of
Prussia will go to Oxford, and I expect we shall have
to go with him. Some people say we shall return to
Norwich, and remain there another year. I hope
we may. Will you tell Ballingall to send the re-
mains of my money to Cox & Co. What have you
done with Jim ? Write to me at Limmer's, as I shall
most likely be in town again soon, and I don't know
where else we may be sent to. I hope you are all
flourishing again and the colds gone.

" Love to all,

" Your affec.

"J. A. T."

The Blues were quartered at Windsor and were
very hospitable to us, and the nth Hussars were at
Hounslow commanded by Lord Cardigan. They
sent us a regimental invitation to dinner. One of
them, Cunningham, had a pack of staghounds which
he kept at Jim Parson's public-house at Kingston.
It was hard frost when we went to dine with them.
After dinner we adjourned into some one's room.
All sat on the floor and chaffed. About three in the
morning it began to rain, and so we all wanted to
hunt, but there was a watering parade ordered for
the morning, so it was settled we should send a
deputation to Cardigan to ask leave.

90 REMINISCENCES OF

Johnny Vivian and I were selected. We knocked
at his door and a gruff voice said " Come in ". He
was sitting on the side of his bed, with a shawl dress-
ing-gown on and his hair all dishevelled and standing
on end. He had not slept a wink, we had made such
a row. We stated our request, and he said '* Cer-
tainly, certainly," so we thanked him and retired. In
the morning he put his head cautiously outside the
door and said, " Have all those d d fellows gone ? "

We all assembled at Hampton Wick. I rode
" Prisoner " and mounted John Madocks on " Can-
nibal ". The stag was turned out near Maldon in
Surrey, and we had a good run of one and a half
hour. We were all riding as jealous as demons,
and crossed the Maldon River. I got to it first
at a very bad place at a bend in the river. I never
turned right or left, but went bang at it. In I went ;
" Prisoner " just landed his fore-feet on the bank and
scrambled out, and on we went.

1 8th February. — Marched from Colnbrook to
Watford. Next day to St. Albans, and got a hunt
with Harvey Coombe's hounds at Haresfoot, near
Berkhampstead. Will Todd, huntsman. A fine pack
of hounds, formerly Osbaldeston's. Ran first fox to
ground, second beat us, ground foiled by harriers.

22nd March. — Norfolk Hounds met at Hock-
ham, twenty-four or twenty-five miles from Norwich.
I sent "Prisoner" on and rode "Viceroy" to the
meet. I went to breakfast with Mr. Partridge.
They drew many coverts blank. Found in Braden-
ham Woods at twenty minutes to four. Ran to

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 91

Swaffham Heath, and lost him at 5.15, about twenty-
five miles from home.

I had told my man to go home if I was not at a
certain place at about five o'clock. I got there about
twenty minutes late and never could overtake him, as
my horse was tired. I got into barracks about ten
o'clock, and found all the stables lighted. Asked a
trumpeter what was up, and he told me my troop had
been ordered to Lynn to quell a riot. I had had
nothing to eat and had been wet to the skin twice. My
Cornet, John Hughes, was dining out somewhere.

I met Major Wathen at the mess-room door.
He said, " I am so glad you have come in — I was
just preparing to go myself. Are you fit to go ? "
" All right, sir," I said, " as soon as I have had some-
thing to eat." I got some bubble and squeak and a
bottle of claret.

Luckily I had a fresh horse, " Cannibal ". By
this time Hughes had come in, so he was started
with the troop, and I followed after changing my
clothes.

I had forty horses with me, all five-year-olds, and
all out of condition. Eight of them tumbled down
during the night. It rained part of the time and
froze in the morning and was very slippery. Luckily
I had been in the habit of driving the Lynn mail, so
knew the road, or we never should have got there.
It was so dark that we had to feel the figures on the
mile stones.

The mail coach met us on the way, and Tom
Raynham, the coachman, said, " You'll find they are

92 REMINISCENCES OF

ready for you at Dereham " (a town on the road to
Lynn).

We got the horses put into the stables for twenty
minutes, and had some coffee and off again. We
arrived at Lynn about 10.30. On the way Colonel
Oakes, the Chief-Constable (formerly of the Life
Guards), overtook us in a waggonette with some
policemen.

We formed up in front of the Mayor's house.
We had not been there ten minutes when the rioters
appeared, eight abreast, arm in arm, right across the
street. They came to a corner, saw the troop, all
stopped, then marched on, turned down a street and
, we never saw them again.

Our men were sent to their billets and ordered
not to unsaddle their horses. They fed them and
lay down on the straw beside them.

I got some breakfast, lay down on the hearthrug
with a sofa cushion under my head, and fell fast
asleep. I had been out twenty-six hours and ridden
over 126 miles.

Colonel Oakes and his men went and arrested the
ringleaders, and we heard no more of the riot. The
dock porters had struck and threatened to burn down
the Mayor's house.

We were kept there about a month, and had a
happy time of it, for we had nothing to do, and Mr.
Villebois, the old squire at Marham, allowed us to go
there whenever we liked.

One night we had dined there and returned to
Lynn in Hughes's gig. When we got into the town

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 93

the cloak round my legs was pulled. I said, " Why
did you pull the cloak off me ? " He said, " I didn't ".
Then it happened again just as we got to the inn
door. The end of his cloak had got fast on the bolt
of the wheel, and they had to back the cart round the
market place to undo it.

That summer, loth August, 1842, there were
great manoeuvres in Germany, and any English
officers who sent in their names to the War Office
were allowed to attend them. Dickson and I applied.
I sent two horses, " Viceroy," a white stallion, and a
bay mare, as I thought it might be a good chance to
sell them ; but that did not succeed, as most of the
officers with whom we were, were visitors like our-
selves. We were treated with the greatest hospi-
tality, billeted and fed, and horses provided for us,
and I received rations for my horses.

I had a little stable boy about sixteen years old,
Jim Chesnal. I wrote to John Madocks at Ipswich
to send him and two horses to Cologne. I told him
to send him to London, and " Peg," the one-legged
porter at Limmer's, would forward him.

Madocks sent for Jim and said to him, " You are
to go to Cologne". "Yes, sir." "Do you know
where it is ? " " Yes, sir, a little beyond Colchester."
He and his horses were put into a steamer going to
Dusseldorf, and when Dickson and I arrived, there
he was.

We could not get our horses disembarked for the
first review, so we put our saddles on a wheelbarrow
and went in our stable jackets to a place where the

94 REMINISCENCES OF

horses were. I got a great big useful beast. The
officer in charge could not quite make us out as our
dress was so plain, and all the others were in full
dress. '' Haben sie kein Epaiiletten ?'' he said.
'' Jci zvok/, wir sind nock nicht angezogeny From
Dusseldorf we went to Cologne, and then to Bonn.
The camp was at Eiskirchen, about twelve miles off.
Thirty thousand men were under canvas. We had
carriages provided to drive to the ground. Troop
horses for those who required them. Dinner in the
town hall on our return. There were about sixty
Engrlish officers. The Duke of Cambridge, Lord de
Ros, Charles Ibbetson, iith Hussars, R. Wood, loth
Hussars, Rodolf de Sales, 8th Hussars, Henry de
Bathe, Guards, Sir Henry Bethune, Commander-in-
Chief of the Persian Army, etc. Lots of Dutchmen,
capital fellows. Some of the old ones had been
quartered in England in the Brunswick Brigade ; no
Frenchmen.

When we left Bonn I gave Jim some money and
told him to get home as soon as he could. When
we got to London he was standing at the door of
Limmer's Hotel. Dickson and I went on to Ehren-
breitstein. We put up at Weisse Taube, and slept
in the same room. Next morning I said, " Shall we
go home to-day ? " " Yes, the bugs have settled
it."

We started to sail down the Rhine and found on

board Bill Duff, who was courting Mrs. , a

widow : as soon as he got home he married her ;
another widow, very pretty, whom Dickson took to

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 95

at once, and Miss , an old friend of mine when I

was quartered at Dorchester. They all got married
soon after, so we were a most cheery party.

Bill Duff was a wonderful chap. He had been
in the loth Hussars. He was very good-looking,
tall, pale and thin, full of mischief of every sort, and
although I knew him intimately, I never could make
out when he was chaffing or when in earnest. He
was most fastidious in his dress and refined in his
manners. He knew every prize-fighter in London,
and was first-rate with his fists. He also knew many
thieves and could " patter flash," i.e., talk their lan-
guage. I once went with him to " The Rookery "
in St. Giles, where they assemble. The company
was presided over by a lady who sold watercress.
They drank gin punch out of a bucket, which they
dipped into with their mugs. They sang songs,
danced hornpipes, and when it was all over we were
kept back behind the bar till they had all cleared off.
If we had got into the crowd they would have cleaned
us out.

One night Bill dined with us at Hounslow and
started to drive back to London. On the way he
quarrelled with his companion and said he would
walk. In the morning a greengrocer's tax-cart was
seen, with a pair of patent-leather boots sticking out,
and Bill Duff in the bottom of the cart.

He was tried and convicted for injuring a police-
man. The policeman, I believe, was knocked down
and run over by a cab. Bill was not the culprit, but
he would not split on his companion. He was in the

96 REMINISCENCES OF

Queen's Bench Prison for, I think, two months. I
often went to see him. He wrote the names of all
his visitors on the window with a diamond, and for
exercise he used to spar with Alex. Reid, the prize-
fighter.

October, 1842. — At Ipswich, in the autumn, we
decided to have a pack of staghounds. All the fel-
lows in the regiment entered into it cordially, and all
the gentlemen in the country gave us permission
— Sir William Middleton, Mr. Shawe of Kes-
grave, Colonel Lloyd Anstruther of Hintlesham,
etc. Hughes sent to Wales for his hounds — nine
couple ; some of them the smooth Welsh sort, with
sharp noses and rather light of bone.

Lord Rosslyn was then Master of the Buck-
hounds. He gave us a couple which were too slow
for Her Majesty's pack. Mr. Nunn, Master of Essex
and Suffolk, gave us a couple and a half — " Talis-
man," "Wrangler" and " Faustus ". We got two
couple from Harry Villebois.

The kennels were at Bramford Mill ; Mr. Ed-
wards, the tenant, compounded for £6 rent for the
season. Sam Ritcher was kennel huntsman. He
had been with a pack of harriers — a good keen chap,
wages eighteen shillings per week.

I went to London and bought a hind from Her-
ring ; called it " Salt- Fish ". Lord Rosslyn gave us
another hind. Mr. Morgan, a farmer at Bramford,
kept the deer for us, and he had a fallow buck called
"Bob". A carpenter named Forsdyke drove the
deer cart. Huntsman, J. A. T. ; first whip, John

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 97

Madocks ; second whip, John Legrew, veterinary
surgeon ; secretary, W. Ormesby Gore, now Lord
Harlech. The subscription amounted to ^139. We
wore red coats and caps, and blue bird's-eye neck-
cloths.

We had some capital horses. I had " Prisoner,"
an awful hard puller ; could go fast and jump a
house. I bought him from John Elmore the day
the Prince of Wales was born, and gave ^200 for
him. "Cannibal," the bay horse, 16*3 hands — a
very savage horse in the stable ; lots of action. I
rode him as charger ; a wonderful timber jumper.
One day I rode him down a furrow in a wheat-field.
White worsted was put on sticks about four feet
high across the field to scare the birds. He insisted
on jumping every one of them in spite of all I could
do. " John, " the brown horse, a capital hunter —
the first horse I bought in 1836 when I joined the
9th. I had him eleven years.

Madocks had a capital grey horse named
" Creole," that ran in many steeplechases, and a
chestnut, " Sir William ".

Later in the season Harry Villebois gave us a
stag, " Sir Walter Scott ". He was very uncertain,
sometimes would run, sometimes not. He was very
savage, and could defend himself from the hounds.
When turned out of the cart, if he saw two or three
horsemen together, he went straight at them ; and it
was very ridiculous seeing them gallop in all direc-
tions to avoid him.

We bought another capital stag from Villebois
VOL. I. 7

98 REMINISCENCES OF

for ^15, "The Sheriff". Unfortunately, one day
after a run he ran into a farmyard. A farm man
threw a rope round his neck and he fell down. I was
close to him and cut the rope, but he was dead. A
very little thing will kill them when blown.

We had capital sport. The following letter ap-
peared in the Ipswich paper : —

" On Monday the meet was fixed for Debenham
'Cherry Tree/ and at eleven o'clock a fresh deer from
Mr. Villebois was turned out in a meadow of Mr.
Norris's. In twenty minutes the hounds were laid
on, and one of the finest runs ever seen followed.
From Debenham he crossed the road to Winston,
from which after a momentary check the hounds ran
for forty minutes at the top of their speed. It was
indeed racing pace through the parishes of Crowfield,
Petaugh, Gosbeck, and Helmingham up to Henley
Church. During this severe run through a line of
country more heavy and deep than any in the country,
Captain Thomson (on * Prisoner') took a decided
lead, followed at a short distance by Mr. Madocks
(on ' Sir William '), their horses proving to be in
first-rate condition. Captain Dickson, who had been
riding in good style, suddenly disappeared, his horse
having afterwards to be relieved from his little em-
barrassment by being dragged by ropes from the
species of grave in which he was buried. I also ob-
served Mr. Colthorpe going well on a compact grey
steed, and two or three red coats gleaming in the
distance. A short check at Henley allowed many to
come up, and at th^ * Take in the Pond ' at Aken-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 99

ham most of the field arrived. The run was twelve
miles from point to point ; time one hour and twenty
minutes. The distance must have exceeded fifteen
miles."

1843. — Ipswich. — Had a letter from Mr. Honey-
wood, Marks Hall, Colchester, saying there was a
deer in his woods and we might come to hunt it.

22nd April. — We sent horses and hounds on the
night before to Colchester and went ourselves to the
Dedham ball. After the ball got into a post-chaise
and drove to Marks Hall, arriving at 6 a.m. Went
and sat in the kitchen while we sent to rouse the
squire. He soon appeared and gave us some break-
fast, then out we went. Some few farmers had got
notice and turned out, among others Mr. Fisher
Hobbs, a good sportsman, a celebrated agriculturist,
and famous for his breed of pigs.

The hounds were not used to draw, and could not
be induced to go into the cover, and as the leaves
had begun to bud and there was a good deal of dew
I was wet to the skin. After drawing in vain for a
long time I was just beginning to give up hope,
when round a corner, down a rack way, a great fine
buck almost ran against me. I holloaed and got the
hounds away close at him. I forget how long they
ran, but more than an hour, and I got a view of
him dead-beat. He ran into a ditch. I got there as
soon as the hounds, got a pair of couples round his
horns, and kept the hounds at bay. I had just done
so when I heard a pack of hounds running hard. I
gave some one hold of the deer, cut away with the

lOO REMINISCENCES OF

hounds, and had got them into a barn and shut the
door when the Essex Foxhounds appeared. There
was no one very near them and off we went at the
top of the hunt, and when they checked no one knew
where we had come from. We then returned for our
own hounds and started for home. It was market
day in Colchester, and we stopped to refresh, A
farmer, Mr. Cookes, came to me and said, " I hear
you have caught my deer". I said, " I think he is
mine now". We had a little argument on the sub-
ject, and agreed to refer it to two gentlemen. I
forget who they were, but they decided in my favour,
so I sent a cart and got him home.

At the end of the season we were relieved at
Ipswich by the Scots Greys. They took over the
hounds from us. Lord William Hill was huntsman.
Unfortunately, he was galloping a horse in Bramford
Park, when his horse swerved against a tree, struck
his head and killed him.

I went on leave in March to Leamington, where
my mother and sisters were staying. Madocks went
there also to his mother.

8th February. — Got out with North Warwick-
shire, Mr. Hillyar's, at Dunchurch, and Mr. Drake's
at Shuckborough. Also with the Warwickshire, Lord
Willoughby de Broke, master ; Stevens, huntsman ;
Morris, first whip. I saw " Nimrod " out hunting
one day with them.

Went with Lord Worsley, Madocks and Carring-
ton Smith in a phaeton to meet Pytchley Hounds
at Welton (my back very bad with rheumatism).

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON loi

Smith, the huntsman, not out. Goddard hunting-
hounds ; not much good. Ran to Kelmarsh ; rode
back to Daventry, twenty miles, and drove seventeen
more back to Leamington.

I St May, 1843. — Marched to Hounslow.

Sir John Halkett of Pitfirrane was a Captain in
the navy, and had a pack of staghounds near Ports-
mouth. His son, Sir Arthur, sent me a copy of a
letter from Charles Davis, huntsman to Her Majesty's
Staghounds, to Captain Halkett on the subject of
hounds breaking away to the deer cart : —

"Ascot Heath, i2tli December, 1839.

"Sir,—

" I am delighted to hear of your good sport,
but am grieved at your information respecting the
hounds breaking away. I always profess candour,
and must therefore give my opinion thus : I really
believe there is no cure for your grievance. \\. prob-
ably might have been prevented, the method of
which cannot be put on paper, as it consists of a
thorough knowledge of the temper, disposition, etc.,
of each hound, to so great a degree as to know what
each intends doing before they put their vice m pi-ac-
tice. And at such times speak not harshly, but
kindly, and even yoitr cottiitenance must bear the
impress of friendship.

"Correction I do not advocate, and it is equally
wrong to say I 7iever suffer the whip to be used ; but
certainly never when you are taking them to the
meet, for by causing one hound to cry the others

102 REMINISCENCES OF

would be off ' gadding o'er the plain '. I am sorry
to hold out no encouragement, but it is only an
opinion after all. Hounds are sagacious beyond
belief of many, and man must use his own intellect
and learning, too, to deceive them. Therefore you
must not try deception with them, but treat them
with the greatest confidence, and make them know
you are beholden to them, not vice versa. For in-
stance, yonder is a cluster of people ; they (the
hounds) know the deer is gone from that spot. You
must beg of them to go there quietly, not say you
shall do so.

"If you saw me trot up to the spot I must assure
you it was an exception to my general way, for I
creep as quiet and slow as possible. Yesterday I
stood within five yards of where the deer left the
cart. I never heard of any pack doing this but this
one. Lord Derby's used to fly aivay in all direc-
tions ; the Royal Hounds in the old time did so too.

" We did not take our deer last night till past four
o'clock — four hours' run, twenty miles from home.

" I have a few pretty little hounds sent home
from walk that will not get to our size. They could
not, of course, hunt this season, but if you are anxious
to have them please let me know, or some other
gentleman may step in.

" I shall at all times be pleased to give you any
information worth having on the ' Noble Science'.
" I am, Sir,

" Your dutiful servant,

" Charles Davis."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 103

In 1844 I was on leave at Kilmany ; my mother
then lived there. I joined again at Hounslow on
14th January. On 15th February Sam Dickson and
I went down to Swindon and put up at the Goddard
Arms to hunt with Lord Gifford, then Master of the
V.W. H. I had four capital horses — "Prisoner,"
"Cannibal," "John" and "Discount," a very hard
puller, which I bought from Elmore. He had be-
longed to Sir Francis Grant.

John Galley was then living at Burderop Park.
He was a dear friend of mine, and a most amusing
and delightful companion. We often stayed at
Burderop.

Sir John Ogilvy of Baldovan was staying at
Charlton Park. He married Lady Jane Howard.
Lord Andover was a great friend of mine. He kept
a pack of beagles, and we fraternised over that. His
father, old Lord Suffolk, was very kind to me. The
first morning when I came down to breakfast an old
gentleman, with his grey hair cropped very short,
in a green coat and brass buttons, was sitting on
the fender toasting a bit of bacon. The large hall
in the house had not been finished, and there were
amateur frescoes on the plaster of the walls. At
dinner time the ladies went into the dining-room, and
the men straggled in by chance. The butler was a
great character, and had been there all his life. At
dinner Lord Suffolk asked for some mustard. The
butler looked over his shoulder and pointed at his
plate, and said, "Ye got some".

Sir Benjamin Hall kept his horses somewhere

104 REMINISCENCES OF

near, and often went to Charlton, and I used to go
down in the train with him.

Gifford was a capital sportsman and a real hunts-
man, but 'rather short in his temper. Jack Grant
was his first whip. He was afterwards in Fife when
Lord Rosslyn was master. Gifford afterwards was
Master of the H.H. in Hampshire.

In March the Military Steeplechase took place
at Northampton. I took "Cannibal" down and had
a hunt with the Pytchley at Cottesbrooke. Hollyoak
Goodrick was master ; Will Smith, huntsman ; Hugh
Burns, from Duke of Buccleuch, first whip, and Tom
Balls, second. Smith said Hugh was no use in that
country, they lost him every day ; he was afterwards
with Walker in Fife. Tom Balls was a very nice,
clever man, afterwards huntsman to Baron Roth-
schild's Staghounds. George Payne was to succeed
as Master of Pytchley, and they had just bought
Mr. Newman's hounds, which, I believe, were the
beginning of the present pack.

While I was quartered at Hampton Court I got
six couples of beagles from the Rev. P. Honey wood
in Essex — beauties! Jim Parsons, a poulterer, who
kept a public at Hampton Wick, used to get bagged
hares, and there was one hare in the market garden
over the bridge which we hunted about once a week.
Towards the end of the season the proprietor warned
me off, as the boys who ran with us broke the fences.
That day I killed the hare, and ended the season.

17th April, 1844. — End of the season. The
Queen's Staghounds went to Lyndhurst. Lord

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 105

Rosslyn was master and stayed with Mr. Compton.
I went to the hotel. Algood lent me a chestnut
horse. A grand, great stag came bounding over
the palings, out of a plantation in view of the whole
field, then ran over the moor about twelve miles,
into some enclosures near the sea, and I thought my
time had come, as there were some fences ; but the
beast turned round, and ran all the way back to
Lyndhurst. All the horses were tired ; I believe
some of them died. The Queen's Hounds never
went to hunt in the New Forest again, and the red-
deer were all destroyed.

On the 15th May we marched from Hampton
Court to Exeter. My troop went to Trowbridge
for a short time, and I got to Exeter on the ist
July.

January, 1845, at Exeter. Martin Howarth was
master of the Devon Hounds ; Tom Clarke, his
whipper-in, and Charles Pike, kennel boy. Howarth
lived in the village of Powderham, and was factor to
Lord Courtenay. Lady Mary Howarth was Lord
Courtenay's cousin. She was afterwards Countess
of Rothes. Howarth was keen enough, but not
much of a huntsman. He would sit on the top
of a hill and view-holloa, though his hounds were
a mile away.

io6 REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER VIII.

EXETER AND IRELAND.

When we marched from Hampton Court to Exeter
I took the beagles in a dog-cart, with a fish-kettle
slung on the axle to boil the feed in.

I was very often at Pines. Stafford Northcote's
father and grandfather were both very kind to me.
He was not at home, being, I think, at that time
private secretary to Mr. Gladstone, and I did not
meet him again for nearly forty years, in 1871, when
he was shooting at Sir Walter Carew's at Hac-
combe, and I was staying at Torquay.

John Quicke of Newton, who had been captain
of the boats when I was at Eton, and the Rev. Staf-
ford Northcote (uncle of my friend '* Tab "), were
my keenest beaglers, and Nicholas Cornish, son of a
farmer, afterwards huntsman of the Tynedale hounds,
commenced his hunting career with my beagles.

There was a cobbler called Gough who used to
find hares for us. He would go out to look for them
on his pony in the mornings, then put the pony up
and follow us on foot, because he said the farmers
would not like to see him riding after hounds. He
had an old gun, which had something the matter with
it, so he mended it with a bit of leather. It exploded,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 107

and blew off some of his fingers. Billy Clark, who
lived at Chudleigh, also had a pack of beagles, and
we used to have joint hunts over Haldon Heath.

Edward Sanders had a farm on Dartmoor named
Brympts, where we stayed. William Fortescue took
his harriers there, and I took my beagles. The rest
of the party were Reid, Rev. Fitz-Taylor (brother of
Lady Carew and Lady Willoughby de Broke), the
Rev. Henry Fortescue and Logan Downes, one of
the best horsemen I ever saw. Most of us slept in
the same room.

Tom French, an old sportsman, slept in what he
called "the long feathers," the hay-loft. He caught
trout for us before breakfast, and found hares during
the day. We hunted every day, and one evening
attended a wrestling match at Two Bridges, near
Dartmoor Prison.

After leaving Brympts, on returning to Exeter,
I was driving tandem, and the wheeler tumbled down
going down a hill. I was all alone. The first thing
to do was to let the beagles out and then unharness
the leader and get the wheeler set on his legs.
After I had done that I saw something on the
ground which looked like a black pancake, and
found they had been rolling on my hunting-cap. I
do not quite remember, but I think the shafts were
broken, for I rode into the town of Ashburton on
the leader, followed by the beagles. After a time
the beagles did not get on fast enough to please me,
so I sold them to a company of bank clerks at Liver-
pool, and they became the Royal Rock Beagles. I

io8 REMINISCENCES OF

bought a pack of harriers, but I forget what became
of them.

Felton Hervey was generally my whipper-in. He
joined the 13th about this time. He is the boy in
the picture of the Buckhounds, by Grant, when
Chesterfield was master. Sometimes we hunted with
the Tiverton Hounds. John Beale was the huntsman ;
he had no whipper-in. The hounds were taken to
the meet in couples, for one day they had met a dead
horse, and stopped and ate him up. John Beale was
a real workman in a rough way. Once after hunting
a fox a long time they ran into a gorse covert. Old
John got off his horse and said, " Mr. Hole, do 'ee
hold my horse till I pawk un up again ". He strode
into the covert, blew his horn, and soon got the fox
on foot again.

Madocks, Hervey and I often went to Eggesford.
The old squire, Newton Fellowes, was very kind to
us. Lady Hester was deaf and dumb, but she was
charming, and always understood everything that
was going on. Two daughters were very nice — one
was afterwards Mrs. Seymour Allan, and the other
Mrs. Leeke. Young Newton afterwards became
Lord Portsmouth. Jack and Mrs. Russell were
there, and their son Bury, a boy with a red coat,
Mr. Newton Fellowes invited John Madocks, Her-
vey and me to Eggesford for the Chumleigh Hunt
week. Captain Howarth was there with the Devon
Hounds. Mr. Fellowes' hounds were very big, over-
sized drafts from Milton Kennel. Roots was his
huntsman, and Jack Dunn whipper-in and second

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 109

horseman, or rather pad groom to Mr. Fellowes.
At breakfast there were always mutton pies to take
out for lunch, and little napkins to wrap them in.
Mr. Fellowes always gave Jack Dunn a bit of his
pie. We met Russell's hounds and hunted a fox into
a gorse at Ash Rayne. " Nettle," his terrier, spoke
in covert, and Russell cheered them to her cry.

A big fox went away at the top of the covert.
I said, "That is not the fox we brought here".
" Never mind, he will do as well," said Russell, and
away we went. This was about twelve o'clock.
We crossed a river, and on and on through twelve
parishes. Russell was riding a big brown horse, and
when he got to a fence, used to say, " Come up, old
fellow — one more ".

About five o'clock there were only Russell,
Howarth, Madocks, Hervey and myself and one or
two others with the hounds. My horse, '* John,"
was quite beat. I tied him to a gate-post, and sat
on the gate listening to the cry of the hounds, about
two fields off. Presently I heard a man, on top of a
haystack, holloa, " Tally ho ! " I ran across the field
and got to them, just as they killed the fox. Our
horses walked quietly enough along the road, and
we walked after them, and all returned to Egges-
ford.

That night, after dinner, the conversation turned
on the merits of big and little hounds. I said, " Why
not let them all run together some day? " Mr. Fel-
lowes approved of the suggestion, and said, " Mr.
Russell, you shall hunt them, and my huntsman,

no REMINISCENCES OF

Roots, will assist you. The present company are
invited to return here this day fortnight." Mr.
Harris was also there. We all returned to Egges-
ford for the experiment. In the morning there was
sharpish frost and a little snow on the ground. I
went with Russell to fetch his hounds, which were
at a farmhouse near. I think Mr. Harris's servant
was with the hounds. He had a terrier in his
pocket, and I remember Russell saying to him,
" Always cheer hounds to cry," and I never forgot
it.

When we got to Eggesford, Roots, with twenty-
five couple of Mr. Fellowes' hounds, was waiting on
the lawn. They were all dog-hounds, about twenty-
five inches high. Russell had twenty-five couple,
little bitches, mostly black-and-tan. It was a curious
sight when the two packs met. The dogs stood on
tiptoes with backs up, growling, and looked as big as
Jackasses ; the little bitches ran round them, and
under them, and played about, and it was a long
time before they would settle. At last off we went,
drew several coverts blank and found about two
o'clock. The snow by that time had melted, and
made a little moisture on the surface, but there was
not much scent. The hounds ran very jealous of
each other, and in the small fields looked like a field
full of hounds, and you could see by the drooping of
their sterns which were carrying the line. Now a
big one was first, now a little one, and the best of
both sizes cut out the work. At high banks the big
dogs had the advantage, at hedges the little ones

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON in

got through first. We hunted the fox about forty
minutes and he beat us, and we all returned home
well pleased with the performance of both lots.

May, 1845. — Marched from Exeter to Liverpool
and embarked for Ireland. Crossed over in The
Duchess of Kent. I was very sick. The other
squadrons joined us at Dublin. The Major was in
command. When I came on parade the morning we
were to march, one of the fellows whispered to me,
" The Major is as mad as a hatter " (he had been a
little queer the year before). He created awful
confusion by making the men dismount and change
horses in the street. After a good deal of delay we
got them all mounted. I said, " All right now. Sir,"
and ordered the trumpeter to sound " Walk march ".

My troop went to Naas. The headquarter troop
with the Major and Lieutenant Madocks went to
Cell-bridge. After my troop arrived at Naas I
went back to report to Colonel Napier, the Adjutant-
General. I told him what had happened, and that I
had sent to the doctor at Cahir to come immediately.

There happened to be a ball that night in Dub-
lin, 5th June, at Lord Charles Kerr's, so I remained
for that, and started next day on the mail to overtake
the troops. The up and down mail met at Mary-
borough, and James Young, the surgeon, arrived
there a few minutes before me. When I jumped off
the coach, I met the Major's servant at the door as
white as a sheet. He said, " Go up, he's cut him-
self". I ran upstairs, and found him insensible in a
bed full of blood, and Dr. Young with his finger on

112 REMINISCENCES OF

the artery in his arm. He says, " Are you a doc-
tor ? " I said, " No, but I daresay I can help you ".
He then looked round and saw who I was. So I
put my thumb on the bleeding artery and he began
to make preparations for taking it up. Presently
another doctor appeared, and they took up the ar-
tery, and after a time he showed signs of life and
began to recover. Eventually he got quite well, but
of course left the regiment. I went on to Limerick,
having marched five weeks and one day. The rest
were at Cahir. Frank Fosbery was master of the
Limerick Hounds. During the winter I went out
hunting one day with John Brandling and Good-
enough, R. H. A. We drove to covert with my horse
in a dog-cart. On the way home the horse shut up.
It was pitch dark, and we were sixteen miles from
home. Presently we heard the footsteps of a horse,
and a chap pulled up and said, "What's the matter?"
I said, " Our horse has shut up ; will you lend us
yours .'*" He said, "Who are you?" I said, "We
are officers from the barracks in Limerick, and we
have been out hunting ". Without saying a word he
got off and began to take the saddle off his horse,
and he said, " We'll get fun when we get him under
the car ". We shifted the harness on to his horse
and put the saddle on my horse.

Goodenough rode my horse, and our benefactor
Insisted on driving himself. Off we started, and went
on quite comfortably. When we got about six miles
from Limerick he pulled up and said, " I live up here.
Send my horse back to-morrow, and I '11 take care of

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 113

yours to-night". It was so dark we never saw his
face, and I forget his name. Next morning I sent
his horse back and sent him a sov., but he wouldn't
take it. Shortly after I was sent to Cahir I began
to hunt the 13th Staghounds.

Lloyd, a subaltern, made the regiment a present
of nine couple of foxhounds which he had at his place
in Wales.

A chap named Crow was quartered at Cahir
with us. He had a horse that pulled too hard
for him. I gave him ^30 for him, and christened
him "Scarecrow". I sold him to Sandy Stewart,
Chamfleury, and tossed up whether he should give
me ;^30 or ;^6o. He won the toss. Some time
afterwards out hunting he got a fall and hurt his leg
just below the knee. However he mounted again,
and rode home eleven miles. A little while after-
wards, while undressing, his stocking stuck on his
heel. He gave it a jerk and broke the shin bone of
his leg just below the knee ! He then was obliged
to have it put in a splint, and had to lay up till it was
mended. In the meantime he tossed up ;^6o or
jC 1 20 for his horse, and again won the toss! The
horse was afterwards sold at Tattersall's for ^200.

We had capital fun and hunted all the season.
Colonel Laurenson and Harvey whipped-in to me —
a solitary instance of having a Colonel as a whipper-
in. This year was the commencement of the potato
famine. The only duty we had was to escort the
meal carts from Cahir to Clonmel. There was per-
haps a mile and a half of carts with wretched ponies
VOL. I. 8

114 REMINISCENCES OF

and a mounted dragoon every 200 yards. It was
fourteen miles, and these wretched ponies tired, and
occasionally tumbled down and halted the whole line.
If any cottages were near, the women used to run out,
hold up their petticoats, stick a knife into the sack,
get a petticoat full of meal and run away, and, of
course, the men could do nothing. It took a whole
day to go the distance. The meal was ground
Indian corn. In the prison the prisoners were
employed breaking stones. The inspector saw one
breaking his like powder (Provost Powder). On
asking the reason, he said, '* Sure, it's to mix with
the yellow meal ".

1846. — In spring we marched up to Newbridge,
and took our hounds with us. The night we ar-
rived we dined with an infantry mess, and as soon
as it was daylight we saddled some horses, and
started a chap named Featherstonehaugh with a
napkinful of grilled bones and some spirits of wine
to run a drag. He started from the back gate of
the barracks, galloped about two miles through the
mowing grass, which was about up to the horses'
knees, and finished on the Curragh, over the white
rails in front of the stand. I let the hounds out, and
at first could not persuade them to run it ; but by
shouting and cheering them got up a straggling line,
and we arrived on the Curragh as the racehorses were
going out to exercise, much to their astonishment.

1 5th June. — We marched into Dublin. My troop
to Islandbridge Barracks. Sir Edward Blakeney
was the General in command, and Colonel Clarke,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 115

Scots Greys, commanding the cavalry brigade. The
Scots Greys, the Queen's Bays, and, I think, the
4th Light Dragoons were quartered there at the
same time. Lord Bessborough was Lord- Lieutenant
in those days.

We hunted with the Garrison Staghounds, Cap-
tain Armit their master. Felton Harvey, my sub.,
succeeded him as master some years after.

At that time there were no Meath Hounds, and
no coverts in the Meath country. It was hunted by
the Ward Union Staghounds. I hunted chiefly with
the Kildare Foxhounds. The master was O'Connor
Henchy ; Jack Glover, huntsman, who had formerly
been with Walker in Fife, a slow man ; and Philip
Tocock was whipper-in.

One of the best fellows was the late Lord Mayo,
who was murdered when Governor of India. Old
Sir John Kennedy and Lord Clonmel and I were
great friends. I went occasionally to the Kilkenny
Hounds. Sir John Power was master ; Mike But-
ler, huntsman ; and Stephen Goodall, whipper-in.
He afterwards came as kennel huntsman to me in
the Atherstone country. Sometimes with the Car-
low and Island. Robert Watson was hunting them
then, and is doing so still (1903), having hunted the
hounds for fifty-seven years.

One day with the Kildare, O'Connor Henchy put
his horse at a big bank, but he made a mess of it,
and he was falling off when my horse put his head
between his leg and the saddle. I put my arm round
his waist, and he roared like anything. " All right,"

ii6 REMINISCENCES OF

I said, " I've got ye," and I landed safely on the other
side with him in front of me.

I had a beautiful horse called " Dhroleen," i6'2
hands, dark brown with a beautiful head, and carried
his tail right up in the air. When I left the regi-
ment I sold him to Captain Burrowes. The year
after, I think it was, at Dundalk, he was called out
to quell a riot, and then was under the orders of the
civil magistrate. The other fellows were sitting at
breakfast when they heard a great clatter in the
street, and on looking out saw an old woman on her
back and a basket of apples rolling about on the
pavement, " Dhroleen " on his hind legs pawing the
air above her. Major Knox rushed to the window
and shouted out, " Good God, Mr. Burrowes, what
are you after ? " Burrowes saluted, and looking out
of the corner of his eye, said, " I have got my
orders, sir".

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 117

CHAPTER IX.

ATHERSTONE: FIRST TIME.

While quartered in Royal Barracks, Dublin, I went
over to Leamington on the i8th March, 1847, to
attend the Military Steeplechase. I heard that there
was a vacancy in the Vale of White Horse, so I
went down to Cirencester. The country was hunted
by a committee, of which Mr. Raymond Cripps was
a member. He lent me a white pony, and I saw a
capital hunt. John Dinnicombe was huntsman, and
Jim Stacey, a humpbacked man, first whip. As they
were satisfied with present arrangements, I made no
offer, and returned to Leamington next day. A few
days after, while talking to some friends in the street
at Leamington, Pat Gordon (afterwards Mr. Gordon
Canning) said, " Peter Col vile is giving up the Ather-
stone. Why don't you take them .'* " After con-
sidering a moment, I said, "By Jove! I will". I
wrote to Peter Colvile, my old friend (his name is
Charles). He replied he thought it would do, and
asked me to come over to Atherstone. I tele-
graphed to Dublin for a horse, and went out hunt-
ing on him next day ; I then went over and stayed at
Atherstone.

A meeting took place soon after, and my offer

ii8 REMINISCENCES OF

was accepted to hunt the country three days a week
on a subscription of ;^ 1,500. I sent in my papers
and retired from the regiment, and cut off my mous-
tache. I engaged Will Davies as kennel huntsman ;
Stephen Shepherd, second whip ; Trueman Tuffs,
second horseman. Sir R. Sutton took the Quorn
the same year I took the Atherstone.

On the 30th of April, 1847, the sale took place
of the Quorn Hounds (Mr. Green of Rolleston's) at
Billesdon, and we all went over from Atherstone on
George Moore's coach. G. Moore bought a few
couple of young hounds, which he gave to the Ather-
stone, among them a red dog called " Firebrand ".
After the sale we dined at the " Bell " at Leicester,
and had a very jovial party.

A few days after I went over to Melton. There
was a match across country between Stirling Craw-
furd and Jack Leslie (afterwards Sir John). Leslie's
horse, '* Charon," looked in the most beautiful con-
dition, and on asking who trained him, I was told his
own groom, John Whitehall, and that he was going
to leave as Mr. Leslie was not going to hunt next
year. I engaged Whitehall on the spot — one of the
best grooms I ever saw — and he died in my service
in the Pytchley country, 1865.

I got a little house in the village at Witherley,
and also engaged Colvile's housekeeper. Old Robert
Thurlow, formerly huntsman to Mr. Applewaite, kept
the Blue Lion Inn in the village close by, and had
capital accommodation for any friends.

At the beginning of the season my two subs.,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 119

John Madocks and Felton Hervey, both retired from
the service and came to live with me. The town of
Atherstone and the village of Witherley were full of
fox-hunters and my old brother officers — Archibald
Little, 9th Lancers; Jack Dallas, iith Hussars;
Sam Hobson, 17th Lancers; W. Wilson ("The
Squire"), afterwards my successor as master; W.
Owen, Royal Dragoons ; Sam Dickson, W. Gore
(Lord Harlech) and General Laurenson, 13th Light
Dragoons.

The first hunt took place at five o'clock a.m., 4th
September, at Sutton Ambion ; found lots of foxes ;
ran till near one o'clock, and caught nothing. Thirty-
five couple of hounds out (too many); much cut up
with brambles.

Sutton Ambion belonged to a fine old gentleman
with one arm. On going there one day there was a
field of wheat standing next the covert, and I hesi-
tated about drawing the wood. He said, ** Put in
your dogs, sir, put in your dogs," and he set a lot of
men to work and cut the field down while we were
there. He was presented with a silver cup for his
constant and liberal support in preserving foxes.

Rugby country, 1 3th November. — Met at Church-
over ; rode " Crusader " and " Landseer " ; found at
Coton Gorse ; had a good gallop and killed at the
mill at Lutterworth in the Pytchley country. Lots
of people out. Mr. W. Coke, who always rode in
white fustian trousers and a red frock coat — a fine
old gentleman, "Coke on the pony" in Saddle's
song. Sir Richard Sutton came from Quorn. He

I20 REMINISCENCES OF

said to C. Newdegate, " I hear that you have got a
young man here who can sit still and see the hounds
hunt." I was trotting in front of him, turned *' Cru-
sader" on to the footpath and jumped a high rail
into the field — " And not afraid to get after them," he
added. When I had killed the fox he came and con-
gratulated me, and said, " Good-bye ". On going
to the next covert I was on " Landseer," trotting
along the side of a brook, when the stupid beast
turned round and jumped at it. It was a very wide
place, so we plopped in, and I had to leave him there
to be pulled out with ropes. I got on " Crusader "
again, and finished the day. Jim Montgomery and
Wolfe- Murray were out from Leamington. Jim lost
his hat, and when asked where it was pointed over
his shoulder, saying, '' In yon spinney " — about two
miles off.

Atherstone, 1847. — I went to Birmingham with
Lady Charlotte Chetwynd to a concert to hear
Jenny Lind. I left Birmingham by an early train
next morning. At the railway station I met a gentle-
man who had sat on a chair all night, as there was
not a bed to be got in the place. When we arrived
at Wilnecote, where I had left my cart, which I
bought from Peter Colvile (it had his name painted
on it), he said he wanted to go to Merrivale, so I
offered to give him a lift. When we got to Mr.
Laking's at Hall End a foxhound puppy ran out and
followed the cart. I turned round and whipped at it
to make it go away. A man on the road kept point-
ing forward and gesticulating, and I kept looking at

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 121

him as I did not understand what he wanted ; pre-
sently I went crash into a coal cart, locked both the
wheels and brouofht both concerns to a stand-still.
My companion flew away, landed on his elbows and
knees, and rather hurt himself. I flew straight
ahead, and in my flight caught hold of my pony's
collar, and held on till I got my feet on the ground.
The pony was very quiet, so we backed the cart and
got disconnected. I landed my friend at the gate at
Merrivale, and in time for breakfast ; and he told
Mr. Dugdale that Mr. Col vile had pitched him out
of the dopf-cart. He had noticed his name was
painted on it. I afterwards learned that he was an
eminent architect from London, who was building
the house at Merrivale. I forget his name.

Colvile bred some hounds by "Yarboro Rally-
wood," the most famous foxhound at that time. One
of them was " Ravisher ". The first time I saw
him, as a puppy, he was walking about with a
chicken in his mouth. He was walked by old Joe
Dester at Bramcote. He turned out to be one of
the best hounds I ever saw, and was the sire of many
good ones.

Will Davies was a very delicate man, and was
very often laid up. He was a most respectable,
good servant, and had a good knowledge of hunting.
He had been in Shropshire, I think, with Mr. Smith
Owen. Stephen Shepherd, second whip, was a
capital chap ; quite young, long, thin and very light ;
but he was not quite steady. He came from Mr.
Morland, in old Berks country.

122 REMINISCENCES OF

When Davies was laid up I got Robert Thurlow,
who had been Mr. Applewaite's huntsman and kept
the Blue Lion Inn ; but as he did not go to the
kennel, and hardly knew the hounds, he was not
much use. About this time Lord Southampton
bought Lord Shannon's hounds, and brought them
from Castle Martyr, co. Cork. Will Smith, the hunts-
man, who formerly whipped-in to Walker, in Fife,
came with them. I went over to Whittlebury and
met Tom Lowndes there, who came to mediate
between us ; and I bought about ten couple. Some
of them were very good, especially a badger-pied dog
called " Grampus," as crooked as a ram's horn, but
he had a capital nose and never tired.

The Atherstone were not a good pack of hounds.
In Mr. Applewaite's time the officers quartered at
Coventry, and hunting men from Leamington, used
to talk of a minute with the " tart," which did not
sound as if long runs were the rule.

Among the old Atherstone pack were several
which traced back to Mr. Wickstead's Hounds.
"Carnage" ran on for eleven seasons. "Active"
and " Abigail " were very good. " Active" was the
dam of " Ravisher ".

Mr. Colvile bought Mr. Tudway's Hounds.
They were coarse and bull - headed, not much
drive in them, and did not improve the pack. The
condition was not very good ; my days were too long
for them, and they used to tire before I did.

On the 20th December, 1847, when we met at
Stewards Hay, Mr. Martin (in the presence of Mr.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 123

Cradock and George Moore) told me that on Sir R.
Sutton's taking the Quorn country Lord Stamford
and Colonel Wildman (his late guardian) had settled
that the Ashby and Leicester Road was in future to
be the boundary ; but that the Quorn were still to
have the coverts south of the road, and we were to
draw them from the ist November till the ist March,
and that Mr. Wilson ought to have written to say so.
I have since been considering whether the limits of
a hunting country can be thus changed by the de-
cision of a proprietor. My opinion is it can not. I
asked Sir George Chetwynd to consult his brother
committeemen, as, of course, it was in their hands, I
having made my report officially.
Sir Richard Sutton wrote from

" QuoRNDON Hall, i8th February, 1848.

"My Dear Sir,—

" As Master of the Quorndon Hunt I con-
sider it my positive duty to protest against your pack
drawing the coverts belonging to Lord Stamford
north of the Ashby and Leicester Road ; and to add
that it is contrary to the agreement which was for-
warded to me last spring from the committee assem-
bled at Leicester, and on the good faith of which I
undertook to hunt this country."

I replied to Sir Richard : —

" Some time ago when the Atherstone Hounds
met at Stewards Hay I was informed by Mr. Martin
and Mr. Cradock that Lord Stamford had at your

124 REMINISCENCES OF

request withdrawn the permission to the Ather-
stone Hounds of drawing his coverts on the north
side of the Leicester and Ashby Road, but that they
still might draw those on the south side. I made
Lord Howe and the grentlemen of the Atherstone
Hunt aware of what Mr. Martin had stated to me.
Upon which Lord Howe wrote to Lord Stamford,
and last week received a letter from him granting his
permission to the Atherstone Hounds to draw his
coverts on both sides of the Ashby and Leicester
Road on the same conditions as formerly."

A meeting of the Atherstone Hunt Club was held
at Witherley on 9th March, 1848, there being pre-
sent : Lord Curzon, chairman ; J. A. Thomson,
Esq. ; Hon. E. Russell, M.P. ; C. R. Colvile, Esq.,
M.P. ; Sir J. N. L. Chetwode, Bart. ; Sir W. Dixie,
Bart. ; Sir Hanson Berney, Bart. ; Captain Inge ;
George Moore, Esq. ; Hampden Clement, Esq. ;
Richard Jee, Esq. ; G. Chetwynd, Esq. ; Kirkby
Fenton, Esq. ; Charles Garnett, Esq. ; Henry Gar-
nett, Esq. ; Captain Charles Inge ; John Floyer,
Esq. Having taken into consideration the claim of
the Master of the Quorn Hounds to the exclusive
right of drawing the coverts, the property of the Earl
of Stamford, north of the Ashby and Leicester Road,
have agreed that it is their determination to maintain
the rights of the Atherstone Hunt, as enjoyed by
them for the last thirty years and upwards, and
they instruct their committee to reply accordingly.
(Carried unanimously.)

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 125

There was proposed by Sir J. N. L. Chetwode,
Bart, and seconded by Captain Inge, that the thanks
of the meeting be given to John Anstruther Thom-
son, Esq., for the firm and gentlemanly manner in
which he has acted in the matter relating- to the dis-
puted question between the Quorn and Atherstone
Hunt. (Carried unanimously.)

One evening I was dining at Quorn, and the con-
versation turned on a purchase which Mr. Greaves,
master of Cottesmore, had made of five couple of
hounds of the Badsworth pack for ^500. Sir
Richard said, " I should like to get five couple of
good ones at the same price ". I said, " I can tell
you where you can get a whole pack for the same
money. The Fife Hounds are for sale, and the price
^500." He sent Robinson, his kennel huntsman,
down to Cupar next day ; he reported favourably,
and Sir Richard bought them. Dick Raby came to
Quorn with them about the end of the season, and
Sir Richard took them out in the forest. They found
directly ; there was a good scent, and they ran very
hard. Sir Richard said, " Stop them ! These Scotch
devils will kill a bitch fox." Dick said, " Beg pardon.
Sir Richard, it's a dog fox — I saw him over the ride ".
They ran forty minutes and killed him. The hounds
must have thought they were again in Fife among the
heather and stone walls. Sir Richard said to Colonel
Lowther, "Those Fife Hounds are capital hunters".
The Colonel replied, " You'll soon cure them of that ".

At that time Atherstone was a charming country
to live in.

126 REMINISCENCES OF

Robert Fellowes was at Bitteswell, on the Rugby
side, one of the best sportsmen and horsemen in
England. He had been at Eton with me, a most
knowledgeable man about foxes, and always had a
fox in a very small cover.

At Newnham Padox, Lord Denbigh, most kind
and hospitable, and the country full of foxes. The
young ladies rode well and very keen.

At Coton, Honourable Butler, not a great sports-
man, but most hospitable and good supporter.

At Newbold Revel, Sir Grey Skipworth, a grand
old gentleman. Unfortunately, when mounting one
day, his horse jumped aside and he fell, and he would
never get up again. His son, Sir Thomas, was a
good sportsman, and had been in 3rd Dragoon
Guards.

At Arbury, Charlie Newdegate, the most gallant
chap across country I ever saw, and a grand preserver
of foxes.

At Gopsall, old Lord Howe, the kindest and
dearest of friends, always came out cub-hunting with
Lady Adelaide (Lady Westmorland) and Lady Emily
(Kingscote). They were then girls in the school-
room ; they were capital riders ; keen as mustard,
and used to watch the rides like cats watching mice.
George (Lord Curzon) and Dick had been in Cole-
ridge's house with me at Eton. Fred (the Admiral),
Henry (a fine horseman), Ernest and Bill, Essex and
Montague, all good sportsmen and capital horsemen.
I think Lord Howe let them keep two horses each ;
if they had more they had to arrange with Mr.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 127

Savage, the farm bailiff. Gopsall was full of foxes
and pheasants too. The Duchess of Beaufort and
the Duchess of Abercorn also used to hunt.

George Moore of Appleby was one of my greatest
friends, and one of the best judges o( hounds. He
had a lovely breed of pointers, and had a sale every
year at Tattersall's. He used to get ;^5o apiece for
them, and then invited all his friends to dine at
Greenwich at the "dog dinner".

The quality of his horses was not quite so good,
and old Bill Potter, the dealer at Talbot Lane, used
to say, " I don't know how Muster Moore can wriggle
across country on they tits ".

Dick Aiken of Hartshill, one of my dearest
friends and the most useful man in the country, lived
on his own property and had extensive stone pits.
He looked after all the foxes during the summer,
and never missed a day's cub-hunting.

Hampden Clement, at Snarestone, was a great
friend and a steady sportsman.

Old John Moore, at the White House, Appleby,
George's uncle, was a capital sportsman.

