ray or
going into any excess. I am very glad to find that the army is now
in general much less addicted to (what was falsely called) the
pleasures of the bottle than in former times, but you may still
meet with temptations in that way which I hope you'll guard
against. Try to resemble your late worthy father in temperance and
moderation as well as in punctuality and exactness in doing your
duty with strict subordination to your superiors, particularly to
the commanding officer of your corps, as it is by his
recommendation, commonly, that those under his immediate command
may expect promotion. You must by all means avoid getting into any
parties or factions against him, which I have known sometimes to
have unfortunately happened to others; but there can be hardly
anything more detrimental to the service as well as dishonourable
to the corps wherein it takes place. I would also recommend to you
..., in case you are engaged in any action, to beware of passing
judgment on the conduct of your Commanders, till at least you are
of an age and have acquired experience to entitle you to give your
opinion, as it is very common for a young man to be mistaken. You
must also avoid any dispute or difference with your brother
officers, for tho' there are unhappily some cases where a gentleman
_must_ vindicate his honour yet where I have known such things
happen they might have been prevented _with honour_ if the parties
had not allowed their passions to get the better of their reason;
and you must remember there is never honour to be acquired by being
quarrelsome, but the reverse, and that your life ought now to be
devoted to the service of your King and country. I know you will
not be sparing of it when occasion requires.

I would also recommend to you to read useful books when you have
time and to acquire a competent knowledge of History, both Ancient
and Modern, especially that of the country in whose service you
are engaged, as also such books as treat of your profession; and to
pay particular attention to the lives and actions of those who have
distinguished themselves in its service, who you will find to have
been in general as remarkable for their moral, as for their
military characters; and I hope you will endeavour to imitate them
and, tho' you may n