[Footnote 13: Amongst some letters my father gave me some long time ago is one which must have satisfied even Mr Lepard. It is as follows:-- "Cahir Barracks, September 23rd, 1853. "SIR,--Having been informed by Private Charles Bradlaugh of the 7th Dragoon Guards, that you require some testimonials as to character, I beg to inform you that during the time this man has been in the regiment (since December 1850) his conduct has been extremely good, and I beg also to add that he is always considered to be a clever, well-informed, and steady young man. Should you require any further information, I shall be most happy to give [all] in my power.--I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, "E. T. DOWBIGGIN, "J. Lepard, Esq. Lieut. and Adjutant, 7th Dragoon Guards. "_P.S._--I may observe that during the last eighteen months this man has been occupying rather a prominent situation in the regiment, being that of orderly room clerk, and has consequently been immediately under my notice."] However, it was at length definitely arranged that the aunt's promise should be kept, and that her money should purchase the discharge according to her intentions. A thoroughly boyish letter gives expression to Private Bradlaugh's sentiments on hearing the good news. It is dated from "Cahir, 6th October 1853:-- "MY DEAR MOTHER,--When I opened your letter, before reading it I waved it three times round my head, and gave a loud 'hurra' from pure joy, for then I felt assured that all this was not a mere dream, but something very like reality. The £30 has not yet made its appearance on the scene. I shall be glad to see it, as I shall not feel settled till I get away. I am, however, rather damped to hear of your ill-health, but hope for something better. I have made inquiries about butter, but it is extremely dear, 1s. to 14d. per lb. in this county. "When the £30 arrives I will write to let you know the day I shall be home. Till then, believe me, my dearest mother, your affectionate Son, CHARLES BRADLAUGH. "Love to Elizabeth, Robert, and Harriet." He did not have to wait long for the appearance of the £30 "on the scene," which speedily resulted in the following "parchment certificate:"-- "7th (Princess Royal's) Regiment of Dragoon Guards. "These are to certify that Charles Bradlaugh, Private, born in the Parish of Hoxton, in or near the Town of London, in the County of Middlesex, was enlisted at Westminster for the 7th Dragoon Guards, on the 17th December 1850, at the age of 17-3/12 years. That he served in the Army for two years and 301 days. That he is discharged in consequence of his requesting the same, on payment of £30. "C. F. AINSLIE, Hd. Commanding Officer. "Dated at Cahir, 12th October 1853. "Adjutant General's Office, Dublin. "Discharge of Private Charles Bradlaugh confirmed. "14th October 1853. J. EDEN,[14] 7th D. G. "Character: Very Good. "C. F. AINSLIE, 7th D. Guards."