I could have got a regiment at once, had I cared for it, but I disliked the thought of fighting over here.

It was too much like civil war.

Six months ago, when things were going badly with us on the Continent, I asked to be employed, and was given a regiment they were just raising.

I had got them into fair order, and was expecting to be ordered to embark for the Low Country at any moment, when the news came of Ginckle's heavy losses at Athlone and Aughrim, and the orders came for us to proceed to Bristol, and take ship there for Ireland.

I half thought of throwing up my commission, for the news of the scandalous conduct of the foreign soldiers had stirred every English heart with disgust and indignation, but I thought that the struggle was nearly over.