[22] The original may be seen in the Royal United Service Museum. "CULFORD, _Dec. 9th, 1803_. DEAR FOX, I was only in town for four days and besides the hurry which always attends such a visit to London, I was under the necessity of going to Court on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, which put it out of my power to call on you. From the contemptible effort of the insurrection itself in point of numbers and characters of persons concerned, to the wish of which no importance could have been attached in the minds of the public, but for the unfortunate murder of the worthy and truly respectable Lord ----, and for the still more contemptible preparation of arms, or plan of operations on the part of the Rebels, it did not appear to me that any blame could be attached either to the civil or military departments of the Irish Government for not having taken more efficient precautionary measures. From the documents you transmitted to me, it is clear that no blame can be imputed to you, and from my intimate knowledge of some of the persons confidentially employed in the civil line, I should with difficulty believe any charge of want of activity or capacity in that quarter. It is certainly a mark of weakness in a government to create unnecessary alarms, and it has the ill effect of shaking the public confidence. In this business, however, the Irish administration appears rather to have erred on the other side, but I am persuaded that this error proceeded from a recollection of the mischiefs which a very contrary line of conduct had produced a few years ago in that unfortunate country. I shall send your papers by the Coach by my Porter in Town, and direct him to forward them to you. Believe me, with great regard, Dear Fox, Most Faithfully Yours, CORNWALLIS." Of still greater value are the following priceless notes, scribbled in pencil during action, by Major-General Sir Richard Airey, K.C.B., Q.M.G., and sent to the Earl of Lucan who commanded the cavalry division at Balaklava, October 25, 1854. "(_a_) Cavalry to take ground to left of 2nd Line of redouts occupied by Turks. RD. AIREY, _Q.M.-Genl_." "(_b_) Cavalry to advance and take advantage of any opportunity to recover heights. They will be supported by Infantry which has been ordered to advance on two fronts. R. AIREY." "(_c_) Lord Raglan wishes the Cavalry to advance rapidly to the front, follow the enemy and try to prevent the enemy carrying away the Guns. Troop of Horse Artillery may accompany. French Cavalry is on your left. Immediate. R. AIREY."[23]