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Peshawur 19th Feb 1874

   I received your very kind, well written letter dated the 14th inst. I was just on the point of falling in for Generals inspection; we have had 3 days of it and 6 months preparation for the 3 days. We have had outpost duty, french drill, and ball firing the first day, inspection of Barracks, Kits etc. the 2nd day,and a grand field day on the 3rd day, and I can asure you it was a warmer, he had the Major's out first, and, then the Captain's; on the whole the Regiment drilled well, and it wasn't old Fraser Iytler we had to please , for I can asure you, he is a sharper, he was Adj.Gen. at Simla 5 years, and he is well up in drill to, however, Dear Peter he gave us great praise and said as follows:- (Any man having a complaint to make let him fall out on the reverse flank) - none - I will make a most favourable report to the Com. in Chief in India and to His Royal Highness the Com. in Chief of the 72nd Highlanders, and I am proud to have such a Regt. in my command, they men are very steady and marched passed admirable in fact the done every thing satisfaction and I will make my report accordingly; I remarked yesterday that the young Officers and young Soldiers wanted more practice over broken ground. The Officers more particularly by placing their man under cover and to day there was a few trival things that I remarked which I will point out in a letter to your Colonel but I am much pleased indeed - march your Regt. home Colonel.-

   The first fault was; 3 companies were sent out to cover the front over dreadful swampy ground, and he was watching them from and old ruined house, well some of them advanced in the open and retired to slow, and one of the officers when he spoke to him said to him. Sir there was no cover - which was a direct lie and he did not forget to tell him so, I was out myself and I could see the fault - but it would be treason to say so, the officer was Murray and he got a "Roland for an Oliver" I was glad he got it, and so was the Regt.

   The second fault was the Adjt. and Sart.Major bawling - right, - left - right, - left - in the rear of the Regt. which is most ridiculous for a trained Regt. and another fault was the skirmishes retired to fast, however all things gave him great satisfaction so its over and we are getting 3 days holidays for it, alas! we are at packing drill, and this is the 11 day for us; we will ball fire on Saturday the 20th and, we are sick of packing.

   The Regt. is getting good health but the don't like Peshawur, the duty is not heavy 11 to 12 nights in bed is the run, the Picquct has to patrole round the Barracks all night and attend parade in the morning, so that is worse than a guard, and a man must be on the rifles all night although the are locked inside the Bungalow in racks made for the purpose - however its pass time as we say. I suppose you heard of Jemmy McKewn's death poor little fellow I was very sorry for him - he had had a big booze on the road which fixed him - may God have mercy on him - there are a few men bad in Hospt. Dick Graflau is one Jock McIssacs and McPherson of "E" Comp. is very bad - dysentry is the cause. Jemmy Grey and Clunnas was tried, and reduced - crime being in bed at 7.30 am Pollard is for a District C.Martial for selling drink to one of the 39th in the Sergts. mess - Grant and Tom Munro was taken before the General for being inefficient as Sergt. The Gen. knew Grant and asked him how he was, in front of all, a man I know this no. of years, it is possible that I might say he is the most intelligent Sergt. that came under my notice for years and now to take his stripes from him because he does not know the drill - I wont do such a thing, for I know his merit too well (how they all stared) I didn't learn my own drill in 2 years, and I know he can'nt be at it much longer; Colonel place him some place that wants no drill, but intelligence and I will go security for him that he wont deceive you - there was a rub - he is going to take over the Library on the 1st prox. and I am as gald as if I got 5 dibs, as for poor Tom Munro, the Adj. said he was too slow "give him another chance" say 3 months Colonel - and turning to Tom "let me hear a better account of you by that time". I suppose you know about the new order; the Colonel can put a man in orders by getting the sanction of the Gen. to revert to the ranks for anything almost; so thats how it goes now.

   I am sure you would not be afraid of not knowing your duty to for I well know that you would do well in the Army if you would remain. But Dear Peter it is much better to make yourself a home and settle down for you are about the right age and especially in this Country I am perfectly sure you would not have such a chance, and what I have seen of the army and the ups and downs that come under my notice in 15 years would fill a volume - (3 remdem royals) - certainly you would have a better chance than most I have met with (I am not going to use flattery, but what every one of us know and it often mentioned by many your straight forwardness and Civility with those beneath you, and many other recommendations to numerous for this short letter and I never heard a man say a bad word of you only long Bridges but you may guess what that was for and you only done your duty and he was shut up more than once I can assure you.

   A great number of men does be asking me about you and the all wish you well and their word is generally I hope he'll do well where ever he goes. Most of "F" Cop. and E Co. sends you their best wishes I have not room for half the names.

   I hope this letter will catch you at Umbulla and accept all our best wishes - a good many was speaking about giving you a substantial token of their regard - but some said that you would not be pleased at it.

   Dear Peter Hector's Court Martial was read out to us the same day that Grey and Clunas was reduced how the most of the Regt. wished the Adj. to say 5 years but I can assure you I could not hear spite to my greatest enemy for our religion has taught us not to hear malice.

   I said many a day ago that if he got a rope long enough some day he would hang himself but he is not worth writing about or his wife either. I and the Regt. in general is more sorry for poor Hume or rather for his family. This is an instance of wretched inebriety and fickle mind. I was very mean but show me the drunkard thats not, the was a man that would not forget a thing in a hurray more especially if you didn't lend him money. He might have good points in him but I did not see them at Kussowlie - however I wont be the last on the list for the sake of his poor family if anything is done in the Regt.

   I was glad to see by your letter how you acted with in the way that set in Umballa, you did perfectly right, and as for Wallace I dont think much of him for he done some nasty tricks on me, that I wont mention. And if soldiers were acted with in the way you stated in your letter, you would be more respected than if you aided and abetted them in crime.

   I am afraid this is a tedious letter and you might be busy getting ready for going South so I must close and accept my kindest and best wishes on your long journey and if ever I meet you I will give you a hearty reception if it lies in the subscribers power.

Your ever staunch well wisher.

No. 1669   J. Brabardh