Captain Inge, at Thorpe, was a real good friend
to hunting. He was an autocrat, and loved every-
thing his own way. All the hinges of the gates used
to be oiled before hunting. He was never married,
and would not allow a child in the parish. He was
succeeded by his brother George, the parson, a most
eccentric and charming old gentleman, and a real
good sportsman. Whenever the hounds appeared
at Thorpe baskets full of hot mutton pies appeared,

128 REMINISCENCES OF

and every one that passed was presented with a pie.
Charles, the youngest brother, was father of Willie
Inge, late M.F, H. and owner of Thorpe.^

Lady de Clifford lived at Kirkby Mallory with
her son, Edward Russell, and Katey (Mrs. Colville)
and Mary (Mrs. Oakeley). Her husband, Mr. W.
Russell, had been Master of the Warwickshire
Hounds. Edward was an all-round sportsman —
hunting, shooting, fishing — he was good at all of it ;
and the two ladies are still the best and keenest fox-
hunters to this day.

1 2th February, 1848. — Hounds met at Church-
over. I came from Edinburgh by the night train to
Rugby and got into the train to Atherstone, and met
the up train to Rugby. Madocks and Hervey were
in it. They shouted to me, "Come in here. We
have got your clothes and you can dress in Rugby."
I changed into their train, got to Blick's Hotel, had
breakfast, and then went to dress.

My servant was an Irishman named Brassel. I
said, " Have you got a flannel shirt .-^ " He fumbled
in the bag, and said "No". I said, "You stupid
idiot, you might as well have left my breeches
behind". He took his head out of the bag and
said, " Bedad, I have ". I said, " Well, go and buy
or borrow a pair". He came back with a new pair
of drab kersey of the landlord's, with a linen lining
and brass buttons on the knees. Luckily, Mr. Blick

^ Charles Inge was Colonel of the Staffordshire Militia, and
quartered at Edinburgh Castle during the Crimean War. He
married a daughter of Sir Adam Hay of King's Meadows.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 129

was a very tall man, and they fitted fairly, but I burst
them both across the knees before I got home.

Last day of the season, 5th April. — Killed
twenty-one and a half brace foxes, twelve brace to
ground.

At the end of my first season Will Davies left.
He had very bad health. He took a small farm
near Witherley, but did not live very long after. I
engaged Stephen Goodall ; he was then first whip
to Sir John Power with the Kilkenny Hounds. He
had commenced in Fife in 1842 under Walker, He
was a tall thin man, a first-rate horseman and good
whip. He was afterwards with Mr. Lane Fox, and
in the V.W. H. country.

Season 1848-49. — Commenced on the 31st
August at Weddington Wood.

Tom Smart, the horse-dealer at Slough, sent me
a message that he had a horse to suit me. Mr.
Assheton Smith had bought him and returned him.
He was a very nervous horse ; if you touched his
side with your toe in mounting he would jump away.
I went to Slough to see him. He was a great fine well-
bred horse, and old Smart had sent him out with the
Queen's Hounds the day before to make him quiet.
He said, " He's hardly fit to show, but get on him
and try if you can knock the wind out of him ". I
got on at the stable-door, which was in a ploughed
field, and galloped away. He could gallop well, and
was a real good-winded horse, so I bought him for
^130. He could kick me off whenever he liked. I
called him " Chloroform ".

VOL. I. 9

130 REMINISCENCES OF

One day hounds running across Gopsall Park I
was riding "Chloroform". Old Matthew, the keeper,
waved a stick as I passed him, when "Chloroform"
shied and banged my knee up against a tree. I put
arnica on it, and made it as big as two. I was laid
up for several days and could not attend the hunt ball.
Another day I had him out as second horse. Hounds
were just running into their fox, and my first horse,
" Landseer," was beginning to tire. Trueman was
close by with "Chloroform". I vaulted on to his
back and he kicked me over his head so far that I
was only stopped by the reins which I held in my
hand. I went plop on to my back, struggled on to
my tired horse again, and two fields further on
hounds ran into their fox. Another time we had
killed a fox at Sheet Hedges. I got on him, took a
lock of the mane in my left hand, and a hold of the
saddle with my right hand. He got his head down,
so that I could see nothing except the pommel of the
saddle, and shied me off amongst the hounds. An-
other time he hit a wattle fence with his knees, and
threw me a little on to his neck, and he never stopped
plunging until he got me down, and afterwards
kicked Trueman off also. Little Gilmour boucrht
him at my sale.

1848. — One day Lord Edwin Hill lost his hat,
and asked Fenton of Caldecott if he knew where it
was. (Fenton used a good deal of liberty with his
H's.) He replied, "'Havens knows!" Hill rode
up to Isaac Evans and asked him where it was.
*' Your hat! — I don't know where it is.'* Hill went

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 131

back to Fenton and said, " I've asked Isaac Evans,
and he doesn't know where it is". " I didn't mean
Isaac Evans ; I said 'Eavens on 'igh."

When Colvile was master the Atherstone Hounds
were to meet at Drayton Manor, and he dined there
the night before. Sir Robert Peel (the great Sir R.)
said, " I think you will find a fox to-morrow, Mr.
Colvile, for I ordered Ballard (the keeper) to put a
roook at his den ".

Metat Highcrosson 31st March, 1849. Killed a
fox in the morning and found again near Kirkby.
Ran past Newbold, Lindridge, Osbaston, Barlstone,
Nailstone and Ibstock, and stopped hounds at seven
o'clock. Only Goodall and myself with hounds from
Nailstone ; Townsend and Captain Rowley. The
former was seen at Rugby, and the latter at Ather-
stone in their red coats on Sunday morning. I didn't
get home till ten o'clock.

On Sunday afternoon I was told some one wanted
to see me. On going to the garden gate I saw a
little man dressed in leather trousers, a green tunic, and
a Tyrolese hat with a feather in it. I looked at him
for a little while, and he said, " Don't you know me,
sir? I'm little John that used to live with Captain
Madocks." I said, " And what have you been
doing?" "Please, sir, I've been 'unting a pack of
'ounds in 'Ungary, but all the noblemen and gentle-
men 'ave been killed ; and they were very mad
against me, so I 'ad to 'ang all the 'ounds and come
away." He was a very respectable little chap, and
had lived with Madocks when we were in the 13th.

9*

132 REMINISCENCES OF

A little time after he got a place as valet with Mr.
Cole, one of the Enniskillen family, and was with him
many years.

Very good sport after Christmas. Killed thirty-
two brace, twelve to orround.

There were no hounds in Fife in the season
1848-49. I thought it advisable to go and live at
home and re-establish the Fife pack, and therefore
sent in my resignation at Atherstone. My horses
were sold at Tattersall's on the i6th June — a very
good sale.

I had been treated with the greatest kindness by
every one in the Atherstone country. On the 4th
July I invited many members of the hunt to dine
with me at Grillion's Hotel.

Mr. Wilson succeeded me as master. He had
hunted with me and lived in Atherstone. He took
a house in the village of Sheepy, engaged Goodall
as huntsman and Trueman as first whip. Every-
thing was turned out in first-rate style, second horses,
luncheon cases, flasks, hammers, etc., but the season
was not a successful one.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 133

CHAPTER X.

FIFE : 1849 AND 1850.

The Fife Hounds having been sold to Sir R. Sutton,
there were no hounds in Fife in 1848 and 1849.

4th July, 1849. — I bought the Donnington dog
pack from Jack Storey and Sir Seymour Blane.
They were a good, useful working pack, and cost
^200. I engaged Will Skene as kennel huntsman,
who had whipped-in to Walker ; Charles Pike, from
the Devon, as second whip ; and David Shepherd as
feeder, who had been many years with Walker.

I put the kennels in order at Charleton (my
father had kept the hounds there in 1803). I bought
the pavement in the old kennels at Cupar, which had
been taken possession of by the railway, and took it
to Charleton. I came home about the 8th July.

On 7th August I bought two ponies — " Bellows,"
for £"] from Porter, the blacksmith at Dykeside, and
" Gridiron," from Kitchen, the V.S. at Cupar, On
loth October at Clatto Den, first day cub-hunting.

George Moore and Archie Little rode '' Bellows "
and " Gridiron ". Loughborough (Francis) was out,
also John Balfour and Lady Theodora Grosvenor.
Hot, dry and little scent. Found a brace ; ran up
to Teasses and back to Clatto and lost him. Found

134 REMINISCENCES OF

in Collinton Hill and ran to ground at Skelpie. I
got bogged at Clatto with " Jenny Lind ". Will got
in a mess with his horse and lamed him badly. I
was out eight times before I caught a fox. During
the seven days we killed many hares and hunted a
good many roe-deer.

First regular day, ist November. Met at Lad-
dedy ; ran one hour and ten minutes, and killed in
the strip near the west gate of Mount Melville.

On 13th November went to Blair Adam. Made
a temporary kennel at Blair Adam Inn. Some of
the horses were at the stables at the house and the
rest at the inn. My uncle, Sir Charles, and Lady
Adam and Mary were there, and I stayed with them.

24th November. — Rumbling Brig ; nineteen
couple ; slight frost, fog and heavy rain ; snow on
the hills ; capital scent ; found in the moss at Rumb-
ling Brig. Ran all through Blairhill coverts, right
up the hill, where the fog was so thick we couldn't
see. Found the hounds in the glen at Castle Camp-
bell. The fox jumped up in the middle of them on
the rocks. I scrambled down to the waterfall on my
feet and found " Wilful " almost drowned in the pool ;
pulled her out, tried to jump across, landed all right,
but the stone being slippery, tumbled in up to my
chin. Luckily I caught hold of a stone, but I had
great difficulty in getting out, as it was like a pot,
and the current always drew my legs away. When
at last I got out the hounds would try to jump after
me, and I had to sit on the branch of a tree to guard
it. The waterfall made such a row the men couldn't

COL. ANSTRUtHER THOMSON 135

hear my horn, and it was so cold I thought I should
be frozen. At last Will Skene came to me. I stopped
at a farm at Hillfoot and got the water out of my
boots ; went on to Aldie Wood, found some roe-deer
and ran like devils ; had great difficulty in stopping
them. Wolfe-Murray, Peter Paterson, three John-
stones of Alva, Dempster and Robertson of Tyrie
were out. I remained at Blair Adam by myself after
the Adams went away. They gave me the key of
the cellar, and the old laundrymaid cooked for me.
It was a very foggy season ; I could never see
Benarty Hill in the morning. There was a tree
about a hundred yards from the house, and if I could
see it I knew it would do to hunt. Wyndham An-
struther stayed with me most of the season and used
to ride hirelings from Edinburgh.

3rd December. — Hounds slept at Balbirnie. Met
at Auchmoor Bridge next day, and went home to
Charleton after hunting. John Balfour allowed me
to send hounds and horses to Balbirnie whenever
convenient.

When I first took the Fife Hounds I told my
factor, Mr. Ballingall, to ask my tenant, old Mr.
Knox, if he would walk a puppy for me. He said,
" Na, na, I'll no tak' a beagle ; gin a plate is brock
in the hoose it's aye the beagle. I'll keep a staig till
him, but I'll no tak' a beagle."

Frost lasted from 8th January, 1850, till end of
month.

loth February. — Balbeggie. John Waite was
riding my second horse. He stopped to pay the

136 REMINISCENCES OF

toll-gate at Windy Gates, and when he overtook us
was as drunk as an owl, I made him get off and left
him on the road.

3rd March. — Returned to Blair Adam till end of
season.

5th March, 1850. — Met at Blair Adam ; very
windy morning ; had a fox or two and lots of stags
and could do nothing. Went to the Hill of Beath ;
found directly ; got away close at him and ran into
the strips ; turned to the east and crossed the Great
North Road, then checked ; crossed the Beath Road
and hunted him on to Lochgelly ; turned to the
north and wended on it through a hollow wood ;
crossed the Orr Water and over some gorsy hills.
Here he had waited and we got a view ; went as
hard as we could split over the grass fields to Loch-
ore House and right over Benarty to Finity; crossed
the Leven and ran down the north bank to the east ;
crossed again to south side about one hundred yards
from Scotland Wells Bridge ; crossed again to the
north opposite Balbedie and set his head for the hill.
When opposite Auchmoor he turned towards the
covert, but was headed by some men and turned
again towards the hill. Here we had a long check,
being obliged to go round by Auchmoor Bridge.
"Benefit " made a capital hit along the road, and we
got the line at the Knock of Arnot and hunted it
inch by inch up to a hollow wood at back of Strath-
endry. Here six couple got on a fresh fox and went
away up the Lomond. The body hung to the hunted
fox, ran into the round wood behind Strathendry and

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 137

down the strip behind the house. Here while I was
opening the gate he jumped up in view. " Edgar "
met him in a gap in the wall and caught him at
twenty-five minutes to six. " Towney " Oswald,
Young, Horsburgh and Cunningham were all that
came to the end. The latter, on a hard pulling
mare, got an awful fall at Lochore and stood on
his head for a minute. Distance, point to point,
about eleven miles ; the best run I have seen in
Fife.

7th. — Milnathort. "Tyrant" cut his legs at Bal-
muto, and died a few days after. He was a beautiful
horse. The Duchess of Athol bought him for a
carriage-horse, but he was a bad kicker, so sold him
to George Condie in Perth, I bought him from him.
He kicked so bad in the stable, that I engaged the
man who looked after him.

22nd March. — Damhead. Drew Glenearn blank ;
found a stag in Silly Whinny, and ran down to In-
vermay before I could stop them. Found a brace of
foxes and ran fast down the valley, past Dunning,
and went to ground in a drain at Kelty Castle.
George Moore was out, having come to stay with
me at Blair Adam. He brought a horse with him,
*' Rector," which had belonged to the Rev. Reginald
Chandos Pole. He made me a present of him. He
was scrambling over a rocky place muttering to him-
self, *' It is too rough a job, it is too rough a job ".
The drain was half full of water and the fox was
drowned. Lord Rollo, his brother " Hon. John,"
and Colonel Richardson came out on foot. They

138 REMINISCENCES OF*

were just going to dinner and gave us some veal cut-
lets ; horses got some gruel. We did not get back
to Blair Adam till 10.30.

Going through Kinross a cart drove up against
" Woodman". The shaft hit him on the side and he
died a few days afterwards. He was a real good
little horse, and carried me capitally with the Garri-
son Staghounds when quartered in Ireland. On ist
April I took four couple of hounds into the Falkland
Woods to hunt roe-deer. Mr. Balfour and party
came with guns and killed nine in a very short time.^

About the end of the season George Moore
asked me to return to Atherstone, and guaranteed
me ^2,200 per annum.

This season Sir George Houston and Sir Hugh
Campbell hunted Berwickshire. Ben Morgan, from
Sir Richard Sutton, was their huntsman. They had
got several of the Fife hounds from Sir Richard, and
let me have some. One day two couple were left
out on the Lomond ; one hound went to Balbirnie,
where they slept the night before ; one to Charleton,
and " Edgar " went twenty miles to Torry kennels.
He had been both in Leicestershire and Berwick-
shire since he left there. The country was full of
roe-deer and hares. Hounds very unsteady and the
men not much good. There were only four foxes in
the east of Fife ; the best of them a lame dog-fox in
Kinglassie Wood. He never ran 100 yards straight,
and could run for a week — a rare fox to make young
hounds work. I often hunted him. One day I got

' I don't think there are nine roe-deer in Fife at this time (1902).

COL. ANStRUTHER THOMSON 139

a view at him in the open at Airdrie, and ran into
him before he could get home.

The best farmer sportsmen were — Andrew Gul-
lane of Drumfin ; he knew all about it and was a real
sportsman. George Tod of Lochrin, a capital keen
man. Robertson ofTyrie, on the hills behind Milna-
thort, Dempster of Touchie, and Cunningham of
Dallachy. Morgan at Saline Den was a capital fox
preserver ; he did not ride, but said, " I am a keen
sportsman — I aye tak the hill tap ".

Will Skene came from Turriff — Lord Kintore's
— a clean respectable man, but slow with hounds.
He went to Atherstone with me, then returned to
Fife, then to Forfarshire when Colonel Maule was
master, and to East Lothian under Major Fletcher,
and died there.

Charles Pike came from Devonshire. He was a
fair whip, but an ill-conditioned fellow. I sent him
away in the middle of the season and put Dick
Smith on as second whip. He had been riding my
second horse.

Pike afterwards became huntsman to Lord Hast-
ings when Master of the Quorn Hounds, a place
which he never was fit for. When he gave up.
Colonel Barlow, who managed for Lord Hastings,
asked me and Mr. Clowes to go to Quorn and look
over the hounds. All the dog hounds had kennel
lameness except four couple.

Colonel Lowther meeting Pike in Leicester one
day said, "Well, Pike, what are you doing?" He
answered, " I've got the sack. Marquis has taken

140 REMINISCENCES OF

to drink. ' Hermit ' has won the Derby, and we are
all going to hell together."

Hunting days, 51 (first day, 8th October).

Foxes killed, 15.

Run to ground, 1 1 .

Blank days, 5.

Stopped by frost, 8th January to ist February.

Last day, 15th April.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 141

CHAPTER XI.

ATHERSTONE: SECOND TIME, 1850.

I ATTENDED the hunt meeting at Atherstone on i8th
April, and they were all very willing that I should
return. But I said, "Where am I to live?" Mr.
Bracebridge touched me on the arm and went to the
window. I followed him, and he said, " I will lend
you my house". Atherstone Hall was a capital
house, most convenient, and about a mile from the
kennels. One side of the church was in the garden.
He said, "They are repairing the church, and if
you will give a donation towards the repairs I will
lend you the house ". I willingly agreed, and gave
a cheque for ^loo towards the repairs.

Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge were going abroad for
the winter. When the Crimean War broke out they
went out with Miss Nightingale and took care of
her.

Mr. Bracebridge was a most eccentric man. He
used to ride about on a grey Arab horse, dressed in
loose white trousers, a broad-brimmed straw hat and
a red umbrella. He bought Mount Hymettus in
Greece, famous for honey, and the honey was used
in making blacking in England. He was very clever
and well-informed.

142 REMINISCENCES OF

Mrs. Bracebridge was a charming woman and
great artist. Her portfolios of drawings of all the
foreign towns where she had been were quite beau-
tiful.

"The Hall,

" Atherstone, 28th February, 1850.

" Dear Thomson, —

"If you have time to ride over and sleep
here we shall be happy to see you.

" I wish to put the house affair in the simplest
terms.

" I shall be happy to lend you this house from ist
of November till the ist of April. Probably a week
longer would make no difference. You to agree to
take our two housemaids — good servants, the upper
one has been here many years. You to pay milk
and potatoes — nothing else ; you to have whatever
is in the garden ; and my gardener to keep up the
grounds. You to have saddle-room and ten stalls,
thirteen if you want them. My coachman lives at
the lodge, and would with his boy take care of my
four horses left out of writ. He can have a separate
harness-room, and in no way interfere. He is a
good, quiet man. I, of course, retain rick-yard and
farm premises. You to have the small wine cellar,
and another I can arrange for. You can use the ale
there will be, and have the same quantity brewed, or
you can buy. My butler remains in the town (he is
married and settled there) in his own house. I should
want access to my library and cellar for books and

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 143

wine occasionally, if we should not be able to go to
Italy.

" Yours truly,

" C. Bracebridge.

" P.S. — I to pay taxes and poor rates as if I
lived here. My butler could brew for me here in
October.

" I can say nothing of next year. We should
leave china, and perhaps you would bring the silver
plate."

My mother and sisters came and lived with me
at Atherstone. The 13th Light Dragoons were
quartered at Coventry, and Jenyns and Goad lived
with me a great part of the season. Jenyns suffered
much from asthma, and often sat up all night propped
up with pillows, but he always came up to time in
the morning. Goad was rather bald on the top of
his head, and had his head shaved except a ring just
about his ears, so he never could take his hunting
cap off during the day.

I took the hounds which I had in Fife, and the
Atherstone Hounds were sold at Tattersall's, and I
bought about half of them. George Moore also
made me a present of twenty couple from Sir R.
Sutton's, many of which were Fife hounds, which
he had purchased two years previously when the
Fife Hounds were given up and Mr. Whyte-Melville
ceased to be master, and John Walker went as hunts-
man to Sir Watkin Wynn.

George Moore wrote : —

144 REMINISCENCES OF

" Carlton Club,
" B4 Albany, igth April, 1850.

" I think the head groom might do very well with
^70 a year and his house. The second horseman
should find his own clothes at seventeen shillings a
week — no tight boots wanted. Lord Henry Ben-
tinck's second horsemen found their own clothes, I
am sure, from what I saw last week — no tops, black
boots, greasy cords and coat — no sandwich cases and
sherry bottles, shoe cases, hammers, hatchets, and
the devil knows what. Should we raise upwards of
^"2,200 per annum, I think it should go to you. Of
course all money subscribed to the Hounds directly
or indirectly must be paid to the guarantees. If you
come the hounds are to be sold at Tattersall's same
day as Wilson's horses — 6th of June, I believe. I
am to lot them for the other owners. I saw little
Hervey and Dickson last night at Pratt's ; both very
glad ; and I told Hervey to hunt instead of racing.
Please drop me a line to Appleby as soon as you can.
Colvile met Tom Arnold in the street, and when he
told him there was a probability of your coming back
he threw his hat up, to the no small amazement of
the inhabitants of the metropolis. I return home to-
morrow.

" Enclosed I send you the guarantee in print. I
have the original, and shall deposit it at the bank to-
morrow on my way home.

"The Warwickshire dispute is that they want
Hampton Coppice, Chelmsley Wood, York Wood,
etc. These, I believe, belong to them — no great

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 145

loss. They also want Packington, but that belongs
to A. H."

George Moore wrote again : —

" Appleby Hall, 2Sth April, 1850.

" I have just returned from Birmingham, and
I hoped to have met you there. I had a room
all ready for you. I told all the people you were
coming to hunt the country, and I shall guarantee
you more money if you want it from prices, etc.
But come and talk it over and you shall not com-
plain, and I will make it agreeable. Thus writing,
we cannot gfet on.

" I saw Madocks ; he was going home with Chet-
wynd ; he did not sell a horse. The Warwickshire,
the Pytchley and Joe Leedham want hounds. Joe
Leedham says they have not got a good young one
at Hoarcross. I must lot the hounds next week, so
you must come before that.

" You must come, and for five years."

I engaged George Cross as kennel huntsman.

His father was an Englishman, and farm-bailiff to

Captain Barclay of Ury. Cross was educated for a

veterinary surgeon, and at one time was an assistant

to Professor Dick in Edinburgh. He had a stable

at Monifief, and trained race-horses, but finding that

didn't pay, and being devoted to hunting, he became

whipper-in to Walker with the Fife Hounds. He

then became huntsman to the Bedale Hounds under

Mr. Millbank. I think he remained there seven
VOL. I. 10

146 REMINISCENCES OF

seasons, and then came to me at Atherstone as
kennel huntsman.

He was a good kennel huntsman and scientific
breeder of hounds. In the field he hunted a fox
steadily. He was only a middling horseman — not
very smart in appearance, and a good deal of " James
Pig " about him in his sayings and doings. He spoke
Scotch. When engaging him I said, " Well, Cross,
what about wages ? " He says, '' I dinna care
muckle for wages, but gi'e me a bellyful o' hunting ! "
His wages were ;^ioo a year, house, garden and
clothes, and no perquisites. He was a capital
servant, and an honest, respectable man, but he was
unfortunate in his selection of a wife. She was a
very handsome, well-educated woman, but addicted
to drink, and didn't pay proper attention to him. On
coming home from hunting and asking for some
dinner, she would say, " There's some nice milk,
bread and jelly for you ".

I brought Will Skene as second whip, who had
been with me in Fife, and Jim McBride as second
horseman. He afterwards became huntsman to the
Quorn, and to Mr. Reginald Corbet in Cheshire, and
died in his service.

Atherstone Hunt Ball took place on the i8th
December, 1850. Lady patronesses : The Countess
Howe, Honourable Mrs. Col vile, Lady Hartopp,
Lady Dixon, Mrs. Dugdale, Mrs. Wollaston, Mrs.
Anstruther Thomson. We had a capital party at
Atherstone Hall. Whyte-Melville and daughter,
afterwards Mrs. Wolfe-Murray, Hugo Meynell, my

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 147

uncle, Sir Charles Adam, Willy and Mary Adam
(afterwards Mrs. Antrobus), George Bagot, Mr.
Sanderson and Miss Sanderson.

It was a capital ball, but towards the finish the
people at the end of the room began to sneeze, and
by degrees every one began to sneeze in succession.
I was standing- near the door. Lord Howe came to
me and said, " What can it be ? " and began to
sneeze and could not finish the sentence. We sent
away all the paraffin lamps, opened the windows,
and it got a little better, but some people had to go
home. No one could guess the cause, but some
days after, the father of a boy confided to Sir George
Chetwynd and myself that his son, after dressing at
the Red Lion Inn, had put some cayenne pepper in
his pocket and sprinkled it in the ball-room.

On 30th December, 1850, I went to the Derby
ball, where I met my future wife. Miss Hamilton
Gray, and her mother. They had come from Rad-
bourne with the Chandos Pole party. After the
ball I went to stay at Radbourne, where Mr. Hamil-
ton Gray was also staying.

I St January, 1851. — Left Radbourne. Went by
train to meet the hounds at Shuttington Bridge.

23rd March. — Went to Leicester on Sunday
afternoon. William Clowes lent me a horse to ride
over to Quorn to meet Lord Rosslyn and Percy
Williams at Sir Richard Sutton's.

24th March. — Barron-in-the-Beans. Good run ;

killed a fox in Grosby Village ; one hour forty-seven

minutes.

10 *

148 REMINISCENCES OF

25th March. — Went by train to Chesterfield, and
went to meet the Rufford Hounds at Hardwicke,
Percy Williams mounted me. After hunting, drove
to Derby from Mansfield ; from Derby trained to Tam-
worth, and stayed the night at Dr. Geldhart's at
Netherseale.

Dr. Geldhart was left some property when he
was fifty. Till then he had never been out hunting,
but thouorht he would like to do so. He went to

o

Mr. Tattersall and requested him to provide him
with two good horses that knew their business, as
he knew nothing about it. He got two beautiful
horses, and then went to Jackson's " Hunting
Grounds," and took lessons in jumping. At the
beginning of the season he stayed at the hotel at
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, and hunted with the Ather-
stone Hounds. He enjoyed it so much that he took
Netherseale House, and hunted from there for
several seasons.

Wednesday, 26th March. — Cricket's Inn. Rode
" Outlaw " all day ; got a fall ; had a bad sore throat,
and it hurt me to blow the horn.

27th March. — At the end of this season I went
to Lyndhurst for a sale of Mr. Drax's Hounds.
In passing through London I went to look at the
building of the great Exhibition. I had an awful
bad pain in my chest all morning. On getting to
Lyndhurst I went to stay with Lindsay Shedden,
Master of the New Forest Hounds. While putting on
my boots to go down to dinner my mouth got full of
blood, and I knew what had happened — I had broken

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 149

a blood-vessel. I rang the bell, and lay down on the
bed with my head on the edge of the dressing-table,
and I never moved it for twenty-four hours. Mr.
Shedden came up and sent for the doctor, who lived
close by. He was a capital good chap. They kept
giving me mouthfuls of iced water and lead pills, and
after a time bleeding ceased. My throat was full of
coagulated blood, so I roared like a horse. This
continued for several days. The doctor's assistant
was in the next room day and night. When he
heard me cough he rushed in and found I had spit
out the clot of blood, and there was no fresh return
of the bleeding.

I remained at Lyndhurst till the 22nd of April.
I was awfully weak, but had no return of hemorrhage.
I went up to London to see Drs. Watson and Cutler.
They said I was to go abroad for the winter.

During the summer I stayed some time with my
uncle, Sir Frederick Adam, at Richmond Park.

I also went to Bolsover, to Bodelwyddan, Sir
John Williams' ; and to Newcastle, in Ireland, Mr.
King-Harman's, brother-in-law to Mrs. Hamilton
Gray, who was staying there with her daughter, and
we all went to Ballinasloe Fair.

Will Skene left at the end of the season, and
while I was laid up at Lyndhurst Tom Clarke came
to see me, as he wanted a situation as first whip.
He was just leaving Mr, Villebois in the Craven
country. I had known him for some years, as he
was whipper-in to Captain Howarth, Master of the
Devon Hounds.

150 REMINISCENCES OF

I engaged Clarke, and he went down to Ather-
stone and commenced his duties. A short time after-
wards I received a letter from Mr. Head Best, who
was on the committee of the Craven Hounds, saying
that Mr. Villebois had died, and that Ben Foote, his
old huntsman, had sent in his resignation. They had
just engaged Will Mawe from the Cottesmore as
first whip. They asked me to allow Clarke to return
to their country as huntsman, as he knew the coun-
try, and that Mawe would exchange places. I knew
Mawe well from having hunted with the Cottesmore
when he was in Mr. Greaves' service, and as he was
a good man I agreed to the arrangement, as I
thought it not right to stand in the way of any man
getting a huntsman's place.

Tom Clarke eventually became huntsman to Mr.
Morrel, in the Berkshire country, and afterwards for
many years to the Duke of Beaufort.

Mr. Best wrote : —

"The difficulty in which the Craven Hunt are
placed in consequence of the death of our late excel-
lent Master, Mr. Villebois, must plead my apology
for the liberty I am taking in addressing you.

" The case is briefly this : Our old huntsman has
resigned his situation, and our first whip came to us
only a few weeks since, consequently perfectly ignor-
ant of both hounds and country. In the dilemma I
have been asked to take the management. Now,
could you, without putting yourself to any very great
inconvenience, spare Clarke to us as huntsman, pro-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 151

vided our whip, Mawe, would take his place with
you? He came to us with a good five years' cha-
racter as whip from Mr. Greaves of the Cottesmore
Hounds. Of course, I need hardly say that I have
not spoken a word to Mawe on the subject, nor have
I seen or heard a word of Clarke since he left this
country."

I replied : —

"It is very inconvenient indeed for me to part
with Clarke, as he has just become acquainted with
the hounds and country. But at the same time, I
think it is hardly fair to prevent a man with a family
from getting a better situation, and to spoil the sport
of another country by keeping him, though by letting
him oro I am losing- the assistance of a man I can
ill spare, and thereby risking the sport of my own
country.

" I know Will Mawe, and if I had not engaged
Clarke I would have taken him, and if he is willing
to take my situation I will make no objection to
Clarke going to you. Clarke's wages are /^y^ per
annum, one suit of clothes, and no extras or perqui-
sites of any sort. If Mawe is satisfied with that, well
and good, but if he requires more I think you ought
to make up the difference, and pay all his expenses,
etc.

"I have told Clarke that I received your letter,
and he is anxious to have the situation, so if Mawe
consents the sooner the change takes place the better.
Mawe can take Clarke's house off his hands, but all

152 REMINISCENCES OF

those arrangements can be made between them-
selves.

" I must have Mawe at work here before I part
with Clarke, so as not to interrupt the work of my
young hounds."

In the beginning of November I went to Ather-
stone for a few days to make arrangements. There
was a hard frost and a fall of snow in the first week
in November,

Lord Curzon agreed to act as field-master in my
absence abroad and to take charge of the hounds ;
and Dick Aiken undertook to provide forage, etc.
I went over to Gopsall to say "good-bye," and Lady
Howe said, " Come back in your red coat".

Before going to Rome I was made a deputy-
lieutenant. Admiral Wemyss being then Lord-lieu-
tenant for the county of Fife.

On the 6th November I started from London
with my two sisters, Clementina and Jean, a French
maid, an Irish valet, an Italian courier named Pe-
trolini, and a big dog called "Major". When we
got to Florence Petrolini came to me and said, " I
find English cutch — mail cutch ". I bought the
coach for forty "naps," hired four Vetturino horses,
and posted all the way to Rome.

The coach was very useful at Rome. We used
to get four hirelings and drive to all the places
in the neighbourhood. Martin de Winton-Corry
(Spicey Bill) and his wife, and George Holland and
his wife (she was sister of Lord Gifford) were gener-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 153

ally our companions. " Spicey," though a little light
man, was a capital coachman.

Holland and his wife went with me to Naples.
We got four beautiful black horses and drove all the
way. We went to Amalfi, Paestum and other in-
teresting places.

When we started to go home we got Guiseppe
Balducci and four horses, and drove to Marseilles.
I then gave the coach to Petrolini and went home up
the Rhone and by train.

The next season " Spicey " again went abroad.
He bought the coach from Petrolini, picked up four
useful horses and drove all the way to Rome. My
mother and sisters were also going there. Within a
few miles of Rome their carriage broke down, and
they were sitting by the side of the road when up
drove " Spicey " with the old coach and took them
into Rome.

In the spring of 1852 a dinner took place in Tam-
worth attended by Protectionist farmers. The mob
assaulted them and pelted them, and Sir Robert
Peel wrote a letter to the Times approving of their
conduct.

At the beginning of the season Mr. Dester warned
Sir Robert off his land at Seckington, saying that he
would allow no one to come there who encouraged
the mob at Tamworth to ill-treat the farmers. Sir
Robert replied, "If you were a gentleman I would
horsewhip you". Mr. Dester replied, "Two can
play at that," and insisted on Sir Robert getting off
his land.

154 REMINISCENCES OF

The following advertisement appeared soon
after : —

" To be soldhy auction, by Messrs. Tattersall dind
Son, at Hyde Park Corner, on Monday, 15th De-
cember, 1 85 1, the entire stud of Sir Robert Peel,
Bart, who is declining hunting with the Atherstone
Hounds in consequence of the unsportsmanlike con-
duct and political animosity even in the hunting-
field of certain Protectionist farmers. They consist
of seven superior hunters and two capital hacks."

Mr. Dester to Sir R, Peel : —

" Sir,—

" I think it well to state directly to yourself
in reference to what took place in the hunting-field
on the 1 2th November, that my conduct on that
occasion was not dictated by political feelings. I
disavowed any such motive at the time, and have
repeated the same thing on all occasions. I was
influenced to act as I did by a strong persuasion
that in your letter to your constituents at Tamworth
you intended to apply most offensive expressions to
all who attended the dinner on the 28th of May.
Your language appeared to be directed against all
there present without exception or limitation, Mr.
Young being only the chief object of attack ; and in
the absence of all explanation from yourself, you
cannot be surprised that such was and is the uni-
versal impression. Under this persuasion I still feel
that the retaliation does not exceed the provocation.
In order, however, to clear myself from even the

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 155

most remote suspicion of introducing political con-
siderations into the hunting-field, I hereby beg leave
to recall my act on that occasion, and I can only say
on behalf of myself and brother farmers, that so far
as simple politics are concerned, we are as glad to
see you or any other Free Trader on our land as a
Protectionist.

" I am, Sir,

" Your obedient servant,

"William Dester.

"Seckington, 6th December, 1851."

I was truly glad that I was absent when this
altercation took place. Had I been present I should
have decided against Mr. Dester, for he was wrong
to bring into the hunting-field any matter arising
from a political dinner.

I returned from Rome in May, 1852, and went
to Bolsover, then to Cheltenham in June, where the
Hamilton Grays were staying, and then to Avening
to visit the Cholmeleys (she was Mrs. Hamilton
Gray's sister).

1852. — On 25th August I was married at Bol-
sover to Maria Agnes Robina, only daughter of the
Rev. John Hamilton Gray of Carntyne, Lanark-
shire, Rector of Bolsover and Scarcliffe, and Rural
Dean of Chesterfield. Mrs. Hamilton Gray was
sister to James Johnstone of Alva. We went to
Edinburgh and home to Charleton next day, and re-
mained there for the rest of the summer.

We went to Atherstone at the end of September

156 REMINISCENCES OF

and lived in a little house on " the Watling Street "
in Witherley village, and commenced hunting on the
1st of October, 1852. Cross was huntsman ; Will
Mawe, first whip ; Tom Parker, second whip.
Season ended 4th April.

On 4th June, 1853, my eldest son was born in
Edinburgh, and christened John St. Clair. His
godfathers were James Lord Rosslyn and John
Madocks, 13th Light Dragoons.

I got possession o\' Mancetter Manor House in
the autumn of 1853.

1853. — We began on the 12th September at
Gopsall ; Cross huntsman, Will Maude first, and
jim Maiden second whips. He was a son of old
Joe Maiden, the Cheshire huntsman, who tumbled
into the copper and injured his leg so badly that he
had it amputated. For many years he was kennel
huntsman in North Staffordshire, and rode with a
wooden leg.

One day hunting I was wet through, and when I
got to Arbury, Charles Newdegate asked me if 1
would stay to dinner, and he would send for my
clothes. So I had a cup of tea, went to bed and fell
asleep. When I awoke I thought it was next morn-
ing, and he was in my room dressed for dinner. He
said, " All the people have come to dinner, but your
clothes haven't come ". Among those present were
Lord Cardigan, Lord Willoughby de Broke, Sir
Theophilus Biddulph. etc. He said, "Couldn't you
wear my clothes ? " I managed his shirt, waistcoat
and coat well enough, but he always wore his trousers

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 157

very tight, and I couldn't get into them. His valet,
a tall pompous man with a powdered head, said, "If
you please, sir. Sir Theophilus Biddulph is a very
tall gentleman, perhaps his trousers would fit you."
I said, " I don't know Sir Theophilus Biddulph, but
I shall be very glad to wear his trousers ". The
valet went downstairs into the drawing-room where
fifteen people were assembled for dinner. Mr.
Newdegate was sitting by the fire talking to a lady.
The servant went up to him and said, " Could I
speak to you, if you please, sir ? " Newdegate took
no notice, on which he repeated it. " Well, George,
what is it ? Out with it ! " He stood to attention,
and said in a loud voice, "If you please, sir. Captain
Thomson says if he had Sir Theophilus Biddulph's
trousers he could come down to dinner," which was
received by the assembled company with much
mirth. The trousers were brought to me, and I
got into them, but Theophilus being very stout, they
were rather large round the waist. With the help
of a packing needle and some twine we took up some
reefs behind, and I was going down to dinner, when,
luckily, I met my own servant on the stairs with my
own garments. I quickly changed and ran down.
They were all prepared to greet me with jeers, but
they found me properly clothed and in my right
mind.

In 1854 I thought that a change might be desir-
able, and I had always a fancy for the Vale of White
Horse.

1 8th February. — Harry Villebois having decided

158 REMINISCENCES OF

to give up V.W.H., I went down to Cirencester.
He was very anxious that I should succeed him, and
offered to lend me his house and subscribe ^loo,
Raymond Barker was very kind, and did much to
smooth the way for me. Henley Greaves was also
there, who was nibbling for the country, but they
were not keen on him. It ended by Lord Gifford
again taking the country.

I got all the information I could and considered
all the pros and cons. Before going to bed I wrote
two letters, one consenting, the other declining ; next
morning I sent the one declining, as I thought it was
wiser to remain at Atherstone, and went out hunting.

" Twit " Lyon and Greatorex (" The Badger ")
were staying with Villebois.

Lord Portsmouth bouo^ht Villebois' Hounds. Mor-
ris was hunting the hounds and old Joe Thomson
whipping-in. I think Kit Atkinson was Villebois'
huntsman, and that he died in his service.

At a meeting of the Atherstone Hunt on 13th
February, 1855, Charles N. Newdegate, Chairman, I
stated my intention to give up the management of
the Atherstone Hounds at the end of the season.
The meeting expressed " their sincere regret that
Mr. Thomson is no longer to hunt the country, and
beg to convey to him their best thanks for the sports-
manlike and highly satisfactory manner in which he
has hunted the country for seven seasons ".

At a meeting on 29th March, 1855, Lord Curzon,
Chairman, the following letter was received from Mr.
Selby Lowndes : —

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 159

" I will undertake to hunt the Atherstone country
four days a week and pay the rent of the kennels and
leave them in the same repair in which I find them.

" I will do so from year to year without a guaran-
tee, trusting to the liberality of the subscribers, and
would spare no trouble to give satisfaction.
" I remain, gentlemen,

" Your obedient servant,

" A. Selby Lowndes."

Mr. Lowndes' offer was accepted, and Sir Hanson
Berney was requested to continue his valuable ser-
vices as Hon. Secretary.

i6o REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER XII.

THE CRIMEA.

1854. — The 13th Light Dragoons were quartered
at Coventry when the order came that they were to
proceed to the Crimea. I went the first day's march
with them to Rugby, and said " Good-bye " to them
there.

" My Dear Jack,—

" I write these few lines to say that we left
Hounslow to-day and arrive at Chichester on Mon-
day, and expect to embark on Thursday or Friday.

" I hope you may be able to run down to see us
off, as I should so much like to see you before leav-
ing ; but if you can't manage this, I suppose I must
now say good-bye, and with best remembrances to
Mrs. Thomson,

" Believe me, dear Jack,

" Yours affectionately,

" P. H. Goad.

" P.S. — The cart ^ is left at 10 Chester Street. I
suppose you got Jos' letter, and hope you approve of
the distribution of the money. The Major, Jos,
King, Smith, my brother, and Chamberlayne are
with this squadron."

^ I bought his dogcart.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON i6i

" Negociator, 8th May, 12 p.m., 1854.

" Dear Jack, —

" I was ordered suddenly off, and embarked
to-day, only knowing it on Saturday night.

" I did not write to you, as being no post on
Sunday it would have been no use. I go in the
Negociator (No. 59) — a capital ship. I have a capi-
tal cabin as CO.

" The nags came on board very well, and things
have quite settled down now. We sail at seven in
the morninor. We are now along-side the docks, and
Oldham's troop in the Ma7y Anne.

" We embarked in such a pouring rain, which
was a great bore.

" I got your present, which cost ^2 5s. — a very
good paint-box.

" The dockyard police have just come to say we
must put out the lights, so good-bye, my dear Jack,
and with kindest regards to Mrs. Thomson,

" Yours ever sincerely,

" SoAME G. Jenyns.

" Write me a line directed ' Malta,' as we touch
there. Good-bye."

"Ship Calliope, yd June, 1854.

" My Dear Jack, —

" I think you will be glad to hear how we
have got on up to this time, so, as we expect to be
in Malta by about twelve o'clock, I write these few
lines to tell you of our voyage up to this time. We
have on the whole had a very pleasant one, and I

VOL. I. II

i62 REMINISCENCES OF

am happy to say that the horror, sea sickness, has
not fallen very heavily on any of us, though of course
there were times when we did not feel very much
inclined to smoke — a sure sign of not being quite
right. My brother, Billy Hutchinson and Greatorex
saw us fairly off — in fact, did not leave until the pilot
returned on the Friday morning.

" After p-ettino- out of the Channel we made a
good run to the Straits of Gibraltar, and the first
few days being calm, we all got into our sea-work
very fairly. We got on fairly until the 30th, when
we were off ; but ever since the wind has been dead
ahead, and Heaven only knows when we should
have got to Malta (being this morning twenty miles
from Goys), when to our delight a steamer appeared
and took us in tow at 5.30, and we are now proceed-
ing at about seven knots an hour towards Malta.
Oh, I have begun this sheet of paper all wrong.

" The ship is a good roomy one, but not a clipper
by any means. The Captain, Eagles by name, is a
very nice fellow, and we all get on very well. We
have on board besides my brother a Scotch assistant-
surgeon (Cowan), very canny, and an Irish vet. vice
Seymour (Power), quite a wild Pat, without a stitch
of uniform or comforts of any sort, and with a
monstrous brogue and an unbounded confidence in
his own abilities at whist playing — in which game
he is singularly deficient in anything but luck.

" The men and horses have all been well, and
except a few big legs (' Sphinx ' among them from a
kick) there is nothing niuch the matter.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 163

" ' Freny ' and ' Chartist ' make wild dashes at
every one going by, but as they are both muzzled, do
no harm, and are only the occasion of a little extra
bad language from any person against whom they may
have made an ineffectual assault. We have lots of
good plain grub — in fact, it is going nearly all day, and
we are getting very much rounder in appearance.

" We play at singlestick, boxing, and all sorts
of games in the evening. The men sing, and as I
need scarcely add that I am constantly tootling both
solos and duets with my trumpeter Davis, I may
safely say that we are musical. We were wishing a
little to have been at Epsom on Wednesday and
Friday, but when you write mind and give me full
particulars of everything that has been going on
since I left England.

" Of course we are very anxious to get to Malta
to hear the news, get our letters, etc., and learn
where we are to go to, though I fancy the orders
will be to proceed to Constantinople and get further
orders there. However I will keep this open until the
last, so that I may be able to give you the latest news.

" Pray remember me kindly to Mrs. Thomson,
J. E. M., Chetwynd, or any other of my friends whom
you may meet, and believe me, ever dear Jack,
" Your very affectionate friend,

"T. H. Goad.

" P.S. — Brassel has been getting on very well,

and is really a useful man. He left a coat of yours at

Half Moon Street. Write to me at Constantinople."

II *

i64 REMINISCENCES OF

" Devna Camp, igth July 1854.

" Dear Jack, —

" I am a horrid beast for not writing to you
before, but it really is such a bore writing here, what
with the heat, flies and no table. I got out to Varna
on the 15th, and disembarked on the i6th in such a
storm. I was very lucky in not losing a horse and
landing them all fit to go, and I had a very fair ship,
only too small for the purpose, being the smallest out
(570 tons). I enjoyed the passage very much, par-
ticularly the Mediterranean and the Bosphorus, Greek
Islands, etc., which are beautiful. I made several
sketches, but could get no paint blue enough for the
sea. They fed us pretty well on board, and I was
not sick. We touched at Malta, Gallipoli, Scutari
and Varna. Tremayne's ship was towed with me
from Malta, and we got to Varna three days before
Oldham, who was beat. We stayed at Varna three
days, and then our squadron, 'Jos' and I, was sent on
to Devna, about fifteen miles north. The 17th and
8th, with Lord Cardigan, were here. We got a deal
of kudos about our nags, all others having so many
sick and dead. Tremayne only lost one. When we
had been here five days our squadron and one of the
8th started under Lord C. for a patrol, as sudden
orders came from Lord Raglan to go and find out
where the Russians were, as they had left Silistria
and not recrossed the Danube, so it was supposed
they were near Bassora or on the road to Varna.
We were out sixteen days, and have only been back
a week, and we found the iith and the rest of our

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 165

ship's crew here, as also the Infantry Light Brigade.
We had a most interesting patrol, but precious hard
work. We started by Bagadish and on next day
north, but had to return from want of water. The
whole country is deserted, not a soul to be seen, and
the villages burned down and battered — such a deso-
late scene. We had only salt beef and biscuits and
what we had on. No tents, of course, which in this
hot weather on plains is no joke. There is hardly
a tree between Bagadish and Bassora, and very little
water. We went by long marches to Bassora, where
we first saw an enemy in the shape of the Cossacks
on the other bank of the Danube looking at us. We
bivouacked close to the bank under the old camp of
the Russians, which was a curious siofht. We then
went to Silistria, and when about five miles from it
saw the whole camp of the Russians on the other
side in such a jolly country, all grass and a lovely
view. We stayed all day at Silistria, and it was
such a rum sight, the town riddled with shot and
shell, and up at Arab Tabia just as it was when they
left six days before. The Russian battery being
within thirty feet of the Turkish one, the Turks
must have fought like demons. We saw 40,000 or
50,000 men encamped about two miles the other side
of the Danube entrenched. They don't look like
cutting at all, although according to English papers
they were said to be in full retreat. There they
were, and are now I believe. They had a battery
just opposite us on the other bank, about 700 yards
across, so we had a good look at them. They had a

166 REMINISCENCES OF

large park of artillery, but not many cavalry. We
returned by Shamba. The country about there is
splendid. I got ophthalmia from the sun, and have
been sick ever since, but am off to-day. All the
horses get bad eyes, and have suffered a good deal
— four dead on the road, mostly from fever in the
feet and the absurd weight we have to carry, convey-
ing besides blanket, etc., etc., two and three days'
barley and provisions ! They don't give the horses
half grub enough. We got tremendous praise from
Lord Cardigan, who is a capital fellow to be under at
this work. Of course it was exciting up at Silistria,
as we expected every day to see a Cossack outpost.
We expect to go to the Crimea or . . ., but we
know nothing. The Times is our chief authority,
though quite wrong about the Russian entire retreat.
The regiment has only lost three nags coming out ;
my own are pretty well. The native horses are
clippers, about the size and cut of your grey pony of
Cross's. All ponies, but good ones. The soldiers
look such oddities — all rags and filth. There are no
French here. The flies and heat very annoying.
We have regular camp here ; races, etc. There is
no shooting at present, but it will be good. There
is a great deal of bad diarrhoea among the men and
officers. Pray remember me most kindly to Mrs.
Thomson and Dick Alkin and all friends at Ather-
stone. How are the doofs ? We must have some
out here in the winter. We have capital dog hunts
with poles on ponies. Wallachia looks such a hunt-
ing country to look at, and the finest woodlands about

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 167

Shamba. Tell George Moore. Good-bye, Jack ; I
hope we shall have a fight soon.

" We had no end of false alarms on our patrol, on
which occasions we were very pugnacious. It strikes
me you will have to pay for this letter. I have no
foreign paper, and my eyes are too weak to write
close. Pray write soon.

" SoAME G. Jenyns."

" Balaklava, 18th November, 1854.

" My Dear Jack, —

" I intended writing you a line long ago,
but really we have had so much to do, and when we
have had a spare moment too glad to sleep, that I
have, I am afraid, been very idle. I am now on
board ship in Balaklava harbour, as my old enemy,
diarrhoea, has come on again from the wet and cold,
and I have been ordered a few days' rest and com-
fort. You will have seen, alas, in the papers our sad
loss. Poor dear old Goad never can be replaced.
It is a terrible blow to me and all, and I am sure all
old 13th will feel the same. However, I hope you
all need not feel ashamed of the old corps. We were
ordered to do a thing that no cavalry unsupported
could do. However, we did what we could, and had
the satisfaction of sending all the Russe cavalry
cutting like a flock of sheep, till we were all nearly
bowled over by the guns, as you may imagine when
we had only 1 10 horses on parade that morning, and
had eighty-six killed and ten wounded, and every
officer's horse killed except Percy Smith's. The
17th and 13th went in first line, so caught it worst,

168 REMINISCENCES OF

having a mile gallop up to the guns along a valley
with high hills on each side, and six guns in position,
besides bodies of infantry on each hill and nine guns
in front, which we cleared, standing in the open with
not a man near them, but could not walk them off as
we had (the wretched remnant) to fight our way back
through a fresh regiment of lancers. Never was
such a mad order given. Nolan is the man to
blame. The last I saw of poor Goad was just going
into the guns, on my left. He was killed dead, as
the Russians sent back a bill of exchange found on
his body. Poor old ' Moses ' carried me through
like a man and just got me back. He was shot
through the shoulders, going right through him, and
in the hip joint, besides two grape-shot going into
my cloak in front and coming out at the top. A bit
of a shell also carried away the end of my cloak,
catching me in the knee — however, nothing to signify
— so I had a narrow shave. Percy Smith got a prod
in the side from a lance, but not deep. I tell you
these little particulars which may interest you, as I
have not seen the papers. You will be glad to hear
I have a good chance of a brevet majority, as Lord
W. Paulett told me Lord Lucan had mentioned me
in his despatches, and ' if they were liberal, I should
get it'. We had nothing to do at Inkerman, all
bushes and ravines, although they advanced us as
targets. However, all the shot and shell just went
over our heads. That was a most bloody business,
and you never saw such a scene as the field was —
the Russian bodies were so thick for half a mile that

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 169

I could not ride in places. We picked up 4,180
dead. We shall have tough work to get into this
place, as we have an army all round us. We had the
most awful storm on the 14th, ten ships went down
outside the harbour, seven at Chersonese, five at
Kictcha, besides we hear all at Eupatoria. You
never saw such a scene, tents flying — a sheet of
snow and rain — blankets, shoes, busbies and bear-
skins flying, you could not stand against it at all. The
nags are all dying from cold and starvation. You
never saw such an appearance as we cut, thirty-two
file is all we can turn out ! and these like nags sent
to hounds to eat, really no better. The heavies'
charge was a pretty sight, right in the middle of a
plain, only Lord Lucan never gave them a chance —
let them receive the charge instead of givino- it.
However, they threshed the Russe well, although
at least six to one. Their artillery is very good
indeed — I think as good as ours — and their infantry
as obstinate as pigs when drunk, which they always
are when fighting. Poor Wynne ! ^ is not it a sad
loss } I saw him the night before in such spirits ;
his head was taken right off by a round shot. How
do the dogs get on ? Pray write me a good himting
letter, all particulars, horses, hounds, and all. They
batter away all day and night at the town, but they
have given them so much time that the south side is
the strongest now. Lord Raglan gave us tremendous
butter in a general ' order,' which, as you will feel an

' Heneage Wynne, Captain 68th Regiment, Aide-de-Camp to Sir
George Cathcart.

