h the old Gascon, and vanquish him
in my turn--our regiment is put into Winter Quarters at Rheims, where
I find my friend Strap--our Recognition--he supplies me with Money, and
procures my Discharge--we take a trip to Paris; from whence, by the way
of Flanders, we set out for London; where we safely arrive

He was disconcerted at this declaration, to which he made no reply, but
repaired to the dancers, among whom he recounted his victory with many
exaggerations and gasconades; while I, taking up my sword, went to my
quarters, and examined my wound, which I found was of no consequence.
The same day an Irish drummer, having heard of my misfortune, visited
me, and after having condoled me on the chance of war, gave me to
understand, that he was master of the sword, and would in a very short
time instruct me so thoroughly in that noble science, that I should be
able to chastise the old Gascon for his insolent boasting at my expense.
This friendly office he proffered on pretence of the regard he had for
his countrymen; but I afterwards learned the true motive was no other
than a jealousy he entertained of a correspondence between the Frenchman
and his wife, which he did not think proper to resent in person. Be this
as it will, I accepted his offer and practised his lessons with such
application, that I soon believed myself a match for my conqueror.
In the meantime we continued our march, and arrived at the Camp
of Mareschal Noailles the night before the battle at Dettingen:
notwithstanding the fatigue we had undergone, our regiment was one of
those that were ordered next day to cross the river, under the command
of the Duc de Grammont, to take possession of a narrow defile, through
which the allies must of necessity have passed at a great disadvantage,
or remain where they were, and perish for want of provision, if they
would not condescend to surrender at discretion. How they suffered
themselves to be pent up in this manner it is not my province to relate;
I shall only observe that, when we had taken possession of our ground, I
heard an old officer in conversation with another express a surprise at
the conduct of Lord Stair, who had the reputation of a good general. But
it seems, at this time, that nobleman was overruled, and only acted in
an inferior character; so that no part of the blame could be imputed
to him, who declared his disapprobation of the step, in consequence of
which the whole army was in the utmost danger;