"James moreover was taught riding, a pony was provided for his daily use; and Murdiestoun became his home almost as much as the more humble, but not less happy and contented abode in the Gallowgate. This kindness had a purpose in it. In carrying out this purpose, the General obtained a commission for 'Jamie' as a Cornet in the Scots Greys. The Secretary at War assumed the boy's name to be Inglis Hamilton.... "Years passed. The Cornet behaved like an officer and a gentleman, and was the pride of the old General, who had the satisfaction of seeing him become Lieutenant-Colonel of his regiment, respected and beloved by officers and men. The General in the meantime made his will, leaving his property to James and his heirs male.... "The General died, and according to a request written by him and placed in his prayer book, Jamie acted as chief mourner, accompanied by the nobility and gentry of the county." From a small unbound volume belonging to the Regiment:-- Copies of letters written just previous to the battle of Waterloo, by F. C. Kinchant, Cornet, 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys); also one describing his death by treachery during the battle, and the summary revenge taken therefor by the sergeant of his troop. The originals are addressed to John Rose Hall, Esq., Cockshut Lydiate, Ludlow, Shropshire, England. They are now in the possession of Mrs. McLaughlin, step-daughter of the above-mentioned John Rose Hall. "+Bristol+, _March 28th, 1815_. "+My Dear Hall+, "I fear you have again an opportunity of calling me an idle correspondent. I have certainly delayed writing to you much longer than I intended. In truth my time is totally occupied in drills, &c. three times a day, an hour and a half each. I rise every morning at six and attend at the Riding School till nine. "I have already made great progress in the equestrian art. "I and a brother Cornet (junior to myself) perform together. "The method of riding is altogether different to that of the country squires. At present we ride without stirrups, in order that we may obtain a firm seat. We must leap the bar, ditches and go through all the different evolutions of the field exercise, &c. without stirrups, indeed I find I can already ride better without their support than with it. So much for horsemanship. "The reason I have so much drilling is I much wish to go on service and share the honours my comrades are likely to reap. "We are in daily expectation of receiving orders to proceed to Flanders. "The Regiment is without doubt the best disciplined and the most crack cavalry corps in the service. I don't think there is a private in it under 5 feet 11 inches, and the officers are a fine gentlemanly set of fellows. There are only three Scotchmen among the officers, but the privates are in general Scotch. "The horses are all grey and in excellent condition.