"119, Queen's Square,--
"May 8th, 18--.
"Dear Nephew,--
"I hear that you have your commission. I stirred up some old friends.
You go out with the next draft. Be a good boy, act like a gentleman,
and keep up the honour of your family. You'll find it very hot. I
did when I was out there. Don't eat too much, and don't drink, or
you'll come home with a bad liver, like your affectionate uncle,
"Joseph Vincent.
"Gilbert Vincent, Esq.
"P.S.--I mean Lieutenant Vincent. Don't come to see me, for I'm off
to-night to Carlsbad to drink rusty waters instead of port. Remember
me to your father and mother, if you meet them, and Miss Grace. By
the way, boy, you'll want some clothes and a sword. I've told Ferries
and Harquars to honour your cheques up to two hundred and fifty
pounds, so that you need not draw on your father. You don't deserve
it, because you have such a bad temper; but if ever you can get
promoted into the Horse Artillery, I'll buy you a horse. Mind and get
an Arab; they suit the country. I always rode one; but not in your
break-neck way. I tried to get them to let you have a commission in
the horse, but they wouldn't stand it. Said it was a feather in a
man's cap to get that; so look sharp and grow, and make yourself fit
to wear that feather. You'll get it if you deserve it. I'll see that
you do. My postscript is longer than my letter. So with compliments
to General Crucie, I am, etc."