170 REMINISCENCES OF

interest in us all, I will copy. He begins by head-
ing ' The brilliant conduct of the Cavalry Division '.
He then congratulates Brigadier-General Scarlett
and officers and men of the Heavy Brigade on their
successful charge and repulse of the Russian cavalry
in far greater numbers, and while he condoles with
Major-General Earl of Cardigan, officers and men of
the Light Brigade on the severe loss they sustained,
he feels it due to place on record the gallantry they dis-
played, and the coolness and perseverance with which
they executed one of the most arduous attacks ever
witnessed, and under the heaviest fire, before power-
ful bodies of cavalry, artillery and infantry. There is
a report that the cavalry go to Scutari for the winter
to recruit, but I don't think we shall. If we don't we
shall be literally disfitoMnted. We are very hard up
for clothes, having nothing but the contents of our
valises. We get pretty fair rations, and an odd ham,
etc., from the ships. I must now stop, so good-bye.
My kindest regards to Mrs. Thomson, Waite, Dick
Alkin, and, in fact, kind regards to all near Atherstone,
not forgetting Cross, ' Daphne ' and ' Dahlia ' }
" Yours, ever sincerely,

" SoAME G. Jenyns."

"Balaklava, 5//; February, 1855.

"To J. E. Madocks:—
"My Dear Johnny, —

'' I have got the coat, which is the wonder
of the camp. I never saw such a splendid coat, such
a rare thing to sleep in, but too good to drag out in

' Cross, the huntsman ; " Daphne " and " Dahlia " two foxhounds.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 171

the mud. Many thanks for it. I have read several
letters from the Atherstone country lately, from Sir
George and old Arkwright to Freeman (who is chap-
lain to our division), from which it appears there has
not been much sport there. We jog and scramble
on rather in a fix. The want of transport, the origin
of all our discomfort, mismanagement, etc., caused
more deaths than all the fighting. I live in a dug-
out tent, which is pretty warm, with a capital fire-
place made out of potato tins ! French reinforce-
ments keep arriving and a few of ours, but they
{i.e., ours) invariably go sick at once. All the fellows
here are quite well. We have about forty-five nags
left, the iith I think twenty-five. We could turn
out fifty-nine in the Light Brigade and not much
better in the heavies. It is too absurd. The loth
are on the way. Bosser brought a state on to Lord
Lucan yesterday ' 700 strong ' (horses) ; such items
as 60 caste cooks, 40 horse keepers, etc. They will
be pretty well cut down in these luxuries here, poor
devils. I am so afraid they will not send out enough
horses and men to us at once, but will send 100 or so
at a time. I have no news. We expect an attack on
our rear every day, and strong rumours of peace.
With best love from Jos and Goad.

" Yours ever sincerely,

" SoAME G. Jenyns."

" Balaklava, 15^/1 December, 1854.

"My Dear Jack,—

" It never struck me till last night that since
poor dear Goad's death there has been no one in the

172 REMINISCENCES OF

regiment to write to you, and that you might Hke to
hear how we are getting on. You have, of course,
seen all the accounts of our charge in the papers, so
I will not try to tell you anything more about it, ex-
cept that Jenks was worth his weight in gold. He
was everyivhere, and kept his head as well as if he
had been at a common field day. He was on
* Moses '. The good old horse got shot in four
places, and was only just able to get back to the
heavies behind whom we formed up.

" A few days after the fight we moved our camp,
and went to the rear of the Second Division, on the
extreme right of our line, so we were under fire again
on the 5th of November, but luckily escaped without
loss. Our next 'grief was the hurricane on the
14th. It was bad enough for us, but still worse for
the horses. We lost thirteen in five days from the
effects of that one day's cold and wet. We then re-
mained in the same place for a fortnight, during
which time the horses got no hay, and about three
pounds of oats each a day ! Our commissariat trans-
port is so very bad that they could not manage to
get up any more for us, and on two occasions they
could not even bring up biscuit for the men. At
last, on the 2nd of December, they sent us an order
to move down to our present position, so that we
might be near our supplies. You never saw such a
sight as our march ! The horses were so weak that
riding them was out of the question, and the brigade
had to put their pride in their pockets and walk
down, leading their horses. Even then about ten had

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 173

to be left. We are now about a mile from the town,
so we get our forage regularly, and the horses are
beginning to pick up a little, with the exception of
those that were too far gone. Our effective strength
is seventy men and twenty-eight horses ! There are
fifty horses on the ground altogether, but the remain-
ing twenty-two are in the sick report. What a regi-
ment! They employ 500 horses of the Heavy
Brigade every day in taking up rations to the in-
fantry, so out of our twenty-eight horses we have to
find our proportion of the outlying picquets, and also
to draw forage for ourselves and the heavies. Just
as much as we can do.

"Jos Tremayne and Jenks are both here and
flourishing, and the subs, are Jervis, young Goad,
Chamberlayne and myself. This is desperately dull
work and not veiy luxurious. I confess I should pre-
fer Atherstone, and we might really just as well be
there for all the good we can do at present. How
are you all ? I hope your wife is quite well. Pray
remember me to her and to Sir George. I don't
know whether Jim Oakeley is at the 'Chateau Briggs'
or not. If you see him, will you tell him that I
think nothinp- of him for not havingr written to me.
I hope you are having good sport this season. We
always make a rush at Bell when the papers arrive,
in the hopes of seeing a ' splendid run with the
Atherstone,' but as we have not had good luck to see
that yet, we generally end by looking over the meets,
and Jenks always has some run or bit of a run from
at least one, if not two, of yours, and that one column

174 REMINISCENCES OF

of Bell lasts us an hour or two. How is Cross ? I
hope my old friend ' Artist ' ^ has distinguished him-
self— not in the retrieving line only. How I wish I
could see you, even on a pony, and at Hams Hall —
although the foxes do go there in gigs,'- eh ! Jack ? I
can scarcely tell you anything about Sebastopol, for
one hears so many different stories in the course of
the day that it is very hard to know what to believe.
The latest ' shave ' is that the Russians are getting
their fleet ready for sea, and that they intend to run
the gauntlet of our ships and try to get away. ' I
tell you the tale as 'twas told to me,' but I cannot
fancy that it is at all probable. They say we can
take the lower town when we please, but that we
shall not do so until our own and the French rein-
forcements arrive. I wish they would make haste.
The Russian fire is nearly as strong as ever, so I
fear we have not finished our job yet, and I should
not be surprised if it lasted a good deal longer,
for all the strongest forts are on the north side
of the harbour, and we have not fired a shot at
them yet. Never mind, they say ' patience is a
virtue,' and you will probably consider yourself virtu-
ous if you manage to read my letter as far as this
without being disgusted at the want of news in it.
Good-bye.

" Believe me,

" Yours very truly,

" Percy Smith.

' A hound which was taught to carry a stick while a puppy.
^ I believe a bag fox was turned out at Hams Hall.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 175

"Jos begs me to say that ' his life is a burthen to
him (out here),' and Jenks orders me to tell you that
you are a brute for not writing to him."

Sir Arthur Halkett, who carried the colours of
the 42nd at the battle of the Alma, writes : —

" I have read the little book by Sergeant Mitchell
of the 13th with much interest, and it recalls many
scenes. He does not exaggerate any of the miseries
of the men and horses.

" I was in a house at Kadekoi where the cavalry
and horse artillery were, which was used as an hos-
pital for my regiment, and I lay for three or four
weeks looking out upon a battery of horse artillery.
The horses stood up to their hocks in snow with a
thin blanket on them which generally blew off They
had eaten the spokes of the gun carriages all away,
and as much wood of the limbers as they could get at.

" One day in November the camp was invaded
by ravenous cavalry horses, which had broken loose
at the sound of the feeding trumpet, and galloped
madly, snatching at the hay and barley, undeterred
by the sticks and stones of the gunners.

" I recollect one night in the trenches, when a
man was killed and carried out to the open ground
in front to be buried ; the Russians heard them
digging the grave, and they had just placed the
body in it, when a shot came and killed one of them.
The survivor laid his comrade's body by the other,
buried them both, and returned to the trenches."

A Russian account of the Light Cavalry charge
at Balaklava : —

1/6 REMINISCENCES OF

" Another guest arrived. It was Count Stro-
ganoff's steward, a retired major of hussars, now close
upon seventy, but as smart and as dandified as a
young fellow of twenty. Ivan Ivanovitch had re-
ceived his commission in 1848, and had been through
the Hungarian campaign and the Crimean War. He
was wounded at Balaklava, and gave a vivid descrip-
tion of the historical ' Charge of the Light Brigade '.

" * We were sorry for them,' he said ; ' they were
such fine fellows, and they had such splendid horses.
It was the maddest thing that was ever done. I
can't understand it. They broke through our lines,
took our artillery, and then, instead of capturing our
guns and making off with them, they went for us. I
had been in the charge of the Heavy Brigade in the
morning, and was slightly wounded. We had all
unsaddled, and were very tired. Suddenly we were
told " The English are coming ". " Confound them,"
we said. My Colonel was very angry, and ordered
his men to give no quarter. I was lying at some
distance, with my wound bandaged, when I saw
them coming. They came on magnificendy. We
thought they were drunk from the way they held
their lances. Instead of holding them under their
armpits they waved them in the air, and of course
they were easier to guard against like that. The
men were mad, sir. They never seemed to think of
the tremendous odds against them, or of the frightful
carnage that had taken place in their ranks in the
course of that long, desperate ride. They dashed in
among us, shouting, cheering and cursing. I never

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 177

saw anything like it. They seemed perfectly irre-
sistible, and our fellows were quite demoralised.
The fatal mistake we made in the morning was to
receive the charge of your Heavy Brigade standing
instead of meeting it with a counter shock. We had
so many more men than you that had we continued
our charge downhill instead of calling a halt just at the
critical moment, we should have carried everything be-
fore us. The charge of your Heavy Brigade was mag-
nificent, but they had to thank our bad management
for the victory. We liked your fellows. When our
men took prisoners they used to give them our vodka.
Awful stuff it was ! More like spirits of wine than
anything else. Your fellows used to offer us their rum
in exchange, but we did not care for it ; it was too soft
and mild. The Russian soldier must have his vodka' "

*^BAhAKhAVA, 2nd January, 1855.

" Dear Jack, —

" I cannot tell you how we all devoured
your letter with all the hunting details, just what
interests most out here. I am very sorry to find,
though, that you have never got a long letter full of
all details. I wrote to you about the 7th November,
I think, as I knew you would, of course, be as anxious
as any one to hear about our sad losses, and above
all about poor dear old Goad. Oh, Jack ! I can-
not tell you how we do miss him, or what a blow it
is to us all. And I know it will be the same with all
old 13th, and, indeed, all who knew him.

" As you must ere this have got my first letter,
VOL. I. 12

178 REMINISCENCES OF

and have also read many accounts of that disastrous
day, I will only refer to poor Goad. The Times special
correspondent is the only true account (flowery, of
course, but quite correct) of that day ; half the other
accounts, and illustrated pictures, lies from beginning
to end. We were, as you know, ordered to charge
down a valley a mile and a quarter long, flanked by
hills on both sides studded with guns and infantry,
and eleven guns in front (the ones we were ordered
to ' retake '), their cavalry, about 5,000, drawn up
close in rear of them. The instant we advanced we
were in range, and over went men and horses by
threes and fours all the way. We should all have
been knocked over only we went as hard as we could
split, and they did not shoot forward enough from
the flanks. The last I saw of poor Goad was about
150 yards from the guns, when the smoke was so
thick we could see no one. Some men saw him
lying on the ground wounded, but, of course, having
to fight our way back, could not help him. Oldham
I saw killed by a shell which burst under his horse,
and knocked over two or three others. It blew his
mare's hind-legs off, and he jumped up himself not
hit, when next moment he threw up his hands and
fell dead on his face. Montgomery was my right
troop leader (first squadron), and I saw him safe into
the guns ; after that, on returning, he was seen dead
on his face, poor fellow. Our wretched remnant,
when we got to the guns, went with such a right
good cheer, bang through their cavalry, which cut
right and left like sheep ; on rallying back there were

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON

179

the guns 400 yards in our rear all clear, and no one to
carry them off — the worst part of all — as a very strong
regiment of Lancers came on our rear, and we had
to ait our way through them. Lord Lucan never
supported us, the Scots Greys, the nearest, at least a
mile in our rear !! The 13th and 17th lead thus : —

" I have drawn a rough plan to try and help you
to understand it, the shaded part high hills. All the
returns are wrong in the papers. We had no

12

i8o REMINISCENCES OF

horses and eight officers when we went into action
(young Goad's horse, the one he jumped the timber
on, was knocked over by a round shot early in the
day, and the young 'un hurt in the fall), seventy-six
troopers' and seven officers' horses killed on the
spot, ten shot afterwards, and eight wounded still
alive. I only brought nine mounted men back !
Poor old ' Moses' was shot throuo-h his shoulder

o

and through the hip into his guts, but just got me
back. I had some narrow shaves, as, indeed, we
all had. My cloak, rolled in front, had three canister
shot through it, besides a piece of shell knocking off
the end of it, and catching me on the knee, but only
a severe bruise. Percy Smith's horse was the only
one not killed. Although so cut up, you will be glad
to hear the old corps got tremendous kudos from all.
It was a fine sight to see the fellows sit down and
put their heads straight at the guns. The heavies'
charge was a pretty sight, only so badly handled ;
they never were let at them till too late to gammon
a good gallop ; and then the Greys, who had a little,
pulled up and began to fight instead of boring through
them. They get all the kii-dos, which they far from
deserve, as the Inniskillens did the business, and rigki
well too. They put us under a very heavy fire at
Inkerman, but luckily for us — no thanks to any
General — we had a slight rise on our flank, which
ricochetted the balls just over our heads. Some ship
shells bowled over some few men and horses though.
It was useless exposure, as we could not act. Lord
Cardigan is plucky, but no head or temper. As for

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON i8i

Lord Raglan, he has not once literally been in the
cavalry lines or seen our wretched state, and, what-
ever may be said, was not on the field at Inkerman
till two hours after it began. The Duke behaved
most pluckily. Nearly all our nags are dead. They
stand up to their bellies in mud, have to fetch their
own grub four miles, besides carrying provisions all
day six miles to the front — all from want of convey-
ance in that infernal commissary. It rains all day
and freezes at night, but no cold to hurt any one yet.
We are all capitally fed, and I have no patience with
grumblers on that score, but no care of horses taken.
Here are the huts, clothing, etc., all at Balaklava —
all very pretty on paper, but not an animal or cart in
the commissary to carry it up ; the guns the same.
The infantry actually carry up the shot, in long
strings, eight good miles from Balaklava to the
trenches, up to your knees in mud.

" We are living in the deepest ploughed field, like
Burbage Wood on a wet day. If we had conveyance
in the commissary we might have hut stoves and no
end of luxuries from Balaklava — all there — but here
we are, the 2nd January, and no better off for cold,
except about twenty fur coats in each regiment for
picquets, and rotten Turkish boots for picquets
too, and a few horse-rugs, than we were in July
— all from no conveyance in the d d commis-
sary. No one can believe our bad management
alongside the French unless they see it. The men
can fight though, if the commissary can't comfort
them.

i82 REMINISCENCES OF

" We have the best of it now, and expect to see
the inside of Sevastopol very soon. I hope they will
send out some cavalry soon, as we are too weak to
gammon a trot even, and ive have only fifty-two nags
left ; about the same in all light regiments, the heavies
a shade better in numbers. Our chief, Jack, won't
do at all in any way. I wish you would exchange
with him, only he would not do for the hounds either,
I suspect. He never moves out of his tent, lives
with the vet.. Firth and Chamberlayne, and don't do
af all in the field.

" Have you seen the Major ? [entre nous) is he
very seedy ? Jos, Percy, Jervis {much improved)
and young Goad are here all well. I am a respect-
able Major now, as you will have seen. I got the
paint-box at Newman's, Soho Square, but think I
paid for it at the time. I cannot paint here, having
no table, as I have only the contents of my valise —
all my traps left at Scutari. Give my love to Johnny
Madocks and Oakeley, and ask Madocks what
Brown means about a coat ? I was going to write
to him this post, but this will do for you both.

" Brown says he ordered a coat for me, but I
have not got it yet. I am very much obliged to the
dear old boy, as it is just what is wanted. Tell him
I am as bald as he is, having lost all my hair from
fever I had. I can't keep quite well out here — bad
place for one's guts.

" We all spelt the run in Bell from Bosworth,
and much amused at the list of performances on the
occasion.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 183

" Give my love to Dick Alkin, Cross and all, and
pray remember me most kindly to all Atherstone
Field ; often do Jos and I talk over days spent
there.

" With kindest regards to Mrs. Thomson and the
kid.

" Yours very sincerely,

" SoAME G. Jenyns.

" Jos and all send their best love, and happy
New Years to all."

" 10 Chester Street, 6th January, 1855.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I have only returned from the Crimea a
few days, or should have answered your very kind
letter sooner. I left on the 13th November, as soon
as I heard that my poor brother was missing. I
made every enquiry there. The only thing that is
certain is that a man in the 13th, of the name of
Farringdon, who, from some cause, was one of the
last in the retreat, saw him at the Russian end of the
valley, half-sitting up, with his revolver in his hand.
He was then wounded in the lower part of his face
or neck, but might also have been elsewhere ; even
then it is certain that he was either then or after-
wards wounded in the chest, for the paper which he
had in his breast pocket, and which the Russians
sent back, was covered with blood. There are other
stories about other men having seen him, but I could
not make out that there was any truth in them.

i84 REMINISCENCES OF

You, who knew him so well, can imagine how we
feel his loss. As for myself, I can safely say that I
have lost as affectionate a brother as ever man was
blessed with. I stayed in camp about a fortnight.
Owing to the neglect of the commissariat officers'
reports, the Light Cavalry have since that advance
lost more than half the horses, and Lord Raglan then
says it is the fault of the officers for not looking after
things, and that the men have been selling their
forage to the French. You can imagine the rage of
Jenks and Jos when Lord Lucan told them what
Lord Raglan said. Left the Colonel, Jos, Jenks,
Percy, Jervis and my brother there, all well ; Cham-
berlayne too.

" Believe me,

" Yours very sincerely,

" Charles W. Goad."

" Camp, Balaklava, 12th February, 1855.

" My Dear Captain, —

" Knowing that it will afford you as much
pleasure to know, as it does me to inform you,
that I have received a commission in the 13th as
Cornet and Adjutant, I now take the liberty of
addressing you. First, let me return you many
thanks for your very great kindness in first point-
ing out to me the proper path to such promotion,
and affording me every support in the performance
of my duty while a non-commissioned officer in your
troop.

" I am sorry to inform you that poor Mr. Irwin

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 185

died of cholera on board ship on the 26th September,
and I know you will say with me that he will be
missed in the reorganising of the regiment, and more
particularly so when I give you the state of the
regiment as it was sent in this morning : — Horses :
Fit for duty, twelve ; sick, twenty-seven ; detached,
five — total, forty-four. That is all the horses we
can muster out of 250 we left England with, and
as to try to put one of them into a trot you
could not.

" Many are the enquiries of what do they keep
you here for, and the only answer to this is that they
want to kill the remainder dragging up their own
forage. I am happy to see that we are to get a clasp
for Balaklava, for I think we deserve it. Our men
have suffered almost as much as the horses, for out
of 298 all ranks, we are now eighty short, besides
fifty-four sick at Scutari. I for one should not be
surprised if we lost all, for these canvas walls are no
joke. They are very well in fine weather, but that
is very rare here.

" The troops are being supplied with good boots
and warm clothing now it is, I am afraid, almost too
late. We have got our huts up for our horses, and
when it don't rain they are almost as comfortable as
they were before, but when it does rain, then don't
they catch it !

" We are still on the alert, expecting an attack
from the Russians, but they do not like to come ;
and, in fact, we are like two dogs over a bone, one
is afraid, and the other dare not touch it.

i86 REMINISCENCES OF

" I ask your pardon for the liberty I am taking in
thus addressing you, and have the honour to remain,
" Dear Captain,

*' Your ever obliged servant,
" Geo. Gardner,

" Cornet and Adjutant,
" 13th Light Dragoons."

One evening, at Bath, 6th July, 1890, Sir John
Ewart came in to Mr, Davies' after dinner. Davies
said, " I have an interesting letter from a Dr. Mowatt
describing the rescue of Jacky Morris, of the 17th
Lancers, after Balaklava charge ".

Sir John said, " I can tell you something about
that, for I found him. I was on Sir George Cath-
cart's staff, and we were ordered to retake the redoubts
on the right, which had been abandoned by the
Turks. At this time we did not know that the
Light Cavalry charge had taken place, as there was
a line of hills between us. I rode forward, and was
met by three or four, whom I took to be officers.
One of them said, ' There is a staff officer badly
wounded lying there,' pointing behind him. They
passed so quickly that I could not make out who
they were. I had a good horse, so I rode in the
direction, and found Morris on the ground badly
wounded. Morris had been employed on the staff.
Colonel Willet had become sick the day before, and
Morris was sent for to take his place, and he had on
his staff uniform and forage cap. I said, ' Hullo,
Morris ! What has happened ? ' and raised him up.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 187

His head fell back, and he could not speak. I tried
to get him on to my horse, but could not. I then
mounted my horse, and saw Nolan lying quite dead.
I also saw a man of the 5th Dragoon Guards with
an awful wound across his face, his lower jaw being
almost cut off. He was sensible, and I asked him
what regiment he belonged to. He pointed to his
button, and I saw ' 5 ' on it. I rode back to the
redoubts, which had been again occupied by the
Turks, and made signs, as I could not speak Turkish,
and induced eight of them to come. I put four of
them to carry Nolan's body, and four to carry Morris.
The Russians having again opened fire, the Turks
threw them down and ran away. I then met a man on
horseback whom I took to be a middy, or some one
from Balaklava, and said, ' Do you know where the
Light Cavalry camp is .'^ ' He said, 'Yes, I know
well.' ' Gallop as fast as you can, and say the com-
manding officer of the 17th Lancers is lying badly
wounded.' After some time, two men bearing a
stretcher, and a doctor appeared, and removed
Morris. I saw the doctor dressing his wounds.
The doctor's name was Mowatt. Two more
stretchers came, and Nolan's body was removed,
and also the 5th Dragoon man. Some months after-
wards I saw that Dr. Mowatt had received the V.C.,
and the two men who carried the stretcher."

Sir John Ewart also stated that while he and
Sir George Cathcart were together Lord Cardigan
rode up to them at a ivalk, and said, " I have lost
my brigade ". They did not know what he meant,

i88 REMINISCENCES OF

and stared at him without speaking. He turned his
horse and galloped back towards the Russians,

13th Light Dragoons. — Sergeant Mitchell in his
account says : '* We were now very close to the guns,
for we were entering the smoke, which hung in clouds
in front, and could see the men running away from
the guns to the rear. My horse was struck with
a shell and fell on to my left leg. The 4th Hussars
passed over me without hurting me. I then extri-
cated my leg, and started with a man named Pollard
to get back. We got separated, and I found myself
alone. Just then Lord Cardigan came galloping up
from the direction of their guns, passing me at a
short distance, when he turned his horse about again,
and meeting me, pulled up and said, ' Where is your
horse?' ' Killed, my Lord.' He then said in his
usually stern, hoarse voice, ' You had better make
the best of your way back, or you will be taken
prisoner '. He then rode a little way further down,
and in a few moments returned past me at a gallop." ^

^This must have occurred before he spoke to Sir George Cathcart
and Ewart.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 189

CHAPTER Xni.

BICESTER.

Having decided to leave Atherstone country in
1855, I thought I would have a try for Cottesmore,
as Burrowes was giving up there. I went and
stayed with him at Cottesmore Hall. Most of the
gentlemen in the country received me favourably,
but Lord Wilton went dead against me ; and as he
had much influence with the Melton division that
made the Melton subscription doubtful.

Lord Chesterfield and a large party came over
from Bretby one day to Gopsall to report on Ather-
stone Hounds. Unluckily, being near home and an
easy place, we brought out all the hounds that were
short of work. There was little scent, lots of foxes,
killed one, but did no wonders. So the hounds were
evilly reported on and crabbed. However, I got on
so far at Cottesmore that I began to take the inven-
tory of the furniture in the house. I had also been
in correspondence with Sir Henry Peyton about the
Bicester country, and I got a letter from him saying
they agreed to my terms.

I succeeded Tom Drake at Bicester, who had to
give up, having hurt his back. He lent his hounds
to Sir John Trollope, Cottesmore country.

ipo REMINISCENCES OF

Selby Lowndes succeeded me at Atherstone ;
Whitehall went with the horses to Stratton Audley.
I took over the house from Tom Drake, and bought
a lot of his furniture.

Cross came with the hounds. I engaged Tom
Powell, Mr. Drake's first whip, and put young Cross
on as second. I wrote to Cross to have everything
ready, but not to go out till I came.

My son Charlie was born in Edinburgh on 6th
May and named after his two grand-uncles. Admiral
Sir Charles Adam and General Sir Frederick Adam.

"CuRZON House, Tuesday, May, 1855.

" This is indeed joyful news, my dear Thomson,
and I do most heartily congratulate you and Mrs. T.
on her safety and speedy safe termination of her
troubles. May 1 live to see No. 2 on pony-back
after the hounds.

" So you are embarked in Oxfordshire ! All
happiness attend you wherever you go. We shall
sadly miss you indeed, and be long ere we see your
like again. You will rejoice to hear the foxes, cubs,
swarm at old Gopsall.

" Ever most truly yours,

" Howe.

'• The two young ladies beg their love to you
both. . . . Curzon House, where there is luncheon
at two, if you wander up to town."

I went to Stratton Audley on the 8th September,
and found that Cross had been out the day before.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 191

I found fault with him for this, and he appeared to
be very stupid and sulky. Next morning they were
to meet at Dedham Hill about twelve miles off I
was at breakfast about three a.m. — pitch dark — when
I heard the hounds trot past pretty quick. I ran
out with Will Horton, my second horseman, got our
horses, and off we went ; did not know the way, and
followed them out of the village by our noses. It
was a fine fresh quiet morning. We never overtook
them till we got to the place of meeting. " Charm "
was standing with her head stuck out, covered with
foam, and all the hounds panting like to burst.
Found a lot of foxes in a bean-field and killed a
brace.

Next day, Thursday, 13th, Charndon Wood. A
very wet day. Cross quite stupid. He thought they
had killed a fox in covert. He went in on foot and
came out after about half an hour wet to the skin, his
face all scratched, and his clothes torn, and on his
way home his pony shied, and he bundled over its
head.

Saturday, Gravenhill. Cross quite off his head.
He trotted about view-holloaing in the opposite
direction to the hounds. I was obliged to take hold
of them myself, and killed a brace of cubs. On
getting home sent for the doctor, and told him he
must keep Cross in bed.

I wrote to Dick Alkin to come and help me, and
he came at once, and asked the doctor at Nuneaton
if he would take care of Cross, as they had been
great friends in the Atherstone country.

192 REMINISCENCES OF

Dick and Cross were to start at one o'clock.
When we came in he was still in bed with his wife.
She had a wash-hand jug of gin by her bed-side. I
went into the room and said, " Come, Cross, get
up". He jumped up and dressed, never said a
word, and got into the fly and went away. I sent
Mrs. Cross and the children into Bicester, and the
chief constable, a very nice old man, looked after her
— but she was not to be trusted. Cross got much
better at Nuneaton, and went out in the doctor's gig
when he went to visit his patients.

One Saturday the hounds met at Arbury, close
by, and the doctor let Cross ride a pony. After
being out an hour or two, he said, " Now, Cross, you
had better go home ". He trotted off, and did not
come home that night. Next morning a farmer
found him asleep on the side of the road near Lich-
field, sixteen miles from Atherstone. He put him
into his gig, took him to the White Hart at Ather-
stone, and put him to bed. The landlord had been
Sir George Chetwynd's groom, and knew him. The
pony was not found for a week. He was at Smock-
ington Hollow about ten miles off, on the road to
Rugby.

His account of himself was, he rode the pony to
a standstill, and then got off and walked. He came
through a town by lamplight, and got over the rail-
way gates at a level-crossing, and walked until he
was so tired he sat down and fell asleep.

The doctor would have no more to do with him.
Lord Howe kindly got him admitted to the hospital

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 193

at Birmingham, and he was removed to the asylum
at Warwick, where he died. He was a good, honest
chap, devoted to hunting, and a good hound breeder ;
but his wife was a she-devil, very good-looking, with
the manners of a duchess, and she was the ruin of
him.

Letter to my wife :—

" Stratton Audley,
" Monday evening, lyth September, 1855.

" I was too sleepy to write to-day in time for the
post, and I don't know which is stiffer now, myself
or ' Charlie ' (the terrier), who is asleep in the
corner ; but I rode on a saddle which was too short
for me, so my seat is less comfortable than his. I
can tell you my bed has not been a bed of roses
since I came here. In the first place, the first night
I came into this house it was so luu^d, being only
cushions and no mattress, that every time I turned I
woke. Now the mattress is too big, and I am
hedged in and can hardly turn at all.

" First, my feeder absconded, then Cross was taken

ill — in fact, has been so ever since I returned. He

was so drowsy and stupid that I thought he would

have a fit. He could not feed the hounds, and was

useless in the field, and all the time said he was quite

well. But I could not stand it any longer, so I sent for

the doctor on Saturday, and we have got him in bed

with leeches on the back of his neck. He is better

to-day, and I hope will soon get out ; but I have had

to feed the hounds myself and hunt them too. They

nearly had their eyes torn out, and ran six hours in a
VOL. I. 13

194 REMINISCENCES OF

big wood, but we could not catch one. I got on
very well, and my throat is all right, but I am as stiff
as a post. Tom Powell, my new whip, is a first-rate
fellow. I wrote to Dick Alkin to tell him I was in
trouble, and like an old trump he came over directly
on Saturday. He could not stay, but has promised
to come back to-morrow or Wednesday, so I shall
do well enough when he comes — in fact, I can fight
on now, but this illness of Cross's, if he does not get
well quick, may keep me here longer.

'' Hervey Farquhar has been here this afternoon.
He wished to buy Brackley some time ago. They
asked ^3,000, so he declined it, and has taken a
place for two years in Northamptonshire, which he
has furnished and put in order. The price of Brack-
ley then drops to ^2,150. He would like to buy it
but does not want two houses at once, so his buying
it is contingent on my taking it for the mother. We
may give it up when we like or keep it nine months,
he says. He asks a Jew's rent, but he is so hampered
with the other house and having to furnish two at
once, that he would rather let it for a long time at a
lower rent than a short time. He is a capital fellow,
and was very good to come over to see me about it.
He came from London to Brackley.

" Tuesday morning.

" As no answer has come from the mother, I
have closed for the house. A dry situation, heated
with hot water, and a cheery drawing-room were not
to be overlooked, and it is the best situation for hunt-
ing possible, so the business is settled."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 195

John Madocks protested against my hunting the
hounds, and sent me the following- letter : —

"Glanywern, Denbigh, yd October, 1855.

" My Dear Jack, —

" I was delighted to see your small hand-
writing yesterday outside a letter, as I was anxious
to hear how you had been going on. Poor Cross !
I a7n so sorry for him, and I fear that ' water in the
head ' at his time of life is a very bad look-out for
him, and that he will never be able to hunt hounds
again. You i-eally must not attempt to do the work
yourself. Before you married you were at perfect
liberty to kill yourself, if it suited your fancy ; but
now it is quite different, and / think it very wrong of
you even catching hold of them for one day — eight
days, perfectly shameful. Cutler told me this year
in London that unless you had taken the greatest
care of yourself and acted up to his orders implicitly
that you would not have recovered. One hard day's
holloaing might put you all wrong again, and you
would probably never recover. Do not think this
tvigging 2l^ bosh, etc., for I really mean it, and trust
you will take my advice, and leave the hunting to T.
Powell, who I have no doubt has, what you have
not, the constitution of a horse.

" I have been here and hereabout ever since vou
last heard from me, with the exception of a week's
visit into Yorkshire. I have had capital sport shoot-
inor. Sir Robert Vaughan left us this morning-. He
had a great hunt yesterday and killed an old fox sup-

13 *

196 REMINISCENCES OF

posed to be a ' Binks '. How nice for you having
your mother and sisters so near. We have been a
large party here for some time — Mrs. Beech and her
children, etc., etc. Do you recollect a cousin of
mine, the youngest Miss Williams, a good-looking
a^irl ? She is sfc^nor to be married to Sandbars.
They were staying here. I asked him on purpose
to meet her as I knew he was sweet, and it, i.e., the
proposal came off here last week. The Bird^ I really
could not tie up : it was so very far off that I could
not spare the time — some forty miles from a railroad.
I shall be charmed to pay you a visit some time, and
see your new country. Write here ; I remain till about
the 15th, and then take my sisters to Eaton Place to
pack up and give up the house there as they have let it.
" Mind my advice.

" Yours ever,

" J. Madocks.

" Watkin is far from well, and is gone to town
for advice. He will very likely have to go to Ger-
many for two months."

I wrote to my wife : —

" Stratton Audley, "jth October, 1855.

" I begin to see a little daylight. I have got
Cross disposed of, and now my hackles are risings
and I can speak plain English to his she-devil with-
out distressing him. On my return home to-night I
found she had not been out of bed for two days, so I

1 Felton Hervey, late 13th Light Dragoons ; he was Inspector of
Prisons in Ireland. He was about to get married.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 197

broke open her cupboards, and got the remains of
two gallons of gin. I will soon dispose of her now,
but I don't know what to do with her little boy and
the old woman.

" A new whipper-in has come to-night, Morris by
name, formerly with the Warwickshire, so I hope to
start Tom Powell soon, and be able to return to you.
Tom is much more valuable than Will would have
been here, as he knows the country. He also has a
better voice, and Will was a little deaf. He is light
and a capital horseman. Young Cross has nearly
had his toes cut off by the coach-house door falling
on them, so he has not been out for two days, but he
will be on Monday.

" Now I must tell you of my travels. I went to
Bletchington on Thursday to dinner, Henry Peyton,
Lady and Algernon dined there, and two Fortescues.
We had a good hunt. Mr. Morrell was there, and
his huntsman, Tom Clarke, once my whip. We
had a good day's sport and caught two vulps, and
I rode ' Charm ' on Friday. After hunting we went
into Oxford — Valentia, Corbally and myself— and
dined at Mr. Morrell's. He is jolly, fat, hospitable,
sensible and a brewer. His wife is handsome and
good-natured, and has a little girl not quite two
years old. He mounted me to-day with his hounds,
and I came home by train, and here I am trying to
overtake my letters and unravel Cross' accounts,
which are in sad confusion. But I am quite well,
and not at all inclined to be beat by anything.

" How are my little boys ? "

198 REMINISCENCES OF

Stratton Audley, 1855. — I then commenced to
hunt the hounds myself, and very soon got Morris,
who had been with the Warwickshire, as second
whipper-in, and got on capitally with him to assist
me. Morris was invaluable in the great woods at
Claydon. On running into the centre ride one day,
I said, " Well, Morris, is he over ? " " Four over,
but not the right one ; " and while speaking, he says,
" Here he comes ".

I divided the hounds into two lots — black and
white. It made almost an equal division of dogs and
bitches, and also of ages, and they looked very nice.
Once a fortnight we had to meet in the Chipping
Warden country (eighteen miles), and it was a
troublesome business getting there. The horses
went on over nioht ; I drove the van as far as Far-
thingho, where we left it. We then rode the leaders
across the fields to Chipping Warden, where we got
our hunters. The helpers then returned to Far-
thingho with the horses we had ridden. After hunt-
ing we returned to Farthingho, put hounds into van
and made all the men come in and have tea with
me. Sometimes the horses did not get home till ten
and eleven at night.

I first began to use a whistle when I took this
country. I liked the Bicester country better than
any I ever hunted, and I had the best sport I ever
had. The fences suited me well, as I could crash
through them. There was plenty of grass, but it
rode heavy.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 199

"Appleby Hall, Atherstone,
"22nd November, 1855.

" Dear Thomson, —

"My best thanks for your letter, received
this morning, and the account it contains of your
sport and hound list, I am afraid I cannot come
to you just at present as my boys come home from
school on the nth of December, and I have a house-
ful of people next week. I must come the end of
January or beginning of February, if I can. It takes
me a long time to write a letter — I proceed by fits
and starts, I am glad your sport has been good.
That must have been a good day from the Claydon
Woods. They are fine large coverts. How do you
like your country ? It is long and narrow, and are
the foxes any better than this country ? You are a
curious man about your white and black pack. All
very well if the hounds happen to divide pretty well
that way as to age. I am indifferent as to size, and
prefer dogs and bitches mixed ; but if any of your
one-year-olds or young ones want going out three
days a week, which many will, especially one-year-
olds, I suppose he must not go if black, or white as
the case may be. All hounds should go out of their
turn if they require it. Does Webb ever come out .'*
Do you know Arthur Venables of Oxford (at the
Mitre), an old friend of mine and Mr. Drake's, and a
good sportsman ? Do you ever see or know any-
thing of Tom Drake, or what he is doing ? I sup-
pose you will not come down here ? If you could
at any time, Mrs. Moore and I shall be glad to see

200 REMINISCENCES OF

both Mrs. Thomson and yourself and the young
ones, but I suppose you are too busy.

" Now about the Atherstone country. I have been
out several times and do not see much to admire (pri-
vate). I do not consider Lowndes a huntsman (in-
dependent of jumping). He often leaves his hounds
behind, and does not look if they are coming after
him, and he did not work them half enough cub-
hunting, and consequently the riot is tremendous, all
breaking away at times. I believe he does not like
them punished for running loose. It may possibly
be overdone, but the other way is as bad, and cub-
hunting is of no use beginning at 1 1.30 in September.
Lowndes' hounds are good hunters, and put their
noses down, and with a good scent will work quiet ;
but if it comes to a doubt about scent, I think both
Lowndes and Dickens will find it hard to discriminate
between right and wrong. However, I am much
obliged to Lowndes for taking the country. If he
had not come forward I do not think any one else
would. As he will spend some money on them we
must do the best we can to help him, and I am sure
I will try to do it.

" Tom Leedham had killed eighteen brace up to
last Saturday, and driven every fox out of Bagots
Woods. It will be a rare place this spring. I
intend to hunt a great deal on that side if I have my
health. He is the only man I feel happy with out
hunting. I always think he does right, and never
see him do a thing without a reason. Of course,
there are many cases of even betting, and no man

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 201

can always go the right side first, or kill every fox
he hunts.

" Geldart is here this winter, and has taken
Mousley's house at Hanuton, and we have a hunter
at Stretton, one Consan. I think he appears to be a
good party. I do not think they will get a pack of
hounds tog-ether in Leicestershire this winter,^ if at
all — no one will like to undertake it. We have not
had much sport, if any. Meynell Ingram's or
Lowndes's hound list I have not seen. I will for-
ward one when I get them. Good luck to you and
good sport. You should have stayed here until you
returned to Fife.

" With my kind regards to Mrs, Thomson,
" Believe me,

'' Yours sincerely,

''G. Moore."

On 23rd December, 1856, I wrote to George
Moore : —

" I have had such a run last Tuesday as I never
saw before, so have taken a large sheet of paper to
tell you all about it, and have, moreover, made a
map for your benefit as you know the country,

" Met at Charndon Common ; sharpish air, but
fine still morning ; twenty couple white hounds,
my pack. Found two or three foxes in Charndon
Wood, and I intended as soon as we had made a
row in the wood to cut away to the end where a fox

^ After Sir R. Sutton's death Frank Sutton and Mr. Clowes got a
pack of hounds together, with old Tom Day as huntsman, and hunted
the Quorn country the rest of the season.

202 REMINISCENCES OF

generally breaks. However, before I got there, two
were holloaed away. In going up the ride I crossed
two lines of foxes, and some hounds broke away on
each, so I arrived with only four couple. However,
they came dropping on, and as soon as I got twelve
couple I went away with them. We had just got
over the Edgecot road and down the hill, where our
fox had turned to the right, when something headed
him, and he turned back in front of the hounds, in
the same field with them, and away they went over
those fine grass fields. Somehow another fox ap-
peared, and the two ran close together up to the
Grendon and Marsh Gibbon road. I had a bad
start, being the wrong side of a big fence, and only
caught them there. The fox had run up the road
towards me, and gone through the gate opposite to
which I came into the road. The twelve couple on
the line were two fields to my left, and five couple
scoring to the cry in the next field to me. When I
whistled the five couple nicked the scent first, and
then away they went in earnest — seventeen couple
over Marsh Gibbon Field, all grass, very deep,
double fences and brooks. We began by crossing
the brook twice, a double which thinned the field
down to seven or eight, George Drake being first,
Bill Holland and myself and Ned Drake next, Henry
Lambton and Ned Harrison a little behind us, and I
never saw any one else. At the Ham Green road
the fox ran up the road a little way, the leading four
couple flashed on and missed the turn, but the body
hunted the line through. I did not get them to-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 203

oether till we g-ot to the Luororarshall road. Here
' Ransome ' made a drive up the furrow of a ploughed
field (only the second we had seen), and then stopped
as if she was shot. The fox had been headed by a
plough and turned and shot to the left. ' Nosegay,'
' Governess ' and one other hunted the line, and I
nicked in with the body in the field before them, and
away they scored again. They ran up the Luggars-
hall and Piddinoton road for the length of two fields.
The fox was headed and turned down to the right,
' Gallant ' makinof a gfood hit. The fox then shifted
one furrow, ' Dreadnought,' another young one, hit-
ting that off. Twice the fox tried to make his point
at Piddington village, but both times was headed by
hedge-cutters, but he tried it a field further on, and
then turned up again and set his head for Muswell
Hill. In the turn the body ran over it, but ' Nose-
gay ' carried it on and never left the line. When we
crossed the Piddinoton and Luororarshall road the
second time, two or three horsemen joined, but I had
no time to see who they were, two Drakes, Holland
and I having the best of it. When about half-way
up the hill the hounds paused among some cattle,
but ' Blossom,' ' Governess ' and two others hunted
it through. When they got to the top, hounds turned
short to the rieht, and I lost siorht of them for two
fields. The hill is very steep, and I got into a very
deep stubble field, so I pulled to a trot to ease my
horse. I went through a farm-yard, when I found
myself again in the field with the hounds, and above
them, they having gone down the hill, Ned Drake

204 REMINISCENCES OF

and Holland with them. George Drake had fol-
lowed me through the farm-yard and then joined the
other two. I kept above them. We then crossed
the Brill and Bicester road, which only has two or
three practical places. I got one above the hounds,
and the others had to go to the bottom of the hill.
I was still one held above the hounds when they
turned sharp to the left, and came up the hill to
me, and I was able to stand still for a few minutes,
much to the advantage of my horse. Here Tom
Lowndes came to me, but we had not much time to
spare. They streamed down the hill as if for Boar-
stall Wood, but when they got to the road, turned
away from it along the road for 200 yards, ' Blossom'
and ' Governess ' hunting it beautifully, and again
over a little brook and up to Arncot Little Wood.
Here the fox ran through a sheep-fold, and was only
one field before us, down the rack way through the
cut part of the wood, then down the outside on to
Arncot Great Wood, where he went into the ride
through the gate — one hour and seven minutes with-
out a check to this point — up the ride nearly to the
top, two Harrisons, Lambton, two Drakes, Lowndes,
Holland and myself being then with them, and Mr.
Brown of Piddington joined us as we crossed his
farm ; then through the top part and away over the
hill, never having checked or divided, ' Governess '
leading ; then down the hill to the Arncot river, where
they rather ran away from us. When we got to the
Ambrosden road I thought he was going for the
ruins, and went round by the road. However, on

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 205

he went parallel to the Merton road, Brown and I on
the road looking out for him to cross, and the others
riding the line. At Ashley Bridge farm he turned
short to the left, from the road and towards the farm,
probably being headed, and as we turned into the
field I expect he crossed the road — -he was then two
fields before us — hunted it on through a ploughed
field, and he then crossed the road opposite the
Merton earths, but passed them on to the village,
crossed the road arain, and ran down to the river
side. Here we had our first check — one hour and
thirty minutes to this point. Soon hit it off, and
hunted him back towards the farm-house. Now
comes the w^orst part of the story. Morris, my
second whip, here came in sight on my left. About
six couple of hounds had the line on the left side of a
thick double hedge, the rest of the hounds being on
the wrong side ; just then Powell came up meeting
us, with two couple of the hounds which had been
left behind. He saw something move in the hedge,
pulled his cap off, and capped the hounds on his side
to a hare. " Be quiet," I shouted. In the mean-
time Morris had stopped the others off the line and
got their heads up. There was a cur dog barking in
the farm-yard, and three young hounds ran through
the gate towards it from the other side, in front of
those that had had the line. They had their heads
up and started to join them, thinking there was a
view. I got them all quiet as soon as I could, and
drew every hedgerow round about for an hour, but
could make no more of it. I got a line again over

2o6 REMINISCENCES OF

the road and up to the drain, and then away from it
as if he had been headed, as there were two men
working on the mouth of it almost, and I think since
that he may perhaps have got in after all. At any rate
it was the best run I ever saw, and if we had cauofht
him, would have been perfection. I was riding
' Maximus,' Jack Darby's horse. He never made a
mistake, and galloped the whole time with his head
loose. He never was blown, and very little tired.
Both he and I have a thorn in our knee, but that is
all the grief we experienced.

" Come here and we will try and do it again."

One of my greatest friends was the Hon. Philip
Pierrepoint, brother of Lord Manvers. On meeting
him one day at Dick Paynter's, the horse-dealer in
Bicester, he said, '' Get up on this horse, and tell me
if you like him ". After galloping round the field I
stopped and said, " I like him very well". He said,
" Very well, I'll make you a present of him," and he
gave Paynter ^120 for him. He afterwards said to
me, " I couldn't subscribe more to you than I did to
Mr. Drake, but I wish to give you a little bit extra ".

He told me the following story of his brother :
Lord Manvers wished to cross Oxford Street at the
Marble Arch duringr the heiofht of the season. After
standing some time a milkmaid came up with her
pails. He said, " I say, my lass, will you take me
across the street ? I'll give you a shilling. They
won't mind knocking over an old chap like me, but
they won't run over you and your pails." She looked
at him for a moment, gave her pails a rattle, and

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 207

said, " Come on," and away she went across the
street, and he ran after her. On gaining the pave-
ment at the other side he gave her a shilHng and
wished her " Good morning ".

One day we ran through Tusmore nearly to
Swift's house, and had lost our fox. Algernon Pey-
ton ran out on his feet, with his arm in a sling, having
had a cropper shortly before, and said, " I saw a fox
go into the wood three-quarters of an hour ago,"
looking at his watch. I drew the hounds across
where he told me, and a hound called " Vulcan " (by
" Ravisher " out of " Vocal ") spoke to it. Worked
on into the wood, g-ot a fresh start at the fox, and I
forget if we got him or not.

The last day of the season they ran four hours
and forty-five minutes, and killed a fox in the woods.
On the way home some of the gentlemen asked me
if I would hunt another day. I said, "If I do you
must mount me," all my horses being in physic.
Next morning I thought no more about it, when
I was told that Mr. Randal had sent his chestnut
horse for me, and that the gentlemen would be there
at twelve. Meantime hounds had been fed. I drew
thirteen couple of the lightest feeders, sent them out
walking, and got all the field in to luncheon, and kept
them there as long as possible. Went out about two,
luckily drew many places blank ; found in Fritwell
Gorse at four o'clock ; ran hard for one hour and ten
minutes, and ran to ground under the Brackley road ;
bolted and killed it.

At the end of the season of 1857 there were a

2o8 REMINISCENCES OF

good many wild deer in Whittlebury Forest, and
they were to be exterminated. The keepers had
several bloodhounds with which they hunted them,
and one foxhound bitch with a short tail, " Damsel,"
which came from the Holderness kennel, and was
steady from foxes.

There was one black buck left, and I heard that
they were to hunt him at the end of the season. I
rode over from Stratton Audley. The field con-
sisted of several keepers mounted on ponies, and
Mr. Robert Oliver in his pony trap. Luke, one of
the keepers, acted as huntsman. He was a first-rate
hand, but addicted to gin.

The ground was hard as iron and the dust flying.
The bloodhounds hunted every inch, and took their
oaths to it, but the foxhound bitch made every hit,
and did not say so much about it. After running
about two hours all the keepers' ponies got tired, and
I and Mr. Oliver were left alone. I was trotting up
a road listening to the cry, a thick bullfinch on my
right, when the stag jumped at a high gate, did not
clear it, and tumbled head over heels on to the road
in front of me. I thought he would never get up
again, but he got on to his legs, and struggled on
very slowly. A few fields further on in jumping a
hedge I almost jumped on to him as he was running
up the other side quite slowly. He ran on to the
road into the ditch, just in front of Bob Oliver's
carriage. His servant, a Yorkshire boy, jumped
out of the carriage and ran and got hold of the deer.
He turned round and said, " Maister, he's kicked me

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 209

in the feace ". By this time Luke and the hounds
had arrived, and the buck was safely captured, and was
kept for many years after in a paddock at Whittlebury.

I bought the foxhound " Damsel " for two sovs.,
brought her to Fife, and gave her to Sir Arthur
Halkett to hunt roe-deer.

In 1902 John Horsey, of Dallington, in North-
amptonshire, wrote : —

" Your remarks about the deer-hunting in
Whittlebury Forest take me back to those days.
They sold the last couple of bloodhounds in North-
ampton Market, when John Stevenson, a sporting
wine merchant in Sheep Street, who, I fancy, had
given up hunting before you had the hounds, bought
one (the finest dog I ever saw ; he stood about twenty-
eight inches) for five guineas. Stevenson used to
ride a blood mare every Sunday afternoon past our
house to Brixworth or one of the other villaoes north
of Northampton to spend his evening with some
friends. I always looked out for him about two
o'clock, and then waited for the bloodhound. He
was unchained about ten minutes later, and came on
throwing his tongue in grand style, up the middle of
the road. This went on for about two years. The
dog trotted about the town, and was one of the sights
of it, but he became old, bit a child and had to be put
away. I have never seen another like him ; no lumber
or coarseness as most bloodhounds have."

Lord Southampton was at that time master of

the Grafton country, and I often hunted with him.
VOL. I. 14

2IO REMINISCENCES OF

He hunted the hounds himself, had a good know-
ledge of where the fox went to, but never rode over
a fence.

Hounds were wonderfully fond of him, but he
had no action about him. I have seen him blow his
horn by the side of a big fence when he wished to
get the hounds to the other side, the hounds standing
and looking up at him, when one wave of his arm
would have sent them over it. His whipper-in. Bob
Ward, was a capital man with hounds, a great long
wiry chap, for many years afterwards huntsman to
the Hertfordshire Hounds.

One day when running in the Wistley Wood,
Bob met his lordship coming round a corner.
"Where are the hounds. Bob.-*" says he. "All
over the wood, my lord, looking for you," and with-
out waiting for an answer dashed in among the
bushes.

