Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

420 LIFE OF COL. BLACKADER. CHAP. XVII.
their right and proper season, which will make a
beautiful and comely prospect when all is perfected.
I am thine. J. B.
Madam Blackader, chez Mons. Col. Cunningham, 1
Commandant a Courtray. 3
Colonel Preston, about this time, having obtained
the appointment of Brigadier, Colonel Blackader,
had his ambition prompted him, might have risen
to a higher command. But he had ceased to look
upon these things with an eye of youthful vanity, or
mercenary hope, considering them as encumbrances,
to be shunned rather than coveted.
August 17. Abroad at court all the forenoon. He
who is above me in the regiment, has now got a greater
post which takes him, in a manner, out of the regi-
ment* whereby my charge becomes greater. I do not
now look upon it with the eyes of youthful vanity and
ambition, as a step of rising and pushing forward. I
view it as a heavier charge and burden upon my
shoulders, which, the Lord knows, I am not able for.
But this is all my hope and confidence, that he who
sends none a warfare on their own charges, when he
calls me to any duty, be it never so difficult, will give
me grace to go through with it. I have greater incli-
nation to leave this employment, than to rise in it.
Our Brigadier's commission, we hear, is come over
with Brigadier Panton.
August 21. Getting an alarm this morning be-
tween twelve and one ; we marched to our alarm
post, and remained till five. I was calm and com-
posed. This post which the French have taken makes
us uneasy i