I always feel some diffidence in returning thanks for the Army, since
I am no longer in it; but I may add that I am proud to have belonged
to it. No gentleman who has been in Her Majesty's Service can look
back with other than happy feelings to that time. When I first joined
the Army, it was not in its present state. Many things connected with
that Service have improved. Among others, the social condition of the
soldier has been improved. I feel that no individual in this country,
however high his position may be, need be ashamed of his connection
with the Army.
At one time, the people of Newport knew more about soldiers than now.
Some time ago I asked the Duke of Cambridge to send a regiment, or
part of a regiment, to Newport, and his Grace said, in answer to me,
that the people would be obliged to stir up a riot in the county if
they wished to secure the presence of soldiers! I hope such a
contingency will not arise, living as I do in the county. However, his
Grace promised to do his best in the matter, and I hope we shall soon
again have the advantage of a regiment in Newport.
_Dinner to Lord Tredegar and Alexandra Dock Directors,
July 27th, 1865._