“I was prevented Dst. Lady Melbourne by the presence of Ly. Eliz. from speaking to you respecting our dear Frederick Lamb. It occurr’d to me yesterday morning, the promotion in the Blues being so uncommonly slow at all times, & this being the moment of all others in which all young Men that are Subalterns in the Army are endeavouring to raise Men for Rank in particular Regiments, that is to say for any Regt. of Cavalry they may fancy, it would be a very desirable circumstance for Frederick to raise his quantum of men for a Lietcy. which will cost a mere trifle, as they have a right to take the advantage of the Govt. Bounty which is 13 gs. & the quantum that he is to produce to obtain his Ltcy. is only 15 men to the best of my recollection, so that it cannot put him to more than a couple Hundred Pounds expense, were it even to be done in the most extravagant manner. He would come, if it was his wish to raise men for the 10th1 very high in the Regt. & would not run the risk of being detached from Mackenzie as his Aid de Camp, & which by what I can learn should he remain in the Blues is now most likely to happen, as there is an idea that one of the K—’s absurd fancies, is, that no officer in that Regt. shall be Aid de Camp, in order to make all the Officers join to have the Regt. complete in Officers, & always to continue so, as their future permanent Quarters is to be Windsor; this I should imagine might not be quite what our Friend
1 10th Hussars. |
| 76 | LADY MELBOURNE’S CHILDREN |
“I hope you will be able dearest Ly. Melbourne to be able to read & comprehend what I have been writing though I am scribbling in the greatest hurry. Pray speake to Fred upon the business, & ask him what his inclinations & fancies are upon this head. I can explain to You other advantages also which he may expect from following this plan, but which would take up too much room at this instant to venture to enter upon them; this I will do if I find you alone Tomorrow.
