Soldiers of the Regiment
Major James Paton
Letters from the Crimean War
From Malta. 9th May 1854. Charge 6d
My dear Elenor
I did not propose writing again ere we left this but one of my brother
officers (Trevor) got hold of some rather pretty collars, two of which I
enclose, one for yourself and one for Fanny with best love to each of
you. This is penned at 9 o’clock on the night of Sunday the 9th & we
have not 3 minutes ago recd orders of embark on Board the Emu at one
o’clock to-morrow. She is a very fast Boat and if we have not to tow
another sailing ship behind us; (as some of the other steamers have
done) the passage to Gallipoli will be a short one – There are reports
of our going to Constantinople or Varna but I can’t vouch for them,
likewise that the Rifles have been cut to pieces – I expect there is
sharp work before us – Most of the Regts, have sailed from this now & in
another day there will be only the Guards left. I direct this to home
tho it is more than probable that you are still in Li’pool. I must now
go and pack up as there will be plenty to do in the morning. All Letters
to me must be prepaid or they will go no further than this.
Kindest love to all. Ever dear Kelly your affect. brother J.P.
Fanny Elliott of Clifton Park afterwards Lady Cockburn of Pennotstone
(?????)
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