In a letter, dated 2nd January, 1860, addressed by Mr. Grove to Lord Seymour, we find that the young squire of Zeals is just in the first throes of volunteer corps raising. He has got the men, and asks advice regarding colour and prices of uniform and accoutrements, and in reply, is not only warned against being misled by cheap advertisements of these articles, but is let into the secret that before his recruits can be accepted, he must satisfy the Government that he has provided all that is necessary for their future efficiency; which now no longer entailed finding a rifle or gun of some sort or another for each man, as rifles and bayonets would be found by the War Office; but included a practice-ground, with targets, &c., of at least two hundred yards in extent, an armoury, safe from attack, and an armourer to look after the arms, a magazine safe and secure, and various other matters, all of which would cause delay and be most vexatious. Lord Seymour says: "You have told me nothing about your rules, excepting about entrance fees. I am improving my first set, and I strongly urge this as a rule: 'That all gentlemen wishing to join as volunteers send in their names and the amount they intend to subscribe to the funds,' their becoming members being left to the committee's approval."--Adding, after some explanations, "Unless the committee keeps the power of admittance or non-admittance into the corps in their own hands, it is, in fact, pledged to dress and equip any number of men who may pay two shillings and six-pence, and obtain for it three or four pound's worth of clothing." Again Lord Seymour observes: "The demands on the general fund will be very heavy. In Devonshire, I am told, the ammunition alone costs 10_s._ per man a year. Believe me, a small number of men, well equipped, is the most promising beginning for a company. You say your uniform will only cost 48_s._ per man, including belts. Certain outfitters offer these things, but somehow they manage to make the price higher later on. Lord Elcho's 28_s._ suit may have been made as an advertisement. Neither he nor anyone else will get a serviceable suit for that money. 10_s._ belts are bad. All I have seen allow the cartridges to rattle about in the front pouch." A few days after this, certain rules were sent to the Lord Lieutenant of the County by Mr. Grove for approval, and were sanctioned, as "nearly approaching those recommended by the Government," and at the same time the sender was informed, that the commission of Captain would be given to him, and eventually an inspector sent down to see that the place selected is "eligible for exercise, and to ascertain the fitness of the man appointed for the custody of the arms."