“Next to Gascoigne I like Captain Henry: a young man of my own age, uncommonly handsome, but quite free from conceit. There is something in his manners so gentlemanlike, and he is of so frank a disposition, that I was immediately prepossessed in his favour.--I don’t like him the worse for having a tinge of proper pride, especially in the circumstances in which he is placed. I understand that it is suspected he is not of a good family; but I am not impertinent enough to inquire into particulars. I have been told, that when he first came into the regiment, some of the officers wanted to make out what family he belongs to, and whether he is, or is not, one of the Irish Henrys. They showed their curiosity in an unwarrantable manner; and Henry, who has great feeling, and a spirit as quick to resent injury as to be won by kindness, was going to call one of these gentlemen to account for his impertinence. He would have had half a dozen duels upon his hands, if Gascoigne had not settled them. I have not time to tell you the whole story--but it is enough to say, that Major Gascoigne showed great address and prudence, as well as steadiness, and you would all love Captain Henry for his gratitude--he thinks Gascoigne a demi-god. “The rest of my brother-officers are nothing supernatural--just what you may call mere red coats; some of them fond of high play, others fond of drinking: so I have formed no intimacy but with Gascoigne and Henry. My father will see that I do not _yet_ think that the officers of my own mess must all be the first men in the universe. “Love to all at home. I hope we shall sail soon, and I hope Rosamond will give me credit for the length of this letter.--She cannot say, with all her malice, that my lines are at _shooting distance_, or that my words are stretched out like a lawyer’s--two good pages, count which way you will!--and from Godfrey, who is not a letter-writer, as Alfred is!--Two good pages, did I say? why, here’s the best part of a third for you, if you allow me to be, “My dear mother, with much respect, “Your dutiful, obedient, and affectionate son, “GODFREY PERCY.”