Lord Southampton was very short in the temper,
and when things went wrong was very hard on his
servants. If Bob blew his horn, he would say, " Put
that penny trumpet away ". He always walked
slowly from covert to covert, and thereby lost a deal
of time.

Major Burrowes, after giving up the Cottesmore
Hounds, kept his horses at the Inn at Stowe, and
hunted in the Crafton country. One day when
hounds had run very hard, he and John Elliot, a
leading man in that country, were alone with the
hounds. When Lord Southampton got to them, he
commenced blowing them up. Burrowes looked him

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 211

straight in the face and burst out laughing. "By
God, sir. if you laugh I'll send the hounds home."
This was too ridiculous, and as some of the field
had by this time arrived, there was a universal
7'oar !

One day when something had put him out, he
sent the hounds home soon after two o'clock. On
riding past him, Algernon Peyton said, "Good-night,
my lord ". " Damn it, I ain't going to bed," was his
reply.

At the end of the season of 1857 we took some
horses and went to Badminton. The party in the
house were the Duke and Duchess, Lady Emily and
Nigel Kingscote, Paulet Somerset and his wife,
Walter Little Gilmour, Ferdinand St. John, self and
wife.

The Duke hunted the hounds himself. Will
Stansby was kennel huntsman ; Will Walker, first
whip ; Jim Walker, second horseman. The Duke
was a capital huntsman ; wonderful quick eye, and
knew the business well ; could gallop well, but would
not jump. We had a very happy time there.

I had a brown horse called " O'Donnell," a
wonderful timber jumper. He jumped gates stand-
ing. The Duchess offered me jC^oo for him, intend-
ing to make him a present to the Duke, but as he
was advertised with the others to be sold at Tatter-
sail's, I said she had better buy him there. She
did so for, I think, ^160. The hounds were sold
in the kennels at Stratton Audley, and fetched

;^i,oo8.

14 *

212 REMIXISCENXES OF

Jack Morgan bought about twenty-tive couple for
the South Wold country. Yorke Dallas and " Trot-
ting " Fox were the masters. I took them out the
next dav to let him see them in work. Had a o;"ood
day, and had a fox ready to catch, but I had to leave
them to attend a dinner that day in Bicester. I
galloped all the way. about twelve miles, and when I
got to the town heard something patter behind me,
looked back, and saw '* Delicate" had run away from
the men and followed me all the way.

The horses were sold at Tattersall's. I had a
capital sale. "Maximus" fetched ^560; "Peter
the Great." ^280 ; " Inkerman." ^183 : *" Esparto,"
^194; ■■ O'Donnell." ^168. In all twenty-one
horses — total. ^2.486. "Highlander" was not sold,
as he had a big hock. " Abbess " was not sold ; I
took her to Fife, and afterwards sold her to George
Dempster of Dunnichen. "Patience' was sold to
Mr. Gammie at Shotover. I knew she would be of
no use to him, and he promised to let me have her
back ; but he sold her to Lord Macclesfield. He
bred from her. and I bouo^ht a son of hers when I
was at Brixworth — a very- fine horse, but queer tem-
pered like herself Tom Firr used to ride him. He
was taken ill after a hard day and died before we
could o-tt him home.

At this time the present Four-in-Hand Club
was started. Will Morritt being one of the most
enthusiastic members. The Duke of Beaufort
asked me if I would like to be a member, so I was
elected.

COL. AXSTRUTHER THOMSON 213

Rules of the Four-ix-Hand Driving Club.

1. That this club be called the Four-in-Hand
Driving Club.

2. That the club be limited to twenty-six members.

3. That the committee consist of president, vice-
president, three members and two secretaries.

4. That the committee alone have power in the
election of members, and in all other matters con-
nected with the club.

5. That during the season two days at least be
appointed for a meeting of the coaches, to drive down
to some place for dinner.

6. That Wednesday be considered a club day.

7. That any person being absent from the club
during a whole year cease to be a member.

8. That five form a quorum of the committee.
Com77iittee. — Duke of Beaufort. President ; ^lar-

quis of Stafford. \^ice- President : Earl Vane. Captain
Baillie. Royal Horse Guards : \V. Morritt ; J. Bald-
win and L. Agar Ellis, Secretaries.

Drivinor Rules to be Obse)i'ed on Club Days.

1. That no coach be permitted to pass another,
unless the latter be standing still, or permission has
been obtained.

2. The general pace not to exceed ten miles an
hour.

3. The order of starting to be arranged bv lot.

4. The starting point within the gate at Hyde
Park Corner. The hour 4.45 p.m.

214 REMINISCENCES OF

Members. — Duke of Beaufort, Marquis of Staf-
ford, Earl Vane, Lord Edward Thynne, Lord Henry
Thynne, Sir Watkin W. Wynn, W. Morritt, C.
Leslie, Captain Baillie, Royal Horse Guards ; W.
Couper, W. Craven, ist Life Guards ; W. P. Thorn-
hill, J. T. Jones, Royal Horse Guards ; J. L. Bald-
win, L. Agar Ellis, Lord Willoughby de Broke, Lord
Strathmore, Lord Chesterfield, Sir W. Carew, A. R.
Hughes, J. Lyon, 2nd Life Guards; Lord Burghersh,
F. Maguinis, Sir M. S. Stewart, J. Anstruther Thom-
son.

I bought four little brown horses — " Contract,"
" Creeper," "Cameron " and " Cracker " — and Martin
Corry(" Spicy Bill") lent me his coach, which he
always left at the coachmaker's in London.

" DysART House, 2\&t September, 1857.

"My Dear Mrs. Thomson, —

" I cannot resist sending you the accom-
panying letter. The conquest of Pierrepoint is not
a new triumph, I am aware — even his ' old woman '
knew him to be the humblest and most admiring of
your slaves ; but, as we all, like Surface in the
* School for Scandal,' when we go leave our char-
acters behind us, it is agreeable to know the impres-
sion we have made and what is said of us behind our
backs ; and it must be gratifying to you and your
' young man ' to know how much you are missed,
and how much your absence is deplored. I only
fear that anything we can do to make Fife bearable
will be less availing than it otherwise might have been.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 215

"If Jack has not started when you get this pray
tell him that the hounds leave the kennels at half-past
eight, and that Mr. Harvey's horse shall join his, and
stay with them.

" Yours faithfully,

" ROSSLYN."

" EvENLEY Hall, Brackley,
" igth September, 1857.

" My Dear Rosslyn, —

" Your letter (only) reached me yesterday,
and I did not reply by return of post, for, through
this house being full of guests, I could not go over to
Oxford yet, as I was engaged to go to Bicester, and
I thought that when there I might possibly get you
some account of S.'s ' black mare,' ' from information
that I received ' (as policemen say). I do not think
the black mare would be likely to suit you, and I do
not think my friend C.S. would be at all a safe card
to play ' unsight, unseen * with — at least I should be
loathe to trust him. I wish I could help you to
a nag, such as you describe, but, alas, I know of
none.

" I regret that your harvest is so much hindered.
We have had heavy rains here, but as the corn was
nearly housed, and grass kept getting short, it was a
great boon to us. Our potatoes have got the small-
pox, and I fear it is spreading.

" Pray remember me most kindly to Jack Thom-
son and his handsome wife. ' We ne'er shall look
upon their like again ' in this country, for she was the

2i6 REMINISCENCES OF

best-looking woman in the country, and he the best
man with hounds that ever went over it.
" Good-bye,

" Yours ever and truly,

" P. PlERREPOINT.

" My old woman sends you her kind remems."

BICESTER ALPHABET.

A stands for Algey Peyton — he's Joint-Master of our Hounds —
And when I speak of him I keep my pen in proper bounds ;
For hard as is my heart, sir, it would really make it bleed.
To lampoon so good a fellow who came forward in our need.

B stands for Mr. Burton, who in Ireland was a jewel ! —
Before he came to England how I wish he'd got his gruel ! —
He may be as wise as Solon, but in his knowledge box
I'm blessed if he's the science of the hunting of the fox.

C next, which stands for Clayton — he's " the uncle of the Drakes " —
Who when he jumps a molehill, a mountain of it makes ;
And talks of timber " six foot six " and " nipping over stiles " —
More than half of which performance in his fertile fancy lies.

D stands for all the Drakes, sir, and \x\ truth they all can ride —
You'll not find it easy sailing with " the Admiral " 'longside ;
And I doubt if in all England any hunting-field can dish up
Such a " broth of boys " in pigskin as the one they call " the Bishop ".

E is the Earl of Effingham, and here, hold hard, my muse.
Of the upper ten he's one whom e'en Bright could not abuse ;
So remember that the copy-book in which you learnt these letters
Taught you " never to presume to speak unkindly of your betters ".

F stands for Harvie Farquhar, who fancies he's got hands,
Because a wretched three-year-old he o'er a hurdle lands ! —
True Banker he !— for troth to see ('tis as good as any play)
Him when there's an important check he's always in the way.

G stands for little Gipps — if he'd been here long enough

I've no doubt I should find something that would make him cut up

rough ;
And I'm told that with his swagger he astonishes the noodles
Who sit in the bay window in the club that they call " Boodles ".

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 217

H stands for Colonel Hunt — a real customer is he,
Who o'er the fences flying 'tis a pleasure for to see ;
Whether mixed up nice or nasty, he takes them as they come,
Nor looks into particulars about the crust or crumb.

I next, which stands for Iveson — a good but dullish dog.

Who blushes like a maiden, but snorts like any hog

When his friends at Bicester get him down, and mercilessly poke

Their knuckles in his ribs, the which he doesn't think a joke.

Now K it stands for Kapital, and in the " categories "
Are Harrington and Lambton and other ^'■chers amis"
Who for reasons one or other I don't put in my song.
And, besides, to name them all would make my alphabet too long.

L stands for Little Lambton (he's been mentioned just above),
And M stands for Mackenzie, who I'm sure's been crossed in love ;
When you see his doleful visage the impression that it leaves
Is surely that Mackenzie, sir, must be " Mackenzie Greaves".

M also stands for Marsham, all whiskers and moustache —
If mine were half as lanky I should use " Myrifik Starch " ;
He looks bold as a lion, but I'm sure you'll all agree,
That Bullock's heart inside it is no bigger than a pea.

N— now N shall be Ned Harrison — no neddy man is he,

Though crashing past on thirty pounds your swell on hundreds

three ;
For well he knows, where'er he goes, no risk attends his lot —
Life's not at stake, for he can't break — a neck he hasn't got.

0 in Pytchley stands for Opetown, whose lady is so stout !
And P is for the Post-boy who pilots her about ;

But here there ain't no genuine O to bring into my verses,

And I cannot clip my " H's," than bad English nothing worse is.

P stands for Philip Pierrepoint, who's forgotten more than " Q " —
That's Quartermain, or Anderson or Symonds ever knew ;

1 don't quite skip the letter if you'll take the cue from me.
But in all the country round about the deil a "Q " I see.

Then T is the Taylor who killed a cow, they say,
Because to his orchard came to pick a bit of hay ;
In a cherry-stealing urchin, too, a brace of slugs he put,
And also shot a horse because he trod upon his foot.

2i8 REMINISCENCES OF

U as a patronymic here to me's unknown to fame,
Though as to V in Verisofts we've plenty of that name ;
But their real appellation here I will not now intrude,
Lest they should think the dotting of the i's a little rude.

Next X it stands for Xcellent — my poetry I mean —

Though I fear you'll think your poet has a nasty touch of spleen ;

And Y it is the yearning to hold this looking-glass

In the faces of all the Zanies as before it each doth pass.

Written by Harvie Farquhar, I think. — J. A. T.

JAMES, 3Un EARI, OF ROSSLYN.
From a i'm'/i/ni^' .1/ Dysarf.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 219

CHAPTER XIV.

FIFE.

Having settled all my affairs at Bicester I got home
to Charleton on ist July, 1857.

Lord Rosslyn was Master of the Fife Hounds ;
Oxtoby, huntsman ; Fred Turpin, first whip; Stephen
Dobson, second.

Oxtoby was very unwell, and Turpin hunted the
hounds most of the season, and I whipped-in to him.
At the end of the season Oxtoby went to live at
Ollerton, and rode Percy Williams' second horse ;
but he died soon after of consumption. He was a
most respectable, good man and a capital breaker of
hounds, but too tame for this country, and never was
in good health.

First hunting day was Melville Woods, at 9.30 ;
thirty-four couple hounds. Found two cubs and two
old foxes ; killed a cub in the middle of the wood ;
could do no good with the others. Went to " Not-
tingham " covert ; chopped a cub and ran two to
ground. F el ton Hervey was staying with me ; he
rode "Charm" and I rode "Contract". Rosslyn,
Patterson, Balfour and Haig out.

As so many foxes were destroyed every year on
the Links, I rented all the rabbits between Largo

220 REMINISCENCES OF

and Elie, and paid the following rents : Kinnear,
;^35 ; Wood, ;^30 ; Fortune, ^40 ; Luke, ^so-
total, £^3S- I employed five men besides Corbett,
my gamekeeper, who had charge.

I took Sir James Burnett's house, 13 Moray
Place, and went there about the end of October.

In October, 1857, while I was staying in Edin-
burgh, the keeper at Killala got a vixen fox in a trap.
It lost one of its fore-feet. I took it to Edinburgh
and kept it in the area for some days, then took it to
Charleton, and put it into an empty stable. It got
out the first night.

In spring there was a vixen fox on the hill with a
white breast and white pads ; she had five cubs.
About the beginning of May the lame vixen came,
followed by four cubs. They all lived together and
appeared to suckle indiscriminately. We could see
them with a telescope from the back windows of the
house. The lame vixen always went out to forage
and the other one sat on the top of the rock on
sentry. The white vixen unfortunately got into a
trap in Balcarres Den. Some carters found her on
the side of the road, and in catching her with a cart-
rope, strangled her. The lame one was no more seen.

One day in the west of Fife, Andrew Gullane
asked Lord Rosslyn to draw a patch of gorse on the
side of a hill. Rosslyn said, " It is no use, we might
find a mouse ". The hounds were put in, and out
bounced a great big fox. Gullane galloped away
after the hounds shouting out, " A muckle big moose,
my lord, a muckle big moose ! "

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 221

I used to hunt as much as possible in Fife and
return to Edinburgh in the evening. We got back
to Charleton about the end of January, 1858.

The following account of a run appeared in The
Field about this time : —

"31st December, 1857. — Met at Charleton, where
a large field had assembled, the day being very fine.
Drew Balcarres Craig ; found a fox directly, and
after a sharp burst of fifteen minutes, killed in Balneil
Den. Tried Belliston, which proved blank. Rode
on to Lathockar, where one of the right sort was
viewed away running northwards by Gilmerton
through Lambieletham cover to Carngour Wood,
where he was headed ; back again through Carngour
and Brigton. The next four miles were across grass
land enclosed by stone walls. The pace was now a
rattlinof one. Those who were able to live with the
hounds will not soon forget the last day of the year
1857. Through Kinaldy Den to Upper Kinaldy,
Pitarthy and Upper Carnbee, over Kelly Lav^^ point-
ing towards the Free Kirk at Arncroach ; doubled
back into the cover at Kettlenaked, but did not tarry
long there ; continued eastward past Gordonshall.
Here hounds began to run in view through Firth-
field to Airdrie, where this game fox was run into in
gallant style. Time, one hour and eighteen minutes ;
the distance not less than thirteen miles. Mr.
Anstruther Thomson as usual had much the best of
it for the first few miles, but ' Highlander ' was short
of work and too fat for the pace, and Mr. Whyte-
Melville, Mr. Hervey, Sir T. Erskine, Mr. Clark

222 REMINISCENCES OF

and Mr. Williamson had the best of most of it. The
noble Master and his son were in the front rank for
the last three miles. Fred Turpin, first whip, hunted
the hounds with much determination and skill,
though we regretted the absence of Oxtoby, our
huntsman, to whom the credit is due for the admir-
able appearance and condition of the hounds."

I went to Morrell's sale on 14th April. Hounds
fetched ;!^2,6oo. Duke of Beaufort bought " Spangle "
and some of the best of them, and engaged Tom
Clark as huntsman. There was a black dog called
" Hercules," bred by Sir R. Sutton ; he was a good
deal thought of. Charles Payne chucked him under
the chin with the handle of his hunting whip, and
said he was " a bad-shouldered beggar ". There
was a tremendous company assembled — they said
sixty Masters of Hounds — and many huntsmen.

Hunted one day with Lord Southampton at
Silverstone ; stayed a night at Whittlebury. I then
went a round of visits — Kirkington, Sir C. Dash-
wood's ; Caverfield, Dr. Marsham's ; Swift's House,
Sir H. Peyton's ; Mancetter, R. Harper's ; Hoar-
cross, Hugo Meynell's ; Rufford, Percy Williams ;
Osberton, George Foljambe ; and got home again on
the 27th.

1st May, 1858. — Commenced partnership with
Rosslyn. I was to hunt hounds ; Turpin and
Stephen Dobson, whips. Hunt horses to be joint
property, and expenses over subscription to be
divided.

loth June. — Rarey came to Edinburgh. We

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 223

were sworn to secrecy and paid ten guineas each ;
Duke of Athol and Baker, the African traveller,
among the pupils. When the lecture commenced I
ventured to ask Mr, Rarey how he caught the horse
before he put the strap on him. He said, " It is no
use talking to a boy if he can't hear you, or to a horse
on a prairie, you must get him into a compound ".

John Waite, Lord Rothes' groom, brought over
a pony which would not be clipped. Rarey laid it
down, but it never ceased to kick when it heard the
clip of the scissors. I returned in the steam-boat
with Waite. He had had a glass and was very
proud of having " licked Rarey ".

Rarey was the bravest man I ever saw. He
would let a horse kick close to his head without ever
winking. He was a good horse-tamer, but no horse-
man. Sir George Chetwynd had him at Grendon,
and mounted him with the Atherstone Hounds, but
he was no use out hunting.

On the 7th June I went to Trinity Muir Fair at
Brechin. Met Adam Thomson (the laird) showing
a horse to some young gentlemen. He whispered
me, " Make a bid for this horse, and I know these

gents will buy it". I said, "You be d d, I

didn't come here to tout for you". He took off his
hat, made a low bow, and said, " Thank you, sir, I am
very sorry I cannot accept your offer ".

2nd September. — Went to the Highland Society
Show at Aberdeen. It rained in torrents the whole
time.

loth September. — Went to Osberton for Don-

224 REMINISCENCES OF

caster Races, Went out cub-hunting at Carleton
Bottom with Dick Lumley (afterwards Lord Scar-
borough), Master of Grove Hounds ; drove to the
meet with George Foljambe and Charlie Wicksted
— the very best of company. Bought a lot of Cin-
namon turkeys, which I gave to the farmer's wife at
Kippo in Fife to replace damage done by the foxes.

1 8th September, 1858. — Commenced hunting
Melville Wood ; caught a cub. Hounds rather
slack about eating foxes ; got over that by holding
on to the fox and letting the terriers loose.

Lady Rosslyn died 30th September, and was
buried at Rosslyn Chapel on 6th October. She
was the sister of Admiral Wemyss.

25th October. — First regular day. Wemyss
Castle,

15th November. — Turpin got a fall on "Croco-
dile " and a kick on the head. I found him lying on
the sofa at the New Inn, and asked him what the
doctor had said. " He said it was a /oo^y job I had
such a thick skool'' was his answer. Next day his
head was as big as two, but he came out all the same.

20th December. — Galloping across the moor in
the dark, back of Newburn, " Crocodile " turned
heels over head, gave me a clip on my head and
landed with his head doubled under him, his feet
through the reins, and his hind foot in my cap.
Luckily the ground was soft.

5th January, 1859. — Had a capital run, F'ound
at large covert at Lathockar. A wild, windy morn-
ing. Ran to Lingo and then back to the covert

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 225

away to the east through Kinaldy and back to Lingo.
Many hounds got caught in snares. Got on another
fox in Lathockar, away over the grass past Cassingray
to Belleston, through the covert without a check past
Gibliston and East Pitcorthie to Sandriggs ; down
to Newark, where he ran alongr the shore close to
the sea ; to Ardross through the farm-yard there ;
round east side of Kilconquhar Loch, past Muir-
cambus, turned to the right over the Colinsbro
Acres and up the hill, and got into the made earth
on Reres Craig — a real good run. Got him out,
much to the disgust of old Corbett, my keeper.

17th March, — I and Stephen went to Bramham
to get some young hounds. The best of them was
" Ringwood," a blue dog rather above the Bramham
size. George Fox mounted us both, and we had a
hunt with Charles Treadwell.

2 1 St March, 1859. — Ran a fox over the hill at
Cults. I was close to the hounds, and when I got
to the edge of the hill there was nothing to be seen.
I got down to the road and got their spoor in the
mud into the lime working. They ran hard in the
galleries for twenty minutes. The galleries are all at
right angles. When the fox turned, the hounds over-
ran it, and there was silence. At the next corner
they got the scent again, and such a crash of music !
The miners came with their lamps and we all ran on
foot. At last the fox got among some stones near
the roof, where we could see him, but we dare not
move the stones for fear of letting the roof down, so

had to leave him.

VOL. I. 15

226 REMINISCENCES OF

In 1859 Lord Rosslyn was appointed Under-
Secretary for War under General Peel, and went to
live in London. I went on as sole Master.

The season ended on 19th April. Hunted
eighty-five days ; killed twenty brace ; thirteen to
ground.

The Hunt Meeting Committee paid off balance
of debt, leaving debt of ;^500 ; the interest to be
paid from subscription.

On 13th April, 1859, the sale of the Rufford
Hounds took place. Sir David Baird and Alec
Kinloch bought four couple, which they lent to me.
Hay Wemyss lent us Torry House and sent the
key of the cellar. Bob Cathcart, Percy Williams,
Alec Kinloch, David Baird and myself were the
party.

On the 1 8th ran a fox to ground in a coal- waste
near Pitfirrane. Five hounds had gone in, and I
was just in time to catch "Tempest" by her tail.
The hole was about two and a half feet in diameter.
While we were standing round pondering what to do,
a skinny, ragged boy took a bit of candle out of his
pocket and some lucifer matches and wobbled into
the hole feet foremost. He stayed away about forty
minutes, and we never expected to see him again,
and were truly glad when he reappeared, very tired
and covered with mud. I said. "Where have you
been ?" " Ower yonder," pointing at a tree on the
other side of the field. " And what is it like ? "
" High as the trees in pairts, and ye ha'e to gang on
hands and knees whiles!" "Did you see the hounds.-*''

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 227

" The candle went out with the black damp. They
had got the tod in a hole in the side, and I could fin'
their breeth, and they pu'ed a' the '00 aff him." By
this time the bystanders, principally miners, had be-
come very brave, and four of them volunteered to go
in with a spade. On their return they said the candle
began to grow dim with the black damp. Two of
them remained with the candle, the other two going
on in the dark. They brought out the hounds, but
not the fox. They said a dead fox, dead a long
time, was lying in the mine. A hunted fox might
perhaps die of suffocation on getting into black
damp.

On the 20th I tumbled into the Pow Burn with
" Mutineer," and was very bad with rheumatism.

Met at Dron, 5th May, last day. The hounds
were like drums with eating dead sheep, the
hills being coviered with them, so we had to go
home.

Seventy-five hunting days, two blank days, frost
thirty-one days, killed twenty-three brace, to ground
seventeen brace.

Stephen Dobson left and went as first whip to
the Rufford Hounds.

In May, Lord Loughborough stood for the county
of Fife, and was opposed by Mr. Wemyss. I under-
took to arrange for carriages for the conveyance of
voters, and was assisted by Alec Kinloch. Account
annexed. I mention this to show that the proceed-
ings in those days were very different from the rules

for elections of the present day (1902).

15 *

36 o

0

77 10

2

I 6

0

I 2

6

I 16

8

0 6

0

228 REMINISCENCES OF

Captain Thomson of Charleton.

To Scott, Croall, & Co.,

Job and Post Masters.
Royal Horse Bazaar and 83 Rose Street, Edinburgh.
1859.

May 3rd. To 28 Carriages and pairs of Horses for the
County of Fife Election — 3 days at
£z 2s. each per day . . . . ;f 176 8 o

„ „ ,, 20 Broughams and one horse for 20
Broughams — 3 days at £\ iis. 6d. each
per day 94 10 o

„ „ „ 48 Coachmen — 3 days at 5s. each per
day

„ ,, „ Expenses for Hotel Bills, Tolls, etc.

„ „ „ Horse and Gig to Dysart Toll Bar

„ „ „ Expenses for Freight Tolls, Horse and
Man

„ „ ,, Paid for Blue Ribbon and Calico .

„ „ „ Paid for extra Calico ....

^■388 19 4

Wemyss was elected with a majority of 237.

In June, 1859, the Duke of Beaufort and Lord
Winchelsea made a match — hounds against race-
horses. The Duke backed hounds. He got a man
from Cumberland with a trail hound to train the
hounds. The trail hound was high on leg, light of
bone, with a sharp nose, light coloured, and rather
like a collie. The man was rather offended with me
because I asked if his dog was a foxhound.

I went to Badminton on 26th June when they
were training the hounds. The training ground was
two miles from Worcester Lodge to the house at
Badminton. Four of us were mounted and stationed
half a mile apart. I had the last half-mile, and as
soon as I saw they had started I set off and got half
through my distance before they overtook me. The

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 229

old dog was going like an arrow, with his head poked
out ; the hounds were flashing about and not running
seriously ; some of them would gallop past him and
then come back behind him. The scent was so
strong that I could wind it on horseback. The
trainer was at the winning post, and when the old
dog arrived he rammed his head into a pot full of
feed. The match did not come off in consequence of
the illness or death of some relation.

Season began 12th September. I again took
Sir James Burnett' s house. A boy, William, was
born there on 6th September — Lord Loughborough,
godfather.

230 REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER XV.

THE FIFE MOUNTED RIFLES.

One evening in March, i860, a party of gentlemen
were assembled in the smoking-room at Dysart
House. One of them read an extract from a news-
paper stating that the Duke of Manchester had
appeared at a recent levee in the uniform of a
volunteer regiment of Mounted Rifles. Lord Lough-
borough said, " Why should we not have a cavalry
regiment in Fife.'^" and, turning to me, asked if I
would undertake it. I replied, "If you will give
me something to start upon — a requisition with a
sufficient number of names." A paper was at once
drawn up and afterwards handed round in the hunt-
ing-field, and very soon 1 11 names were on the list.
On the 24th of March a dinner was given to
Lord Loughborough at Kirkcaldy by the Conserva-
tive electors of Fife, and attended by about 400
gentlemen. After the usual toasts I proposed the
health of " The Tenantry of Fife," and said : " I am
very grateful to the chairman for allowing me the
privilege of proposing this toast. Few landlords in
Fife, I believe, enjoy the privilege of so extensive a
circle of personal acquaintances among that body
as I do, and amongst the tenantry of Fife are many

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 231

whom I am not only glad to meet as acquaintances, but
am proud to call my intimate friends. . . . Around
me I see a body of men, in appearance, manly,
intelligent and gentlemanlike ; in manner, frank,
kindly and courteous ; in conversation, sensible,
shrewd and well-educated. If we follow them to
their homes w^e find these men in their professional
employments active and industrious, pursuing the
practice of agriculture with skill and diligence,
turning to account every art of science and
chemistry to increase the produce of the soil. By
their energy and enterprise we find swamps drained,
hills levelled, the course of rivers altered, the whole
face of the country changed. We find waving crops
where only rushes flourished ; we find lowing herds
on lands which before were the resting-place of the
snipe and the plover ; we find two blades of corn
where only one grew before ; and any man who can
achieve such a result is a benefactor to his country.
In matters of business we find these men liberal,
honest and straightforward. In their domestic
circles we find them contented, happy and hospit-
able, ready ever to lend a helping hand to the poor,
ever ready to ' welcome the coming, and speed the
parting guest '. We find among them every quality
which can adorn the character of an honest man, and
we as a county have especial reason to be proud of
the tenantry of Fife. In their political opinions,
of course, we find men of every shade of opinion ;
many of whom, although they differ from us, are
entitled to our respect ; but I think I am not far

232 REMINISCENCES OF

wrong when I say that the tenantry of Fife are a
Conservative body, anxious to preserve that which is
good, willing to accept of judicious improvements and
advances, but not carried away by every cry for re-
form, not rushing after every change for change's
sake. We find the tenantry of Fife manfully and
moderately maintaining their political opinions, and
expressing those opinions with an eloquence worthy
even of the senate. Not only in more important
matters, but in every recreation and sport we find
our tenantry take a leading part — not neglecting
their business, but partaking with moderation and
in a proper manner in those amusements which the
country affords. Some we find on the Links at St.
Andrews, competing at our national game of golf,
and not only competing but carrying off the highest
prizes from competitors from every part of the king-
dom. Others take the lead and ' bear the bell * at
the ' roaring game ' so dear to all keen curlers, whom
I may congratulate on the extraordinary severity of
this season. Others again gallantly gallop after the
Fife Fox Hounds, and with characteristic boldness
clear every obstacle in their stride. Even those
who do not join in this glorious sport aid us with
their countenance and assistance ; and gladly do I
take this opportunity of thanking them for the
liberality with which they permit the Fife Fox
Hounds to roam over their fields. I trust we shall
soon see the tenantry of Fife in a new character,
and find them riding in the ranks of the Fife
Mounted Rifle Volunteers, and that we shall find that

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 233

those who now ride foremost in the chase are ready-
to ride foremost in the defence of their country. I
am happy to inform those gentlemen who have
already enrolled their names that the offer of their
services was forwarded to the Lord- Lieutenant some
days ago, and that we may hope for a speedy reply.
It is only one short week since the movement com-
menced, and the list, which I now hold in my
hand, contains ninety-seven names. Some excep-
tion has been taken to this corps on the plea that
it was raised in an exclusive spirit. This I totally
and entirely deny. We are willing to take any man,
of any rank, religion or politics, the only qualification
being, that he is willing to equip himself, and is
in possession of a horse suitable for the purpose.
Again, it has been said that it takes away the best
men from the other corps. It might do so if they
belonged to any other corps. It happens, however,
that most of those who joined the mounted corps
do not belong to any other corps, from particular
circumstances, and in many instances in consequence
of their residences being at a distance from the head-
quarters of the companies. But, even if we did take
away two or three men from each of the fifteen corps
that exist in the county, I think we should not detract
very much from their efficiency, and certainly should
add very much to our own. The only object in rais-
ing this force was to obtain the services of those who
could not serve in any other corps, and to provide for
a branch of the service which appears to me to have
been too much overlooked in the volunteer movement.

^34 REMINISCENCES OF

" I had the honour of serving Her Majesty for
some years in a cavalry regiment — a regiment which
any man may be proud to belong to — I mean
the 9th Lancers — that gallant regiment whose ex-
ploits in the late Indian War all are conversant
with, and which has been aptly described as the
pattern of a cavalry regiment — that regiment which,
on leaving India, received the unusual honour of 'an
order in Council ' and a ' general salute'. That regi-
ment gained its laurels under the same system, and
under the same regulations which were put in practice
by its late commanding officer, and it will be gratify-
ing to you to know that its commanding officer is a
Fife man, and now sits among you — I mean the
Earl of Rosslyn, Whatever habits of discipline
and obedience I learned were acquired under his
tuition. Although my services were of short dura-
tion, and in time of peace, I believe I did attain
some practical knowledge of my profession and of
the necessary qualifications of a mounted dragoon ;
and, from the specimens both of men and horses
with which I am personally acquainted among those
who have enrolled themselves, I can confidently state
that they are of the right material. It is very
encouraging to see the warm interest which this
movement excites among the elder portion of the
community. I am sure the thoughts of many a bold
yeoman recurred to former times when he sat in the
saddle and rode in the ranks of the Fife Yeomanry
Cavalry when they had the honour of being reviewed
by his gracious Majesty George IV. I am happy to

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 235

see one worthy gentleman among us who, I know,
performed a conspicuous part on that occasion, and
who retains in his possession the identical pair of
boots which he wore on that day as a memento of
the occasion — -Mr. Hall Pringle. My earliest recol-
lections are connected with the Fife Yeomanry, and
the most-valued heir-loom which I possess is a piece
of plate presented by the ' Fife Yeomanry Cavalry '
to my father as a testimony of their regard and
esteem during the many years which he commanded
the regiment. I fondly hope that this regiment, now
in its infancy, may succeed, and flourish, and rival its
predecessor ; that we may prove ourselves worthy
sons of worthy fathers ; and that we are not inferior
to them either in spirit or efficiency. I now beg you
to fill a bumper to ' the tenantry of Fife,' and beg to
couple with that toast the name of Mr. Peter Kinin-
month. Long may the present mutual good feeling
exist between landlord and tenant. Long may our
people be prosperous and our country at peace ; but
if the time should come when an invader dares to
show himself on our coast, then let both landlords
and tenants ride side by side in the ranks of the
' Fife Mounted Volunteer Corps,' joining with the
riflemen of our cities and the artillerymen of our
coasts, forming a combination such as no other
country can boast of, animated with one spirit, and
ready to fight to the death in defence of our country
and ' oor ain firesides'."

When it was settled that the royal review was
to take place in Scotland on 7th August, i860, Lord

2^6 REMINISCENCES OF

Rosslyn wrote sayiiig that if the regiment was
ever to be embodied it must appear at the review.
At that time patterns, etc.. were all settled, but
the regiment had not a stitch of clothing", no
horse appointments, and, with the exception ot the
St. Andrews troop, had not attended a mounted
parade.

The next thing was to make inquiry for an ad-
jutant. Sir Arthur Halkett said, " Crabtree is the
man ". Captain Crabtree had served many years in
the 3rd Hussars, had been acting adjutant, acting
riding-master and quartermaster, and had seen much
service in India. Sir Arthur was desired to write to
him, and Captain Crabtree's reply was his appearing
at Charleton next day. " I have come in case I can
be of any assistance to you."

It was only eleven days till the day of the review.
All the tailors and bootmakers in the county were set
to work, and worked with a will.

The following telegram was sent to Hill Bowen,
a saddler at Walsall : '' Spurs and leathers, head-
collars, chains, saddle-cloths — six dozen of each.
Can they be delivered in Edinburgh on Saturday,
4th August ? Telegraph answer. Letter sent by
post. — J. A. Thomson." He replied they should be
ready on Monday by the middle of the day.

The regiment was much indebted to Mr. Chiene,
then residing at Lundin House, father of the present
eminent surgeon, who was at that time a private in
the Cupar troop. There being a difficulty in getting
cloaks made in Fife, Mr. Chiene went to Edinburgh,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 237

made an arrangement with a wholesale house, and
produced the number required within the proper time.

" Battalion Order by Major the Earl of Rosslyn,
Commanding F.M.R.V.

" Cupar, 4th August, i860.

" On Monday morning the troops will proceed to
Edinburgh to attend the review on the 7th inst.
Officers commanding troops will issue the necessary
order for conveyance of their respective troops."

In Colonel Thomson's own words : —

"We proceeded to Edinburgh on Monday, 6th
August, crossing from Burntisland in the goods boat,
which will hold about a hundred horses formed
around the decks with their heads inwards, each man
at his horse's head. We had plain saddles and bridles
and spurs.

" The following telegram arrived : ' From Hill
Bowen, Pleck, Walsall, to Captain A. Thomson,
Cupar-Fife, near Edinburgh. — We are packing the
basket. Shall come this night certain with every
article myself.'

" In spite of Hill Bowen's telegram, the goods
had not arrived by the middle of the day. Captain
Crabtree and I went to the station, but could find
nothing. At last a porter said a stout man had
arrived by train who appeared to be troubled in his
mind ; that he inquired for a lodging, and had gone
to bed. We desired the porter to produce him.
He did so ; and Mr. Bowen appeared looking as if

238 REMINISCENCES OF

he was going to be hanged ! He explained that
everything was ready and packed up, that he went
on to the station, leaving his son to follow with a
spring-cart, and he had missed the train. There was
another train due at nine o'clock the same evening,
and we felt sure the goods would arrive by it. When
the train arrived the guard said, ' Your goods were
on the platform, but the basket was so big it wouldn't
go through the door of the van, so we had to leave
it behind.' We were all in despair ? However, a
train was due about five o'clock in the morning, by
which the oroods arrived. We served them out at
morning stables, and they looked very well.

" Scott, Croall & Sons had made arrangements
to put up all the horses, and gave up for our use
their yard in Leith Walk, very conveniently situ-
ated.

" Mr. Chiene kindly put his house in Edinburgh
at the disposal of the Cupar troop at the time of
the review, providing as many beds as possible.
Captain Crabtree and I both stayed there, and there
were refreshments on the table day and night during
thestay of the F.M.R.V."

On the evening of their arrival the whole regi-
ment— in number ninety-two— dined together at the
Freemasons' Hall, and before dinner the Earl of
Rosslyn administered the oath.

Captain Thomson proposed the health of the
non-commissioned officers, coupled with the name
of Sergeant- Major John Carstairs of the Kirkcaldy

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 239

troop, who had three times volunteered in defence of
his country. He was a member of the Fife Yeo-
manry, disbanded in 1827, and also in 1837, and Fife
Light Horse, raised in i860. When a discussion
took place whether the uniform of the F.M.R.V.
should be grey — like most of the Volunteers — or
red, John Carstairs of Smeaton said, "If ye mak'
it grey, ye'll be like a troop o' millers. I maun
ha'e a red cote, or LU no join ! " It was therefore
decided the coats should be red.

" We turned out on the day of the review at
eleven o'clock, and proceeded to take up our places
in the Queen's Park, in accordance with the following
order : —

"'Major-General Lord Rokeby, K.C.B., com-
manding First Division. Fife Mounted Rifle Volun-
teers to take post on right of line. Major, the Earl
of Rosslyn ( Lieutenant-General) commanding. Hour
of marching — one o'clock. Entrance — Old London
Road. Strength — officers, 9 ; non-commissioned
officers, 12 ; privates, 72 — Total, 93.'

" The weather was beautiful, but the dust was
very bad, and the men's faces became quite black.
We were formed in close column, each troop told off
as a squadron in single rank.

" At last Her Majesty appeared with an escort
of the 13th, cantering very slowly, and all well in
hand. She drove all down the line. Lord Rosslyn
was the first volunteer in Scotland who marched
past Her Majesty, followed by Lieutenant Cathcart,

240 REMINISCENCES OF

who was his aide-de-camp. I was next, being in
command of the leading squadron."

" Edinburgh, yth August, i860.

" Major the Earl of Rosslyn has great pleasure
in intimating to the Fife Mounted Rifle Volunteers
that he has been authorised by Lieutenant-General
Sir George Wetherall to inform them that Her
Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased
to express her approbation of all that she has seen
at the review this day. and has directed the
Adjutant-General to issue a general order to that
effect.

"Lord Rosslyn cannot allow the F. M.R. Volun-
teers to quit Edinburgh without thanking them for
their conduct and appearance during their stay, and
he trusts that by a continuance of ready attention
to the details of military drill they will deserve the
high reputation of which they have now laid the
foundation."

September, i860. — I went to stay with George
Loch at Uppat. He had succeeded his father as
the Duke's Commissioner. We went by coach to
Inverness and posted on, sleeping at Ardguy, and
next day got to Uppat.

On the 15th the Duke of Sutherland lent me
a rifle and we went out for a deer drive. George
Loch was placed behind a big stone on a little hill
and I was about 100 yards from him. I stood
there till I was tired, and then went quietly up to
him, having heard nothing. I said, " This deer-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 241

shooting is all a d d fallacy " . I had hardly said

so when a great stag appeared almost under the big
stone, about ten yards off, so near that he fired
down on it and missed ; it turned back and dis-
appeared. I ran back to my place, not so much
hoping to see the deer, but hoping that I should not
be found out. I had only been there a minute
when I saw the deer walking quietly along, broadside
on, about 100 yards away. There was a vista down
between the trees, and as he passed it I loosed at
him, and saw that I had hit him. I ran on a few
yards and got another shot, and saw that I had hit
him again. I waited till the beaters came up. One
of them put a retriever on the scent, and found him
dead. This was the only stag I ever shot, and I
have never been out again.

The Duchess-Countess was very kind, showing
us all over the castle herself.

On the 17th we hired a carriage at Inverness
and drove all round the west coast — Inchdamp,
Lochinver, Scourie, Overskey — a wonderful, wild,
rocky country ; back to Uppat, and then home
again by Caledonian Canal, Oban, Loch Lomond,
Stirling and Perth. Got home on 23rd September,
and commenced hunting on 25th September ; Fred
Turpin, Jack Wilson and Jim Hewitt, 2nd horseman,

29th October. — I was staying at Pitfirrane.

Met at Saline ; rained torrents all day ; found in

Milton Glen ; ran through Cleish Wood to Aldie

Strips, and lost him. I started to go home wet

through. A woman at a farm-house gave me a
VOL. I. 16

242 REMINISCENCES OF

glass of whisky and a bit of ginger-bread. I met
Jim with "Delicate" and "Constance". As I
passed him his horse, " Staniforth," swung round and
hit my knee-cap with the point of his hip bone, and
broke it into three pieces. I had my mouth full
of ginger-bread, and I did not drop it. It did
not hurt very much, and my breeches were very
tight with the wet. When I got to Saline I
got off, coupled the two hounds together, and sent
Jim to the kennels at Torry. When I got to
Pitfirrane I got off at the stable, walked to the
house and upstairs, got a hot bath, and heard my
knee-cap crackle. I sent down to Arthur Halkett
and said, " Arthur, I have broke my knee-cap ".
He said, " Gammon, you could not walk if you had '.
I said, " Put your finger on here and feel ". He did
so and felt it move, and said, " Go to bed and I'll
send for the doctor ". I went to bed, had a cup of
tea, and fell fast asleep. Dr. Dewar arrived, and
said, "If you want to get home you must go directly,
for you won't be able to move to-morrow". It was
raining hard and blowing a hurricane. I said, " I
am in a good billet, so I will stay still ". He tied
my leg to a board, the edge of which made my leg
very sore.

My wife came to Pitfirrane, and on second
November Lord Rosslyn sent his "dormeuse"
carriage for me. I did not get out again till the
1 5th December. I was very shy of anything touch-
ing my knee for a long time and wore a thick pad
over it ; eventually it got quite well.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 243

1 8th March. — Invited Captain Sandilands to
bring over the Lothian Hounds : Jim Stacey was
huntsman. Found in Carnock Moor ; ran well for
five miles without a check, and killed at Hillside.

Hunting days, seventy-four ; frost, eighteen days ;
blank, one ; killed twenty-two brace ; to ground,
eighteen brace.

Jack Wilson succeeded Stephen Dobson as second
whip. He was a capital horseman ; always got a
good start, but generally left some hounds behind.
This season we left out thirty-one hounds. The
previous season, with Stephen Dobson, only left
out one.

Alex. Mackenzie, Delvine, was quartered in Edin-
burgh in 78th Highlanders. I invited him out hunt-
ing, and gave him a mount on " Chuzzlewit ".

1 8th December. — A heavy fall of snow; drifts
six feet deep.

27th. — The house at Charleton caught fire. A

chimney had been altered the previous year and

a flue got full of soot. At seven in the morning a

servant came and called me : " Get up, sir ; the house

is on fire ". I went and put my hand on the wall

and it was too hot to touch. My mother was in

the room above, and they called and told her. She

said, "Take the carpet up and call Mr. Thomson".

I dressed myself, put a hatchet in my pocket and got

on to the top of the house ; found the chimney where

smoke and sparks were coming out. The roof of the

house was covered with snow. Got Jack Lee with

a spade and shovelled snow down the chimney, which

16*

244 REMINISCENCES OF

stopped the draught and became water. Meantime
the men from the farm had arrived ; they tore down
the lath and plaster and put it out, but the house
was full of smoke. A feeble voice was heard from
the top of the stairs : "Is there any salt in the house ?
I am told salt is a very good thing to put out a fire ! "
and the head of Miss Emily Johnstone, with a most
becoming night-cap, appeared over the top of the
stairs. I received about £\2 compensation from
the insurance company.

David Williamson hunted with us a good deal
that season and stayed with us at Charleton and
Pitfirrane. He was a first-rate horseman and a
gallant chap across country. He describes his ride
home in the following letter : —

" Lawers House, Crieff,

" \']th, April, 1861.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" As I have been thinking of you and your
hounds all day, I must indulge myself in giving you
an account of a part of your country that I do not
think you have ever seen ; and at the risk of being
considered an egotistical ruffian, I will describe my
ride home last Saturday.

"After leaving the hunting-field for season 1861,
I hung my head and felt like a schoolboy going back
to school. I soon gained the turnpike road that led
to the Rumbling Bridge and gates of Muckhart.
The road was so hot and disagreeable, that on
meeting a truthful-looking face I asked him to point
out the position (on the other side of the Ochill

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 245

Hills) of Auchterarder. I immediately left the road
and made for the hill-top pointed out, when I found
myself in a lovely wild grass hunting country. I saw
a good-looking fox cover here and there, and a
shepherd said there were plenty of foxes — of this,
however, I have some doubts from what he said
afterwards. On I went over that lovely turf for
four miles without a check. Then I came to a wire
fence ; I drew the staples of the two top wires, stood
on top of them, and when these were pressed down
hoped that ' Crump ' would jump the others, but
nothing would induce him to do so. I could get
nothing to break or cut the wires, so I tied the two
top wires with my pocket-handkerchief and rode my
horse over. On we went again for another mile and
a half, when the same process of getting over the
' wires had to be repeated. These being higher and
a soft take off, we struck all round, and felt much
like falling.

" Soon after this I crossed a high road which I
understood afterwards went between Dunning and
Rumbling Bridge, On I went again over those
lovely grass hills and valleys, still sticking to my
point, when I came to a hill farm-house. Here I
got information that I was ' all right '. The farmer
was most civil, and knew all about my whereabouts.
I then passed through a romantic green narrow
glen ; again crossed a wire fence, and took my last
jump in my pink coat over a low hill gate. Auchter-
arder soon came in view, and I looked back to
twelve miles' ride over the most delightful grass

246 REMINISCENCES OF

with no little pleasure, and forward to the long
road journey before me with an equal amount of
horror.

" At Auchterarder I had a cup of tea and
* Crump ' a lot of gruel. I landed him at Lawers
(by-the-bye, fording the river) at 7.30 p.m., cool and
fresh and beating my better half by a good half-hour.
My good horse fed well, and was as fresh as a two-
year-old on Sunday morning.

" I fear you would have no sport to-day ; but as
it looks like rain to-night, it may be a better day for
the sports to-morrow. I hope you will have the best
of luck. And now allow me to thank you very much
for the many delightful days' sport I enjoyed with
your hounds — my enjoyment was ever doubly en-
hanced by seeing you in the field. Last night, when
dining with a neighbour, we had a long talk about
getting up a pack of hounds in this country, Auchter-
arder as headquarters. I think the thing might be
accomplished in time, and if I knew how, I would
make an effort for such a good purpose. What is
the first thing to be done in making a hunting
country, securing subscriptions, etc. ?

"We will always feel the liveliest feelings of
gratitude for the kindness we received in Fifeshire
this winter, and praying you may long be spared as
the leader of religious feeling, of manly sports and
honest English thoughts,

" Believe me,

" Yours very truly,

"David R. Williamson."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 247

Season ended ist May, 1862. Hunting days,
eighty-five ; blank, two ; stopped by frost, thirteen ;
killed twenty-nine and a half brace ; seventeen
brace to ground. The best season I have seen
in Fife. Jack Wilson went to Lord Yarborough,
as second whip ; succeeded by Jack Shepherd.

Whitsunday. — I bought East Newburn farm ;
cost ^4,694 ; valued at £\"]6 per annum. Present
rent, ^125 (1892).

The summer of 1861 was principally devoted to
volunteering.

At the Queen's Birthday Review in Edinburgh,
on 1 2th July, the F.M.R. went over in the morning,
116 being present; marched straight to the Queen's
Park and formed up between the Scots Greys and
the artillery. The moment they were in their places
the artillery fired a royal salute. Not one of the
horses had ever heard a gun before. They were
jammed so close together, and were so frightened,
that they did little harm, and the smoke hid any
imperfections. They marched past very steadily
and made a capital charge.

The first official inspection took place at the New
Inn by Major Douglas Jones, inspector for the N.E.
District. The kennels of the Fife Hounds were at the
New Inn at that time. When drawn up in line, I
ordered Turpin to square the horses' tails with a pair
of scissors, which had a good effect on their uni-
formity of appearance. After this all who joined
had their horses' tails of the right length. One
young gentleman came to drill on his father's

248 REMINISCENCES OF

favourite steed — with a flowing tail — and was
horrified to take it home with a respectable " bob " !
There were 125 present on parade.

The season of 1861 commenced on 23rd Sep-
tember. Torrents of rain and a gale of wind, so did
not go out. Lots of corn uncut.

2nd November. — Blair Adam. Capital scent ;
ran a cracker by Neviston back into Blair Adam.
Turpin got a fall, sprained his ankle, and his horse
got away. Seven and a half couple went away
over the hill at Outh, only Dr. Dewar and myself
followed them. I got up to them at Bandrum and
stopped them at twenty minutes to four. The
doctor went home, and I started nine miles across
the moor to Blair Adam. I blew my horn, and
Mrs. Adam came out and told me that Turpin had
got the rest of the hounds and gone home. I got
home at a quarter to nine.

2nd November. — Lady Charlotte Chetwynd was
killed by a fall from her horse. She went out for a
ride on a new horse with her daughter Georgina.
The horse was larger and had higher action than
she was used to. It started off in a trot and then
in a canter ; she appeared to lose her nerve, dropped
the reins, and gave a scream in which her daughter
joined. The horse broke into a gallop, and at
the first turn dashed into the hedge, where he
stuck. Lady Chetwynd fell back into the ditch
and injured her spine. She was removed to the
Hall at Grendon, and died the following morning
about six o'clock. She was sister to Lord Down-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 249

shire. When I first went to Atherstone I knew
her and Sir George very intimately, and lived for
weeks in their house at Mancetter. They went to
live at Grendon after Sir George's father died.
December.— Prince Albert died.

250 REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER XVI.

DERBY DAY.

1862. — In May, Mrs. John Johnstone invited us
to stay with her in Eaton Place.

I went to the Derby on Lord Willoughby's
coach with Macclesfield, George Fox, Poltimore,
Jim Holden, etc. While standing near the coach
a gentleman lost his watch. Some of the servants
saw the thief, who, seeing that he was observed,
threw the watch under the coach and ran away.
Just then a rush of pick-pockets came, and we
tried to block the way and prevent them passing.
I felt something press hard against me, and made
a grab with my left hand and caught the chain of
my watch, the thief having the watch in his hands.
The chain did not break, and he let go of the watch
and ran away. Lord Rosslyn was standing by. I
said, " Look out, Francis, here is another ". I
rammed my watch into his hand and ran after my
thief. Luckily there was a narrow place between
the carriages which delayed him a little. I caught
hold of the collar of his coat and laid him on his
back. I then put him between the wheels of the
coach with his back to the door and stood in front
of him while some one went for a policeman. Jim

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 251

H olden, who was on the top of the coach, rammed
his hat over his eyes and pulled his hair. A police-
man came and I gave him in charge, but he said,
"You must come too, sir, to the police-office," and
we walked off. When we got to the place where
the gipsies throw at the sticks, he said, " I ain't
going any further ". He was rather a bigger and
stronger man than the policeman. I took hold of
his wrist in my right hand, made a poker of his
arm, took his collar in my left hand and shoved him
forward: "Now then, march on". The policeman
walked by his side. The carriages were three and
four deep up the side of the course, and we had to
get into and through them, but I never let go. The
course was just cleared for the race, and we marched
up in front of the grand stand among the jeers and
laughter of many fellows who knew me, and landed
him in the police-office. The inspector took down
the charge, and said, " You must leave your watch ".
I said, "It has never been in the hands of the police,
I rescued it myself," so he allowed me to keep it.
When I got home, I said to myself, " I have got
my watch, I spoiled that chap's Derby by getting
him locked up, so I won't do any more ". But two
days after I found a policeman waiting at my lodging
with a " subpoena" to attend at Epsom next morning.
On arriving there three or four gentlemen were
sitting in judgment. One of them said, " It will be
some time before your case comes on, you may come
and sit in here," so I heard several cases tried. Most
of them for gambling, thimble-rig, etc. Several of

252 REMINISCENCES OF

the policemen were in fancy dresses : one was a rail'
way porter, another a cricketer in flannels, another a
waterman with a straw hat and blue jacket, another
a Scotsman in a checked suit, and one with a black
evening coat and black satin waistcoat. If a police-
man did not succeed in getting his victim convicted,
he was well chaffed by his companions. When my
case came on it was quite clear and no defence, and
he got six months' imprisonment.

