afterwards Duke of Argyle (fourth Duke), Cousin of the great second
Duke of Argyle that now is. [Douglas, Scotch Peerage italic> (Edinburgh, 1764), p. 44.] Visibly billeting there, in
Southwark, with such intentions:--and, by accident, this Editor
knows Twenty of these fine fellows! Twenty or so, who had gone in
one batch as Greys; sons of good Annandale yeomen, otherwise
without a career open: some Two of whom did get back, and lived to
be old men; the rumor of whom, and of their unheard-of adventures,
was still lingering in the air, when this Editor began existence.
Pardon, O reader!--

"But, all through those hot days, it is a universal drumming,
kettle-drumming, coast-ward; preparation of transports at
Gravesend, at the top of one's velocity. 'All the coopers in London
are in requisition for water-casks, so that our very brewers have
to pause astonished for want of tubs.' There is pumping in of water
day and night, Sunday not excepted, then throwing of it out again
[owing to new circumstances]: 250 saddle-horses, and 100 sumpter
ditto, for his Majesty's own use,--these need a deal of water,
never to speak of Ligonier and the Greys. 'For the honor of our
Country, his Majesty will make a grander appearance this Campaign
than any of his Predecessors ever did; and as to the magnificence
of his equipage,'--besides the 350 quadrupeds, 'there are above 100
rich portmanteaus getting ready with all expedition.'
[ Daily Post, September 13th (I.E. 26th).]
The Fat Boy too [Royal Highness Duke of Cumberland, one should say]
is to go; a most brave-hearted, flaxen-florid, plump young
creature; hopeful Son of Mars, could he once get experience, which,
alas, he never could, though trying it for five-and-twenty years to
come, under huge expense to this Nation! There are to be 16,000