became very considerable, and he was obliged to quit the Guards. He
and his friends had literally eaten up his little fortune.


FOOLHARDINESS


I may here recount an instance of the folly and foolhardiness of youth,
and the recklessness to which a long course of exposure to danger produces.
When Bayonne was invested, I was one night on duty on the outer picket.
The ground inside the breastwork which had been thrown up for our protection
by Burgoyne was in a most disagreeable state for any one who wished
to repose after the fatigues of the day, being knee-deep in mud of a
remarkably plastic nature. I was dead tired, and determined to get
a little rest in some more agreeable spot; so calling my sergeant, I
told him to give me his knapsack for a pillow; I would make a comfortable
night of it on the top of the breastwork, as it was an invitingly dry
place. "For heaven's sake take care, sir," said he; " you'll have fifty
bullets in you: you will be killed to a certainty." "Pooh, nonsense,"
said I, and climbing up, I wrapt myself in my cloak, laid my head on
the knapsack, and soon fell into a sound sleep.

By the mercy of Providence I remained in a whole skin, either from the
French immediately underneath not perceiving me, or not thinking me
worth a shot; but when General Stopford came up with Lord James Hay
(who not long since reminded me of this youthful escapade) I received
a severe wigging, and was told to consider myself lucky that I was not
put under arrest for exposing my life in so foolish a manner.

Among the many officers of the Guards who were taken prisoners in the