A hound show in connection with Cleveland
Agricultural Show took place at Guisborough on 15th
August. Turpin and I went to it and took " Syren ".
Tom Parrington was secretary of the show ; Captain
Percy Williams, Mr. Mark Milbank and Mr. Gregson,
judges. The Cleveland entered a couple ; The
Quorn their " Blissful" ; The Hurworth, "Timely" ;
Lord Middleton, "Languish"; Fife, "Syren" — a
bitch of immense power, measuring seven and a
half inches round the arm and twenty-eight over
her ribs. She fairly overtopped the handsome
" Languish " and got first prize as brood bitch, four
season hunter, and had reared a litter of puppies.
Her sire was Badminton "Primate"; dam, Fife
" Scandal ".

On the 5th December hounds met at Mount
Melville. I was riding a grey horse called " Snow-
drop". When I got to the meet "Syren" galloped
up to me and touched my horse's hock with her nose.
He kicked and killed her— an awful loss.

I wrote to the Earl of Mar : —

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 253

"Charleton, Colinsburgh,

" 14^/j November, 1862.

"My Lord,—

" I trust that you will pardon the liberty I
take in writing to you, but I venture to do so in my
public capacity as Master of the Fife Hounds. Some
time ago I received a letter from Mr. Moir, of Alloa,
stating that he had your lordship's instructions to
desire that the Fife Hounds should in future abstain
from going on your lordship's property.

" If your lordship will have the goodness not to
insist on this prohibition, I can assure you that I will
take every care that no damage shall be done either to
the crops or fences, and I have always been careful in
attending to the wishes of the tenant of your shootings.

" I am proud to say that the Fife Hounds have
the goodwill of every proprietor in the country over
which they hunt, and I hope very much that your
lordship will also grant us this privilege.

" Again apologising for the liberty I have taken,
" I have the honour to be,
" Your Obedt.

"J. Anstruther Thomson."

"Alloa, lyth evening of November, 1862.

"The Earl of Mar presents his compliments;
but he does not wish any hunting on his estate of
Alloa ; nor of Forest : because hunting injures fences
and young forest trees, and also horses too. And he
thinks any of these reasons stijficient. Moreover, he
believes there are no foxes on his estate, although
people ride about, pretending they have found a fox."

254 REMINISCENCES OF

On 1 6th December, 1862, xki^ Fife ahire Journal
writes: "The Cupar troop dined at the Royal
Hotel, Cupar, and presented Captain Thomson with
a timepiece ; his wife with a brooch, and his son with
a hunting-whip. The timepiece had the following
inscription : ' Presented to John Anstruther Thomson,
Esq. of Charleton, by the non-commissioned officers
and privates of the Cupar troop in testimony of their
high appreciation of his services as their Captain and
of his unwearied zeal in organizing and maintaining
the efficiency of the troop'." The chair was taken
by Sergeant-Major Bell.

On 4th February, 1863, Lord Wemyss was
presented with his picture, painted by Gourlay
Steele, at a dinner at Coldstream, and Mr. Robert-
son invited me to go to Ladykirk, where I met Lord
Dalhousie, Mr. Surtees ("Soapy Sponge"), etc.
Lord Dalhousie commenced his speech, " No hound
ever harked to holloa more readily than I did when
invited to do honour to my old friend," etc.

Next day we hunted at Wark Common. Old
Cotton was then stud groom to Mr. Robertson.
He had been with me when quartered at Limerick.

This year Lord Stamford gave up the manage-
ment of the Quorn Hounds. The sale took place
on 9th May. I went to Bill Clowes at Woodhouse
Eaves on the 7th and met Lord Henry Bentinck,
Mr. Cradock, M.F.H., etc. Will Clowes was at
that time successor to Lord Stamford as Master of
Quorn Hounds. On the i ith we went over to the
Belvoir kennel, Clowes, his brother and I, Jack

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 255

Goddard and Fred Turpin ; Cooper was then
huntsman.

I was walking from the station with Lord Henry
discussing the merits of various huntsmen. I said,
" Six days a week is too much for any man ".
He said, "When the Church is abolished, there
will be no obstacle to hunting seven ".

Jack Jones, formerly whipper-in in Fife in 1837,
and latterly huntsman to Lord Henry Bentinck,
and afterwards with the Lothian Hounds, on being
asked what he did when in Lord Henry's service,
said, " Hunted every day in the week and played
catch-ball on Sundays ". On being asked what
he meant by catch-ball, he said, " Me and Lord
Henry used to chuck a ball in the grass yard for
the young ones to run after, to see what sort of
action they had. Lord a' mercy, how I cussed that
ball ! "

This season George Moore and I had a team
of Charlie Ward's for Ascot Races, Lady Harriet
St. Clair went with us, Hugo Meynell and Harry
Boucheret. Coming home on the top of the hill in
the Long Walk, the carriage in front stopped sud-
denly and threw my leaders back on the bars. The
near leader fired a salute, then jumped forward, and
drew the rein through my hand, and the coach ran
on to the grass. The road is very high above the
park, and we were on the level of the branches of an
oak tree. I got a pull at them, and set their heads
straight, and went down the hill at a gallop on the
grass. When we got on the road again, Lady

256 REMINISCENCES OF

Harriet/ who was on the box with me, said, " It is
a good thing that you are pretty strong". It was
a very narrow shave, about the worst I ever under-
went.

On the I St July, 1863, the Hound Show took
place at Redcar. The previous year, at Guis-
borough, Turpin and I had noticed how dirty in their
coats all the hounds appeared which had travelled
far by train, and that they did not show to such
advantage as those which were nearer home ; also
that many hounds shown were fed so full that they
had no back ribs visible at all. We selected a lot,
and set to work to remedy the difficulties. We got
a large dog-box, large enough to hold three couple,
measured it to fit the door of the guard's van,
covered one side with wire netting, and set it on
small wheels, so that we could wheel it along. Got
it, with its contents, safely into the train at Falkland
Road and started for Edinburgh.

This train ran in connection with the London
express, and at that time the Fife train went up a
tunnel from Scotland Street to Waverley Station,
and there was a door of communication between the
two stations. On our arrival the express was
waiting ; our dog-box was trundled out of the van
along the platform to the door, when to our horror
we found the door was too narrow. We were in
despair, but Mr. Brotherston, the energetic station-
master, was equal to the occasion. Summoning

^ Lady Harriet, afterwards Countess Munster, was quite lame at
the time and walked on crutches.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 257

all his porters, he gave the word, " Now, lads,
shoulder high ". Up went box and hounds, and
were carried down the line and round into the other
station, and placed safely in the van. Arriving at
Redcar, they were wheeled to the loose-box where
they were to live, and then walked out on the sands
on the seashore. Thus we succeeded in avoiding
the dust of the railway. Next morning we were
out at six o'clock, let them have a long run on the
sands, and had them as fresh and light as if they
were to go out hunting.

The show is thus described in the Field:
" Forth came the Durham lot of three couple, use-
ful but small, and not quite coming up to the standard
of merit. Next on the catalogue were the Fife ; but
on the principle, I suppose, that the first shall be last,
and the last first, they were passed over, and did not
show till all their competitors had been out. When
they did leave their benches, the expression of de-
light on the countenance of the Lord Chief-Justice
{Captain Percy Williams) made some of the ladies
even leave their chairs to take a nearer view, while
all the male sex were on the qui vive, whether they
knew a hound from a pointer or not. A more
blood-looking lot, or one with more quality, we
certainly never saw ; but even for bitches they were
too light of bone for the general taste, and far too
shallow in their back ribs. They are evidently as
quick as lightning, and look like accounting for
almost every fox, while their shoulders are perfect ;

but for breeding purposes they want that essential
VOL. I. 17

258 REMINISCENCES OF

point, bone. Much, therefore, as we were taken with
them as being exactly the right size and sort for
our taste, we reluctantly rejected them from our list
of probable winners, 'Bonny Lass' is perhaps an
exception to our remarks, ' Tempest ' and ' Tragedy '
being not quite so much so, but ' Charmer ' and
' Dairymaid ' are cut up in the flank like a grey-
hound, and if looks are any test, would find one
severe day per fortnight quite enough. To our
surprise, however, after the Yarborough, Cheshire
and Wemyss lot had been out in the order named
for final adjudication, the Fife were on the flags
again. At length the fiat was pronounced — Fife,
first ; Lord Wemyss, second."

As to the assertion that the hounds were light
of bone, I insert the measurements : —

Girth. Height. Arm. Under Knee.
Tragedy .

Dairymaid

Symmetry

Charmer .

Bonny Lass

Tempest

As to the alleged deficiency of back ribs, the
critic little knew the trouble we had taken that
they should not run into the opposite extreme !
Another reporter, alluding to the Cheshire hounds,
said " Peter Collison had succeeded in getting more
flesh on to his hounds than on to himself," and that
they were much too high in condition.

The Druids account is worth quoting : " Turpin.
who had been making himself generally useful as
first whip, brought out the Fife bitches. They came

29

22|

l\

4i

28|

22|

6|

4l

28i

22

7

5

28

22

7

5

29|

22i

Ih

5

28§

2Z\

7i

4I

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 259

dashing out looking as fresh as smelts, and had
had a pretty long promenade over the sands in
the morning. Last year there was such a dreadful
rough night on the Firth of Forth that they could
not be got across to attend the show at Guisborough,
so were all left behind except ' Syren '. That
beauty of Guisborough had been kicked and killed
since then, and her daughter ' Symmetry ' was one of
the three couple. ' Dairymaid ' let them down a bit.
If she was the omega, ' Bonny Lass ' was quite the
alpha of the lot, great quality and bone to the foot,
a point in which ' Charmer ' was deficient. The rest
not very remarkable, but smart and clever, and look-
ing quite a terror to a fox. The Cheshire were out
again, and Sir Watkin was sweet on the yellow pies.
Then the Yarborough and Lord Wemyss, and the
final discussion began in earnest. Captain Williams
whipped out his tape line once more. Major Fletcher,
who had rather lain off, drew forward. Mr. Milbanke
took one of his long quiet surveys, pencil in hand,
and Sir Watkin drew his hand across his face as if
in judicial difficulties. The Cheshire could not win
with one couple, and had too much flesh. The
Yarborough not well put together, and seemed un-
even. So it was reduced to a Scottish contest, —
Fife V. Coldstream. The issue was narrowed to
two and a half couple, by settling that ' Dairymaid '
should be set off against ' Rubicon,' and then the
Fife had it unanimously. Then the photographing
began. Mr, Thomson sat on the reserve seat, a

sort of committee of taste. Jack Parker had finished

17 *

26o REMINISCENCES OF

his sandwich, and had great difficulty as to the dis-
posal of his hands for posterity. He got them out
of sight at last, while Ben placed his right on his
shoulder. Will Smith looked the picture of calm
resignation. Turpin's air, on the contrary, was de-
cidedly jubilant ; he folded his arms like a ' Canning,'
and put his right foot forward. On the extreme right
were Carr and Collison. Will Channing's neat lissom
figure needed no pose but the natural one. The
photographer objected to his hands being behind
his back. Mr. Thomson was down upon him in an
instant : ' No, no ; that's the way he always stands —
as you were, Will '. Mr. Parrington was placed
on a chair next the table, which was radiant with
silver prizes, and two huntsmen (who might as well
have appeared in scarlet) were on each side of him.
The operator adjured them ' to look pleasant,' and
hit them off the first time."

On 1 2th September the sale took place at
Sledmere, Sir Tatton Sykes'. There were herds
of thoroughbred horses in the park, five years old,
which had never been backed. After the sale I went
home with Francis Johnstone to a cottage near Hack-
ness, where his father lived. We had a hunt with
Lord Middleton's hounds — Ben Morgan, huntsman ;
and Johnstone mounted me on "Windfall," which
he had bought at my sale in 1855.

On the 1 8th I went to Nuneaton by train and
got a trap to go to Hartshill. Going round a corner
there was a crashing sound, and I found myself sitting
on my portmanteau in the middle of the road — the

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 261

spokes of the wheel had all collapsed. I also went
to Appleby and Wynstay, and returned home. Began
hunting on 25th September in Fife at Belliston.

Will Clowes was g"ointr to be married to Lord
Waterpark's sister on the 2nd December at Oak-
over, Mr. Oakover having married her sister. He
asked me to be one of his trustees and to attend his
wedding, and I was to have four days out hunting.
I went up to Crewe and slept at the hotel there,
and next day met Meynell's hounds at Kedliston.
" Jacko " Paget (now Sir Ernest) was best man and
gave Clowes a silver hunting-horn. I gave Mrs.
Clowes a Scotch plaid and a pebble brooch.

The next day I had a mount on " Sweet William "
with The Ouorn, I think at Kegworth — Jack Goddard,
huntsman ; Tom Firr, second whip. I was galloping
through a farm-yard ; a threshing mill was going,
and the ground covered with chaff and dust, and the
pond also. It all looked alike, and I galloped bang
into the pond and got wet through. I afterwards
got another cropper and lost my knife— a real good
one — out of my breast pocket.

I then went on to Rugby, and John Darby gave
me a mount with the North Warwickshire, and I got
another cropper, and went on to Oakeley's at Cliff.
Next day, Atherstone Hounds at Sibson Wolds.
Oakeley mounted me on "Dice-box". At the
second fence I jumped into a watering-place, the
horse rolled over my leg and it hurt a good deal,
but I put my foot into the stirrup and got on again.
On going through a gap a branch caught my toe.

262 REMINISCENCES OE

and that hurt more. I jumped one more fence and
then found tliat it would not do. I was about three
miles from CHff, and Charlie Newdegate would insist
on riding home with me, and preached about the
Pope and the Jesuits the whole time. When I got
to Cliff I cut my boot off.
I wrote to my wife : —

"Cliff House, Atherstone,

" Tuesday, 8th December, 1863.

•' After I wrote to you last night Mrs. Oakeley
insisted on sending for the doctor. He said going
home to-morrow was out of the question, that I must
not go for at least a week, and that the small bone
at the ankle was broken. So I suppose it is, and
there is nothing to be done but be patient. It does
not hurt. I don't care much for myself, but I am
sorry to give you anxiety about it, and you won't
be able to realise it, as you say.

"To say that they are kind is nothing. They
think and do all day everything for me, and Mrs.
Oakeley is writing to ask you to come and bring all the
children. That is out of the question, I have told her,
but she says ' Bring Jack '. I don't know what to say
to you to do. Of course, I should like you to be with
me, but you would not like the children to be without
you, and I think a journey here and back would be a
risk for Jack. You and Uoodlie must take counsel and
settle for yourselves, and I shall be resigned to my fate."

1 was at Cliff from 7th December till i ith
January, and was very happy all the time, and

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 263

treated with the greatest kindness. I got home
about the T2th, and got out hunting at Clatto Barns
on " Highlander" on the 25th.

The Cliff Alphabet.

A stands for Aunt Mary, so clever and able.
B for the Bumpers we drink at her table.
C for Cliff House, in which she doth dwell.
D Diddy-Bo, the dog, known so well.
E the Encounter 'twixt Diddy and Zoe.
F the Fine Carving so effective and showy.
G is " Garibaldi,'''' that horse of renown.
H are the Horses well cared for by Brown.
I the invite to young George Moore's Ball.
J poor Jack Thomson laid up by a fall.
K is for Kelly, the " swell of the hunt ".
L is the Lathe with which his tools he doth blunt.
M the Mistakes Mary makes in her sewing.
N all the Needles she breaks in so doing.
O stands for Miss Oakcley, who keeps very well.
P is the Pity, for 'tis rather a sell.
Q is the Quaintness of old gardener Mike,
R are the Rampions which he cannot strike.
S are the Stews made by that good old Thorley.
T stands for Trotman, of maids the most worth}'.
U are the Unpaid Bills coming in.
V is for Vass, worked hard but not thin.

By Quicksilver,
i^th December, 1863.

"Quicksilver" — Mrs. Colvile.

"Aunt Mary" — Mrs. Oakeley.

" Diddy-Bo " — her dog.

" Zoe " — Lady de Clifford's dog.

" Fine carving" — made by themselves in wood, in the dining-room.

" Garibaldi "—her horse.

" Solomon Brown" — the groom.

" A ball on the 30th " — G. Moore comes of age.

" Kelly " — Mr. Oakeley, " the swell of the hunt ".

" Rampions " — sort of radishes.

" Thorley " — the cook.

" Trotman " — Mrs. O.'s maid.

" Vass " — the butler.

264 REMINISCENCES OF

1863. — Mark Napier went to a fancy ball in
Edinburgh dressed as an old Lady, and no one could
tell who he was. He wrote this letter to my wife : —

" My Dear Marion,

" My bonnie bird — ye'll surely no be
expectin' me to ca' ye mistress, wha kent ye when
ye were a bairn ? And speaking o' that (my doo),
I mind, in my bairnage, mistress meant miss, and
miss meant mistress. Monkbarns, my brither, never
can get out o't yet. He was speaking to a literary
lady, no further gaen than yestreen, about a grand
scheme of hers for feeding a' folk, rich and poor,
for a penny fee, which took the laird's fancy to
that degree, that, my certie, puir Maggie Muckle-
backet will no hae a chance wi' him in their next
/is k bargain. 'Weel,' says my brither, 'ye're ower
young to remember Mistress Catherine.' But,
faith, when Monkbarns (wha of course meant Miss)
got that length, he got no further in that speech,
for the lady took sic pains to let him ken that she
was nockt married (and ye'll mind neither is Monk-
barns) that the laird got quite flustered, and their
discourse got into sic a wrangle about miss and
7nistress that he'll be for ca'in me miss ; and if he
does, 'od I'll gie him his kail through the reek.
But I fear I'm ramblin'. I've sent ye this, wi' my
card (for we're a' cards noo — nothing to be done
without cards, and pictures on them now — how
fashions change to be sure ! — they mak' the very
S2in do things now that for the very life o' him he

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 265

couldna do afore), to speir for your bedfellow, for
they tell me he has taen an awfu coup aff his horse.
Monkbarns has been sair taen up about it, for he
kent his father, and was jilted by his mother ; but
Monkbarns is no the man to bear malice. Weel,
I made him understand that your goodman (wha,
to my mind, will ever be the callant I saw him last)
had a sair fa' frae his powny. ' Do ye mean the
Laird o' Charleton, Grizzy ? ' 'The same,' says L
' A powny woman ! The Laird o' Charleton rides
a powny, no a hand less than the horse that took
Troy ; and as he and his saddle are no easy to part,
his fall would be like that of Anions {?). It would
ring the kirk-bell if he was in sicht of the belfry.
But what's happened ? Has he broke his neck ? '
' Praise aboon, no jist that, Monkbarns. But, faith,
he was ower near it. He has broken his ankle bane.'
'His ankle bane, woman! If a breakage never
comes nearer his neck than that, it's safe enough
till he's hanged. The Laird of Charleton's ankle
is about a mile from his neck. But send and speir
for the lad, send and speir for him.' So ye see I
am just doing the laird's bidding, but wi' a' my ain
heart. And there's my card picture ; and that's
the dress I had on at a fancy ball, where I was
mair taen up wi', and taen out and oftener on the
floor, than some misses they ca'd beauties. My
certie, had they seen the young mistresses that were
beauties in my time ! And I was amang the first
that showed and shined ; and 'tweel, the shine s no
cot d me yet, as ye may see by this same.

266 REMINISCENCES OF

"And wha should I see there but my auld Joe,
your uncle the Laird of Alva ; ay, wha but he, wi'
his bonnie vouno- bird of a new wife. 'Eh! Alva,'
says I, 'I'm glad to see ye— dinna keep her in a
cage ! She's dancin', I see, wi' a brave young callant
just now ; but she'll no llee far from sic a cage as ye
have put her in.' Alva really looks cagie and croose,
and disna care a wheat strae for the auld sang, ' What
can a young lassie do wi' an auld man '.

"And so, my doo, for the present,

" Yours to command,

" Grizzy Oldbuck.

" MoNKBARNs HousE, 24th March, 1791."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 267

CHAPTER XVn.

HENRY LOCH IN CHINA.

Henry Loch and his wife came to stay with us at
Charleton in 1862.

"Charleton, i^th October, 1862.

" My Dear Maria, —

" I have attempted at your request to write
a short account of the proceedings that led to the
capture of myself and others in China, and of the
treatment Parkes and I received while prisoners.

" In a short account of this nature it is impossible
to enter into many of the details or state all that
occurred, but I hope I have stated enough to give
you a general impression of what took place.

'* What I have written I have written very
hastily, and I may therefore have repeated myself
occasionally and made many mistakes in the way of
leaving many words out, etc., but as you expressed
a wish to have it before I left Charleton, I have no
time to go over it again.

" Believe me
" As your affectionate cousin,

" Henry B. Loch."

268 REMINISCENCES OF

"In consequence of negotiations that had been
opened between the Chinese Government and Lord
Elgin to bring about a settlement of the difficulties
that existed between the two countries, Messrs.
Parkes and Wades were dispatched on the 14th
September, i860, to Mootoo, a place about twelve
miles in advance of where the army was halted, for
the purpose of meeting the commissioners appointed
by the Emperor of China and discussing the pre-
liminaries of peace. On the 15th they returned
thoroughly successful, the Chinese having agreed to
all the demands made by Lord Elgin, and a letter
was written by the Chinese commissioners to that
effect. Messrs. Parkes and Wade had, however,
been obliged to go to Yung-chow to meet them,
as Mootoo being but a very small village there was
no accommodation for their retinue. The details
of the treaty had yet to be arranged, and various
arrangements connected with Lord Elgin's going
to Peking had to be discussed and settled, and for
this purpose it was agreed that Mr. Parkes and
myself should go to Yung-chow on the 17th, It
had also been agreed that the allied armies should
advance to within seven miles of Yuncr-chow, from
which point only an escort was to accompany Lord
Elgin. The exact halting-place for our army was
also to be decided upon in our conference on the
17th, and it was arranged that the army should
march from its present halting-place, Hooshi-a-who,
on the morning of the i8th and be met by Colonel
Walker of the Quartermaster-General's department,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 269

to point out the ground that had been agreed upon
for their encampment. Colonel Walker was to
accompany us for this purpose, and Mr. Thompson
of the commissariat was also to go, to obtain supplies
for the army.

" On the morning of the 17th September, an hour
before daylight, we started for Yung-chow. The
party consisted of Colonel Walker, Mr. Thompson,
Mr. Anderson (who commanded the escort), Mr.
B. (?), Mr. de Norman, six men of the K. D.
Guards and 20 sowars. It was a fine cool morning
and we went off in great spirits ; the distance to
Yung-chow was about twenty-five miles. We did
not see a soldier until we arrived at Mootoo. The
country we rode through was highly cultivated, with
villages every three-quarters of a mile, each'surrounded
with its clump of trees. Clumps of trees were also
scattered about the country, which gave a very
picturesque appearance to the scenery. At Mootoo
we saw a picquet of some thirty cavalry, who slowly
retired as we advanced. The town was nearly
deserted (it has since been burned). After this we
passed various other picquets, but they took no
notice of us, except by quietly retiring as we
advanced. Before arriving at a town called Chang-
kia-wang, which is about six miles from Yung-chow,
we passed the ground on which it was settled our
army should halt the following morning. From
this point it was understood only 1,000 men were
to accompany Lord Elgin as an escort. As we
passed over this ground there was no appearance

270 REMINISCENCES OF

of any obstacles being raised to our taking quiet
possession of it. As we were passing through
Chang-kia-wang we were met by a military man-
darin who said he could not suffer us to advance
without knowing our business. We informed him
we were going to Yung-chow to meet the commis-
sioners, on which he immediately suffered us to pass.
At about 10.30 we arrived at Yung-chow. We
passed through the city to the quarters prepared
for us, which were in a large temple just outside
the gate in the south suburb. We breakfasted,
and refreshed ourselves by a good wash, and had
just finished when the commissioners arrived.
Parkes and I then went into the room prepared
for the transaction of business, and after the usual
civilities had been gone through, we proceeded to
discuss the various arrangements necessary for
carrying into effect the treaty. But Parkes soon
found the commissioners in a very different humour
than they had been in when he had seen them two
days before. They raised all kinds of difficulties ;
would discuss questions that might have been
settled afterwards, and which had nothing to do
with deciding whether there was to be peace or
war, and the whole tone of the commissioners was
very unsatisfactory. However, towards the evening
they became more reasonable, and suddenly chang-
ing their manner entered seriously upon the questions
that had to be decided at once. They agreed to
the place chosen for our army to halt ; they wrote
a proclamation of peace that was to be at once

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 271

printed and circulated, and gave orders for the issue
of supplies to the allied armies ; and we went to
dinner at past seven o'clock more satisfied with the
appearance of things. It was arranged that in the
morning Parkes, Walker, Thompson and myself, with
a small escort, should go to the ground where our
army was to halt and point it out to Sir Hope Grant.
The remainder of the escort and party were to
remain in Yung-chow until Parkes and I returned to
them, as we then intended getting a house for Lord
Elgin, as the embassy were to take up their resi-
dence in Yung-chow for a few days before going
to Peking. A Chinese officer of high rank was
ordered to attend us, and at a little after sunrise
of the morning of the i8th we started to Chang-
kia-wang. We took all the K, D. Guards and
three Sikhs. We did not go through the city, but
passed through the open country, and after a gallop
of six miles arrived at Chanor-kia-wantr. All the
way along we had observed groups of soldiers
hurrying in the same direction as ourselves, and
when we arrived at this town we found it full of
troops. We passed through without being inter-
fered with, but when we got into the open plain
beyond we found it covered with cavalry and in-
fantry. Large bodies of the former were dismounted
in dry water-courses extending for two miles to the
right ; the road was for miles lined with infantry,
and to the left we saw troops as far as we could
see. We moved quietly along the road. I rode
to the right to examine the position of their cavalry,

272 REMINISCENCES OF

and after going a mile was joined by Parkes, and
rode into a village that commanded the road along
which our army had to advance. In passing through
it we found it filled with soldiers, and a heavy masked
battery of twelve guns pointing down the road. We
here got on to the road again and joined Colonel
Walker and the others. Our position, as also that
of our army, was a very serious one. We had now
arrived at the front of the Chinese army ; their
infantry were lying down behind an embankment
that ran along the bank of a stream which ran in
a semicircle and protected and concealed the whole
Chinese army. In this semicircle there were up-
wards of a hundred guns in masked batteries. We
tried to communicate with some officer in command,
but failed to do so. After a short consultation it
was decided that Parkes with one of the K. D.
Guards should return to Yung-chow to try and
get out those who had remained behind, and also
if possible to see the Prince of Tsai, who was the
senior commissioner, and learn from him the cause
of the threatening attitude the Chinese army had
assumed, and attempt to delay hostilities until those
in Yung-chow could escape. Colonel Walker was
to remain on the outskirts of the Chinese army
until Parkes' return, unless he found it necessary
for the safety of his men to gallop for it — which he
could do at any moment with the open country in
the direction of our army — and I was to try and
get out to the army and inform Sir Hope Grant
of the state of affairs, and delay the action that

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 273

threatened, if possible for two hours, to give time

for Parkes and the others to get out. I took with

me the three Sikhs. After leaving the main body

of the Chinese army, I rode along the road by

which our army must advance ; but I had not gone

half a mile when I found a strong force of Chinese

cavalry extending for at least two miles, moving in

a formation not unlike sections of threes across their

front from left to right. They said nothing to me,

but gave me no space to pass, so I was obliged to

gallop, followed by the Sikhs, at the first opening,

and to my surprise they did not resent my doing

so. Within a quarter of a mile of this I met our

advance guard. Brabazon was with it. I asked

him to halt until I had communicated with the

General, whom I met half a mile in rear at the

head of the column. They had just come in sight

of the Chinese cavalry, who were passing round

the left flank as if to get in rear. I informed him

of the changed aspect of affairs. The French, who

were on the right, now sent to say their right flank

was threatened, and wished to engage as their troops

came up ; but Sir Hope Grant decided on massing

his baggage in a village to the rear, and getting

his whole force up if possible before he acted on

the offensive. I asked him how long he thought

it possible he could put off the action, and he said

not above an hour. I mentioned the importance

it was for those at Yung-chow to delay it as much

as possible, and begged him, as the time he could

give was so much less than Parkes hoped might be
VOL. I. 18

274 REMINISCENCES OF

allowed, that he would give me a fresh sawor to go
back to Yung-chow and hurry them out. This Sir
H, Grant at once did, promising not to fight until
forced into it by the Chinese, who at any moment
might force on the battle.

" Two Sikhs of Probyns' Horse were placed
under my orders, and fixing my handkerchief on the
spear-head of one to represent a flag of truce, we
galloped towards the Chinese lines. Poor Brabazon,
as I was starting, asked to be allowed to accompany
me, and he joined me at a gallop before we reached
the first line of the enemy's skirmishers. They
allowed us through, but at the main body we were
stopped, but by pointing to my flag of truce and
pushing past them, they allowed us to continue, and
we did not once go out of a gallop until we arrived
at the quarters we had had in Yung-chow. There I
found the escort quite unconscious of danger. All
the gentlemen were out shopping. Parkes had
been there, but finding none of them in had left a
note in pencil on the table for them, and had ridden
on to try and find the Prince Tsai. As Parkes
did not know Hindostanee he had been unable to
tell the escort to get ready. I at once gave orders
for them to prepare, and in the meantime de
Norman, Huntly and Anderson came in. I then
went with de Norman to look for Parkes in the
city, and soon met him coming from the Prince
Tsai, whom he had seen. He said no time was to
be lost in making our escape. I then informed him
of the state of things with our army. We found

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 275

the escort mounted and ready, and we rode hard to
get to our army before the action commenced. As
far as Chang-kai-wang we got on well, but the town
was so crowded with soldiers we could not g-o out of
a walk. As we cleared the town we broke into a
canter, but we had not gone a quarter of a mile
when fire suddenly opened from more than a
hundred guns, and in a few minutes we saw some
shells bursting in the air. We now pushed on at a
hard gallop. Anderson and I were riding in front,
the road was narrow, and the bank lined with
infantry ; a large body of cavalry were galloping on
our right flank and rear with matchlocks ready to
fire. Going at this pace had much the appearance
of running away, and half our saddles would have
been emptied by the fire they were going to open
on us, and which we had no power of returning.
Anderson and I, therefore, thought it better to
halt — to get the cavalry in front of us, so as to
charge through them if necessary, and also to decide
what was to be done. As soon as we halted a
Chinese officer rode up and with great civility said
that he perceived we were bearers of a flag of truce,
but that as the battle had begun he could not let us
through the middle of their lines, but that the
General who was close by would no doubt give us a
free pass round the flank of the army, and that he
would either send, or perhaps the quickest way
would be if any two of us would go with him to the
General. We had a short consultation ; Brabazon
voted that Parkes should decide what was to be

276 REMINISCENCES OF

done. In the meantime I rode up a steep bank
to the right, and found the ground so cut up with
water-courses and full of cavalry and infantry, that
rendered escape almost hopeless in that direction.
We decided, therefore, in the first instance to try for
a pass ; if that failed, to fight for it. Parkes ex-
pressed his readiness to go to the General if I went
with him, and we galloped off accompanied by the
Chinese officer and the old Sikh who had come in
with me as bearer of a flag of truce.

" The millet in some parts was not yet off the
ground. It grows to an immense height and thick-
ness, quite sufficient to conceal a man on horseback.
Round a field of this the Chinese officer led us at a
gallop, and we found ourselves in the midst of a
body of infantry, who would have shot us down but
for the officer rushing in between. We pushed
through them towards a small stream, on the opposite
bank of which we saw some mounted mandarins.
As we got near the cry of 'Sang, Sang' ('The
Prince, the Prince') was raised, and up galloped
Prince Sangko-lin-sin, the Commander-in-Chief, at
that time, of the Chinese armies. As soon as he
came near Parkes called to him, and begged he
would give us a free pass for the escort to our
army, but the only answer he received was a volley
of abuse. The infantry had closed in upon us, half
a dozen matchlocks were pressing against our bodies
with matches ready to blow us out of our saddles.
Parkes turned to me and said, ' I fear we are
prisoners'. We consulted for a few moments if

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 277

resistance was possible, but as the slightest effort
would have led to our immediate death, we thought
it better to be resigned as we had no help for it, and
hope for something occurring that we might take
advantage of. We were pulled off our horses, taken
across the stream, and shoved down on our knees
before Sangko-lin-sin ; our heads were rubbed in
the dirt ; but after a good deal of abuse he had to
gallop off, and he ordered us to be taken to the
Prince Tsai. We were placed in a cart with the
old Sikh, and two Frenchmen who had somehow
been captured in another part of the field, and taken
off to Yung-chow. Four mules were harnessed to
the cart and they took us at a hard trot over the
most awful roads. The Prince Tsai not being in
the city, we were driven through the town along the
Peking road. Our escort inquired as they went for
the Prince, for they had been ordered to hand us
over to him. The road we were now taken along
was crowded with troops. After proceeding about
a mile along it, we came to a very handsome stone
bridge, crossing the Peking canal, called Pah-li-chow.
We were taken across the bridge, but we had not
gone far when an order came for us to return, and
we were taken into a large camp on the south side of
it. We were taken out of the cart and led before
the General commanding, whose name was Juli^
He was also one of the ministers of state. We were
thrown down upon our knees before him, and under-
went a long examination, utterly useless, for of course
Parkes never gave the information they desired to

2/8 REMINISCENCES OF

have, and they would not believe any correct in-
formation that he did give them. To bring this
painful examination to an end, Parkes pretended
faintness. We were then removed into a small
farm-house, where we were searched and had our
watches, papers, etc., taken from us. We were left
in this place for half an hour, when we were removed
to a temple close by. We were left here alone for
twenty minutes, and being tired and having probably
a hard day still before us, we lay down for a short
sleep. We were roused by the soldiers coming to
take us before other examiners, who we found
were members of the Prince Tsai suite, men of
inferior rank, who had been present at the nego-
tiations of the previous day, but who then would
not have presumed to have sat down in our presence
without our permission. Now we were on our knees
before them, the soldiers cuffing and beating us if
we attempted to resist. The examiners were very
brutal, especially one man, who insisted that I could
speak Chinese, abused Parkes when he said I could
not, and had me kicked when I could not reply. In
the middle, however, of these proceedings a messenger
arrived and gave a message which seemed to create
a panic, for they left the room, and Parkes and I
were left almost alone. But in a few minutes a
number of soldiers rushed in and bound us with our
hands behind our backs, and from their cries Parkes
was led to believe they intended beheading us. We
were led into a courtyard, the guard shaking their
spears and brandishing their swords at us. Parkes

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 279

told me if they raised my hands, which when bound
behind the back has the effect of throwing the head
forward, and ran me forward at the same time, they
would behead me at the outer gate — that this was
their mode of beheading their criminals. We had
time but for a few words and to bid each other
good-bye, when my arms were seized in the manner
described by Parkes and I was rushed out towards the
outer gate, a man running by my side with a drawn
sword. While passing through the last courtyard I
observed a man running as fast as he could to meet
us. We arrived at the gate at the same moment ;
he threw his arms round the fellow who had the
sword, being too blown to speak, and then hurried
me forward to a cart, into which I was pitched, and
Parkes, the old Sikh, and the two Frenchmen were
put in also. These three last we had not seen for
some time. The cart immediately drove off at a
rapid rate, recrossed the bridge, and along the paved
road leading to Peking.

"The agony of that drive I can never forget —
the jolting on the paved road, bound and helpless
to save ourselves from the fearful jolts that seemed
to threaten each moment to drive life out of our
bodies, not for one instant still, thrown backwards
and forwards, with the great pain our wrists gave
us from being so tightly bound. It seemed im-
possible that we could hold out long. With our
teeth clenched and our feet pressing against each
other's bodies, we tried to steady ourselves ; but had
it not been that the cart had occasionally to go on

28o REMINISCENCES OF

to a road at the side that was not paved I do not
think one of us could have lasted through those
terrible seven hours of torture. The men of the
Prince Tsai. suite, whose examination of us had been
interrupted, rode in rear, and seemed immensely to
enjoy any extra jolt we got. The line of road all
the way to Peking was one large camp — for miles
on either side of the road were tents with earth
breastworks thrown up round them.

"It was dusk before we reached the suburbs of
Peking — ^crowds of people pressing round the cart
to get a view of us, and the Chinese soldiers delighted
in making the most of their triumph, no doubt hoping
it would be thought we were only the first instalment
of the whole barbarian army which they had promised
to annihilate. As the crowd kept pressing upon the
cart, I heard Parkes exclaim, ' What a lovely girl ! '
I raised my head to the edge of the cart and indeed
saw a beautiful face looking at us. To have attracted
our attention at such a moment it must have been
lovely. Soon after passing under the great gate into
Peking, which is imposing from its great height, it
became too dark to distinguish objects. Street after
street we passed through, and it seemed we were
never going to stop. We were very exhausted from
pain and fatigue and want of food and water. At
last the cart turned into a large courtyard, and on
the paper lanterns hung up Parkes read ' Board of
Punishments '. Our worst fears were realised : we
were in the hands of a board noted for its cruelty
and the tortures it inflicted. Parkes was first taken

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 281

from the cart. I waited anxiously : in about a
quarter of an hour I heard the clank of chains, and
looking over the cart saw poor Parkes being led
away in irons, a man with a lantern going before
him. I called out to him. He bid me good-bye
in case we were separated, and said, ' The chains
are not very heavy '.

"In a few minutes I was led before three
mandarins, who were seated in a small room. I
was forced to kneel in front of a table at which they
sat — a torturer on either side of me holding my hair
and beard, which they occasionally pulled when any
question was addressed to me. On one side of the
room was a low flat wooden bed, with rollers and
ropes at each end, and I had no difficulty in recog-
nising a rude kind of rack. On the walls and on
the table were different instruments of torture.
Getting very tired of the cuffs and kicks I got when
unable to answer the questions put to me, which
being in Chinese I was unable to understand, I made
signs with my head for my hat, which had been
knocked off, and which was lying in front of me, and
at the same time made an effort to rise, on which
I was knocked down on my face, and had it repeated
two or three times. An iron collar was then fastened
round my neck, with a long heavy chain descending
from it. I was then removed through various court-
yards into one where I found Parkes seated on a
bench, having irons fastened on his ankles. The
same was done to me. I fortunately had on jack-
boots, which protected my ankles somewhat from the

282 REMINISCENCES OF

two rings they fastened round them, to which were
attached two chains which were passed through the
chain that descended from my neck, allowing my feet
six inches from each other. We felt now we were
to be separated, and it appeared to me the greatest
trial I had yet gone through — probably the last time
we should ever meet, or I should see any one with
whom I could converse. A hasty good-bye, and we
were led away in different directions.

" After passing through one or two courtyards
and passages, I was taken into a court rather larger
than the others, on one side of which was a barn-
like building, through the grated windows of which
streamed a flood of light. The jailers who conducted
me gave three heavy bangs at the door, calling out at
the same time. The door was instantly thrown open,
and I found myself in a long room full of Chinese,
nearly all of them half naked, and some in the most
awful state of wretchedness and disease — upwards of
fifty altogether, and about nineteen were in chains
like myself, but lighter ones. They all pressed round
me ; the jailers now again searched me, but only
found a small prayer-book which had escaped their
attention in the first search. It being necessary to
put irons on my wrists, they had to undo the cords
that bound them behind my back. This was an
immense relief, although one hand was nearly black
from the circulation being so long stopped. I had
little sensation in it. Fortunately I had a ring on
one of the fingers of that hand, and they rubbed until
sufficient circulation had been produced to enable

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 283

them to get the ring off. My hands were then
fettered together, and my elbows pinioned by a rope ;
the chain connecting my hands also passed through
the chain from my neck. After giving me a small
cup of tea, which tasted better than anything I had
ever remembered drinking before in my life, I was
taken to the place where I was to sleep. On either
side the room, about two and a half feet from the
ground, were rude wooden shelves, not unlike guard-
room beds, extending from the walls about eight
feet towards the centre of the room, leaving a passage
between them running the whole length ; in the
centre there was a slight division with better accom-
modation for the jailers, with a table, etc. I was
placed on the shelf under a chain that descended
from a beam, to which the chain that passed from
my neck to my heels was made fast, but leaving me
sufficiently at liberty as to be able to lie on my back.
About half a dozen only were chained up in this
manner besides myself, and these were criminals of
the most dangerous description, who were in prison
for murders and the worst kind of crimes. I did
not find much room — -my neighbours on either side
being pressed so close to me I could not have turned,
even if my chains would have permitted of my doing
so. Exhausted from want of food, and fatigue both
of mind and body, I fell almost immediately asleep.
About four o'clock I awoke cold and faint. As I
woke and heard the rattle of my chains and felt the
strange place I was in, with the almost certainty of a
speedy death, the prospect before me seemed dismal

284 REMINISCENCES OF

indeed. The prisoner next me waking from feeling
me shivering with cold, threw half of his worn old
coverlet over me, and creeping as it was with vermin
I could not help welcoming it, and in a few minutes
I was asleep again, and did not awake until the stir
of the jailers and prisoners about daylight roused
me. Shortly before sunrise the door was opened,
and my first day of prison life commenced.

"One day was so much like another, that in de-
scribing one, it does for all. When the door was
opened all the prisoners hurried into the yard, and
I was unchained from the beam and allowed to go
also. I was immediately the centre of curiosity, the
prisoners and jailers crowding round me, examining
my boots, coat, hat, and all my clothes. Not liking
this familiarity, and knowing an Eastern will often
acknowledge authority if it is usurped with sufficient
confidence, I shuffled to the only bench that was in
the yard, and motioning to two men who were on it
to rise, seated myself on it, and waved to them to
stand up and away from in front of me. To my
surprise and pleasure they did as I directed, but not
wishing to test their patience too long, I bowed to
them to sit down. From that moment I was always
treated with the greatest respect ; the best seat was
always offered to me, and all the prisoners were
ready at any time to do anything that I might re-
quire of them. A little after sunrise two mandarins
belonging to the prison came in and saw the millet,
which is the food for the worst kind of prisoners,
measured out. This is the prison fare ; the other

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 285

prisoners who are to be better fed are so at the ex-
pense of one of the other prisoners who may have
means of his own, or friends who supply those means,
so that he may obtain his release sooner. Some of
the prisoners were really very well fed. Whether
they contributed anything towards their own food
I could not learn. I was given rice with a little
cabbage, which, although small in quantity and not
nourishing, was far better than the millet. After
the millet was measured out, I was taken before the
mandarins and had to kneel, and underwent a great
deal of questioning, none of which I could, of course,
understand. I was then taken inside and given a
bowl of rice, which, as it was nearly the first food I
had had for thirty-six hours, was very acceptable.
My elbows were unpinioned to allow me to eat, and
my first lesson in chopsticks commenced.

"There were about forty-eight prisoners in my
prison. Nineteen of these besides myself had chains
on, although not heavy like mine ; about fifteen by
length of imprisonment had had their chains taken
off and been promoted to better feeding — all these
were the worst sort of criminals. The other prisoners
were in on suspicion and waiting for trial, or until
such time as they or their friends could pay a suffi-
cient bribe for their being released.

"After my bowl of rice I was allowed into the
yard again until 2)-30y when I had more rice. I was
again allowed into the yard an hour before we were
locked up for the night. The first two or three days
a great number of mandarins came to see me, some

286 REMINISCENCES OF

from curiosity, some to attempt to make me speak
Chinese. To all of these I was forced on my knees
and received abuse and cuffs. These visits, however,
soon became less frequent, and I employed my time
trying to learn Chinese words and sentences, and by
signs tried to learn what was going on outside. With
a piece of mortar I got out of the wall I kept the
days of the month and week, and wrote my name on
different bricks, so that in the event of our army
taking Peking and searching the prisons, they would
know I had been there and alive on a certain day.
Sometimes the jailers gave me a brush and Indian
ink such as they write with, and when I got these I
kept a diary in the lining of my hat. In the evening
both jailers and prisoners used to gather round me
and attempt to learn a few words of English, as I did
of Chinese. By signs I imagined I had learnt a
good deal of the state of affairs outside. The second
day, at my request, the prayer-book that had been
taken from me was returned. The jailers were
sometimes civil, sometimes very much the reverse,
and their treatment severe. Pie was the name of
the head jailer ; he once tightened my chains most
unpleasantly. Cao was the name of the third jailer
— hideously ugly, but very vain of his beauty. He
had a great desire I should try and draw him, and
got a brush and ink and paper for me. I could not
resist the temptation, and made him even more
frightful than he was, which I learnt to my cost was
most impolitic on my part.

" During all this time I could hear nothing of

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 287

Parkes. They told me he was still in the Board of
Punishments, but I could learn nothing more. I
began to sing ' Pestal ' one day, thinking Parkes
might be within hearing, but it sounded so melan-
choly hearing my own voice, and the prisoners all
looked so astonished, I could not go on.

" Thus the days passed drearily on, until one
morning, by signs and a few words that I had learnt,
they told me that my chains were to be taken off,
but for what purpose — whether for my final release
— I could not learn. About four in the afternoon I
was taken into a side room that opened from the
yard, and was visited by Hangki, one of the com-
missioners, and a mandarin whom Parkes had known
formerly at Canton, He pretended indignation at
seeing me in chains, although he had been one of
those concerned in our capture. He ordered them
to be taken off Before taking me away, I went
round to the prisoners and bid them good-bye in the
Chinese way, with my hands clasped, and as I had
seen the few prisoners who had been released while
I had been in prison do before leaving. Hangki led
me by the hand through various courtyards into a
small room, where I was joined in a few minutes by
Parkes. Our delight at seeing each other was great.
Parkes could not, however, tell what was to be done
with us. He only knew we were very far from a
final release, and that the only change at present was
we were to be better treated. We had hardly been
five minutes together when the arrangements for our
departure were completed, and we were put into

288 REMINISCENCES OF

separate carts, but of a very different kind to the one
in which we had made the journey to Peking. These
are made expressly for mandarins to travel in, are
covered over and lined with cushions. Two of my
jailers, now transformed into servants, accompanied
me, and surrounded by a very large escort, we were
taken through the streets towards the north side of
the city. Thousands of people filled the streets and
stood on the tops of the houses to see us as we
passed, the police going in front clearing a space for
us to pass by cracking long whips at the people's
faces. After proceeding nearly three miles we ar-
rived at a temple not far from the north gate, and
found an inner courtyard given up entirely to us.
One room that opened into it was prepared as our
sleeping and sitting-room, the next room was for our
servants, lately jailers, and the building that formed
the opposite side of the court was for a picked guard
of twenty Tartars — the finest men, I think, I ever
saw. Surrounding the building a camp of 5,000
soldiers was formed, so we were well secured. It
was an immense comfort to be so well lodged after
so much suffering. We found tubs and hot water,
towels and soap, and were informed we could have
dinner as soon as we liked. The delights of the
wash and the repugnance at having to put on again
the clothes that had not been off our backs for so
many days was very great. The dinner was very
extensive — sixteen large and about thirty small dishes.
We begged that in future they would confine the
dinner to four dishes.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 289

" I now learnt from Parkes the state of affairs
as far as he could learn them, and the cause of the
improvement in our treatment. It appeared the
Chinese Government, after our capture, were very-
much puzzled to know what to do next. The capture
had not put a stop to hostilities — in fact, although
they would not admit it, it appeared the Chinese
army had not only been beaten the day that we were
captured, but in another battle that had taken place
a few days later, and that now there was no army
between the allied forces and Peking. This we
imagined must be the state of affairs from some
admissions, although they would not tell us where
our army was. They felt, after their act of treachery
in capturing us, there would be great difficulty in
re-opening negotiations, and we felt pretty certain
that Lord Elgin would insist on our being surrendered
up before he would consent to negotiate at all. The
Chinese would hesitate greatly to do this, for they
could not banish from their minds that holding us
prisoners, we were to a certain extent hostages for
the safety of the city, by the threat held out that we
should be put to death if our army advanced against
Peking, They were, therefore, in this difficulty —
threatened by Lord Elgin with destruction if they
put us to death, and if they released us, feeling they
gave up the only hold they had to induce Lord Elgin
to mitigate any of his demands ; besides believing
we should, out of revenge, urge Lord Elgin to
advance still more objectionable demands than he

had yet done. And although letters passed between
VOL. I. 19

290 REMINISCENCES OF

Lord Elgin and the Chinese Government, conveyed
by subordinates, none of the mandarins would consent
to negotiate personally with any one Lord Elgin
might appoint to meet them, for fear of being treated
in the way we had been ; and of course after what
had happened to us, none of our officers could come
to the Chinese commissioners.

" The Chinese saw no way of escaping from their
difficulties except by fighting to the last. In Peking
there were upwards of 100,000 soldiers. It was
immensely strong, and they thought if they could
hold out for six weeks, winter would force us to
retreat. If they decided on this course of action, we
were to be beheaded to prevent any drawing back,
for they knew this would commit all the mandarins
to fight to the last. However, at the urgent entreaty
of Hangki and a few others, they decided on giving
negotiations one chance more, and with this object
in view Hangki had visited Parkes in prison, begged
him to write letters to Lord Elgin to detain the army,
and not to advance on Peking. Nothing would
persuade Hangki that Parkes was powerless at any
time to control the policy of Lord Elgin or the move-
ments of the troops, and that any little influence he
might have had vanished with his becoming a prisoner ;
and besides, he said, ' I can only write, dating from
this prison, and describing myself as being in chains '.
Hangki said if he would write all this might be altered,
and had his chains taken off, and proposed to take
him to the temple we were afterwards removed to.
But Parkes declined to go unless I was to go also ;

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 291

that we had been employed on the same service and
had been captured together. Hangki made some
difficulty as to this, but the following day I was
released and taken as I have described with Parkes
to the temple.

