1829 BRITISH ARMY MEDICAL OFFICER LETTER FROM GLASGOW BARRACKS - CONTENT
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| Reference Number: Avaluer:71897 |
Lengthy, 5-1/2 pg. letter (2 pgs. are cross-written), approx. 8" x 9-3/4", datelined "Glasgow Barracks, Sept. 23d 1829, from George R. Watston, to his mother, Mrs. Jno. Watson, at Dundee, Scotland. Glasgow Barracks were built in Glasgow in 1795, and could accommodate up to 1000 men. Before the construction of the Barracks, soldiers were billeted with the town's inhabitants. Superb content from this Medical Officer in the British Army, writing a detailed and humorous account o...f his "adventures" in getting from Edinburgh to Glasgow on a small ship filled with drunken soldiers and women and children, writing of a drunken brawl on deck between the soldiers and women, of his brandy being stolen from his cabin, and much, much more. A full transcription is below. TRANSCRIPTION: "My Dear Mother, You must excuse me for not writing long ago, for the reason that I waited until I had something to tell worth writing about. Isabella has of course informed you how long I remained in Edinburgh, waiting for the arrival of the Regiment, and after all I only discovered that it had arrived by mere chance, viz by meeting the Major while amusing myself walking along Princes Street. I, by this time, had been four days absent without leave, but he explained the matter to the General and that settled the business. He told me he was very glad he had found me, as they (the two first ships) had no Medical officer on board and one of the men at that time lying very ill. I of course went on board that evening and saw certainly a sick man, but no medicines not being of any use there without Physic, I again went on shore after receiving orders to take the man next morning along with the baggage, by a small sloop to Glasgown. I thought this would be a much more agreeable way of travelling than trudging on foot, but how dismally was I disappointed; the vessel we went on board of was a small sloop, or rather lighter, the hold of which was choke full of luggage. The deck was partly lumbered with luggage and partly with about a dozen of women and children, and half that number of men. The Cabin, a place about the dimensions of a moderate sized pantry, was given up for the use of another Officer and myself. It had no accommodation for sleeping. The two nights we were on board, one of us lay at one side and the other at the opposite side of the Cabin (if Cabin it might be called; Coal-hole more likely), on the top of the mats without taking off our clothes. But before all that, the boat was found not to be large enough for all the luggage, so one of the Officers went on shore to see what was to be done, and I, for want of something else to do, accompanied him. When we were coming off again, it began to rain heavily, and to our utter astonishment, we saw the lighter was under way. Then came the tug of war. Nothing for it now but to pull after her, so by promising the sailors something to drink, and getting ourselves properly moistened as well by sea as by rain water, we reached the vessel and began abusing the Captain for not waiting for us. After living upon half roasted red herrings & bread & cheese, and very disturbed night & day with drunken men & women who had been tasting rather too freely of Scotch Whiskey, one day in particular, we heard a Devil of a row going on upon deck. On going up, we saw the whole lot of Soldiers and Women engaged in a Battle Royal. We could do nothing with them, so stood very quietly and looked, letting them have their fill of fighting for once. We, however, at last arrived at the Canal, where we got on shore, had one comfortable meal and had ourselves cleaned. While the lighter sailed up the Canal, we used frequently to get out and walk a mile or two along the banks. On one occasion, after we had walked a good way, we again got on board and were surprised to see a number of the Soldiers drunk. We, however, took no notice, but went below to have a glass of brandy and water after our walk, when to our amazement, our Brandy bottle was empty. The fact was, the Rascals, while we were on shore, went to the Cabin and enjoyed themselves over our good Cognac. As we never could discover who the thief was, he of course escaped flogging, which would have been his fate had the commanding officer known. Next afternoon, we arrived at Port Dundas, about 1 1/2 miles from the Barracks. Just as we were preparing to land (ill luck seems to stick to us), on again came the rain. Notwithstanding this, I made off for the barracks & reached them about 6 o'clock, put my patient, now to all appearance near the grave, into Hospital, and proceeded in search of something, but although the Regiment had only marched into town a few hours before, not an Officer was to be seen. At last I spied my old friend the Major. 'Ah! Doctor! howd'ye do. Where are you to dine?' - 'Upon my word Sir, I don't know. I am just in search of a dinner'. - Oh! you are, well come with me to the Argyle Hotel. There are a lot of them there'. So off I went, had a good dinner, a good allowance of wine, & a good bed and so ended my journey to Glasgow. But my troubles were not yet all ended, for on looking over the luggage, not an article of mine was to be seen. My things, on account of my absence, having been all put on board the Head Quarters ship, which had not yet arrived, nor did it arrive until five days after us. So there was I, although I had taken possession of a Barrack Room, obliged to remain at the Hotel at a great expense for want of my bedding, &c. When the Head Quarters arrived, we had all taken our rooms, but as nearly all the Officers in that ship had choice before us, they began, without ceremony, to turn us out, and then the confusion began. A Captain turned me out. I turned an Ensign out, he gain turned some other person out, and so on. It went until they were all satisfied. So much for my adventures since I left you. I have, in relating them, been perhaps too minute, but I trust you will have a little patience for once, as it is not very likely that I will write so long a letter again for a good while. Indeed I am almost sorry that I have written so much now, as I am pretty certain it will run the fate of my former long letters, viz. be handed about from one to another until it actually falls into pieces. That is an idea I have no fancy for and it will most probably tend to shorten my letters in future. We are as yet all in the dark as to what Government intends to do with us. There are, it is true, various rumors going about, viz., that a Detachment will be sent either to Sterling Castle, Dumbarton Castle or Fort William, but they are not to be depended on. I never was in a place I disliked more than Glasgow, but perhaps I may like it better after I have been here a while. By the bye, before I left Dundee, Mr. James Baxter promised me, should I go to Glasgow, some letters to a few families here. I beg you will put him in mind of it - it would help a good deal to relieve the dreary monotony of this sort of life. I will expect a letter from you per return of Post, with all the news & in fact, everything, be it scandal or Gossip, that you can pick up.Our Surgeon has got a Month's leave of absence to go back to England to fetch down his Wife. When he comes back, or during the Winter some time, I may perhaps get a weeks leave to visit Dundee. My compliments to all enquiring friends and believe me to be, My Dear Mother, Your affectionate Son, Geo. R. Watson"Some reinforcement with archival silk paper at folds on the last page. COMBINED SHIPPING FOR MULTIPLE ITEMS.[DD# 2-20]
