The Bromsgrovian.
June, 1883.
The following letter, addressed by an O.B. to the Head Master, will be interesting and instructive to the present generation, alike for the adventures it narrates and the account it gives of some aspects of colonial life.
The writer enlisted in the 17th Lancers, simply owing to a strong desire to enter the army and an intense dislike to office work.
Dear Mr. Millington,—
You will be somewhat surprised to hear from me after so long a silence. Since I last wrote, in '77, I have been roving about a little; and though, possibly, you will think that I have not sufficiently profited by your advice—often repeated—not to become a "rolling stone," you may yet sufficiently well remember me to care to hear about my wanderings during the last few years.
About two years after joining the 17th I was sent into Lancashire to assist in keeping order amongst the riotous weavers, and was at Blackburn and Clitheroe during the riots there. Our work consisted chiefly in patrolling the streets, and escorting dignitaries through crowds: nothing particularly interesting.