" We had scarcely finished dinner when Hangki
came to claim the fulfilment of Parkes' promise to
write a letter. He dictated to Parkes what he
wished said, and Parkes wrote it in Chinese, and as
Hangki dictated it in the plural, Parkes said when
he had finished, ' it required also the approval of
Loch, and as he can't write Chinese he must just
write across in English he approves '. Hangki
readily agreed to this, and suspecting they had a
man who could read English, I wrote in Hindostanee,
although in English characters, that the letter was
written at the dictation of the Chinese Government,
and signed my name. We afterwards learned that this
was the first intimation that Lord Elgin had received
of our being alive. Each day we received visits from
Hangki and other mandarins ; endless discussions
ensued. We felt they were delaying matters danger-
ously ; that probably our army would have to act
before the Chinese had decided what to do. We
knew then our lives would be forfeited. On the 2nd
October by Hangki's desire we wrote for clothes.
We made a backofammon board out of a cushion of
a stool ; played a few games in the evening. Lovely
cloudless weather — how we longed to be free and
on horseback ! Ten days after we had written the
clothes came — only a shirt or two and pocket-hand-

19 *

292 REMINISCENCES OF

kerchiefs ; a letter also from Wade to Parkes. The
letter said Lord Elgin had been in communication
for a week with Kung, the Emperor's brother, and
now Prime Minister, but that the Chinese were so
full of evasion that the army would advance and shell
Peking. A long and unsatisfactory conversation
ensued ; the misfortune was the Chinese would not
believe in the nearness of their danger. I examined
the things sent from the camp carefully, and on one
handkerchief found written in Hindostanee that the
big guns were to open on the city in three days' time ;
on a shirt, also worked in silk, I found the same
information, and asking us if possible to communicate
what part of the city we were in. Each day that
passed brought the crisis nearer ; we knew our fate
must be decided in three days. One day Hangki
called in the afternoon and announced that there had
been a most unsatisfactory discussion ; that we were
to be beheaded ; but if we had any last letters to
write he would take charge of them and call in two
hours' time. When he called we had both finished
our letters, and he said in the morning he would take
them. But on the following day he said for the next
day or two we were safe. On the morning of the
7th the long-expected sound of guns awoke me. I
pushed Parkes and was up in a moment. We went
into the courtyard, avoiding, however, exhibiting any
anxiety. Our jailers and guard had also turned out,
and were watching us anxiously. The firing was
slow and steady, but it suddenly ceased. While we
were discussing what it could have been, Hangki,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 293

followed by other mandarins, rushed in and de-
manded from us the reason of the firing. We said
we were prisoners, they should know best ; but prob-
ably the Chinese had delayed so long the bombard-
ment had commenced, as we had warned them would
be the case. He said our lives were in grreat danger,
and asked us our advice. We said the only advice
we could give him was to accede at once to Lord
Elgin's demands. In the meantime a man had come
in to say the guns were not shotted, so Parkes and I
knew it had been a salute, but this we kept to our-
selves. Hanorki said we must g"o and see Prince
Kung, and we afterwards learnt from his servants
that the spates having^ been closed when the P"uns were
first heard, he was lowered down the wall, sixty feet
in height, in a basket, as Kung was at the summer
palace. The day passed very slowly. Early on the
8th we sent to Hangki's house, and learnt he had
returned, and would call on us in an hour. When
he came he said he had seen Mr. Wade, that Lord
Elgin had increased his demands, and he did not see
how we were to be released. At last he informed us
that he hoped we should be released that afternoon
at two o'clock. We anxiously looked forward for that
hour without betraying any anxiety for it. When it
arrived we were placed in a covered cart together ;
there were four others, but we were not allowed to
look into them. A large escort cleared the way for
us, and we drove for the north-western gate. Know-
ing the soldiers had charge of it, it was an anxious
moment till we saw the great doors swing open and

294 REMINISCENCES OF

heard them close behind us. We found ourselves
alone with the mule driver ; he said he had no orders ;
we told him to take us in the direction of our army.
We followed the west wall, and then below the north
for nearly ten miles, the soldiers looking down upon
us. The mule driver advised us to keep our heads
under cover. At last we arrived at a road leading
away from the north gate, and after following it for
a mile we saw the joyful sight of a red coat. We
jumped out, and then learnt the other carts contained
the old Sikh and French officers. We were soon
within our lines and were free.

" We have since learnt that the positive order
from the Emperor for our execution arrived half an
hour after we were released."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 295

CHAPTER XVHI.

FIFE ELECTION.

1864, 2nd April. — Went to Leicester; met
Edward Leigh and John Bennet and went with
them to Melton steeplechase. On the way Frank
Goodall and Jim Bailey, Tailby's men, and Jack
Goddard and Tom Firr, Quorn men (Clowes,
M.F.H.), passed us, as they were to keep the
ground. As Tom Firr passed, Bennet said, " That
chap's legs are too thick". I think Colonel Owen
Williams, ist Life Guards, broke his leg in the
preliminary canter, another horse having run against
him. After the races Bennet kindly drove me to
Sulby, Fred Villiers ; stayed there Sunday.

On Monday, 4th, out with Pytchley at Brampton
Wood, and went down to Scotland by night train.
Jack Musters came down to try and buy some of
the Fife hounds, and stayed at Dysart. I went
out with him next morning at 6 a.m. at Woodside ;
found a fox and ran a bit, but had to stop, as I had
to go to a Conservative meeting in Cupar. Before
going into the meeting I met John Cairns and
Peter Dingwall, my tenants, who said, " You will
be asked to stand for the county, to oppose Sir
Robert Anstruther".

296 REMINISCENCES OF

The meeting" took place, and I was asked. I
asked for a day to consider it, and went to Dysart
that night, and next day consented. I did not Hke
the job, as I am not a politician by nature, and had
never studied the subjects carefully ; but I thought
it was my duty to try, as I had been requested
by such an influential meeting.

The Fifeshire fotirnal treated me to a rare
"puff":—

" The Conservative Candidate for Fife. — In Cap-
tain Thomson of Charleton we have secured the most
personally popular gentleman who could be brought
forward to represent the county of F^ife. . . . Captain
Thomson is identified with all that represents the
chivalry, courtesy, enterprise and good-fellowship
of the county. ... In his family extraction it is
well known Captain Thomson stands on a level
with the proudest houses of the district, and his
connections and influence are wide and extensive.
If signal and long attachment to the interests of
the people, and the devotion of his talents and
means to the development and improvement of
the county in agricultural resources — if prominence
and leadership in movements connected with the
patriotism and chivalry of the district — if a character
of rare and unrivalled generosity and universal
courtesy — if the possession of abilities of a high
order, by a man whom all other men respect, admire
and esteem, can qualify for the representation of the
county of Fife, or establish a claim on the gratitude
of the electors, we have no fear of the result of the

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 29;

contest. If any man is entitled to ask for such an
honour, and to receive it with alacrity, that man
assuredly is Captain Thomson. There is almost
no class of the community to whom we can turn
on whom he has not established the highest of claims
to consideration. The county gentlemen of the Fife
Hunt cannot do less for the gallant Master of the
Hounds. The volunteers, and all who sympathise
in that great movement, must be proud of that
splendid and far-famed corps, the Mounted Rifles
of Fife ; and Captain Thomson is not only the head
and heart of the corps, but of the movement through-
out the county. The farmers of Fife find in Captain
Thomson the model landlord, who is beloved by his
own tenantry, and who devotes his energies and
attention to the improvement of their condition and
the welfare of the agricultural classes. But is there
any part of the general population that is not familiar
with his pleasant face and courteous smile, as he
has gone out and in amongst them, interesting
himself in all their affairs, encouraging in difficulties,
and keeping alive in the breasts of the poor that
hereditary love and respect for the classes above
them which used to characterise our land } Nor
is Captain Thomson only the kind and indulgent
landlord and brilliant sportsman. We know how
valuable are his abilities in the conduct of the county
business ; how powerful and able is his mind when
it interests itself with public affairs ; how, banishing,
as it were, by the very tone of his voice, the least
approach to the acrimony of party, he nevertheless

^9^ REMINISCENCES OF

shows his thorough acquaintance with those great
questions which agitate the minds of politicians,
and his earnest desire for the furtherance of true
prosperity and progress."

" To the Electors of the County of Fife, 1864.

" Gentlemen, —

"... I now, in compliance with an influential
and numerously signed requisition, beg to offer my-
self as a candidate for the honour of representing you.
I do not bring myself before you from any motives
of personal ambition, but solely in the hope that my
services may be of use to my native county. Although
I cannot lay claim to much political experience, I have
at least the advantage of having constantly resided
among you, and being personally known to many of you.

" My principles are Conservative, but, at the same
time, I am in favour of all reasonable progress, and
would support any measure to rectify existing abuses.
Believing that to be prepared for war is the best
security for peace, I would vote for the efficient
maintenance of the army and navy, having a due re-
gard for the economical outlay of public money. . . .

" All matters of local interest shall have my
constant attention.

" I trust to have an early opportunity of calling
upon you personally, and of more fully explaining
my opinions.

" 1 am, Gentlemen,

" Your faithful servant,

" John Anstruther Thomson.

"Charleton, ']ih April, 1864."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 299

"Wemyss Hall, Cupar Fife,
" Tuesday, 6 p.m.

" My Dear Wife,—

" Yesterday I speeched well at St. Andrews,
and had a large and good meeting. I then went on
to Ferryport, where I speeched badly, and only had
a dozen people to talk to. I went and had some
tea with Captain Codrington, and went on to New-
port, where they had made a mess of the notices,
and hardly any one appeared, so I told them I would
come back on Thursday. I then rode into Cupar,
where I arrived at 9.30. I slept at the Royal
Hotel, and this morning had a first-rate meeting, but
I was awfully tired. I speeched shorter, but not
badly.

" I have just been to Ceres, where there were
few people, and speeched fairly, and have just come
up with Major Wemyss. I am going to have some
dinner with him, and then go to Dysart with Tom
Cartwright.

"In this country things are pretty well, but I
am not very sanguine in the west. I don't know
when I shall bring my bones home. John Pye takes
this. Ross goes with me, and I want some clean
shirts sent to Dysart, and all letters.

" Yours aff.,

"J. A. T."

Things in the West appeared on a nearer inspec-
tion even less sanguine than I had anticipated. In
Dunfermline there were 125 voters against me, and
there I decided to retire from the contest and in-

300 REMINISCENCES OF

formed my audience of my intentions in the following
speech : —

" I have now visited almost every district in the
county, and have received reports from the different
localities ; but the result of these is not such as to
encourage me in the hope of ultimate success. . . .
That being the case, gentlemen, and after very
mature consideration, I have now to inform you that
I retire from the contest. To those gentlemen who
have supported me I beg to return my most sincere
thanks, and to express my deepest gratitude, in the
first place, for the honour they have done me in
considering me worthy of their confidence, and also
for the great zeal and activity which they have
exhibited in the prosecution of the canvass in my
favour. . . . To you, gentlemen, who are my op-
ponents—although I still call you my friends — I
beg to return you my sincere and grateful thanks
for the courtesy with which you have received me
on every occasion, and for the attention with which
you have listened tome. In another place I stated
that my supporters should confess that I ran the
race stoutly and honestly. I can assure them that
hitherto I have done so to the best of my ability,
but the odds are too great against me. I am sure
my opponents will confess that I have fought them
freely and fairly. I have taken no part in any under-
hand proceeding of which I can be ashamed ; I have
made no statement which gives me any regret ; I
have used no word which I would wish to retract.
I shall retire, gentlemen, into private life with very

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 301

mixed feelings — feelings of pride, of regret, and of
gratitude ; — of pride, that my friends thought me
worthy to represent them ; of regret, that the issue
of the contest by their exertions has not been brought
to a more favourable conclusion ; and of gratitude to
you all for the kindness which you have individually
displayed towards me. I can assure you, gentlemen,
I now with the greatest respect beg to take my
leave of you, assuring you whether in public life or
in private life that I am ready at all times to devote
myself to the good of our county." (Cheers.)
John Blackwood wrote : —

''April, 1864.

" Dear Mrs. Thomson, —

" Allow me to congratulate you and Mr.
Thomson on the admirable appearance he made at
Cupar. It was an uncommonly clear and telling
statement. I had anticipated your feelings about
the want of support in the press, and tried to rouse
Ayton to take you in hand, and he had promised to
try. I wrote to him and sent a file of papers, but
the same evening came the news of the withdrawal.
I suppose it was wise.

"In fact, we had been out of office for fully
thirty years, and Scotsmen do not become converts
to a party in that position. I hope, however, Mr.
Thomson will try again, when there is time to work
up the constituency and things look brighter.

" Believe me,

"Yours,
" John Blackwood."

302 REMINISCENCES OF

Having made my last speech and withdrawn
from the contest, I breathed more freely. I hated
the whole business, and I was awfully tired and had
a buzzing in my ears, from which I have never
recovered. George Whyte-Melville wrote "con-
gratulating me on not becoming an MP."

I wrote to my father-in-law : —

"ChARLETON, COLINSBURGH,

" igth April, 1864.

" My Dear Mr. Gray, —

" I received your letters yesterday, and all
your remarks about the election are very just. The
Conservative party have done nothing either to
improve the registration or to keep the party to-
gether, and they started in the mistaken hope that my
personal popularity with the farmers could counter-
balance the Radicalism of the ten-pounders. The
other party have a thoroughly well-organised system
— every shopkeeper, every foreman of works, is put
on their working committees, and thus influence the
others. Another advantage they have is, a// the
cheap newspapers are Radical, and the Scotsman
newspaper and McFarlane, the agent at Dunferm-
line, could almost return the member without other
assistance. There was a majority of 125 against
me in Dunfermline, pledged, which it would take
twenty rural parishes to counteract. Another thing
is, many of our agents are not men of real good
character.

" As for my own part, I had never given a serious

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 303

thought about it, and I never spoke for ten minutes
in my life except on convivial occasions. I had been
out hunting in Northamptonshire in the morning on
Monday and travelled down during the night, and
on arriving at Cupar found myself in for this business.
I was not fit for it — either bodily or mentally. I had
to cram Acts of Parliament from daylight till dark.
However, I have nothing to regret in it, but I have
little hopes of the future.

"As to the Kilmany Free Church, it was a case
of aggression on their part. There was one member
of their congregation in the village of Kilmany, ninety
in the village of Gauldry, and ninety in the village of
Logie, where the Free Church is situated. They
wished to pull down the church at Logie and put it
up near Kilmany, so that 180 would have to walk
one and a half miles to meet the one member. I
offered them a site at Gauldry, but that would not
suit them. Any impartial person can judge how
reasonable their request was.

"As to your question about influence: Mrs.
Durham, right, very (Durham of Largo) ; Simson,
a very kind letter saying he would not vote against
me (of Pitcorthie) ; Lindsay, no answer, as far as I
know (Balcarres) ; Bethune, 1 should think against me
(Kilconquhar); Douglas Irvine, right (Grangemuir) ;
Stewart (St. Fort), right, but his son very active on
the other side. Most of the tenants, therefore, would
not vote.

" Now that this M.P. business is over, the nego-
tiations about M-F,H, for Pytchley have recom-

304 REMINISCENCES OF

menced, and we are likely to come to a more
successful conclusion.

''Mr. Kinnear has written thanking me for the
remarks I made about him, and the bosh that was
talked about the impropriety of his address being
issued before Wemyss' funeral.

" I have just had a letter from the photographer
at Leven asking me to sit to him, as he had thirty-
four orders for my photo by Saturday's post, so I
am going to ride over with the boys.

" I have sent Mr. Parker to attend the nomina-
tion and report what takes place.

" Love to Mrs. Gray.

" Your aff.
'*J. Anstruther Thomson."

I then began again to turn my attention to the
duties of a M.F.H. There had been an idea of
reducing the number of hunting days in Fife and
selling half of the pack. The hounds were the
property of the committee — Lord Rosslyn, Mr.
Balfour, Mr. Haig, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Hay Pater-
son. There was a debt of ^500 on the hounds,
and the interest of that sum was the first payment
from the subscription.

"At a meeting at Cupar, on 30th April, 1864,
Colonel Thomson moved that a joint-stock company
be formed for the purpose of purchasing the Fife
Hounds, and forming a county pack, in shares of ^25
each, and that a committee of gentlemen be requested
to act for obtaining shareholders and subscriptions

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON

305

and purchasing the pack, which was unanimously
agreed to. At a subsequent meeting on 5th July,
1864, the following gentlemen agreed to take
shares : —

The Earl of Rosslyn

• 3

Robert Rlntoul .

. I

Sir Thomas Erskine

3

R. B. Stewart .

I

John Whyte-Melville

3

George M. Henderson

2

F. L. S. Wedderburn

3

W. H. Moubray

I

John Balfour .

4

S. R. Lumisdaine

I

J. Anstruther Thomson

2

W. Drysdale .

2

T. S. Christie .

I

J. Hay Patterson

2

J. T. Oswald .

2

Sir Coutts Lindsay .

2

Lord Loughborough

I

Smith Sligo

I

Sir R. Anstruther .

2

John Luke

I

W. P. Adam .

2

John Gilmour .

I

R. Cathcart .

2

—

John Haig

I

Shares,

44

2.

The shares shall be fixed at £2^ each, and
the money raised thereby to be employed in
purchasing the Fife pack of hounds, which
shall be the sole property of the share-
holders.

The hounds to be kept in Fife, at such
place as the committee of management shall
think proper.

The pack to be maintained, and the expense
of the hunting paid, out of annual subscrip-
tions to be raised for the purpose.
A Master of the Hounds and committee of
management to be named by the share-
holders, who shall take the charge and
management of the pack till otherwise
arranged. Colonel Babington to be Master
of the Hounds, and the committee to consist

VOL. I.

20

306 REMINISCENCES OF

of Mr. Whyte- Melville (convener), Sir T.
Erskine and Mr. Oswald — any two a quorum
— and Messrs. W. and G. Pagan to be hon.
secretaries and treasurers.
" 5. General meetings of shareholders shall be
held on the first Tuesday of February and
first Tuesday of April in each year, for the
purpose of transacting all necessary busi-
ness.
" 6. Any shareholder may assign his interest in
the hounds, but only to a person to be
approved of by the remaining shareholders
at the meeting to be held on the first Tuesday
of February.
" 7. Each shareholder shall have a vote for every
share he holds at all meetings, and in all
matters connected with the company.
"The secretaries and treasurers were also in-
structed to apply for a lease of the New Inn kennels
for one year."

It will thus be seen that a sum of ^1,100 was
raised in forty-four shares of ^^25 each, and the
committee purchased the pack for the shareholders
from the then proprietors for ^800. Colonel
Babington became the master, with Ben Painting,
huntsman ; Jack Shepherd and George Ferguson,
whips.

When the Fife Hounds became a subscription
pack in 1805, my father got a copy of the rules of
the Pytchley Hunt.

JOHN ANSTRUTHER THOMSON OF CHARLETON (1830).
(my father.)

From a Fainting by Colvin Snath at CharUton.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 307

Rules and Orders of the Pytchlev Hunt settled
at several annual meetings in london.

" I. That the number of members of this hunt
be limited to forty.

" 2. That the members be chosen by ballot.

" 3. That no less than eight members shall be
present to ballot at the annual meeting in
London, when two black balls shall be
sufficient to exclude any candidate ; and
that it be allowed to ballot for any candi-
date at Pytchley House, twelve members
being present, and one black ball to exclude,
provided such candidate be put up a week
before the ballot,

"4. That the annual subscription be ten guineas.

" 5. That every new member do upon his election
pay ten guineas to the treasurer, in addition
to his annual subscription.

'* 6. That every member absent from Pytchley
do stand at a shilling a day during the
meeting,

" 7. That any member being in England, and
not appearing at Pytchley House once in
the season, shall forfeit three guineas.

" 8. That every member not appearing at the
annual meeting in London shall forfeit one
guinea ; and if in town the day of the anni-
versary, two guineas.

" 9. That any member be at liberty to bring one

visitor to Pytchley, and to place him in any

20 *

308 REMINISCENCES OF

vacant room, till it shall be wanted by a
member of the hunt.
" lo. That no new rule be made in this club ex-
cept by ballot.

"Thatched House,

"agi/i May, 1802.

" Resolved {ne7n. con.), — That each of the mem-
bers of the Pytchley Hunt do pay in addi-
tion to the present year's subscription,
thirteen pounds for the purpose of repaying
Mr, Christopher Smyth the money advanced
by him on account of the hunt.

" Resolved, — That all members are considered
as belonging to the hunt for the ensuing
year, unless they shall give notice in writing
to the chairman of the anniversary meeting,
held the last Saturday in May, of their
intention of withdrawing their names.

'' Resolved, — That the treasurer be empowered
to use all necessary means to recover all
arrears due to the hunt, and that the addi-
tional subscription and all arrears be paid to
Christopher Smyth, Esq., at Northampton ;
or to Messrs. Drummonds, Charing Cross,
to Mr. Smyth's account.

" Resolved, — That Mr. Isted be appointed
treasurer to the hunt.

" Resolved, — That the foregoing resolutions, and
a copy of the rules and orders of the Pytchley
Hunt, be sent to each member of the club.

" Present, and signed, — Spencer, T. A. Smith,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 309

J. Dorrien, Henry Warde, Wm. Davy, Wm. H.
Fellowes, J. Warde, R. L. Doughty, J. Thursby,
R. Andrew, W. R. Cartwright, E. Bouverie, Samuel
Isted.

" Lord Spencer subscribes ^400 per account to
the hounds ; Mr. Warde keeps them and pays the
remainder. Pytchley House is also given by Lord
Spencer gratis ; Mr. Warde keeping it in repair.
The hounds given to the huntsman of the Meynell
Hunt by Lord Sefton are sold at three guineas ;
the others disposed of are to the account of the hunt.
Some Lord Spencer gives in present."

The following interesting letter was written by
Charles Maitland Christie of Durie to my father : —

" Melton, 28th January, 1822.

" Dear Thomson, —

"... I have seen a great deal of excel-
lent sport, within twenty-five miles of this place,
with the Duke of Rutland's, The Quorn and Lord
Lonsdale's hounds. The two first are by Melton
men voted the crack packs, but Lord L. generally
gives a better account of his foxes than either of
them. There is generally a larger turn-out with the
two first than with Lord L. , and the lads of character
prefer going with them, consequently the hounds are
more over-rode and more foxes are lost. A horse
soon learns to jump here, for he must be constantly
at it when with hounds, but the fences in general are
easy, not however, without many exceptions. There
are great tracts of country quite delightful, large

310 REMINISCENCES OF

grass fields with good footing close up to the fences ;
you jump from one carpet on to another, and with
a straight-running fox and a good scent the sport is
superb. Riding is the whole business here almost ;
very few care a about the hounds, and pro-
vided a man can show himself forward, he does not
care, and often does not know, whether it be with a
scent or without one. I have repeatedly seen the
Duke's hounds go about a mile without a scent,
flinging a little for it certainly, but so pressed upon
by the sportsmen that away from it they must
go. The Duke, vitlgo Don Dismal, rides by himself
at a distance when there is a large field out, but
performs tolerably well sometimes when the field is
small.

" Lord Elcho had a bad fall last week. His
right shoulder is still so much swelled that the
surgeon does not know whether the collar-bone is
broken or not. He is an excellent fellow, and more
generally at head than any man in Melton. I hope
with all my heart he will soon be leading the field
again.

" Now that I have seen all the wonders of Melton
riding, I am going to study hunting under Chaworth
in Northamptonshire. I expect to see in him the
ne plus ultra of a sportsman. Should I have the
pleasure of hearing from you again, direct to Post
Office, Northampton. I had a letter the other day
from Kintore. He tells me they killed a lot of foxes,
but had very little running across the country. I
was glad to hear that Crane was giving satisfaction ;

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 311

he appeared to me to be a very good horseman, but
rather fond of a jump. I think I shall be home in a
month or so, particularly if the country gets too dry
to carry a good scent. Adieu.

" Yours very truly,

"Chas. M. Christie."

312 REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER XIX.

PYTCHLEY.

I RECEIVED on 27th February the following letter from
George Whyte-Melville : —

" WooTTON Hall, Northampton,
"26^^ February, 1864.

" My Dear Jack,—

" Under the influence of a ripping fifty
minutes over grass, up wind, and all just as it should
be, I write you a line as a feeler about our country.
I have only just heard that you have really given
up the Fife Hounds.

" I know your tastes so well that I am quite sure
that you would not be yourself without a pack of
hounds ; and, indeed, the longer I live the more I
find cause to agree with Jorrocks, that 'all time is
wasted that is not spent in hunting'. Now do you
think you would like this country ? We shall have
no master after this season, as Spencer has quite
decided finally to give them up. You know the
advantages and disadvantages of this country of
the Pytchley as well as I do. It has the best
woodlands in the world, and you can hunt from
August till May, both inclusive, as they say. The
disadvantage is the crowd on a Wednesday, which

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 313

you also know from experience with the Atherstone,
and I am sure you will agree with me that a crowd
does not do half the harm it appears to do. If there
is a scent they are soon disposed of ; and if there is
not, you must feel your way at any rate. From
what I see I think if you were to take our country
you would be very well supported, though I am not
writing under authority, but only between you and
me. We have a capital pack of hounds, although
it is the fashion to abuse them. They hunt as well
as they run, and there is no doubt about the latter
quality.

" I think you would enjoy the riding over these
grass fields as much as the hunting in the deep
woodlands on the Kettering side. This is a long
stave, and like one of Lord Russell's.

" Don't tell Mrs. Thomson I am trying to tempt
you here or I shall be in disgrace with her ; and,
of course, if you did come to us, nobody in Fife
would ever speak to me again. I should much like
to see you here, but that, I fear, is as much from
selfish and ' mahogany ' motives as from my good
opinion of your rat-catching qualities. I should like
if it could come off. Ever my dear Jack,
" Yours very truly,

"G. J. Whyte-Melville."

About the same time that I received George
Whyte-Melville's letter, I received one from John
Darby saying that if I would take the Pytchley
Hounds he would mount me the first season for

314 REMINISCENCES OF

nothing. I thanked him and said that arrangement
would not do ; but I bought a good many horses
from him. I also had a letter from my old groom,
John Whitehall, who was leaving Lord Stamford,
wishing to come back to me. He had ^200 a year
with Lord Stamford. I engaged him at ;^i20 per
annum.

"SuLBY Hall, Welford,

" Rugby, i^th April, 1864.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I have heard this morning from Suffield,
who absolutely and finally declines the hounds. If
you are disposed to honour us by being our master,
would you send me a letter stating your views, such
as I can show to the members of the hunt,

" We have deferred our hunt meeting from
Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd, at Northampton
at 2 P.M. The hounds hunt at Brampton Wood, for
the last day, on Friday 22nd.

"If I can get the members of the committee
together, I will try to get a sort of official invitation
to you in the meantime. But from the feeling shown
when your name was mentioned at the last hunt
meeting, I am quite sure you would be very ac-
ceptable to us.

" Yours very truly,

" Fred Villiers."

George Whyte- Melville was the secretary, and
F. Villiers was the chief man on the committee.
Lord Suffield had been mentioned as likely to take
the hounds before I came into the field, but withdrew.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 315

I wrote to Payne proposing that he should hunt
one pack and I should hunt the other. He re-
plied : —

" \-]th April, 1864.

" Sir,—

" Respecting the Pytchley country and
your offer, after hunting this country so many years,
as I have, I cannot entertain such an arrangement
I could not go into it with the sport a man ought to
do, therefore I must decline it. . . . Mine has been
a hard-fought battle for eighteen years with the
wildest field in England — heart-breaking to a good
sportsman. Well does poor Lord Spencer know
this, who, I am very very sorry to say, is far away, or
I am quite sure he would have arranged the thing
satisfactorily for me before this.

" There I must leave it, sir, but not without
thanking you for your kind letter.

** Your most obedt. servt.,

'' Chas. Payne."

I wrote to Villiers : —

"Charleton, Colinsburgh,
" 25^/t April, 1864.

"Is the matter so far settled that I may give
up my hold on this country and begin to engage
servants? Not a moment should be lost now, and
if I have to wait another fortnight I shall lose my
groom and all the good men will be disposed of, and
I suppose Payne will want a second whip. Can
you, the committee, settle with me, or must you refer
to another general meeting ?

3i6 , REMINISCENCES OF

** The object of my telegram was to get a positive
' Ves ' or * JVo ' now, for I should be in a mess if I
engage servants and have not the country, and in a
worse mess if I have the country and no servants,
which will be the result if I have to wait longer. If
your answer is right, I will go up and see Payne. I
have written to him again."

I wrote again to Payne only proposing to engage
him as huntsman.

" 27th April, 1864.

" Sir,—

" I shall be very pleased to enter your
service as huntsman upon the same terms as I am
at present, and will do everything in my power
to give you satisfaction. I could not possibly go
back to two days a week ; I would rather hunt
six. . . .

" I am sorry to say we have had distemper very
bad ; has left us very short ; shall require three or
four couple more than I have.

" Your most obedt. servt.,

" C. Payne."

The next thing was to find a house. Pitsford
had been the residence of many former masters —
George Payne, etc. — and was now the property of
Lord Overstone, I wrote to Bob Lindsay, his son-
in-law, the late Lord Wantage. He replied : —

: "gtit May, 1864.

" I have had a conversation with Overstone with
regard to Pitsford House, which has only lately

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 317

become Lord O.'s property, and which I believe he
very much regrets ever having become possessed
of. He bids me say that such as the house is you are
welcome to make use of it. He has never been
inside it, and knows not how much or how little it
may require doing to.

" That he is not prepared to lay out money upon
it, but that as long as you choose to live in it you
are welcome to do so, and that he will require nothing
but a nominal rent. If you go to see Mr. Beasley,
I am sure he will be ready to do all in his power to
assist you.

" Yours very truly,

" R. Lloyd Lindsay."

Mr. Beasley was very obliging. The rent was
fixed at ^30 per annum, and the field ^12. The
field contained many splendid walnut trees.

The house was a hideous, square place, with no
ornament, and very inconvenient. On one side,
about thirty yards off, was a brew-house ; on the
other side, a stable for four horses, and rooms above
it. I made the brew-house into four rooms for the
boys and their tutor, Mr. Parker, and a school-room,
and joined it to the house by a covered passage. I
spent about ^300 on the place. I only occupied it
two years. It was about one and a half mile from
Brixworth by road, and there was a shorter way by
footpath, and continually we were at cross purposes,
a message coming from the kennel by the footpath
while I had sent one by the road.

3i8 REMINISCENCES OF

" SuLBY Hall, Welford,
''27th April, 1864.

" My Dear Thomson,

"Yours of the 25th just reached me. I
fear the committee cannot give you a positive answer
previous to the meeting. But you may feel quite
certain that we shall be able to give you the ^3,000
for which you asked, taking upon ourselves the rents
and repairs of coverts. I have a telegram this
morning from Lord Spencer dated 25th: 'Arrived
at Constantinople to-day ; will give subscription to
Thomson if Suffield has not changed his mind '.
This answer, as Suffield has quite withdrawn, makes
the amount of subscription reaching ;^3,ooo for yozc
quite safe.

" I imagine that Spencer answers a letter of mine,
and nol Melville's telegram, because in my letter,
which was written when Suffield withdrew, there was
no allusion to Harleston, and the telegram alluding
to Harleston was sent in Melville's name, and the
answer would probably be sent to him.

"You will be asked to accept the following con-
ditions : ( I ) To agree to hunt the country four days
a week, weather permitting, during the regular hunt-
ing season ; (2) To leave the pack in as efficient a
state as you find them. If you are prepared to agree
to the above conditions, you may in my opinion
decidedly consider the matter settled ; but of course
I can only say this as an individual.

"It has always been the custom for the new
master to write and ask permission of the owners of

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 319

coverts to draw them. I have a list of them ready
for you. This is really only a matter of form, as I
do not know of a single objector in the whole of the
Pytchley country. If you and the meeting close
your bargain on the 7th (I can see nothing on our
part to prevent this happy conclusion), the above-
mentioned circulars are only matters of courtesy.

" I am very sorry there has been so much delay,
but circumstances have rendered it unavoidable.
Just off to London.

" Yours very truly,

" Fred Villiers."

7th May, 1864. — I sent out the following cir-
cular : —

Brixworth, gth May, 1864.

"Sir,—

" I have the honour to inform you that I
have undertaken the management of the Pytchley
Hounds for the ensuing season. I therefore beg to
request that you will grant me permission to draw
your coverts in the usual manner.
" I have the honour to be,

"Your obedient servant,

"J. Anstruther Thomson."

I wrote the following to my wife : —

" Rugby,
"Jack Darby's, Wednesday.

" Old Whitehall had the English cholera and
was in his bed, so did not turn up till last night, and
I did not see him till this morning. He is delighted

320 REMINISCENCES OF

to come back, and the sight of him did me good.
I want to get two or three of Spencer's horses for
Payne, so I am going up to London to-night, and
shall come down to-morrow night."

Whitehall came up to London and brought a
bundle of letters, my circular having produced
twenty-four civil little notes in reply. I met Car-
digan in the park : "By all means, by all means.
The oftener the better ; I need not send you any
further reply — the oftener the better," with his usual
flourish.

Duke of Buccleuch's letter :-7-

" London, i8th May, 1864.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I have received your letter informing
me that you have undertaken the management of
the Pytchley Hounds for the coming season, and
requesting me to grant you permission to draw my
coverts in the usual manner.

" I am most willing that you should draw my
coverts, but not in the manner which has been usual
of late years, which has been to draw the woods
a few times in the autumn and in the spring, and
almost entirely to neglect them during the greater
part of the hunting season.

" This neglect has given the greatest dissatisfac-
tion in that part of the country ; has been the cause
of the Pytchley Hounds losing a considerable portion
of the woodlands ; and if it were not for the protec-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 321

tion foxes receive in my woods, there would be very-
few indeed in that part of the country.

" Believe me, yours most sincerely,

" BUCCLEUCH.
"J. Anstruther Thomson, Esq."

" My Dear Mr. Tryon,—

" I shall have much pleasure in complying
with your wishes that the Fitz- William Hounds
should have permission to draw your coverts during
my mastership of the Pytchley Hounds.

" I will report to you our proceedings after being
at Bulwick on Tuesday next.

" I sincerely hope that you may make a speedy
recovery, and that we may soon see you at home
again.

'' Believe me,

" J. Anstr. Thomson."

I wrote to my wife : —

"Onslow Square,
^^ Tuesday, 26th May, 1864.

" Well, yesterday I picked up Percy Williams
in a cab at ten o'clock, and went to dog show. I
there met John Fletcher. He, Percy Williams, and
I were judges for fox-hounds ; Lord Suffolk and
G. Moore for pointers ; Charlie Leslie and Carr for
mastiffs and Newfoundlands ; Lord Bury for stag-
hounds. I don't know who else, but we were in
pretty good society. It is very well managed, but
our space was too small. Percy and I in our

kennel coats were standing over two young hounds.
VOL. I. 21

322 REMINISCENCES OF

On looking up I saw all the people with their hats
off, and a pretty girl with rather a sharp nose gazing
through the wires at us. We pulled off our hats,
and stood at attention, and looked straight in the
faces of the prince and the princess. I could not
help laughing. They walked all round our cage,
and as they passed us the prince took off his hat to
us. Old Barnett (Cambridge Hounds) was there,
and the prince knew him, having hunted with him,
so we walked round with him and told him what
was what. I need not tell you who got prizes, as
you will see all that in the papers. We were at it
all day, and had a good luncheon in the secretary's
room, and all the huntsmen were entertained also.
At four the public came in, and then we looked over
the hounds again and gave our decision, having
previously made up our mind. We were unanbnous
on every point, which perhaps is a proof we were
right. I know we were not far wrong, as all the
huntsmen appeared satisfied, and they are the best
judges. At 7.30 I got into a cab and drove to the
Albion, dressed there, and dined with the 9th
(Lancers) ; Rosslyn in the chair. I sat next John
Madocks."

The Duke of Beaufort sent twenty couple of
hounds, which he had taken to France to hunt wolves.
When I asked Tom Clark if he had learned to talk
French, " Prenez garde des chiens sil vous platt,
messieurs," he replied. I asked him how they
got on travelling. He said, " Oh, we had a
currior."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 323

The kennels were very confined, and in the
village at Brixworth ; only one field to walk out in ;
a nice house for the huntsman at the end of the
field. The stables were in a courtyard, with a dung-
pit in the middle, and on frosty mornings it was full
of fog from the steam from the pit. There were no
drains in the stables, but a grating and a cesspool
in the middle of every stall ; but still the stables
were very healthy. I soon removed the dung-pit
to the other side of the road, and the committee
built a house for Whitehall in the yard.

The hounds belonged to the country. Percy
Williams came and looked over them in June 1864.
The hounds were good looking, with nice necks and
shoulders, but very light of bone, especially the
bitches. In chase they were excellent, and not a
bit afraid of the horses, but with a bad scent they
were not diligent. In gorse cover, when they found,
after running a few times round it, they would stand
at a " smeuse " in the fence till holloaed away, then
rush out, race the horses, and in two fields would be
all together in front.

John Whitehall had charge of the horses at Brix-
worth ; John Pye had charge of those at Pitsford,
two carriage horses, " Charm " and a hack.

I brought from Fife " Highlander," a grand

horse i6'3f high; could jump anything and go on

all day. " Kathleen," a capital mare ; kicked every

stride when ridden on the way to cover. " Dentist,"

a tremendous horse to plunge ; when any boy came

applying for second horseman's place, he had a ride

21 *

324 REMINISCENCES OF

on '' Dentist ". Mrs. Payne wished her son to get
the place, but when she saw " Dentist " she retracted.
" Phoebus," a roan stallion ; sold to John Spicer for
^200, afterwards at Badminton for many years. At
one time there were eleven roan fillies there by him.
" Valeria," a chestnut mare which I bought from Bob
Cathcart.

I bought " Rigoletto " at Lord Spencer's sale, as
Charles Payne had ridden him. I bought a lot of
cub-hunters from John Darby at Rugby. After
cub-hunting season, sold them at Birmingham. It
was a bad day and bad sale ; lost a lot of money
on them — ;^8o. On mentioning it to John Darby he
deducted half {;^4o) off my account.

I engaged Payne as huntsman. He had been
eighteen years with the Pytchley and had almost
been his own master, and he did not look on my
arrival with much satisfaction. He was a very
smart-looking man, with a very curious sharp way of
speaking. He was a first-rate horseman, no better
across Northamptonshire, but he was not a first-class
huntsman — not to compare with John Walker, old
Will Goodall, Tom Firr, Will Dale or young Will
Goodall. He was a galloping huntsman, and de-
pended a good deal on the assistance of his first
whip, Jack Woodcock, who was often on the top of
the hill in front of him. He had little hound language,
and not a very good voice. " Hooyler," he used
to cry to get his hounds to him. He was not an
affectionate man to his hounds, and never made
friends with them. Captain Mildmay Clerk being

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 325

asked if the hounds liked Payne, replied, " They
hate him ". The hounds were capital in chase, but
with a bad scent they did not half get on, and bumbled
about like pointers.

Payne had a pretty considerable idea of his own
importance. On being asked who the new master
was to be, he said, "It don't matter, if he has plenty
of money — I can manage the hounds ", He had
perquisites of all sorts, .^130 wages, ^10 for
clothes, £c) for drugs, £(^ for milk for the puppies,
bones, hides, and draft hounds, and silk lashes and
thongs for whips, every quarter.

On going into the kennel one morning I noticed
that there was no sign of milk in the trough in which
the puppies were fed. On speaking to the feeder,
he said, " They do very well without milk if the
flesh is fresh ". When I met Payne I said, " Charles,
how much milk had the puppies this morning ? "
" Milk, sir ; oh, sir, not much, sir." " But how
much ? — a gallon ? " "A gallon, sir, no, sir, not a
gallon." "Well a quart?" "No, sir, not a quart,
sir." " Had they any ? " *^ No, sir." " Why not ? "
" Please, sir, my cow has not calved." " Very well ;
I will have a cow of my own. Let me know what
you consider the amount you receive altogether."
He gave me a memorandum amounting to ^260. I
said, "You have put it rather too high. I will give,
you £1^0 and no perquisites of any sort — everything
belongs to me." He accepted this.

I bought a little Welsh cow and put it into the
kennel-field. Some time after my wife went to visit

326 REMINISCENCES OF

Mrs. Payne, and seeing the cow in the field, she said,
" You are more fortunate than I am, Mrs. Payne, for I
have not yet got a cow." " Oh, it only makes 4 lb. of
butter a week, and I don't think it's no better nor lard."

I engaged Dick Roake as first whip ; he had
been second horseman to Mr. Tailby. He was a
most respectable, well-educated man. He was a fair
horseman, but not a very strong man. He was very
attentive and worked most loyally with me. Harry
Jennings was second whip. He was a fair horseman
and a steady, good servant, but he had a nagging
way with hounds. Payne said, ''He was a worriting
fellow". But he liked him so well he took him to
Wynstay when he went there.

At the meeting in May, 1 864, it was settled that
I was to keep a huntsman, and hunt four days a
week. That the subscription was to be ^3,000
per annum ; rents and repairs of the kennels to be
paid by the country. Captain Clerk took charge of
the covert fund. In July I made an amended offer
that we should hunt five days a week, and I should
receive one-half of the surplus subscribed over and
above the ^3,000. At last it was settled that we
should hunt five days a week ; Payne to hunt three
days in the open, and I should hunt two days, one
in the forest on Tuesday and Saturday alternately.

It was necessary to get some more hounds. I
got a draft from Lord North, Warwickshire ; Tom
Mathews was his huntsman. A draft from Lothian,
Alexander Kinloch and David Baird, masters ;
John Atkinson, huntsman. A good many of the

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 327

hounds were from Lord H. Bentinck. Lord Ports-
mouth gave me two very good bitches. I brought
four couples from Fife. I bought the Pytchley
draft from Payne. We also got some young hounds
from George Carter, Milton kennel.

I got Joel Dunsmure as second horseman. He
had been with me in the Bicester country ; the best
second horseman I ever saw, long, thin and light, but
he was not steady. One day, at North Kilworth, I
sent him to get a shoe put on, and passing on my
way home I found him fast asleep by the fire in a
public, and drunk as an owl. I took away his red
coat, and left him there, and led the horse home. I
never saw him again.

" London, 26th July, 1864.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I have this morning received your letter
of the 2ist, and have written by this post to my
agent at Boughton to inquire as to my tenants
undertaking to walk some puppies.

" I expect to be at Boughton on my way to
Scotland, and will see what can be arranged ; but
there is so much dissatisfaction on account of the
woodlands being left unhunted during the greater
part of the year, that I do not expect they will be
much inclined to take any puppies.

"It is not your fault if this should be the case,
and I regret much that your efforts to hunt the wood-
lands regularly throughout the season should have
met with so decided a check.

328 REMINISCENCES OF

"If the gentlemen who hunt with the Pytchley
Hounds in the open will not agree to any arrange-
ment by which the woodlands can be properly hunted
throughout the season, I shall be forced at last to
withdraw my coverts from the Pytchley, and make
arrangements with some other pack of hounds to
hunt them with the rest of the woodlands.
" Believe me, yours sincerely,

" BUCCLEUCH.

"J. Anstruther Thomson, Esq."

" My Dear Duke,—

" I am happy to tell you that I have carried
out my plan of hunting your woodlands. I have gone
down every Tuesday, and almost every time have
had a fair day's sport and got a fox. There are lots
of them everywhere, and I have met with the greatest
attention and assistance from all your people.

" I have a favour to ask of you, and I hope that
you will not consider me presuming in doing so.
Hitherto I have travelled up and down with the
hounds myself and always had twelve hours of it.
After this week I intend to van the hounds down.
May I put the horses up at Boughton ?

"Yours, J. A. T."

"BoHiLL, Selkirk,

" ^oth November, 1864.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I found your letter of the 27th on my
return home from hunting yesterday, and am very
glad to hear you have carried out your plan of

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 329

hunting the woodlands regularly, and have had fair
sport with plenty of foxes.

" You are most welcome to have the stable-room
you ask for at Boughton on the days you hunt in the
woodlands. I write by this day's post to Mr. Pain,
my agent, to have all things in order for you.

" My Hounds have had fair sport this season,
and occasionally a very good run. I have only
been out twice myself as yet, yesterday — a pretty
long day — twenty-four miles to Spottiswoode, and
fully thirty-eight miles to ride home.

" We had a very pretty hunting run over the
muirs to Longformacus and on to Cranshaw into
a large covert in Lord Wemyss' country, and the
scent failing, we lost the fox.

" I should mention to you that there will probably
be a party at Boughton to shoot all my coverts for a
week, from Monday, 1 2th December, and do so that
you may make your arrangements as to hunting.
" Believe me, yours most sincerely,

" BUCCLEUCH.
"J. Anstruther Thomson, Esq."

" HOARCROSS,

" 20th November, 1864.

" My Dear Jack, —

" How are you getting on, and how do
you like your country, field, etc. ? I have heard that
you have had some sport, but I should think the
hounds must have had it to themselves, as your
big fields and awful fences must have been impracti-
cable in this iron age. Even this part of the world,

330 REMINISCENCES OF

where we can creep as much as jump, is only barely
rideable, and before the last two days it was fearfully
hard. How do you like the hounds and Charles
Payne ? I heard from Harry that you would like
to know if I had anything to part with in the dog
line. I have two — a two-year-old dog, ' Bluecap,'
very ugly, but a very hard worker, and ' Graceful,'
rather a fine young bitch. They both want plenty
of work to keep them steady, as they are apt to be
in a hurry. If you care about them they are much
at your service.

" We have done very little ; our scents lately
have been very poor. We were obliged to give
up cub-hunting for a fortnight, as all the hounds'
feet were raw. I am very sorry to hear a bad
account of Lady Harriet St. Clair. How is her
knee?

" Pray remember me to Mrs. Thomson and,

** Believe me,

" Yours very sincerely,

" Hugo F. Meynell Ingram.

" You don't know of a horse in your country that
would carry Tom Leedham ? "

" Cross Hayes,
" Burton-on-Trent, 1864.

" My Dear Jack, —

"It is ages since I heard from you. I
should like to know how you are getting on in the
* shires,' and whether the flying columns you com-
mand are in decent order or no. What kind of scents

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 331

have you had ? I heard of your killing heaps of cubs,
so I suppose the raw material abounds. I send
you a list, which I have marked with a few marginal
notes.

^' We have done tolerably well as yet and had
a few little gallops. We have a loss in Jack, who
is laid up with bronchitis, which I fear will shut him
up most of the season. My father is better than he
has been, but still suffers from his leg at times. I
have been in Cheshire for a few days, and I don't
think even your field can beat the scampering gents
of that land. On Wednesday we had a good day,
beginning with a very fast fifteen minutes, in which
one man broke his collar-bone, one his arm, one
his horse's back ; one was in bed when I left
yesterday from a fearful shake ; Grosvenor himself
had a tumble and lamed his horse, and Lady Con-
stance hurt hers very badly. I never saw so many
falls in my life.

" We are in our new house, which I shall be
proud some day to show to you and Mrs. Thomson.
I know it is out of the question to ask you now.

" Pray remember me to her, and believe me,
" Yours ever,

" H. F. Meynell Ingram."

" Skeffington Hall,
'• Leicester, 12th December, 1864.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I think you will find on inquiry that

you have been misled as to the neutrality of the

Husbands Bosworth coverts. Marston Wood and

332 REMINISCENCES OF

the Owthorpe Hills are neutral between the Pytchley
and the Quorn countries, but all coverts north of
the brook, like coverts in the parish of Bosworth, I
have always understood to belong solely to the
Quorn country,

" I have consulted many farmers and the oldest
inhabitants on the subject, and they all say that
Bosworth Spinnies like other coverts in that parish
belong solely to the Quorn country.

'' I am sure you will excuse me wishing to set
you right on this matter, and you will also be glad
to hear that we found a fox on Owthorpe Hills to-day,
although it had been disturbed on Saturday.
*' Believe me,

" Very truly yours,

"W. W. Tailby.

" P.S. — As a slight confirmation of the above, I
may add that the fees for each stopping at Bosworth
Spinnies are included in my account. — W. W. T."

" \\th December, 1864.

" My Dear Tailby, —

" I received your letter yesterday, but I did
not get home till the post had gone. I must thank
you for the very moderate and gentlemanlike manner
in which you have stated the case of my supposed
aggression. I asked those gentlemen who were
most likely to know, and all agreed that the Pytchley
Hounds are entitled to draw all the Spinnies in the
lordship of Bosworth ; and the point which requires
explanation is how the Quorn ever acquired the

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 333

right to draw Owthorpe Hills. However there is
no doubt of that fact, and at present I can express
no further opinion whether I was in error or not.
I must express my regret for having done what
was apparently a very unneighbourly act in drawing
Owthorpe Hills a few days before you ; but I had
given Payne orders to draw them, and we were on
our way there before I knew that you were to meet
at Teddingworth on the Monday following. Luckily
we found directly, and did not disturb a great part of
the covert, I will take care that it does not occur
again, and I hope you will find me a good neighbour
in every respect.

*' Ever yours,

"J. A. T."

I got on very well with Payne through the
season, but his ways were not always my ways.
At the end of the season he heard that John
Walker was going to leave Sir Watkin Wynn, so
it occurred to him that Sir Watkin's hounds would
be a desirable cross with the Pytchley. He took
some bitches and went down to Wynstay and looked
round the place and made inquiries. A few days
after this I received a letter from Sir Watkin.

" Wynstay, April, 1865.

" Dear Jack, —

" Here I am with my head tied up, just
recovering from the mumps. Seen old Walker two
good days this week ; he is cheery, but, poor old man,

334 REMINISCENCES OF

he feels this is his last season. I had a letter from
George Fitzwilliam saying that he was going to
keep Carter on, and hear Lord Fitzwilliam has
offered him his place. Will you tell me, is Charles
Payne to be talked to or not ? He has been down
to see the kennels, etc., here. I was out, as I went
off very early to Quarter Sessions. I did not know
he was stopping, or he might have had a day's
hunting on Friday. Will you write me a line on
huntsmen in general.

" Yours sincerely,

"W. Wynn."

I then wrote to Payne : —

" PiTSFORD, Northampton,
''April, i86s.

" Payne, —

" I have received a letter from Sir Watkin
Wynn in which he says, * This is Walker's last
season ; tell me is Charles Payne to be talked to
or not ; he has been down here to see the kennels,
etc. I was out and did not see him, etc' I am
anxious that there should be no mystery between
you and me, so I send you a copy of my answer.
' With regard to Charles Payne, you are welcome to
speak to him. He is a thoroughly respectable man,
and I have found him very attentive and willing.
I have not quite made up my mind as to next
season, as my eldest boy is not strong, and may
require a warmer climate. I should like to go on,
and if I do, I think a change may be desirable,
though I have got on very pleasantly with Payne.'

JOHN WALKER, FIFE HOUNDS.

1829-1848.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 335

You now know what has passed between Sir Watkin
and me, and can do what you consider best for
yourself."

As Payne was going to leave at the end of the
season I had to look out for another huntsman. I
went down to Cirencester to see Fred Turpin, and
also went to see Doudswell, Lord Macclesfield's
huntsman. I settled to keep Richard Roake as
kennel huntsman ; engaged Ned Edwards, from
Lord Fitzhardinge's, as first, and Tom Firr as
second whip ; Morris, my second horseman, and
George Watson, Dick's second horseman ; Frank
Mapperson, kennelman ; Will Ekins, his assistant.

Charles Payne's father was the regimental
Sergeant-Major of the 9th Lancers, and Charles
Payne was born in the regiment. His first service
was with Colonel Morland, who commanded the
regiment, and he went from him to Mr. Errington.
I joined the 9th Lancers in 1836, and one of Charles
Payne's brothers was then a corporal in Captain
Fullerton's troop, and went to India with the regi-
ment in 1842. In 1827 there was a vacancy for
the adjutancy of the regiment, and Sergeant- Major
Payne expected to get the appointment. For some
reason he was passed over, and the commission was
given to Sergeant-Major Cooke. On hearing of
this, Sergeant- Major Payne went home, broke his
sword in two, and placed it behind the fire, saying,
" My soldiering days are over," and some time
after he got his discharge, Charles Payne told me

336 REMINISCENCES OF

this himself, in 1864, one afternoon while we were
walking out the hounds at Brixworth.

" PiTSFORD, 6th March, 1865.

