*****
"Pray have you been to Easton lately? What does the old gent say of the present appearance of things?
"If we go on service I shall be obliged to call on him for a further advance of cash, as I shall have to purchase many essential though expensive articles, such as tent and tent equipage, &c., and many other things necessary for service.
"Our dress altogether is extremely rich and consequently costs lots of money. The Court dress coat alone is 40 guineas. It is covered with lace from head to foot. The jackets are handsome, but they only cost £15 15s. each. Every other part of the equipment is equally as expensive.
"In fact we make a most dashing appearance. I should like much to meet the old Buck at Bath or Clifton. I do not think he would know his hopeful son....
"Believe me my dear John your sincerely attached friend
"F. C. Kinchant."
"In great haste. Pray write soon and don't follow my example. Burn this scrawl when read!"
(Thus ends the first letter, and let us rejoice that it was not burnt.)
"Bristol, April 6th, 1815.