Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

CHAP. XVI. CAMPAIGN NINTH. 381
enemy ? But I do not wonder at it ; for every word
that our British soldiers speak is a damning of their
own hlood, and impious swearing by God's blood and
wounds. It will be no wonder to see them wallowing
in their own blood and wounds. God is just, he can
work his own purposes by us, and yet lay our carcases
as dung on the face of the earth.
April 30. We have got notice this morning that
we are to go upon the siege to-morrow.
May 1. This morning our regiment went into the
trenches, and blessed be God, we had a very good
day, and had not a man killed or wounded, though
the enemy continued a very smart firing all night with
cannon, bombs, and small shot. O Lord, I commit
myself and all to thee. Give me courage, strength,
and conduct, as I need it. Without thee, I find I
have neither head, heart, nor hand, but through thee
I shall do valiantly. We were in the trenches all
night, and came out next morning about ten o'clock,
and had only one man hurt. The power and kind
providence of the Almighty, can make the trenches
or the hottest attack of a breach to be as safe as our
houses in garrison are. The name of the Lord is a
strong tower ; the righteous flee into it and are safe. I
am much fatigued by want of sleep, and running up
and down seeing to get every thing right.
Douay, May 3.
I wrote to you yesterday, being desirous that you
should hear of our being at the siege, rather from my-
self than from any other hand. But trust still in
God and hope in his mercy ; for we shall yet praise
him ; and new trials shall produce new deliverances.
Every campaign adds new links to that long golden
§5