" I agree to continue to hunt the Pytchley coun-
try five days a week for the sum of ;^ 3,300, or
four days a week for ^3,000. In either case I
propose to hunt one pack myself two days a week.

" With regard to the hounds which I have added
to the pack, the committee to have the option of
purchasing them ; or I give up the pack in the same
state as to numbers and efficiency as I received them
in May, 1864. That I be allowed the sum of ^40
to expend in some alterations in the kennels and
stables.

" I enclose a statement of the cost of hounds
added by me, and also a memorandum of the state
of Pytchley Hounds last spring.

"J. Anstruther Thomson."

State of Pytchley Hounds.
/une, 1864.

Couples.
Old Hounds, sound ....... 40^

„ blemished 13

534
Deduct Spring draft 7

464
Young hounds, entered May ..... 13

March, 1865.

Old Pytchley hounds 554

Strange hounds in kennel 17^

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 337

"George Hotel,

"i^th April, 1865.

" Pytchley Hunt.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" At a general meeting held here to-day
your proposal to hunt the country five days a week
during the ensuing season at ^3,300 was accepted.
The committee have also been authorised to purchase
hounds from you to the extent of £iog and that
^40 be allowed you to expend in repairs.

" The following resolution was then carried :
' That Mr. Thomson engage to keep up the com-
plement of the pack to sixty couple of efficient old
and fifteen couple of efficient young hounds ; and
that when he gives up the country he leave a corre-
sponding number of hounds as the property of the
country, and that the committee shall have the
option of purchasing any surplus hounds which may
then be in the kennel at the usual draft price ; that Mr.
Villiers, Mr. Cust and the chairman (Earl Spencer)
communicate this resolution to Mr. Thomson, and
carry out any modifications that may be necessary.'

" This concluding paragraph signifies that should
you be unwilling to agree to the last proposal,
Spencer, Villiers and Cust have full powers to treat
with you on behalf of the committee.

" Yours ever,
" G. J. Whyte-Melville."

On 17th May, 1865, Payne was presented with

a testimonial on leaving. Fred Villiers made the

presentation at the George Hotel.
VOL. I. 22

338 REMINISCENCES OF

Went to Charleton on loth June.

Commenced cub-hunting, second season, No-
bottle Wood, 8th August, 1865.

At Brigstock one morning when going out cub-
hunting Edwards and Tom were not to be found,
so I went out with Dick and Morris. The two
defaukers had been at a ball all night. I had
received a doubtful character of Edwards, and told
him he would be discharged without warning for his
first offence. He was an ill-conditioned chap, so I
started him. I then got George Orbell, but he was no
use. I then engaged Humphrey Pearce, but he was
no good either, but I kept him till the end of the season.

My mother and sisters were staying with me at
Pitsford, when we heard that my brother had died at
Calcutta. In the burial ground at Kilconquhar,
in Fife, this tablet is erected by his widow to his
memory : —

WILLIAM ADAM ANSTRUTHER THOMSON,

Lieut.-Col., gth Bengal Cavalry,

who died in Calcutta, 3rd August, 1865, aged 42 years. He
served throughout the Scinde campaign on the personal staff
of Sir Chas. Napier; after which he was two years Adjutant
of 15th Irregular Cavalry; Commandant of the Governor-
General's Bodyguard for eleven years under Lord Dalhousie
and Lord Canning; and Political Agent at Moorshedabad,
which appointment he held at the time of his death.

" A character so noble, simple and true needs no de-
scription, but was appreciated by all who knew him ; and
its memory is fondly cherished by the wife and children he
so tenderly loved."

My brother, William Adam Anstruther Thomson,
was a subaltern in the Bengal Cavalry, and on Sir

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 339

Charles Napier's staff during the Scinde War, He
was present at the battle of Meanee in 1842, and
there lost a seal, a greenish-grey stone with the
Thomson crest on it, and the motto " Honesty is
good policy ". The seal was afterwards found on the
battleground by a private soldier. It was covered
with clay. He gave it to a half-caste woman. She
came to England on board the Himalaya as ayah
in charge of some children in the same ship with
General Taylor of Ogwell's children. She gave the
seal to their nurse Harriet, who afterwards gave it
to Miss Robertson, a friend of the Taylors, and told
her how she got possession of it. Many years later
Mr. Gathorne Hardy, then a schoolboy, was taking
the impression of various seals with Miss Robertson
and asked whose crest it was. She did not know,
but sent it to Strongitharm, the seal engraver, who
said that it belonged to a Scotch family, Anstruther
Thomson. Miss Robertson gave it to my niece,
Clem Campbell, and she brought it to Charleton
in September, 1899. My brother's widow was at
Charleton at the time. She said Willie told her
that he had lost it at Meanee. She thought it was
given to him by his uncle, Sir Charles Adam, who
was a Lord of the Admiralty, when he was staying
with him at the Admiralty before he sailed to India.
It was thirty-seven years from the time it was lost
at Meanee till Miss Robertson discovered that it
belonged to the family of Colonel W. Anstruther
Thomson.

I went home on 4th October. Colonel Boldero

22 *

340 REMINISCENCES OF

made an inspection of F. L. H. ; it took place on the
7th at Cupar. Returned to Pitsford on the loth.

Whitehall was taken ill and died, and was buried
at Brixworth on 13th October. I then put John Pye
on to be stud groom.

November, 1865. — First Wednesday, Crick. I
had picked all the best horses, and put Dick on to
" Fresco," a capital little chestnut horse, which I
bought from Dick Painter. Found a fox in Crick
gorse, and ran down to Hillmorton. "Fresco"
would not jump over a stick ; he refused everything.
I gave Dick my mare " Valeria" and took " Fresco "
myself, but he was quite as bad with me ; would not
jump, and scrambled through everything. Next
time he came out Tom Firr rode him. Galloping
alongside of me he called out, " I could win the
Liverpool Steeplechase on this horse, sir ". Afte
that no one else ever rode him, and he carried Tom
all the time I had the hounds, and he rode him in the
Waterloo run.

The cattle plague broke out in 1865-66, and
there was a great panic among the farmers.

" Drayton Lodge, Daventry,
" zbth December, 1865.

"Captain Thomson, —
"Sir,—

" By the papers, you meet at Badby Toll
Gate on Saturday, and I suppose you intend to try
the coverts on my farm, Staverton Wood, etc. I am
sorry I cannot agree to the hounds going over my
land, as I have an opinion that there is great danger

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 341

to cattle in hunting, it being a means of bringing the
cattle plague. I have 103 bullocks on my farm,
almost the whole in the fields, and I dare not put
them in yards, as when one gets the plague there
they all die, if they are together. I shall consider
it a great favour if you would drop a line to say I
need not fear. Hoping you will excuse me troubling
you,

" From your obedient servant,

" George Emery."

" PiTSFORD,

" Thursday, 28ih December, 1865.

" Dear Sir, —

" In consequence of your letter having been
directed to Brixworth, I did not receive it till after
I. had left home yesterday morning, and I did not
return till too late for the post.

" I should be very sorry to be indirectly the
means of doing any damage to your stock or of
putting you to any inconvenience. I shall, there-
fore, for the present, avoid crossing your land as far
as I possibly can, and I will not draw the coverts at
Staverton to-morrow.

"Although I trust and believe that your fears
are groundless as to hounds being the means of
conveying the cattle plague, I have acceded to your
request in deference to your wishes, and shall be much
obliged if you will consider this letter as private.
" Believe me,

" Yours truly,

" J. Anstruther Thomson."

342 REMINISCENCES OF

" ^th January, 1866.

" Dear Sir, —

" I wrote to you on the 28th saying that I
would not draw the coverts at Staverton in deference
to your wishes. Since that time I have learned that
there are no cases of cattle plague in your neigh-
bourhood. I conceive that the only possible risk
can be from cattle straying from field to field, and
that may easily be obviated by attention in closing
the gates. That hounds individually can be the
means of conveying the cattle plague, I consider
to be extremely improbable ; no case of it has ever
yet been heard of, and I may call to your notice
the opinion of Mr. Mavor, V.S., which lately ap-
peared in the newspapers. I have, therefore, con-
sidered it right to let you know that unless anything
should happen to cause me to alter my opinion, I
shall draw the coverts at Staverton as usual the
next time that the hounds are in that district. I
need hardly add that I will do all in my power to
avoid putting you to any inconvenience, and that
I have given strict orders to the servants to be very
careful in closing the gates after them.
" Yours, etc.,

"J. Anstruther Thomson."

All the gates were doubled all over the country,
and the slaughtered carcases were hung up in the
fields before removal. A meeting of farmers was
held in Northampton and a requisition sent to me
to stop hunting, with three pages of signatures.
Next day a requisition was sent to me with three

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 34^

times the number of signatures, desiring me to go
on hunting,

" The Cattle Plague and the Pytchley Hunt. —
A meeting of farmers and other gentlemen residing
within the district of the Pytchley Hunt was held at
the George Hotel, on Saturday afternoon, to consider
the question of fox-hunting in connection with the
cattle plague. J. Topham, Esq., presided, and there
was a very large attendance of persons interested
in the question. On the motion of Mr. Oldacre,
seconded by Mr. Bennett, of Husbands Bosworth,
it was unanimously resolved that a requisition should
be sent to Captain Anstruther Thomson requesting
him to continue fox-hunting until the end of the
season, avoiding places where the cattle plague
existed. It was also recommended that particular
attention should be paid to shutting the gates of
fields, so as to prevent cattle from straying. There
was no dissentient voice in the meeting ; immedi-
ately after which a large number of names were
affixed to petitions."

The following morning at the meet, at Yelvertoft,
I informed the assembled field of what had taken
place, and requested them to give strict ord^^rs as
to shutting gates.

344 REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER XX.

THE WATERLOO RUN.

1866, Friday, 2nd February. — Met at Arthing-
worth. I rode " Valeria " and " Rainbow " ; Dick
Roake, "Usurper"; Tom Firr, "Fresco"; Charlie
(my son), " Amulet ". I was staying at Sir Charles
I sham's, at Lamport, and hounds called for me as
they passed. A very wet morning, but cleared at
eleven o'clock ; very mild and still ; not a very
good scent in cover ; wind, south-west. Found in
Waterloo at five minutes past two by my watch
(twenty minutes fast). The fox lay so still, I drew
all round the cover, and back to the top before he
moved. He lay among a heap of dead sticks ;
"Graceful" found him. Morris ^ holloaed him away
towards the tunnel. I was at the other end of the
cover, and before I got to the hounds they had
checked near the road. I took them along the road
nearly to the white gate, where they got the line
towards Arthingworth. They were ridden off the
line in the first field, but swung round through the
fence on to it again, over the brook and spinney at

^ Richard Morris, my second horseman, a capital man with hounds,
many years with the Warwickshire, and with me in Bicester, Pytchley
and Atherstone countries.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 345

The

WATERLOO RUN

Feb. 2nd. 1866.

louert
Keljjnarsh \

Walker &CockereUsc.

346 REMINISCENCES OF

Arthingworth, and crossed the rail. The field was
full of sheep, and the shepherd told me the fox had
gone into Langborough. I carried them on, and
just as I got to the gate he was holloaed away on
the other side. I cut down the middle ride and got
on the line, crossed the Harborough road, and we
ran fast on to Shipley Spinney. Hounds just crossed
and went right up the hill towards Clipstone, and
then it began in earnest. Dick went round the
Tallyho end of the spinney (Tallyho covert lies to the
west of Shipley Spinney), and viewed another fox,
and blew his horn, which distracted some of the field
and put them out of it. Two fields further on there
was a stiff stile and footboard, which lots of fellows
tumbled over. I had a shy at the bullfinch up hill,
high and strong, and it turned "Valeria" over. I
lost a spur, which I put in my pocket, picked up the
pieces and set sail, but I lost half a field, which I
could not regain. Two fields on another stile, and
lots of grief ; Robertson ^ and another down, blocked
the way. The field then divided into two lots, the
right-hand lot well with the hounds — Custance,
Tom, Charlie White, Fraser, Topham, and perhaps
twenty more ; the left-hand lot — myself. Mills, De la
Cour, Boyd, etc. — about a field and a half behind the
hounds. Hounds ran on without a pause past the
spinney between Oxendon and Clipstone, leaving
Oxendon village to the right, into the F'arndon and
Oxendon road. I came into the road opposite Mr.
Kirkman's house. They checked here, and I lifted

^ Brother of Captain Robertson, Royal Dragoons.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 347

them on to a holloa one field off, having to jump a
nasty double, with a rail towards me to get at it.
"Governess" first spoke to the line, and off we
went again, crossed the bottom from Farndon, which
Vivian jumped first and fell ; I scrambled in and
out. Nethercote, White, Fraser and Topham were
first at the next fence. Hounds then began to go
down the hill towards Lubbenham, one field to the
right of the Farndon and Harborough road. I got
into the road, and here Dick and Charlie (my boy)
joined us. Hounds crossed the road into the big
field, at the Harborough corner of which is the
Welland river. Charlie had a shy at the rails and
tumbled over them. I went further up the field for
a broken rail. Dick and I both lay to the left for
Lubbenham covert, thinking that was his point, but
he crossed the river and rail at the Harborough end.
We lifted the railway gate off its hinges, and crossed
near the covert — Topham, Mills, Mayou, Charlie,
etc. We caught the hounds at the Harborougrh and
Lubbenham road. They then turned their heads
towards Bowden Inn, and began to run hard.
Grief began to be visible at the next fence, a nasty
place up hill ; Birch Reynardson had his horse in
the ditch, and was exclaiming, " Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! "
Two fields further on my mare began to trot (she
had a good dressing with the first fox, having run an
hour up and down the rides in Loatland Wood). I
heard Dick whistle behind me, and say, " Take my
horse, sir ; he has ten minutes left ". I changed
with him, and told him to get *' Rainbow " from

348 REMINISCENCES OF

Morris as soon as he could. " Usurper," his horse,
was fresh enough, for he rushed at the first fence
(a drop), over-jumped himself, and gave me a
regular burster, and knocked five minutes of the
ten out of himself. No harm done ; scrambled on
and caught the hounds at the railway bridge at
Bowden Inn. The fox had run the road. " Relish "
hit the line through the hedge on the right, and Tom
held the rest up to her. The field had cut off the
tail hounds, and got " Flasher " and " Graceful " in
the middle of them, and were playing at football with
them, for which I blessed them. They ran round
the back of Bowden Inn, paused for a minute at a
plough, and crossed the rail at the first crossing right
of the Langton road. " Flasher " first over the rail,
and then over the brook, and on as if for Langton
Caudle. Frank Langham went at the brook, and
his horse jumped in, Tom Firr, seeing the bottom
was good, jumped in and out. Custance jumped
it well, just as Tom got out. Mills and I jumped it
more to the right, in a watering-place, and got over
well ; only two others, Langham and Tom, over
before us. It caused lots of grief, and many took
to the road at Bowden Inn. White and Fraser's
horses stand there, and they both got fresh horses.
The fox was headed on the top of the next hill and
turned along the valley. Here Charlie White came
up on a fresh grey horse, and kindly offered to let me
have it. We now began to be a mutual assistance
society, and help each other, and pulled down rails
and made gaps. Crossed the road between Thorpe

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 349

Langton and Great Bowden ; hounds still carried on
steadily. I just saw Langton Caudle, which we
passed on our left, and thought it would be the end
of the journey, and that I could just hug up to it.
Crossed the Thorpe Langton and Welham road,
got through the brook at a ford. Going up a hill,
"Usurper" dropped into a trot, and Mr. Hay lent
me his horse, a brown thoroughbred. The first
gate I came to half closed and touched his side ; he
plunged and pitched me clean over his head. We
here came to a ploughed field and a wheat-field.
The field remained on the grass on the top of the
hill. I went with the hounds, and had to jump a
ditch up hill out of the plough. The horse did not
land his hind-legs, and was not strong enough to get
up, so I jumped off. At the bottom of the hill a
" Pat " holloaed us on : " Just gone when I holloaed ".
Off again over the grass, turned to the left, passed a
brick kiln, crossed the road between Staunton Wyville
and Cranoe, and up hill to a spinney. Hay's horse
could gallop well, so I got on to the other side, stood
still for a minute, and saw hounds come out, " Roy-
ston " hunting it single-handed through the sheep ;
and then " Monarch" spoke on the other side of the
hedge. The rest came bundling on, and away we went,
" Cherry " Angel ^ here in company. Crossed a lane
near Glooston village, and carried on well through
several fields full of sheep. " Hurrah for the Duke
of Beaufort!" said I — "Ferryman,"^ guiding the

1 Mr. Angel of Lubbenham. " Cherry," contraction of Cherubim,
his cognomen at Eton.

^" Ferryman," by Duke of Beaufort's "Finder".

350 REMINISCENCES OF

scent, leading to Glooston Wood. " I always told
you so," says Captain Clerk (Tailby had been in it
the day before). Through the wood like bells, and
away on the other side towards Skeffington. Allan
Young holloaed them away. On coming out of the
wood I had a shoe off, and Walter de Winton changed
horses with me. There is a nasty deep bottom at
the end of the field, where Custance got his horse
fast ; my horse, or rather Walter de Winton's, refused
it, and Edghill ^ scrambled in. Just then I heard Dick
whistle, and found him on the other side on " Rain-
bow ". I jumped off, got over the rails, and set sail
all right again. Some men rabbiting had turned the
fox half a field to the left, and they ran clean away
from us again. John Chaplin and another were before
me, but kept too far to the left. I got along the
road to Godeby with Colonel Mayou, and caught
them at the corner of the road, and then went on
with them alone to Keythorpe Wood. Here they
checked a moment in the wood, or at least did not
speak. I got on to the middle ride, and saw " Singer,"
" Streamer" and " Ferryman" cross, but not on the
line ; however, they hit it off again, and went away
towards Ramshead, I grot the rest after them, and
had eleven couple on — -" Fanny " the last hound out.
Dick and Tom both there. Three fields further on
the fox tried the earth, where Tailby had run to
ground on the previous Tuesday, and dug out. I
looked at my watch ; one hour and fifty minutes, and,
I think, about eighteen miles, and hounds had only

' Edghill, 17th Lancers. Killed in the Zulu War.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 351

once been off the line, when I lifted them at Little
Oxendon. Here there was something like two lines,
the body of the hounds going down the field towards
Ramshead ; a few others had a scent on the right-
hand side of the hedge. Coventry ^ joined us some-
where here, with a pair of trousers on. I heard Tom,
a field behind me, holloa, " Yonder he eoes ! " and.
at the same time, Colonel Fraser told me one and a
half couple of hounds were two fields on to the right.
I thought the fox had gone through Hallaton Thorns ;
there is a deep bottom and very steep hill here. I
lifted the hounds (hoping to catch the leading ones
there) to the far side of Hallaton Thorns. When I
got half-way up the hill, two gentlemen on foot, who
were rabbiting, showed me where the leading hounds
were ; they had not come into Hallaton, but were
pointing for Fallow Closes, along and outside the
fence, in at the gate, and then away along the
bottom. I only got thirteen couple away from here,
"Merryman," "Streamer," "Relish," "Ransom,"
" Dragon " and " Singer " generally leading, and all
working well. " Frantic," though she had not been
out for weeks, was there. We passed Mr. Studd's
house, and they ran away from us again down to
Slawston covert. They just came out of the cover
as we got there. The field was full of sheep, and
they got the line at the cross roads. While we were
on the road some men on the hill viewed the fox

^ Mr. Coventry (B) was driving into Harborough. He put up
his trap, borrowed a horse from Mr, Angell, and joined in the
pursuit.

352 REMINISCENCES OF

going along the hollow behind us, only one field off.
We cut along the road, and got on the line directly,
ran hard down the meadows to the Welland, near
the angle of the river at Welham ; turned to the left
along the bank of the river, as far as the road which
goes to Medbourne station, there turned to the left
up to the windmill, and got on to ploughed land.
Here Captain Clerk turned up. The fox had been
coursed by a sheep-dog, and repeatedly turned.
This caused a long check (perhaps twenty minutes).
A man told me he had gone slantways across a large
wheat-field (which was wrong), and after holding the
hounds all round it, I got the line straight on again
in the direction we had formerly been going, but with
a failing scent. The hounds crossed the line without
acknowledging it ; " Relish" stopped back alone, and
made a drive down the furrow without speaking to
it. I put the rest on to her, and in the next field
they began to hunt it again, but they could not go
the same pace as before. They crossed the road
between Medbourne and Hallaton, and ran up the
side of the brook to the road which goes to Blaston,
" Graceful " being the last hound to hit off the line ;
she had also been the first one to speak to it in the
morning. It was then getting dark, and I was afraid
we might lose the hounds, so I stopped them at
5.30, having run three hours and forty-five minutes.
There was a holloa about two fields on at the time.
Mr. Piercy, the clergyman at Slawston, had come
out on foot when he heard the hounds. He took us
to his house and refreshed us, gave the horses gruel,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 353

and treated us hospitably, and most kindly offered
me a hack if I wished to leave my horse, but he was
not tired, and carried me home quite cheerfully. He
carried me more than two hours, and never made a
mistake — a pretty good trial for a five-year-old. I
had gone on for an hour and forty-five minutes with-
out a whipper-in, or having the hounds turned to me
once. Captain Clerk, who was the only man who
went through on one horse, helped me through
Market Har borough ; all the rest of the way we
jogged side by side, and the hounds trotted along
with their sterns up. It was a fine, mild, quiet night.
I stopped every three or four miles, and called them ;
they all came round me, wagging their tails, and
trotted on again. We got to the kennels, eighteen
or nineteen miles, about ten o'clock.

At Lamport I met all the party starting for the
Harborough ball. My wife returned, and waited
while I went to Brixworth with the hounds, got a
hack and galloped back to Lamport. I met Dick
with " Usurper," just as I was coming out of Brix-
worth. I sat down to dinner at ten minutes to
eleven o'clock, got to the Harborough ball at 12.30,
and remained two hours. I was very little tired,
and was at Ashby St. Ledgers by twelve o'clock
the next day.

After I changed horses with Dick ^ at Glooston,
he came on with Mr. Hay's horse to the top of
Hallaton Thorns, but finding he could not go the

' R. Roake had been second horseman with Mr. Tailby, and was
thoroughly well acquainted with the country.
VOL. I. 23

354 REMINISCENCES OF

pace to be of any assistance, he came quietly on
to Fallow Closes, picked up "Tyrant" (who was
short of work, having a toe-nail off) and " Bluecap,"
and went to Mr. Hay's, at Great Bowden. He
there got his own horse, who had eaten a feed of
corn, went into Harborough to get a shoe put on,
and jogged on home. Charlie went as far as
Langton, overtook Morris at Bowden Inn, and
went home with him, Tom's horse, " Fresco,"
carried him capitally up to Keythorpe, and there
he stopped trying to get up to me when he viewed
the fox. He came on as far as Slawston, and then
went on to Bowden Inn, where his horse remained
all night. John Pye, my groom, came on the
carriage to Harborough when we went to the ball,
and brought him home next morning. Tom Firr
came home on the box of the carriage after the ball.
Of the hounds left out, " Bowman," " Fanny,"
''Governess" and "Glory" came home next day;
" Monarch " came in on Monday. I never could
see the fox or get any advantage on him, and I
don't think I lost a chance. At Keythorpe we may
have changed, for Tom saw a fox besides that which
the hounds were on. Tailby had been in Glooston
Wood the day before. There was no check or
perceptible change of scent.

This was the best run I ever saw, and over the
finest country and longest distances, straight. There
was one ploughed field between Waterloo and Kel-
marsh ; the second was next the railway behind
Bowden Inn. There was a wheat-field and a

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON

355

ploughed field together near Cranoe, and I don't
think the hounds were ever off grass, with these
exceptions, up to the earth at Keythorpe, one hour
and fifty minutes. The hounds worked well, chasing
and carrying a good head up to Bowden Inn, hunting
steadily through sheep and all difficulties ; they were
very fit to go, and not an ounce too much flesh.
They did a wonderful day's work, having run their
first fox an hour and five minutes before they began
with this one.

Pytchley

Hounds.

Young Hounds.

Regent

Singer

Dragon

Monarch

Streamer

Flasher

Falstaff

Statesman

Folly

Pilgrim

Tasty

Frantic

Governess

Tyrant

Glory

Gambler

Dashwood

Gossamer

Plunder

Driver

Gaiety

Royston

Druid

Ferryman — Beaufort.

Bluecap \
Graceful r^^"^"-

^ 1- Fitzwilliam.
Ransom )

_, . i Warwick.
Promise j

Relish ) „ ,
Smger i

Bowman— Lothian.

^^"">' \Lord Ha

try Bentinck.

Lancer

Some years after I met Sir Charles Mordaunt
and Captain Gilbert Robertson, and they told me
their experiences. Sir Charles Mordaunt said,
" While I was fording the brook near Bowden Inn,
Murietta rode at it and tumbled in and splashed
me all over. I left my horse at Cochrane's (The
Old Ship) at East Langton and he lent me a hack

to ride home." Captain Gilbert Robertson said,

23 -

356 REMINISCENCES OF

" When my brother tumbled over the stile at
Shipley, I jumped the hedge on his left. I forded
the brook at Bowden Inn at the same place as Tom
Firr, while Custance jumped it on his right. I got
as far as Cranoe and stopped, feeling my horse's
heart beat against my leg. I got some gruel and
got home well to Bosworth Hall. My brother's
horse was dead beat."

Tell me, old chap, if acquainted you've been,

Of the doings they had t'other day :
How the hounds ran away and beat them all clean,

Every man who took part in the fray.
Waterloo was the place where they put up their fox,

And away they all scuttled like mad.
Till one and another had settled their crocks,

Each man looking darnation sad.
Round Kelmarsh and Clipstone, where many got spilt ;

Lorks bless ye, to me 'tis a wonder
Over Oxendon fields there was none on 'em kilt

O'er the oxers which rattled like thunder.
Right on past Farndon and Bowden Inn,

With many a tile that was broken,
Until but a few of the best were left in,

Not one with much go could betoken.
When down to the brook below Langton they went,

I seed there was sport, for none feared it.
They rode like the deil — on being over was bent —

Harry Custance was all though as cleared it.
Then on towards Cranoe and Keythorpe like crows,

The pack skid away o'er the pastures —
How the folks follow'd arter, the Lord only knows —

Each and all meeting many disasters.
Past Hallaton Thorns, where some cove got a view,

" Yoiks for'ard," he shouts, "tally-ho,"
Till the Captain came up, and his whistle he blew,

" Come, tell me then, where did he go ? "
" He's gone for the Welland, dead beat," cried the man ;

Like a genius the Captain besought him ;
Evening came on, and then darkness began —

You bet, he'd like to have caught him.

Tom Firk.

TOM FIRR (about I870).

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 357

2nd February, 1866.

"Sir,—

" The accounts of the Waterloo Run have
been so many and so various that your readers must
be puzzled to know the real state of the case, and
as ' Bailey ' is not quite correct, I venture to send
you what I believe to be the leading facts in the
day's sport.

" The hounds found their first fox in Loatland
Wood, and ran in and out of covert for one hour
and five minutes, and ran hard to ground at Arthing-
worth. They found again in Waterloo Gorse, at
a quarter to two o'clock. The time from Waterloo
to the earths at Keythorpe was one hour and fifty
minutes. The total time was three hours and forty-
five minutes ; but we had a long check, twenty or
twenty-five minutes, at the windmill at Medbourne,
and hunted on slowly afterwards. I take the
distance to be — from Waterloo to Kelmarsh, three
miles ; Kelmarsh to Keythorpe, eighteen, as we
ran it- — twenty-one miles in one hour and fifty
minutes. There were only four ploughed fields
in that distance. The hounds were only off the
line once, between Kelmarsh and Keythorpe, when
I lifted them one field to a holloa at Little Oxendon.
As to changing foxes, I don't think we changed at
Shipley Spinney. We might have changed when
I lifted the hounds at Little Oxendon ; but 1 don't
think we did, as it was quite in the same direction
our fox was travelling. I think we changed at
Keythorpe Wood, as another fox was viewed there

358 REMINISCENCES OF

besides the fox which we followed to Medbourne
We may have changed anywhere in hedgerows,
but I saw no perceptible change of scent, or anything
to cause me to think so.

" Some of your correspondents have asked where
I managed to get five horses during the run. They
will see in ' Bailey ' that I was indebted to the
kindness and sportsman-like feeling of my friends
Mr. Hay and Mr. Walter de Winton, and I beg
all of them to accept my most grateful thanks.
Both Colonel Fraser and Colonel Whyte on getting
fresh horses also most generously offered them to
me. Captain Clerk was the only man who rode
the same horse to the end of the run, and rode home
with me to the kennels. I left two and a half couple
of hounds out (not four and a half in the covert at
Fallow Closes), but they all came home next day,
except one, and he came home on Monday. The
only men present when I stopped the hounds were
Captain Clerk, Colonel Fraser, Colonel Whyte and
Mr. John Chaplin.

" This I believe to be a correct statement of the
leading facts. I can only add I never saw hounds
carry on so far at the same pace, and so straight and
over so fine a country.

" Yours truly,

"J. A. T."

In spring of 1866 I wanted some more young
hounds. I received a letter from Lord Doneraile,
who was then Master of the Burton Hounds, but

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 359

the hounds were still the property of Lord Henry
Bentinck : —

" Dear Thomson, —

" I send with your man seventeen and a
half couple, I think, of puppies — two and a half
Goddard has hung ; some small ones ; seven couple
we have marked with a clip on the throat. These
are the lot we should have handed over to Auger-
stein."

They all arrived in the last stage of distemper.
I wrote : —

" You were right when you said they were a bad
lot. I never saw one like them — one died on the
journey ; three died last night ; one is dying now ;
I expect two or three more will die before morning.
What am I to do about paying for them? Surely
you don't expect me to pay for the dead bodies and
skins .f* I must really ask you and Goddard what
you expect me to do about the settlement for the
draft. Seven couple died in the first two days, and
I believe they are now all dead except three and a
half couple."

" Reepham Kennels,

" 10th March, 1866.

" HoNRD. Sir, —

"His Lordship gave me the letter that you
wrote to him about the draft. I was sorry to hear
that you had lost so many of them, i only have a part
of the draft and Charles Hawtin the other part. It
his a very Bad Job for me having such a few to

36o REMINISCENCES OF

send away. I hope, Sir, that you will pay for the
1 8 couple ; Charles expects his half of the money.

" Honrd. Sir, i Beg to remain your humble and
obeident Servant,

" B. GODDARD."

I replied : —

" 2gth April, 1866.

" I most decidedly object to pay you for the
whole eighteen couple, and I do so on the principle
that no huntsman has any right to send away draft
hounds in the last stage of distemper when they could
not possibly recover. If my man had come two
days later, many of them would have been dead,
and then you could not have sent them.

" You say it is a bad job for you having so few
to send. It is a much worse job for me having to pay
for what I have not got, as there are only two puppies
fit to keep.

" However, I will send you a cheque for ^30,
and if you are not satisfied with that arrangement,
I will refer it to any huntsman or Master of Hounds
you like. Let me hear, and I will at once send you
the cheque."

Lord Doneraile was afterwards Master of the
Duhallow Hounds in Ireland, and his death was most
melancholy and distressing. He died of hydrophobia
from the bite of a tame fox which he used to take in
his carriagfe. He and I were in the same tutor's
house at Eton.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 361

CHAPTER XXI.

JOHAN ERASMUS BOEHM, AFTERWARDS SIR EDGAR BOEHM.

BoEHM was making an equestrian statuette of Lady
Spencer. I happened to ride over to Althorp one
afternoon, and Spencer took me to see the statuette
and introduced me to Boehm. He had not then
been very long in England, and did not talk English
very well, but he knew it and wrote it very perfectly.
He said that he wished to have an opportunity of
studying fox-hounds, as he had an order from an
American gentleman to make a group. I said,
" Come and stay with me at Brigstock, and you can
study them all day ". I was staying by myself at
" The Three Cocks ". He came there and I lent him
a pony to go out cub-hunting, and in the evenings
he made little wax models of hounds. When he was
going away he said, " Have you any objection to
my making a model of you } " I said, " I shall be too
proud ". I then found that while out hunting he had
made many sketches of me in different positions. He
made the statuette without my ever sitting for it, and
when he did the head, he had a bit of clay on the
end of a stick, and walked about the room talking to
me. His facility in modelling was most wonderful.
I believe Lord Spencer had mentioned him to

362 REMINISCENCES OF

the Queen, and he was desired to send two specimens
of his work. Lady Clifden, one of the Queen's ladies,
wrote asking if mine might be sent. As I knew that
Boehm was away from home, I wrote to Mrs.
Boehm.

"Gloster Hotel, West Cowes,
" Isle of Wight, 22nd January, 1869.

" My Dear Captain Thomson, —

" Pray forgive that only now I thank you
for the kindness you had in writing to Mrs. Boehm
about the statuette, which is now in my studio at
Osborne and having been en face Her Majesty,
during a long sitting she gave me to-day, formed the
chief point of our conversation. From head to knee-
cap, from brow to toe, every detail was examined
and bespoken ; and you may be sure that I did not
spare to speak of my kind mentor in the noble sport
(though I do him little honour in that line) with all
the enthusiasm I feel for you. You have no idea what
use that statuette has already been to me. I soon
expect your exemplar, which I wish I had had instead
this one, which is a second, though good, cast only
of the original bronze of yours, that I believe will in
a few weeks be back again with proper colour and
accoutrements. But now if you are ever so tired
from ever so fine a run, you must hear my rambles
across country from Deene to London, where I had
only a few hours cheque (check), and on again at the
rate of fifty miles an hour to Osborne. I have to
thank you the preliminary introduction or proposal
of an equestrian statuette, of the most charming of all

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 363

hostesses — Lady Cardigan. There I did a bust of
her, intended for reproduction on the monument, by
the side of the late Earl, to be executed to both in
her life-time. The bust having been approved of is
to be done as a bust in marble, besides the monument
and also the equestrian statuette on Sultan. I had
scarcely finished when kind Lady Clifden's letter
came, and the order soon after that I was to be off
to Osborne. Yesterday the Queen shewed me the
horses she wished to have done- — one thoroughbred
chestnut, full of character and some beauty, with the
name of Andrew (instead Methusalem), with the
Princess Louise on, who has a splendid seat and a
beautiful figure. Another favourite cob which Her
Majesty rides, with an attendant in Scotch costume,
a nice peculiar shape, lean and sleek cob, and a
charming head, also a good subject. And thirdly,
the most important of all, the Queen herself, sitting
and spinning with a favourite collie at her side. I
cannot tell you how kind, how amiable she is, and
with what interest she inquired about all my works,
etc. She has the sweetest, purest expression and
smile when she speaks, and is so natural and cour-
teous. Oh, it is such a difference to the house of
Austria, who might take many a good lesson of the
behaviour necessary if they wish to endear themselves
to their subjects. England for ever. I need not tell
you how I shall try to deserve all my good luck —
such I may call it. If I lose one kind patron who
leaves as a viceroy, I find one other in a queen.
Please forgive all this egotistical account, but I know

364 REMINISCENCES OF

you take an interest ; and I am so glad to have an
opportunity to do the best I can in these new works,
and I hope I may succeed, as my best will be but
poor. I hope Mrs. Thomson and family are well,
though the last accounts I heard were not so favour-
able of Mrs. Thomson's state of health. Please to
give her my best compliments, and to remember me
also to J. Pye. I hope you will find some day some
nice cheap horse for me — I long for one.
" Ever sincerely and obligingly yours,

" J. E. BOEHM."

Boehm made a beautiful statue of the Queen,
life-size, sitting with a spinning-wheel and a collie
dog lying by her side. He very often came down
to Brixworth, and used to ride an old horse of mine
called " Rocket," but he did not like my plain
fiapped saddles, so I got one with plenty of stuffing
in front of the knees. He said, " The saddle was
charming, and Rocket was charming". He jumped
a small brook, a branch hit him on the face, and
knocked his hat off into the brook. He picked it
up and put it on: "Trickle, trickle, and I said to
myself, here comes bluid, but it was zvate?''".

Boehm's father was the manager of the mint in
Austria, and his principal occupation as a boy was
drawing designs of the emperor for the dies for
coins. He first went to Paris, but he did not like
the French style of equestrian statues — they were
too ideal, and he wanted something more real ; so
he came to England, and commenced with statuettes,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 365

but his great ambition was to get great works. His
statues of horses were wonderfully true and life-like ;
and among his statues of men, Carlyle was one of
the best. He was very industrious, and never lost
a chance. If a horse tumbled down in the street,
he would sketch it in his pocket-book. My eldest
boy stayed with him some time in London, and he
made a beautiful bust of him (while an Eton boy).
He was a most agreeable, charming companion,
and the kindest and best of friends. He made me
a present of my statuette, and afterwards his charge
for them was 300 guineas. His studio was a
constant source of pleasure to me when I was in
London ; and he allowed my daughter to go there
when she liked to model or draw.

" 13 Summer Place,
"Onslow Square, ist December.

" Dear Colonel Thomson, —

" I heard a few days ago that the new series
of bronze casts of your statuette, the Duke of Beaufort,
etc. etc., will arrive here from Germany the end of
this month, and as soon as I have it I shall send
your bronze to Brixworth. I am very sorry for the
long delay, but under five or six months I cannot
get any order executed there, and as I cannot get
it anywhere done like that, I must submit to it. I
have just made arrangements with a jeweller, who
is going to open a shop in the middle of St. James'
Street, to publish my bronzes, and am working hard
at making several sporting groups for stock, under

366 REMINISCENCES OF

others also ' The Death,' with nine or ten hounds,
which has been begun so long ago, and will I hope
be finished at last. I hope the speculation will not
be a failure. I find that the thing would take, if it
were more known, and therefore chose that way of
publicity. I don't know whether I have written to
you since I saw ' Highlander'. He is a wonderful
horse, and ought to be kept in an academy as a
study for artists ; in some future time, perhaps, it
may be thought a not quite inseparable branch of
art to study animals too. I was astonished when I
came back at the wonderful exactness of your outline
of him. As pendants to my bulls I have made two
groups of cart-stallions, which I should be very glad
if you could see. If you have room anywhere, and
don't think the large statue of the duke too bad, and
like to accept it, I shall be glad, if you like to take
it from my studio. I am only afraid the plaster
won't stand the open air, but would do in the kennel,
or some place like that. I hope Mrs. Thomson is
better, and beg to be kindly remembered. I am so
sorry I missed your two sons and Miss A. Thomson
the day before yesterday, when they called here.
Could you make me a sketch, when sometime at
leisure, of a dead fox, how the huntsman holds him
to shew the hounds. Excuse the liberty of asking
you that trouble, and believe me,

" Yours sincerely,

"J. E. BOEHM.

" I hope John Pye's leg is well again."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 367

"The Avenue,

"76 FuLHAM Road, S.W.,

" igth November, 1872.

" My Dear Captain Thomson, —

"It reminded me quite of the delightful
days when I began and ended my hunting career
when the post this morning brought me a letter
from you and Captain Percy Williams — the days of
which I always shall think back with infinite delight,
and shall never cease bragging of having been out
with you or of getting a gate slammed on my shins
by Percy Hotspur — the days when I ordered a pair
of breeches by Hammond, in which moths hunt now
instead I in them. Shall you never be any more
within reach and have a ' Rocket ' for me ? I shall
of course be very glad if Sir Windham Anstruther
will call and wishes a copy of your bronze, the only
really popular one I ever published. I was obliged
lately to raise the price of it to thirty guineas in
bronze, because they now charge me exactly double
for everything in the German foundry, since the
strike system has found its way there, and the late
war increased the demand for superior workmen.
I was told that out of seventy-four young men who
had to join the army from the foundry at Lank-
hammer only twenty-nine returned after the un-
fortunate time was over ! and I have to try now to
get my bronzes done in England.

" I am full at work on John Bunyan — a ten feet
figpjre is more amusing to do than small statuettes,
and certainly not so trying to the eyes.

368 REMINISCENCES OF

" We have now left the house in Onslow Square,
which Mr. Mackenzie of Seaforth has made into a
Bijoux Museum, full of armour and trophies, etc. I
hope Mas. Jack is well, and that Miss Kitty will find
plenty of amusement in modelling, than which there is
no more fascinating occupation. I f I can do anything to
aid I shall be most happy. I believe Mr. Steele is a very
nice man and a clever sculptor, who I am sure would
be useful ; also a Mr. Hutchinson, a clever sculptor
whom I know. Please give my compliments to Mrs.
Thomson. (I hope everything will come off happily.)
" Believe me,

" Yours most sincerely,

"J. E. BOEHM."

His death was very sad and sudden. He was
found dead in his studio when one of the royal
princesses went there for her lesson in modelling.

" PiTSFORD,

" Z2nd March, 1866.

" My Dear Melville, —

" I beg to make the following offer. I am
willing to hunt the Pytchley country four days a week.
The subscription to be .^3,300, as at present. I hunt
the hounds myself. I have spoken to Dick, and he
is willing to remain with me under this arrangement.
" Ever yours truly,

"J. Anstruther Thomson.

" Pray let me have an answer ' Yes 'or ' No ' as
soon as possible, and if there is any decided objection
to this proposal, please withdraw my offer at once."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 369

"Carlton Park, Rockingham,
''zgth March, 1866.

" Dear Thomson, —

" I am very sorry to hear that there is a
probability of your giving up the hounds, I am, as
you know, badly situated for getting out with the
Pytchley, but if things can be so arranged as to
induce you to continue the mastership, I shall have
much pleasure in giving you a subscription of ^50 a
year. The only condition that I should like to
attach to this offer is that the Forest Day should be
changed from Tuesday to Monday. Tuesday is my
magistrate's day at Harborough ; and if this change
could not be effected, I could hardly hunt with the
Pytchley at all without shirking my duties at the
bench.

" My offer of a subscription is personal to your-
self, and I will not pledge myself to your successor.
" Believe me,

" Yours very truly,

" Geoffrey Palmer.

" Pray give me a line, in answer, to Senior Uni-
versity Club, Suffolk Street, Pall Mall, London."

"At a meeting of subscribers to Pytchley

Hounds, held at the George Hotel, Northampton,

on 4th April, 1866, at 3 p.m.. Earl Spencer in the

chair, it was agreed that Mr. Thomson's proposal to

hunt the open country four days a week for ^3,300

during the open season with a huntsman and two

whippers-in, and to make arrangements with Mr.
vol. l 24

370 REMINISCENCES OF

Watson for managing the hunting in the woods
during the open season, be accepted, provided the
necessary funds be raised for the purpose, and that
the terms of the arrangement between Mr. Watson
and Mr. Thomson be settled by a committee, to
consist of Sir R. Knightley, Bart, Hon. F. Villiers,
Hon. C. Gust, A. A. Young, Esq., Captain Clerk. A
letter from the Earl of Cardigan on the subject of
the above arrangement was considered and referred
to Captain Thomson and Mr. Watson.

"It was agreed that when Mr. Thomson has
made up the seventy-five couple required of him,
according to the agreement of last year, the above
committee should arrange the number of hounds to
be kept up under the new arrangement and the
manner in which the hounds to be deducted (if any)
should be disposed of. It was agreed that Major
W. Melville be requested to act as secretary.

" (Signed) Spencer."

''6th April, 1866.

" My Dear Mr. Thomson, —

" I have heard in an indirect way that your
offer to the gentlemen of the county with regard to
the Pytchley Hounds is either accepted or likely to
be accepted, and that there is a proposal for Mr.
Watson to keep a pack of hounds to hunt the
woodlands. I hope you will not enter into any
arrangement with him with regard to the appropria-
tion of hounds with Mr. Watson for the purpose,
because I cannot allow hounds kept by him to draw

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 371

or run through any of my coverts. I congratulate
you on your remaining in the country.
" Believe me,

" Very faithfully yours,

" Cardigan."

" Brigstock, Htli April.

" My Dear Lord, —

" I received your letter yesterday. I am
told, but I have received no official notice, that my
offer to hunt the Pytchley country four days a week
has been accepted. The idea of Mr. Watson hunting
the woodlands was not suggested by me, and was
no part of my proposal. I am sorry that your
lordship does not approve of the arrangement. I
was asked if I would agree to it, and at once did
so, as it makes little difference to me, and would
promote sport by drawing the forest foxes into the
open country.

" I beg to thank you for your good wishes, and
for all the kindness which I have received from you.
" Believe me,

" Yours very truly,

" J. Anstruther Thomson."

"WooTON Hall, Northampton,
" 17th April, 1866.

" My Dear Jack,—

" I enclose a copy of resolutions come to

at the meeting on the 4th, as sent me by Spencer.

You should have had them sooner, but I thought

he would tell you all about it. I was not present,

so I don't know what took place, but I fancy when

24 *

372 REMINISCENCES OF

they had got rid of their talk they were unanimous
enough. As Knightley does not mean to hunt next
season, and it cannot therefore affect him, he is likely
enough to have seized the tempting opportunity of a
growl gratis.

"It would take a lawyer's opinion to decide how
we all stand now, but I think it is clear that we give
you ;^3,300 for four days a week in the open. I
have sent circulars according to orders, stimulating
the subscribers to fresh exertions under the system
which has already fallen through. As, however, I
do not find in the answer the slightest tendency to
rise, I shall not distress myself on this point.

"I go to Hooton either Monday or Tuesday,
according to my wife's arrangements for a move to
London, so fear I may miss you on the road. You
ought to go on Tuesday at latest, for the mug is run
for (I think) on Wednesday.

" I hunted with Arkwright yesterday. Such a
sweet pack ! I think you would have said there was
very little more to be done to these bitches, who
worked like the squarest-headed dog hounds I ever
cursed, and so handsome. He expects to see you at
Cowper's Oak on Thursday.

" Yours ever,

"G. W. M."

1866. — There was an idea that the forest should
be hunted by a separate pack of hounds, and George
Watson of Rockingham was quite willing to do it,
but Lord Cardigan was strongly opposed to it.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 373

" VVooTON Hall, Northampton,
''8th April, 1866.

" My Dear Jack, —

" I have a very strong letter from Cardigan,
written yesterday on his way through Harborough.
He says : ' Speaking of the woodlands, I am
anxious to communicate to you that I am quite
determined to do everything to prevent a woodland
pack being kept. I shall not allow any one of my
coverts to be drawn by the proposed hounds of Mr.
Watson, and shall consider all running through my
woods or over my lands as a trespass, and act ac-
cordingly, according to law. [!] I am quite serious
and quite determined on this point, and I hope you
will let it be known before the necessary arrangements
are made.' He goes on to say he has written to
you and hopes we shall talk it over ; and concludes :
' The Pytchley Hounds are the proper hounds to
hunt the Pytchley country.'

" You can show this to Watson if you think it
advisable. I will write to him the gist of it by
to-day's post. I fear it will be a very difficult
matter to get Cardigan's permission to hunt his
woods now (at least with Watson's hounds), and I
do not see how the latter can do without it. I had
already written very strongly to our impracticable
friend, apprising him any permission he granted
would not be abused, and Spencer had also dis-
patched a touching epistle, but it seems without effect.

" Yours ever,

" G. W. Melville."

374 REMINISCENCES OF

" BULWICH,

" igth April, 1866.

" My Dear Clerk, —

" I have this morning received from Whyte
Melville the minutes of the meeting of the 4th April.
As you are a member of the committee, I want a
little advice from you. It is left to me to arrange
with Mr. Watson about the hunting of the woods
during the open season. It is impossible that I can
do so if the landed proprietors object to it, so pre-
sume that arrangement must be given up. I am to
hunt ^/le open country four days a week during the
open season. Is that to hold good if the arrange-
ment with Watson is given up ; and am I not to
go to the woods at all, and if I do, on what
days?

" As to the hounds, there are now in the kennel
seventy-one couple of old hounds, of which I shall
draft ten couple before ist May, to bring them down
to the proper complement of sixty couple of old
hounds. There are about twelve couple of young
ones, which I must make up to nineteen couple before
I St May. How many am I to keep in future? I
should think fifty-two old and twelve young would
be quite sufficient, and what is to be done with
the surplus? It is time to be looking out for a
customer.

" I am going down next week to stay with Naylor
for Chester Races, so I shall not see you for some
time, and it is better to have these points settled at
once. We meet at Biggin Park next Monday, and

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 375

Brigstock on Tuesday, and if there is no rain I think
we shall do no more.

" Ever yours,

" J. Anstr. Thomson.

" To Capt. Clerk."

" Spratton,
"20th April, 1866.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I have yours of yesterday. Melville,
I think, made a mistake when he sent you the
proceedings of the meeting of the 4th ; such pro-
ceedings, I apprehend, were caused by the failure
of the wild Watson scheme. I quite understood
from Lord Spencer, on Saturday last, that you were
to hunt the entire country nine days a fortnight,
as proposed some little time ago, and I am sure it
is Spencer's impression that it is so settled. I
believe S. is now in London, but I will go over to
Althorpe to-day on the chance of finding him,

"It is in my opinion a great pity that so much
trouble should be created about the Brigstock
country. The open country, as it is called, cannot
be alone hunted four days a week ; blank days will
be the result of an attempt to do so, and it would
soon dwindle down to a two day a week country.
' Keeping a country together ' is one of the first
maxims in hunting, I have been told.

" With regard to the hounds, if you do hunt
nine days a fortnight, the hounds, I suppose, will
require being kept up to sixty couple ; but as I
hope to see you at Bough ton to-morrow I will have

^76 REMINISCENCES OF

some talk with you on the subject, if you have
time.

" I should advise you not specifying any par-
ticular days for hunting the Brigstock country, but
have it left to your discretion to do the best you can.
It would probably be the best for you and the hounds
to do more there before Christmas than when the
days are at the shortest, and then in February to
send one lot of hounds to Brigstock kennel for a
week. Spencer did that, and every one seemed
satisfied, and it did the hounds good. The foresters
are not gluttons at hunting in the winter, however
much they may like it at this time of year.
" Pray excuse all this rigmarole,
" Believe me,

" Yours very truly,

"M. Clerk.

" Spencer is the person we really have to look
to for support. There is no use in a few cottagers
getting together and thinking to settle matters."

Met at Biggen Park on 23rd April. Last day.
On 26th went to stay with Naylor at Hooton for
Chester Races ; George Why te- Melville and John
Welby were there ; saw " Stockwell," the biggest
thoroughbred horse I ever saw.

On 1 6th June, 1866, Lord Rosslyn died in
London. He had been very ill for some time. He
was buried at Roslin Chapel, and I went with Lough-
borough, John Balfour and John Whyte-Melville by
the night train to Scotland. We went straight to

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 37;

Roslin to attend the funeral. He was a Lieut. -General
in the army and Lieut. -Colonel of the Fife Light Horse.
He commanded the 9th Lancers when I joined in 1 836.

So many mistakes arose in the consequence of
there beings two roads between the kennels at Brix-
worth and the house at Pitsford that I decided to
live at Brixworth. I got possession of the " Nelson"
public house, and had to take over all the pewter
pots and the beer pump with it ! I also got Dr.
Noble's house, which was next to it, and I joined
the two together. The kitchen was in Noble's house,
and I made a "buttery-hatch" in the wall to put
the dinner through into the dining-room.

1866. — The first hunt was at Althorpe on the
13th August. Dick Roake, kennel huntsman ;
Tom Firr, second whip ; and Will Goodall came
from George Fitzwilliam.

30th November, 1866. — The meet was at Duston.
About eight o'clock in the morning Dick rushed into
my house in his shirt sleeves and said, "What shall
we do, sir ? George has fed the wrong lot of hounds."
" Why the devil didn't you feed them yourself?
What have you got that are not fed.''" "Seven
couple of cripples or short of work." "Take all
the lightest feeders, give them all a dose of salt and
water and send them out to walk." About ten
o'clock we drew seventeen couple, and started not
very cheerfully. When we got to Brampton some
of them looked like drums, so we shut them up at
Sanders' house. The moment the hounds were
in covert a great banging fox came out across the

^7^ REMINISCENCES OF

middle of the field. The hounds got a capital start.
There was one big black dog, a very hard runner,
that had not been fed ; he got away first and was
first all day, and the others ran after him. They ran
for an hour without a vestiofe of a check into Grafton
country, through Salcey Forest. As I opened the
gate at the top of the ride I saw the fox cross at
the bottom of the ride and the hounds about a
hundred yards behind him, and they ran into him
in the next field outside the wood. About the middle
of the run Harry Sanders got into a ditch with a
horse called "Absalom" on the top of him, and I
believe Lord Spencer assisted at the rescue, and
afterwards bought Absalom. He was heard exclaim-
ing, " Help ! help ! I'm d d if I shan't be killed !

Oh, my poor children ! " We had a long way to go
back into our own country, and I did not do much
more in the afternoon.

5th December. — " Valeria" plopped into a brook
at Lilburne, and wet me through up to the chin. I
was very hot at the time and it took my breath
away. I never knew before the meaning of a chill.
I woke in the middle of the night and couldn't turn
over in my bed. However I got better in the
morning, and got on a pony at twelve o'clock and
went out to look for the hounds.

The year 1867 began with a very hard frost,
which lasted a fortnight.

April 20th. — My father-in-law. Rev. J. Hamilton
Gray, died in London. He was rector of Burton-in-
the-Wold and Rural Dean of Chesterfield.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 379

April 22nd. — Heavy snowstorm.

April 27th.— Mr. Hamilton Gray was buried in
the crypt at Glasgow Cathedral. He had been in-
terested in it, and had put up two memorial windows
there.

I did not hunt again this season, and went to
Charleton.

17th September, 1867.— My wife and I, Kit, Jack
and Charlie, with Elise, the French maid, started from
Brigstock for the Paris Exhibition. We got to Folke-
stone on the 1 8th. It was blowing very hard. On
going on board the steamer the steward said, "Will
you have a waterproof?" I saw that all the other
passengers had them, and when we started with a
head wind the boat just dived through the first
wave, about three or four feet of water rushing
along the deck. The rest of the passengers had
gone below except Admiral George Try on, who
was going to Egypt in charge of transport. (He
was drowned a few years ago in the terrible Victoria
disaster.) He and his secretary and Charlie and I,
who remained on deck, were the only ones who were
not sick !

When we landed at Boulogne all the children
were wet through, and as we had cleverly plombeed
all our luggage to Paris, we could not get any dry
clothes. So we had to put them all to bed while their
things were drying.

Next morning we went on to Paris to the
Clarendon Hotel, and changed from there to the
Hotel Mirabeau. We went to the Exhibition every

380 REMINISCENCES OF

day. The chief thing we did was to drink American
cocktails and go to the circus in the evening. We
came back to Folkestone on the 26th. Jack went
back to Eton, and we returned to Brigstock.

" Fawsley.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" About twenty-five years ago the Master
of the Pytchley, with the concurrence of the principal
members of the hunt, gave Lord Southampton (who
at that time hunted the Duke's country) permission
to draw all my father's coverts, with the exception of
Dodford Holt ; for twenty years he availed himself
of it and drew Badby Wood regularly. That per-
mission has never been withdrawn to my knowledge
by any master of the Pytchley ; but Lord Spencer,
when he kept them privately, intimated to me that
it was a privilege he did not wish to see made too
much use of, and consequently, as he drew this side
of the country very fairly, the Duke of Grafton very
seldom drew Badby Wood, although he did so on
one or two occasions during Spencer's mastership.
As I thought you might be ignorant of all these
circumstances (and your letter clearly shows you
were so), I sent you a message by Craven, that
you might apply to me for information rather than
to the Duke of Grafton, who is as unlikely to infringe
any hunting law as I should be to ask him. But
my coverts in Preston Charwelton and Everdon have
never been drawn once this year by you ; Badby
Wood and Dodford only twice. We have now

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 381

arrived at the loth of February ; we are eaten up
with foxes ; the lambing season is coming on, and
it is quite impossible for me to prevent the foxes
being destroyed if they are never hunted. Under
these circumstances I think it will be better for all
parties that you should not withdraw a permission
which has not been taken away by any of your
predecessors for a quarter of a century, and trust
to me to find you a fox whenever you condescend
to draw my coverts.

" Believe me,

" Yours very truly,

" Rainald Knightly."

One day we met at Dob Hall and found in
Brampton Wood. After running some time hounds
divided. Dick went to stop one lot ; the body went
away past Dingley, over the stiff country by Bray-
brook, Oxendon, under Clipstone Hill to Hothorpe,
Bosworth Gorse, only myself and Tom Firr with
them, along the banks of the canal towards Laugh ton
Hills. Here I met jack Topham, coming back from
hunting with Tailby. I said, " Come along with me
Jack, perhaps I shall want your help ". When we
got to the'spinnies on Laughton Hills, when I blew
my horn twelve couple of strange hounds came to me,
and a few minutes after Jim Bailey, Tailby's whipper-
in, thinkinof I was Goodall. The hounds ran all
tog-ether into the covert, two or three times round
it, and killed. Frank Goodall was on the top, I
was at the bottom, and as he had to run down hill

382 REMINISCENCES OF

and I had to run up, he got to the fox first, and
carried it out of the covert. When I got to him he
said, "Which will you have, sir, head or brush?"

I said, " Brush ". After eating the fox, we said,
"Be quiet, don't say a word". We turned our
horses in opposite directions, and whistled quietly
and the two packs separated, except one hound, one
of mine.

I agreed to go on again with the hounds. Will
Goodall left ist May. Mr. Herbert Langham was
honorary secretary. Major Whyte- Melville having
gone to live in London.

1867. 26th August. — Commenced hunting at
Althorpe.

" COTTESBROOKE PaRK, NORTHAMPTON,

'^February, 1868.

" Sir,—

"At a meeting of subscribers to the
Pytchley Hunt, held at Brixworth on February

I I th, the following resolution was proposed and
carried for season 1 868-69 : —

"'That Captain Thomson's offer to hunt the
country four days a week in the open, and the
woodlands in the usual way during the spring and
autumn, for the sum of ^3,000, be accepted,
provided such sum can be obtained. The open
country to include Brampton Wood, Rushton,
Boughton and Weekly Hall Wood.'

"(Signed) Herbert Hay Langham."

March 1868.— Hounds met at Rockingham

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 383

Castle. There was a long broad avenue which
went down to Dene. As I was moving off with the
hounds, Lord Cardigan rode up to me and said,
"You have known me many years". "Yes, sir."
" I have always been a very healthy man." " Yes,
sir." " Just now I got a fit of giddiness. I'm not
well ; I'm going home — Good-bye," and he rode
away slowly towards Dene. About an hour after-
wards, when we were near Dene, he came back with
his mackintosh on. I said I was grlad to see him
again. He said, " I felt better, so I thought I would
come out for a little while ".

One of his keepers lived in a lodge on the
avenue ; his name was Simon Bell. A gun burst in
his son's hand and injured his fingers. Lord
Cardigan rode out to inquire for the boy, and
was found dead on the ground and his horse
standing beside him at the gate. I believe that
he had fallen off in a fit, and that the first symptom
of it was when he told me he was giddy a few days
before.

13th March, 1868. — Prince of Wales at Al-
thorpe ; met at Maidwell. The Prince of Wales
came down from London to hunt. F'ound at Berry-
dale, ran through Maidwell Dales, a ring round by
Scotland Wood and Kelmarsh to ground near Maid-
well ; did not get him. Found again in Scotland
Wood, ran well by Kelmarsh Spinnies up to
Clipstone, and killed. On to Langborough, which
was blank ; found at Sunderland Wood, passed Blue
Covert on our left to Faxton Corner, where we got

384 REMINISCENCES OF

up to him ; ran on to Mawsley Wood and Old
Poor's Gorse. I was on right side of fence with line
of gates, Prince on left side, posts and rails, which he
jumped most gallantly. Dined at Althorpe. After
dinner I was sitting next the Prince, Spencer on his
left. The Prince's servant brought his cigar case,
which he handed to Spencer. He took one, although
he hates smoking. The Prince turned to me and
said, " I know you never smoke," and passed it to
the next. It was pretty hard work dining out after
hunting.

Next day we met at Stowe Nine Churches. I
was at Althorpe with the hounds about half-past
nine. The Prince came out and said, " How are you
this morning?" "Fresh as a four-year-old, sir."
He said, " I never was so tired in my life ". He had
not been hunting much.

We drew Badby Wood, and a great badger
crossed the road in front of me. I tried to make the
hounds hunt it, but they would not. I forget what
we did ; but we ran through a village, down a foot-
path with a stiff stile into the road. I jumped it on
" Iris," and the Prince followed me. We had a
capital run up to Shuckborough, late in the after-
noon. The Prince left there, and went to London by
train. Hounds got on a fresh fox and ran down
to Ladbrook Gorse in Warwickshire country. I
stopped them there, almost dark. I got home at ten
o'clock ; hounds a quarter-past twelve.

ist August. — A volunteer review took place at
Perth, Colonel Bulwer, C. B., commanding. On

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 385

arriving, the Fife Mounted Rifle Volunteers marched
to the barracks ; the horses were fed in the riding-
school, and the officers and men were hospitably
entertained by the 8th Hussars, a squadron being
quartered there under Captain Mussenden.

In Yorkshire, Weatherby Show took place on
5th August. I went and stayed at Bramham with
George Lane Fox, and got first prize with " Iris "
and second with " Borderer ".

''6th August, 1S68.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I hope to hear nothing is good news, and
that Mrs. Thomson is much better, and you relieved
from anxiety about the winter.

" Your beginning the new house was a good
sign. Our movements would depend to some extent
on yours, for if I had to take a more active part next
season, which I devoutly trust will not be the case, I
should like to get home to settle early in November,
and be on the spot to see how things go on in the
woods. It would therefore be a great relief to me to
know I need not think more about this.

" We are much bored at being away from Al-
thorpe this glorious weather, but we have a charming
villa very suitable for my work at Woolwich.
When not on my committee, I feel the want of
interests about the place and neighbourhood, which
is very Cockneyfied, covered with a network of villas
and their gardens.

" I hope these fine showers may save a few

VOL. I. 25

386 REMINISCENCES OF

turnip-fields. The ground is so hot, directly rain
saturates it, every seed will be forced into growth as
though in a hotbed.

" Very truly yours,

" Spencer."

" The Nelson " was a very tight fit for us, and
noisy, being in the street.

My wife had never been well since her father's
death, and during the winter at Brixworth was very
unwell, and towards the end of the season she was
confined to her bed. I wrote to my sister, Mrs.
Montgomery, at Lillington, and said " if she could
not come to help me I should have to shut up ".
Jack was at Eton, Charlie at Mr. King's at Brighton,
the girls and Bill were with us, and only Elise, a
French maid, to look after them. Mrs. Montgomery
came to us, and her husband got a bedroom in the
saddler's house.

Lord Overstone had a house at Great Houghton
which had been a school, and happened not to be
occupied, and he most kindly lent it to me. Lord
Spencer lent me his omnibus, and we moved Mrs.
Thomson there, end of April. We had to carry her
downstairs in her bed. She got better while at
Houghton, and used to sit out in the garden ; and
we had very nice neighbours in the Rev. J. Gregory
and his wife. She was sister of John Stone, my old
Eton friend. We remained at Great Houghton all
the summer.

Commenced hunting at Boughton on 25 th

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 387

August. Rev. Mr. Wicks came out on foot with a
pint bottle and a broken wine-glass and gave me a
glass of cherry brandy.

During the summer of 1868 I got possession of
the cottage at Brixworth on a lease of five years, and
Mr. Wood, my landlord, agreed to lay out a year's
rent on improvements. I set to work on it, and
built the drawing-room and a staircase, and just
succeeded in getting into it at the beginning of the
hunting season.

Edward Goode, the builder in Brixworth, under-
took the work, and was a first-rate workman and
excellent man. I used to ride over every day from
Great Houghton, and all the stablemen used to work
as masons' labourers in the afternoon, their only pay
being some pints of beer. They got on well with the
work, as we got into the house on 1 2th November.
The plaster was not quite dry and used to sweat at
night ; I used to wipe it down with a rough cloth.
Then Bill got an attack of bronchitis ; we were able
to keep him in the old part of the house with a
curtain across the passage.

My wife was very unwell during most of the
winter, and I did not like to disturb her in the
morning. I waited till the last moment, and then
galloped all the way to covert. I went to Misterton,
sixteen miles, with two hacks, and did it in an hour
and ten minutes.

25

388 REMINISCENCES OF

CHAPTER XXII.

SALE OF PYTCHLEY HORSES AND LEATHAM GRANGE.

On 9th January, 1869, the hounds ran into the coverts
at Dene while a shooting party was going on. Next
day I wrote to Lady Cardigan : —

^^ 10th January, 1869.

" My Dear Lady Cardigan, —

" I am very sorry that the hounds yesterday
ran into one of your coverts and disturbed the sport
of your friends who were shooting there. . I could
have prevented it ; but the hounds were in the middle
of the covert before I was aware that there was any
shooting. I hope that we did not very much interfere
with their sport. We found a fresh fox in the covert
and another in Oakley purlieus, which we also ran
through.

" Believe me,

" Yours very truly,

"J. A. T."

" Dene,
'^ I ^th January, 1869.

" My Dear Mr. Thomson, —

" Many thanks for your kind letter. Your
hounds did no harm whatever. I should be only too

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 389

glad to see them a little oftener. Formerly, when
Lord Spencer hunted them, he gave Lord Cardigan
leave to ask Mr. Fitzwilliam to come occasionally
(about once in three weeks) during February and
March until the Pytchley came to Bristock, which
was a great aid in getting rid of the numerous
foxes in my woods, but of course I should not like
to ask your consent unless it were perfectly agree-
able to you. I only mention it now because last
week Mr. Whyte-Melville, who came to see me
from Bulwich, told me he thought you would not
object.

" Believe me,
" Yours very sincerely,

" Adeline Cardigan."

" Milton, Peterborough,
" 22nd January, 1869.

*' Dear Thomson, —

" I received a letter from Lady Cardigan
to-day enclosing one from you to her, in answer to a
request she seems to have made that I might be
allowed to hunt the Dene woods. Of course, I don't
know in what terms the request was made, but the
idea did not originate with me, for Lady Cardigan
asked me some time ago to go and hunt at Dene,
and I was obliged to remind her of the etiquette
which M.F.H.'s are expected to show as regards
hunting, and that I could not without special per-
mission invade a neighbouring country.

" However, your answer to Lady Cardigan has
set the matter at rest to the end of your mastership

390 REMINISCENCES OF

of the Pytchley, which I am sorry to see is so near at
hand.

*' We killed one of your foxes to-day after a very
good hunting run over the fine grass country between
the woods. I hope you have had good sport. We
have had better than I ever remember — the bad days
are quite the exception.

" Believe me,

" Yours truly,

" G. W. FiTZWILLIAM."

1869. — The Due de Chartres when staying at
Althorpe was out hunting a few times. He was a
capital fellow, very keen and handy ; would jump
off to open gates and make himself useful. When he
went away he sent me a beautiful book on hunting,
in three volumes.

" Morgan House, Ham, Surrey,
" igth February, i86g.

•• My Dear Sir,—

" I take the liberty of forwarding to you
by rail a copy of M. de Noirmont's History of Hunt-
ing in France, When I was last at Spratton House
we spoke of that book ; and I hope you will accept it
as a remembrance of the days' sport I have enjoyed
with your hounds.

" Pray believe me,

" Yours very truly,

" Robert d'ORL^ANS
" (Due de Chartres).

"Captain J. Thomson,
" Brixworth."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 391

" Brixworth,
'■'20th February, 1869.

" Dear Due de Chartres, —

" I beg to return your Royal Highness my
sincere thanks for your kindness in sending me that
beautiful work on hunting, which I received this
morning. I assure you that I shall study it with
much pleasure and value it most highly as a memento
of having had your Royal Highness as a brother
fox-hunter. If I have an opportunity I shall beg
you to do me the honour of writing your name in it.
I hope I may again have the pleasure of seeing you
out hunting before the end of the season, which, I
am sorry to say, is my last as Master of the
Pytchley.

" I have the honour to remain,

" Yours very truly,
" J. Anstruther Thomson.'*

1869. — On giving up the Pytchley Hounds I had
many offers to take other countries.

North Warwickshire. — Jenings' letter : —

" MiLVERTON Farm, Leamington,
" i3i/t February, i86g.

" Dear Thomson, —

"How would it suit you to take the North
Warwickshire country, as Mrs, Thomson is in delicate
health ? You could get good house here, amusement,
and plenty of medical advice for her ; also be able to
hunt two days a week with the Pytchley ; and your

39^ REMINISCENCES OF

doing so would confer a great favour on our hunt
committee (of which I am one) as well as on the
hunting people here generally,

" Be kind enough to send me a line at your con-
venience, and oblige,

" Yours very truly,

"J. F. Jenings."

" Shardeloes, Amersham,
" 23rrf January, 1869.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" My parson comes from London, and tells
me he hears you give up the Pytchley. You will,
like me, be miserable without hounds. Have you
any fancy to hunt a bad country, with a good sub-
scription (about £2,000 per annum ; kennels, hounds
and stables found), as this country will be vacant in
a few days? I am not authorised to offer you this
country, as I do not think any one but myself knows
that it will be vacant. But when it is, I have a good
deal to do with choosing the Master, as several
landed proprietors will do what I advise. Don't
mention this till you have written to me, and if you
fancy it, wait my answer.

" Yours very truly,

" T. T. Drake.

" Three days a week."

New Forest. — Lindesay Shedden and Martin
Powell's letters : —

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 393

''Private.

" Delaware, Lymington, Hants,
" \Hh February, 1869.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I understand you give up the Pytchley at
the end of this season ; that one reason for your
giving up is on account of Mrs. Thomson's health ;
that she requires a milder climate, I believe the
New Forest country is vacant, and it may appear
absurd asking you to take it, for it is certainly a
wretched country, and a good deal spoilt since the
days I hunted it ; still it is a good scenting country,
and a man so fond of real hunting as you are might
be tempted to try it. It is a cheap country to hunt,
and if a man would hunt it four days a week, al-
ways hunting one day a week the north side of the
country, Salisbury and Romney side, I think he
would get a subscription of close on ^1,000, and
it would not cost more than ^1,200, so that the
Master would not be much out of pocket, particu-
larly if he hunted the hounds himself, which of course
you would do.

" I am glad to hear you have shown such sport
in Northamptonshire. I very seldom see a pack of
hounds now — sometimes Billy mounts me. He still
goes out, but I should say more for exercise than
anything else, as he hardly ever sees a hound after
they find ; still he enjoys it in his own way. He has
got a capital house, Wortley Park near Winchester,
and lives very comfortably.

^94 REMINISCENCES OF

" Mrs. Shedden joins me in kind regards to you
and Mrs. Thomson, and hopes she will improve in
health in a milder climate.

" Yours very truly,

" LiNDESAY Shedden.

" P.S. — There are kennels and stabling for about
twelve horses belonging to the country. There are
two other persons after the country, so let me have a
line as soon as you can, saying if you entertain any
idea of it."

"Shrubs Hill, Lyndhurst,
" 22nd February, i86g.

"Sir,—

" I am desired by the members of the New
Forest Hunt to say that in consequence of the
present master of their Hounds having given notice
of his intention to discontinue hunting the country
at the end of the present season, they are anxious to
offer the country to you.

" A New Forest Hunt meeting is fixed for
Friday, the 26th inst., and I shall feel greatly
obliged to you if you can possibly let me hear from
you on the subject in time to lay your letter before
the meeting on that day.

" I have the honour to be, Sir,

" Your obedient servant,

" W. Martin Powell,

" Hon. Sec. N. F. H.
"To John Thomson, Esq.,
"M.F.H."

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 395

V.W.H.— Wharton Wilson's letter : —
''Private.

" Ablington, Fairford,

^^ 28th January, 1869.

" Dear Thomson, —

"If you are really leaving the Pytchley,
and intend hunting any other country, will you come
here ? I have not as yet said a word to any one of
my intention, but I must be out of it at the end of
the season. My father is getting an old man, and I
want to be more independent and able to be with
him than I am.

" Now, I have got a capital pack of hounds, and
will either lend them to you for three years, leaving
them entirely under your control, or sell them to you.
I think the people in the country are well satisfied
with them. All is as straight and right as can be,
and there are plenty of foxes everywhere. The sub-
scription ^1,100, and the hounds, stables and country
free.

" A house could be got at Coates, which is a
mile and a half from the kennels. If you think of
this, come down to me, and I will tell you all I know
unreservedly. I have no intention of giving up my
place here, but only want to be more at liberty than
I can be now. Kindly consider this private, at all
events for a week.

" Yours sincerely,

" Matthew W. Wilson."

Tedworth. — Letter from Lord A. St. Maur,
afterwards Duke of Somerset :—

396 REMINISCENCES OF

"WiLCOT Manor, Marlborough,
" lyth March, 1869.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" A friend of mine, a member of the Ted-
worth Hunt, begged me to ask you whether you
wished to have another country on leaving the
Pytchley. This is quite private, as I have no
authority to move in the matter. These hounds
hunt four days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
and Saturday. The subscription is about ^1,600 a
year. Lord Ailesbury and Sir Edmund Antrobus
being the chief subscribers and supporters of the
hunt. The country is about half down and half
enclosed, with two very large coverts of nearly 2,000
acres each ; the fences are very small indeed, and
scarcely deserve the name.

" Hoping that you are quite well and have had
a good season, with kind remembrance to Mrs.
Anstruther Thomson,

" I remain,

" Yours very truly,

" Algernon St. Maur."

All these offers I declined.

Towards the end of the season, April, 1869, a
deputation of farmers, headed by that grand old
sportsman, Matthew Oldacre of Clipstone, called on
me at the cottage at Brixworth with the following
address : —

'* We, the undersigned farmers, graziers and
occupiers of land in the Pytchley country,

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 397

having heard with extreme regret of your
resignation of the mastership of the hounds
beg most earnestly and respectfully to en-
treat your reconsideration ; but whatever may
be your final decision, we wish to express
the esteem and regard your undeviating
gentlemanly bearing has won from all, and
the high appreciation we have formed of
the sportsmanlike manner your mastership
has displayed."

Here follow nearly two hundred signatures. In
reply to the requisition I wrote : —

" Brixworth,
" 14th April, 1869.

" Gentlemen, —

" I beg to thank you for the compliment
you have paid me. I regret that the reasons which
induce me to resign are so important that it is not
in my power to alter my decision. I can now only
repeat my thanks to you for the kind expression of
your approbation, and I assure you I shall always
have a grateful recollection of your kindness to me
while Master of the Pytchley Hounds.
" Yours very truly,

"J. Anstruther Thomson."

They then started the idea of giving me a testi-
monial, and asked Mrs. Thomson in what form it
should be. She decided a picture. A preliminary
meeting took place at John Darby's at Rugby, and
the choice of an artist was discussed. John Darby

398 REMINISCENCES OF

said it must be painted by Sir Francis Grant. "It
just makes the difference of having your things made
by Poole or being clothed by Nicholls." John Woods
of Brampton kindly consented to be honorary secre-
tary, and issued the following notices : —

'■''June i86g.

" Sir,—

''It was unanimously resolved that the
testimonial about to be presented to Anstruther
Thomson, Esq., should be a painting of himself on
' Iris,' by Sir F. Grant, and that the subscription
should not be confined to the Pytchley Hunt.

"If you are disposed to contribute, will you have
the goodness to fill up and sign the enclosed form.
The account is opened at the Northamptonshire
Union Bank. No donation to exceed ^5 5s.
" I have the honour to be,

" Your obedient servant,

" John Woods,

" Hon. Sec"

"Cameron House, Windygates, Fife,
"yth June, i86g.

" Sir,—

" I shall feel obliged by your publishing the
enclosed letter from the committee for presenting
Mr. J. Anstruther Thomson with a testimonial on
his retirement from the mastership of the Pytchley
Hounds. I take the liberty of publishing the letter,
as I know it is generally thought in Scotland that
subscriptions to the testimonial are exclusively con-
fined to members of the Pytchley Hunt, instead of

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 399

being open to admirers of the great sportsman. I
have only to add that I shall be delighted to be the
medium for forwarding any sums I may be entrusted
with for the above purpose.

" I am, etc.,

" H. V. Haig."

"27 Park Street, W.,
" 14th May, i86g.

" My Dear Thomson,—

" I have had a long chat with Frank Grant,
who you will be sorry to hear is very far from well.
He says he is quite used up, what with the incessant
duties of the presidency of the Royal Academy and
his own professional labours. He suffers great pain
from neuralgia in the head, and unfortunately in the
right arm, no doubt from its excessive use in painting.

"He says he cannot undertake to paint a man on
a horse, as the picture, in the first place, would be
enormous, and, in the next, that it would entail more
labour than he could in his present state bestow upon
it ; and besides, he has found the necessity of having
a horse in the painting-room so very troublesome,
that he does not feel disposed to undertake another
picture of that class at present. It would, moreover,
be 800 guineas. What he suggests is that you should
be represented with three hounds (portraits) stand-
ing on a fox earth, where you had run to ground,
with your cap in one hand and horn in the other.
It is a grand idea, and when you consider the
commanding appearance of the subject, that cheery,
animated countenance which is natural to that subject,

400 REMINISCENCES OF

increased by the occurrence the picture is meant to
represent, I do hope that your Pytchley friends will
abandon their wish, so very natural under the circum-
stances, to have you, where they have so often seen
you, on your favourite horse, and adopt the artist's
suggestion. He says the picture would be too large
for any moderate-sized room with the horse, and
moreover that the one that he proposes in lieu of it
would be infinitely more valuable as a family portrait
to descend as an heir-loom to all future inhabitants
of Charleton. However, as the dealer of the last
century, Hobson, used to say to his customers, it is
Hobson's choice, both as to the disinclination of the
artist to paint a man on a horse and the price — you
and your hounds would be 500 guineas.

" Grant asked how are you to be painted if you are
going abroad, which looks as if he were willing to under-
take the picture, as he proposes painting it, forthwith.
I could not answer the question. Mrs. Thomson's
health is your first object ; but to have your picture
painted amounts almost to a duty you owe your family
as well as those friends you leave to their great regret.
" I am, etc.,

" Charles Earle."

"27 Sussex Place,

" Regent's Park, N.W.

" My Dear Earle, —

" When you asked me about Thomson's
picture, I mentioned my regular charge for a full-
length was 400 guineas, and that the portrait of three
hounds would be 100 extra. But on thinking over

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 401

the matter, I feel that it is a congenial subject, and
that if the subscribers cannot afford the full sum, I
should be sorry that a question of price should prevent
my doing it if required.

" Perhaps they could make up 450, and if they
cannot do so, I would make them a present of the
three hounds, and do J. Thomson on foot with the
three hounds for the regular terms of 400 guineas. But
they would have to pay half the sum at the first sitting.

" Yours truly,

" Francis Grant."

"27 Park Street,

" 2qth May, 1869.

" My Dear Thomson, —

" I forward a letter from Sir Francis just
received. I do hope the farmers may close with his
most liberal offer. It is very natural that they
should wish to see you on canvas as they have seen
you on the field, but it is not to be done for reasons
I stated in a former letter.

" I hope Mrs. Thomson's health continues to
improve, in spite of this dreadful weather, and that the
other members of your family are well.

" We had a dinner of old friends on Thursday at

Sir Hope Grant's, and it would have done you good

to see Melville and the Laird of Kilgraston in such

spirits. As for Melville, though in years the oldest

of the party, he was in joviality the youngest.

" Believe me,

" Ever very sincerely yours,

" Charles Earle."
VOL. I. 26

402

REMINISCENCES OF

On 2nd June Mr. Earle saw Sir F. Grant. Grant
agreed to do J. A. T. on "Iris" and three hounds
for 700 instead of 800 guineas. Copyright to be his.
Engraving to be a subsequent arrangement.

1869. — The sale of the Pytchley horses took
place on loth of May at Tattersall's. A few days
before the sale I travelled up to London with Nigel
Kingscote. He asked me what I would take for
the lot. I said, "^5,000". He said, " You won't
get it ". I was not far wrong.

Boughton

£2,^

15

0

Roland .

;^IIO

5 0

Benjamin

21

0

0

Harold .

252

0 0

Amulet .

34

13

0

Iris

388

10 0

Ladybird

52

10

0

Borderer

315

0 0

Birthday

27

6

0

Landlord

168

0 0

Cross-stitch .

54

12

0

Rainbow

420

0 0

Needlewoman

105

0

0

Hypothec

141

15 0

Velocipede

68

5

0

Mistletoe

157

10 0

Sultan

54

12

0

Fugleman

89

5 0

Moonshine

63

0

0

Princess

231

0 0

Silkworm

60

18

0

Valeria .

210

0 0

Fresco .

147

0

0

Earlybird

57

15 0

Dowager

"5

10

0

Corsair .

52

10 0

Monkey .

. 78

15

0

Thunderbolt .

84

0 0

Usurper .

131

5

0

Shaver .

31

10 0

Regoletto

. 64

I

0

Hollyhock

89

5 0

Moorcock

115

10

0

Abyssinian .

95

II 0

Wanderer

315

0

0

Philosopher .

32

II 0

Fountain
Druid

346
252

10

0

0
0

;f 5,238

9 0

Man of the Age

168

0

0

At the end of the season, May, 1869, I took a
house at Sydenham called Leatham Grange, and
Grant began to paint the picture. We remained
there about two months. I bought a coach from
Holland, and he lent me a brake while it was being
done up. I went out one day for a trial trip with a

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 403

team ; the near wheeler was a horse with one eye,
called "Bull's Eye". I bought him from Mr. Bull
at Weedon. The leaders were two cobs ; they had
no blinkers, only head-stalls. My little daughter Kit
was on the box with me ; John Pye and Fred Welch
behind. Going down a steep hill when I put the
drag on, a stone got into it, and made a tremendous
scream that frightened the horses. When I pulled
them, " Bull's Eye " turned his head and laid in
on the pole. When I raised the whip, both the
leaders jumped forward, and I had a real handful.
" Bull's Eye " kept edging the coach to the side of
the road, and it slowly and quietly went up the bank
till it toppled over. Kit flew away, with her hair
flying into the air ; I followed her, and landed on
my side in the middle of the road. I didn't leave
go of the reins ; they dragged me a yard or two
and stopped ; both the men tumbled out behind.
We got two or three men to come and help us, and
lifted the brake on to its wheels again. There was
nothing broke except the lamp iron. In the mean-
time Kit had collected all the hats and put them in a
row along the side of the road.

On leaving Sydenham I took Lady Norbury's
house, on 9th July, in Onslow Gardens, next door
to George Whyte- Melville's, and used to sit in the
garden after dinner with them.

Sir Francis began the picture while we were
at Sydenham. I rode "Iris" round his garden, in
Regent's Park, while he made the first sketch. It
was about fifteen inches square ; and his brother, Sir

26*

404 REMINISCENCES OF

Hope, gave him ^loo for it. He used to take
me and "Iris" alternately, one before lunch and
the other after. " Iris " g-ot so used to it, that he
walked up to his own place in the studio and stood
on the mat.

I used to have lunch with Lady Grant. One
night I dined with them, and sat next Little Gilmour.
I saw Sir Francis v/atching me, and he said, " I have
it ". Next day when I went to the studio, he had
painted in my face.

One day Sir Edwin Landseer came in. He
shaded his eyes with his hands and said, " A fine
broad piece of painting. Grant ; I should continue
that road up to the sky line". "Do it yourself,"
said Grant. Sir Edwin took a dab of paint on his
finger and finished the road. He also said, " I should
put some more light behind the horse," and took up
a piece of white chalk and made crosses. Sir Francis
had painted my hand, holding my cap, very carefully.
One day his son. Colonel Grant, came in, and said,
" Who ever saw a g^entleman out huntino- without
gloves ? " and he painted a dogskin glove on it.
When he was painting the reins on " Iris'" bridle, I

said, " That rein is twisted ". He said, " I am d d

if I am going to alter it to please you ", Next time
I saw it it was altered.

When I and the horse were finished he had the
hounds up in London, and kept them in a loose-box.
I used to walk them out in Regent's Park, much to
the astonishment of the nursery-maids. When old
" Rally wood " was led in, and saw the picture at the

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 405

other end of the studio, he thought that I was there,
and began whimpering and jumping about, lashing
his stern. Grant said, "It was the greatest com-
pliment ever was paid him ".

"Chapel Brampton, Northampton,
" ^rd August, i86g.

"Sir,—

" Our account at the bank keeps increasing,
but not very rapidly ; there are several more sub-
scription lists to be sent in which I trust will raise
the amount to the sum required. I am delighted to
hear so good an account of the painting. My neigh-
bour, H. Sanders, called upon Sir F. Grant the other
day, just to have a look. He told me he thought the
likeness of both ' Iris' and yourself perfect. I have
been hoping ' Damon ' may be one of the hounds
chosen to represent the three favourites of the
Pytchley kennels.

" I wrote to Mr. Mills the other day, but have
not received an answer. Do you know if he has
left his seat in Norfolk? I want to write to him
again. I heard from Mr. Hugo Haig the other day,
and sent him a few circulars to assist him in collecting
subscriptions, for he said he should very shortly be
going into Aberdeenshire for a few weeks' shooting,
and then should require the circulars.

"If you should wish to see me when at Brix worth
please drop a line and I will trot over any morning.
" Your obedt. servant,

"John Woods.

"J. Anstruther Thomson, Esq."

406 REMINISCENCES OF

Henry Dixon, " The Druid," came to Charleton
on 4th February, 1 864. I had made his acquaintance
at the Redcar Hound Show. He was a very clever
fellow, and was the first who instituted the practice of
" interviewing ". He bought a pony in Shetland, and
rode it all the way to London. It did not kill the
pony, but it caused his own death, for he got an
attack of bronchitis from which he never recovered.
I met him at the New Inn kennels. I don't know
where he left his pony. He had a very light kit, for
he bought a pair of worsted stockings in the village.

He gives a description of the Fife Hounds in Field
and Fern, published in 1865, and in the preface says
he returned home in the snow on a February night
with an Orkney garron, fourpence in his pocket, and
two fat little note-books. He was collecting materials
to write Saddle and Surloin. It took him three
summers, one winter and one spring. He travelled
8,000 miles, and was away from home 250 nights
before he wrote a line. He was at Charleton the year
before the book came out. During the I slington H orse
Show he was brought into the secretary's room speech-
less and in a fainting condition. He whispered to me,
"I shall be better presently ". I got him some tea,
and remained with him till he somewhat recovered.

Letter from " The Druid " : —

" 10 Kensington Square,
"London, W., 22nd January, 1866.

" Dear Sir, —

" Would you kindly drop me three lines to
say how sport is with you. Field and Fern gets on

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 407

very fairly considering that the rinderpest is dead
against it, and hardly a Scotch editor knows what
to make out of such beef and mutton, greyhound and
foxhound worship. One was very much disgusted
at the prominence given to Joe Graham in Dumfries-
shire hunting (because Mr. Carruthers has no in-
dividuality about him, and wouldn't act as a ' head
centre'). Hence it says with great scorn, 'Joe
Graham, who figures in their pages as the leading
man in the country'.

" I was near Donnington, alias Rackrent Castle,
the other day. The presentation of Bibles on two
different occasions by the tenantry does not seem to
have effected much. The Sundays, I am told, are
fearful. I never heard of such extravagance. They
do say the pony races, etc., cost ^1,500. They
took their own champagne to the Ashby ball, and
one or two of the party never got further than a
private room, where they sat and enjoyed the cham-
pagne. Then the Marquis slipped an open knife
into a friend's coat pocket unawares and caused him
to cut his hands. Such are the floating stories of
this much deo-enerated Donning-ton.

" I am quietly going through the English counties
for another look, and have done five. What with
those three heavy Scotch summers and asthma I
have had the steel pretty well taken out of me, and
cannot work as I did, when I sent every proof to
Fawsley.

" Poor old Sir Charles would have gloried to see
the Pytchley in the form you have them once more.

408 REMINISCENCES OF

" I stayed a night with Captain Williams lately,
and had a very merry day with the Jesuits at Stony-
hurst — a great dinner and plays at night. I never
saw such a jolly set of men when they really unbend
among themselves. Sir Charles Tempest had just
died there ' in retreat '. They smiled when he came,
and said he looked well, but he told them he had
only a few days left, and he lived five.

" Faithfully yours,

" Henry Dixon."

" lo Kensington Square, W.,

" i8th February, 1867.

" Dear Sir, —

" Would you kindly, if it is not asking you
too much, drop me a line on your off day to say
what you are doing ? I see the great run's memory
is to be embalmed in a Waterloo Gorse Stakes. I
found my wife (and never changed on the line) within
a quarter of a mile of that cover, so from different
reasons I have as great a respect for it as you can
have.

" I have had a fearful fight with asthma these
last three months, but it fairly wore me out with
gasping and sleepless nights, and now I cannot walk
across a room without holding by somebody and
blowing like a steam-engine, so for eight days I have
been in bed propped up with a bed-rest, and I know
not when I shall leave it, as the slightest turn or
twist affects the throat. Night and day are much
the same. I sleep when I can, like a poacher's dog
more by day than night, and I write this at half-past

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 409

three a.m. by my night lamp. Oh ! the dreary
sameness. I seem the mere sickly shadow of the
queerly dressed enthusiast who bustled about Scot-
land among bullocks and rams a.d. 1862-64. How-
ever, it is my lot, and I must bear it, and I may get
all right again with rest. I am so glad that I was in
Scotland when poor Hall Maxwell was in his prime
as well as old Dick, whose successor has soon
departed.

" Faithfully yours,

" Henry Dixon."

" 59 Warwick Gardens, Kensington,
" London, W., z<^th October, 1869.

" Dear Sir, —

" I have forwarded you the Gentleman s
Magazine with your little article in. Is ' Weekly
Hall Wood ' right ? I think there should be a slight
notice of the great Waterloo Gorse run — a slight
sketch of it, your notion where you changed foxes, the
hounds which did best, and ' sich a getting home,' etc.
— to make the thing complete. Poor Fred Thursby,
clergyman at Abington Abbey, is dead. I think
you must have known him — a martyr to gout, which
attacked his kidneys. Such fun at the harrier sale.
The Windsor people were quite excited. An
eighteen-year-old white mare, which was expected
to go at 35 guineas for a brood mare, made 91
guineas. Her Majesty has never liked them ever
since Prince Albert had two tumbles in her august
presence, and was taken home out of fair pity in
the carriage. They won't keep on the old hunts-

4IO REMINISCENCES OF

men I am told. Poor Bill Orvis of the York and
Ainstey had the accidental insurance papers in his
house, but he put off signing them, and so his wife
has lost ^1,000. The subscription will not make
that up. Poor Robinson hit that company hard,
once for a broken leg, again for brain concussion,
and for ^1,000 when he was drowned. There
seems something still a little mysterious about Clark
leaving Badminton, but I fancy that he had grown
very incompetent in the field, and his riding especi-
ally bad. I don't think Lord Kesteven's man quite
likes his berth.

"We wanted 'Iris' sorely at Beverly for that
100 guinea cup ; but still the ring would hardly have
been large enough for him, and none of the judges
saw what John Elliot saw, that to find ' Lady Der-
went ' out, you must give her a straight-away gallop,
not keep her to circus business, which she knows to
a nicety. I saw the Rev. Everett, master of the
B.V. Harriers, at Tattersall's, and asked him if he
had squared the new Bishop of Oxford ; but he says
he has worn his green coat and red waistcoat under
four bishops in that and three other dioceses, and
cares for none of them. He is Morell's brother-in-law.
I hope to have the first volume of Saddle and Surloin
out in a few weeks.

" Trusting that Mrs. Thomson continues pretty
well,

" Believe me,

" Faithfully yours,

" Henry Dixon.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 411

" You passed me two or three times in the
twilight last summer driving in these parts. I was
on the wrong side of the top of the omnibus once,
or you would have stared to hear the familiar cobbler
sound, Good-night, Captingl^ Your driving and
my riding road north quite differ, I rode by
Kendal, Settle, Bromley, Manchester, Buxton, Derby,
Leicester, Daventry, Worcester and St. Albans."

My son wrote the following account of the
Queen's Staghounds : —

" Eton, Tuesday,

"27</t October^ 1869.

" Dear Papa, —

" As I was standing looking on at a match
to-day, about twenty minutes to dinner time, I
heard something which sent a thrill through my
carcase, and after listening for a second I said to
Lyttleton, ' If those arn't hounds my name is not
Thomson,' and I bolted to see them. When I had
run nearly to Surley Hall across country, I heard
the horn and saw the hounds. By that time it was
about dinner time, but I forgot all about dinner as
soon as I saw the hounds. I ran on and saw a
crowd standing on the river bank, ran up and saw
the deer swimming down stream with three punts
after him and two whips on their feet each side of
the river and a crowd of cads. I think they made
more noise than when a fox breaks before the Pytchley
cobblers — everybody yelled and nobody seemed to

* The greeting of the cobblers as I passed through Long Buckby
in the dark on my way home from hunting.

412 REMINISCENCES OF

know what to do. One chap in a punt made a dab
under water and caught hold of the deer's hind leg,
and very nearly drowned it, for it was so blown.
Then the row became louder, for the whips holloaed
and swore, the cads yelled to the fellow to hold on,
and between them all the poor brute was pulled to
land near dead, and a cord round his horns was
pulled by some chaps and the deer came up the
bank ; then they capped the hounds on to him while
two chaps held him. King and the hounds galloped
up as if they were going to kill him at once, but only
one hound offered to touch him, and flew at his nose
and hung on. The hound was the best they have
got, called ' Warrior '. I asked King what he was
going to do with him, and he said he would have
him killed when he went home because it was such
a brute. It swam from Surley Locks down to Athens
Bay with half the pack in the water. They went
home immediately afterwards. Wickham, Charles-
worth and Harris were the only Eton fellows there.
Wickham is Mrs. Gregory's nephew. He said that
it did one good to see a red coat again, although it
was all covered with ' brass '. They begin regular
hunting on Tuesday.

" I believe they are going to build new kennels
here for the beagles, and it will be much better, as
half the fellows don't bring them on account of kennel
lameness. The kennels are at present twenty yards
from the river, and in it during the floods. What
could it be done for? Currey (captain of boats)
says he will have it done if it costs under thirty

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 413

shillings ; there must be room for twenty couple of
hounds. I wish they would make me a whip, but
only fellows in fifth form are. Give my love all round.
" Your most affectionate son,

" J. St. C. Anstruther Thomson."

An account of a leopard hunt by the Madras
Hounds : —

1869. — " The Madras Hunt, which has long been
the best-supported establishment of the kind in India,
and is still a very flourishing institution, was started
early in the century, but had been allowed to expire
for want of funds about the year 1856. It was
re-established in 1862 by Mr. Dalyell, and during
his ten years' tenure of office there was no lack of
funds, the annual subscription list sometimes reaching
the good sum of ^1,500. This enabled him to put
the establishment on a thoroughly efficient basis as
a three day a week pack, and also to make a most
salutary change in the system of management. It
had always been usual to sell off the pack at the
close of the short Madras hunting season of four
months, and to purchase a fresh pack each year from
England ; but during Mr. Dalyell's mastership it
was arranged that the pack should also hunt the
Neilgherry hill country for a portion of the year,
and return to Madras in November. On these hills,
5,000 feet above the level of the sea, there is a
plateau of grass, about twenty-five miles square, very
similar in character to the downs at Brighton, but
more interspersed with small woodlands, which form

414 REMINISCENCES OF

excellent coverts. The climate is magnificent all
the year round, the glass rarely reaching freezing-
point on the coldest nights, and the hottest weather
never exceedinof the heat of an Italian summer.

" Such an addition of country was an enormous
benefit to the Madras Hunt in all respects, but it
was also the cause of the institution obtaining at
one time a world-wide reputation, and the notice of
all the sporting journals of England and America,
for here it was that occurred an incident quite without
parallel in the records of sport. On 22nd June, 1869,
the hounds had had a fair run, and killed their jackal
(which animal in India does duty for a fox), but had
given the whole of the field the slip except two
gentlemen who were doing what they could to get
them towards home. Suddenly a full-grown leopard
dashed out of a thicket and crossed the path, which
was too much for the uncontrolled pack, for in a
moment the whole thirteen couple were after him
at score. They hunted him for some little distance
and eventually turned him over, in the open, on a
grassy hillside, in full view of the two gentlemen in
question. Every hound was at him on the ground,
and would undoubtedly have then and there made
an end of him, had it not been for the extraordinary
toughness of his hide, which they could not quite get
through, so that he was at last enabled to regain his
legs and shake off the pack, and, after a further
exciting chase, to take refuge under a rock on the
edge of a stream running through a small copse of
brushwood. Here the hounds regularly bayed the

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 415

beast, formino- a semicircle round him, and receiving;
his charges hither and thither in the most gallant
manner. After some little time the huntsman and
the field came up, and for upwards of half an hour
every endeavour was made to whip off the pack,
as the greatest fears were felt for their safety,
especially as it was noticed that many of them were
already severely wounded. Some few of the hounds
were got together, but nothing would induce many of
that thoroughbred little pack to leave their quarry
until a gentleman who had succeeded in obtaining
a rifle discharged it at the animal. The report had
hardly been heard and the smoke had not cleared
off, before every one of the pack which had hitherto
been most forward in the attack had trotted quietly
out of the copse in the most dignified way and re-
joined the huntsman, evidently considering that if
guns were to be used their business was at an end.
It was stated at the time, by an eye-witness, that
there was an air of calm contempt about the whole
demeanour of these hounds, even to the manner in
which they carried their sterns and ears, as they
trotted out of the wood when the gun was fired,
which was most amusing to watch. On an examin-
ation of the pack it was found that the whole thirteen
couple were alive, and only some three couple severely
injured, though many of the others were bitten or
scratched. The number and dash of the assailants
seems to be the only explanation of such an escape
from so powerful and savage an animal, as one stroke of
his paw would have undoubtedly killed the strongest

4i6 REMINISCENCES OF

foxhound ever bred. The rush, however, of twenty-six
hounds on different sides whenever the leopard turned
in any one direction seems to have left him neither time
nor presence of mind for a single well-directed blow
or bite. Eventually, when a second shot put an end
to the animal's life, he was found to be a full-grown
leopard, measuring seven feet and weighing 7 st. 4 lb.

" The pack which performed this wonderful ex-
ploit was almost exclusively from the Pytchley
kennels, as Mr. Dalyell was in the habit of obtaining
an annual draft from his relation, Mr. Anstruther
Thomson, but it is satisfactory to all who are in-
terested in the ' Kingdom of Fife ' to be made aware
that the one hound which was most distinguished
on the occasion was ' Royster ' by Fife ' Sportsman,'
out of Fife ' Dairymaid,' a three-year-old dog which
had been two seasons in India.

"The skin of the leopard was retained by Mr.
Dalyell as a trophy, but the head of the animal, hand-
somely mounted by Ward of Wigmore Street, was
presented to Mr. Anstruther Thomson by the members
of the Madras Hunt as a suitable acknowledgement of
their appreciation of his kindness in supplying them
with hounds of such wonderful stamina and pluck."

1868. — Hounds Present (13 Couple.)

Tarquin.

Dimity.

Gaudy.

Darter.

Gaiety.

Marksman.

Boscobel.

Driver.

Genial.

Sampson.

Limner.

Royster.

Fleecer.

Prowler.

Lively.

Hasty.

Harriet.

Clovis.

Bouncer.

Druid.

Gilder.

Shiner.

Purity.

And three others, names not known.

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 417

APPENDIX

Colonel Tremayne wrote to me on 6th December,
1903:—

" Percy Smith and I, on the morning of the battle of
Balaclava, inhabited the same tent. We turned out long
before daylight. In the hurry and dark he could not find
an iron guard he used to slip over his wrist to save a sword
cut, for, you will remember, he shot some of his hand off in
Ireland and could not draw his sword. He went perfectly
defenceless as far as any one in the charge — very cool and
collected, and returned safe, with his tunic torn by a lance.
... In the morning early, when we were retiring by alter-
nate squadrons from Canrobert's Hill, and when we were
halted and fronted, a shell pitched within a few yards of
Percy, who as acting adjutant was on the right of the regi-
ment. I saw the beastly thing pitch. Percy never moved
his horse an inch, which he might have done as adjutant,
but called out ' Eyes front, men ! ' The shell burst, but
hurt no one."

My wife having asked Percy Smith's permission to
publish Colonel Tremayne's letter, received the following
reply : —

" 16th December, 1903.

" Dear Mrs. Anstruther Thomson,

" I return your extracts from Tremayne's letter.

Pray make whatever use you like of them in the Refninis-

cences.

VOL. I. 27

4i8 REMINISCENCES OF

" It may perhaps interest Jack to hear the rest of the
story of the torn jacket, as the jacket would not now be in
my possession, nor should I now be writing to you, if it
were not for a horse.

" The horse I was riding in the charge was in the stud-
book under the name of ' Cantharides,' and I bought him
of Dick Bernard (whom Jack will remember), who had
ridden him regularly with the Dublin Garrison Staghounds.
When selling him to me Bernard said, ' It's a good thing to
know, that if ever you want him to jump "big," you've only
got to give him a little holloa the last stride before he takes
off, and he'll understand you '.

"When we got to the guns the leading line (the 17th
Lancers and ourselves) was terribly cut up, and the mere
fact of passing through the guns and cutting down the men
left with them broke us up still more. When we were
fairly through them I found myself practically alone, but
with some half-dozen of our men near me, all very busy
with their swords on the drivers of the Russian artillery. I
walked quietly on, singing out ' Rally 13th,' and thinking
more about getting some men together than anything else,
when I suddenly found myself opposite to three Russian
lancers coming towards me at a walk. Neither of us
stopped till we were within a few yards of each other, and
I then saw that turning was out of the question, as one
lancer was right in front of me and the other two were
closing in on each flank. Fortunately for me, the man on
my right wasn't quite in earnest, and only held out his
lance instead of really using it. The man on my left
meant business, and gave point savagely at my side, but I
jerked my bridle-arm forward and turned the point of his
lance clear of my body, the lance going through the sleeve
of my jacket and shirt and making a red line across my
arm, but doing no further damage. At the same moment
the man in front attacked, and I saw that I couldn't pos-

COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 419

sibly parry it, and that unless I got out of the mess some-
how I was done for. Dick Bernard's hint about the horse
luckily occurred to me at the critical moment, and I gave
the little holloa he spoke of ' Cantharides ' jumped at once,
and down went both Russian and his horse. Meantime he
had got his lance into my chest, but as the point hit on one
of my ribs it only went in a very short way, and, in fact, I
didn't suffer any inconvenience from it till the next day.
After this performance the remaining Russians left me
alone.

" If you think this long story about myself will bore
the Colonel, pray don't read it to him, but put it quietly in
the fire.

" With our very kind remembrances,
" Believe me,

" Sincerely yours,

'■ Percy Smith."

END OF VOL. I.

THE ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY PRESS LIMITED

27

Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at

Tufts University

200 Westboro Road

North Grafton. MA 01536

l-'is^j

•^■>>F>..

"t"^'

['■ . >■•' •''

'«-^'

p=vv:r

S^-^

:?^:-.
*-'1. ,-.'

'^ '■.1C-.

*"■«!

^^-<

;.♦:*"•■ ■^-

X:;;^

^^.-V;:;

ii::

ill; MmmKimiMiii0m$w0M>^